Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for marking an object, particularly a vehicle, by disrupting the material of the interior or surface of the object. The system comprises a laser emitter (102), a laser beam delivery means (104) which can be flexible, and a marking heading (105) which is light enough to be carried by an operator. The laser marking system is very flexible in use, allowing many parts of objects, particularly vehicles, to be marked.

Abstract: In a welder wand including a welding tip attached to handle with an elongate, rigid conduit, the handle having a trigger for activating the welding tip, improvements therein including an optical light system attached to the welder wand comprising a light source mounted proximate to the welding tip and a switch mounted proximate to the handle, the switch operatively coupled to the light source for selectively activating and deactivating the light source, whereby the light source produces and directs light at the welding tip when activated by the switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power include a wire feeder that provides wire to an arc and a power supply that provides power to the arc. A reversible wire feed motor moves the wire to and away from the arc. A controller controls the reversible wire feeder motor to reverse at least once per process cycle, and/or controls the power source to provide a desired mean arc current, and/or controls the reversible motor in response to short detection and short clearing, and/or controls the reversal frequency in response to pool oscillation frequency. A wire feed motor output is slaved to an average of the reversible motor output. The controller may include various control modules, such as a mean arc current control module, and/or a short detection feedback circuit. The reversible motor is a stepper motor, that incrementally turns in a series of steps having a given angle in another embodiment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heated mat having a heater carried by a mat construction. The mat construction includes a mat layer with drainage openings positioned at a non-peripheral region of the mat layer to allow melted ice to flow through from the top side to the bottom side of the mat layer. A drainage space is positioned beneath the mat to allow water to flow underneath and away from the mat construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel food containment devices comprising an insulating layer sandwiched between layers of construction materials, and which optionally includes a plurality of convection openings to emit moisture vapor or humidity emanating from a hot food product within the container.

Abstract: Provided is an electric oven. The electric oven includes a wire rack and a cavity. The wire rack includes a closed frame, a plurality of longitudinal beams each having a plurality of bending portions, a first end connected to the frame and a second end placed in the closed frame, and a plurality of lateral beams intersecting the longitudinal beam and having first and second ends connected to the frame. The cavity defines a cavity defining a cooking chamber and receiving the wire rack. The bending portions of the longitudinal beam are formed such that a direction where heat is transmitted from the first end of the longitudinal beam is opposite to a direction where the heat is transferred to the second end of the longitudinal beam.

Abstract: Provided is an electric oven. The electric oven includes a cavity having an electric component room, a light wave generating unit mounted on a top surface of the cavity, the light wave generating unit including a halogen heater emitting heat and light and a connector coupled to opposite ends of the halogen heater, and a heat discharge unit enclosing and cooling the connector.

Abstract: An oven and a heating unit of the oven are provided. The oven includes a cavity, a heater, a food container, and an ohmic heater. A high temperature environment is formed in the cavity. The food container is mounted within the cavity to receive food therein. The ohmic heater is formed in the food container and allows power to be supplied to the food so that the food may be directly heated.

Abstract: A customizable chamber spectral response is described which can be used at least to tailor chamber performance for wafer heating, wafer cooling, temperature measurement, and stray light. In one aspect, a system is described for processing a treatment object having a given emission spectrum at a treatment object temperature which causes the treatment object to produce a treatment object radiated energy. The chamber responds in a first way to the heating arrangement radiated energy and in a second way to the treatment object radiated energy that is incident thereon. The chamber may respond in the first way by reflecting the majority of the heat source radiated energy and in the second way by absorbing the majority of the treatment object radiated energy. Different portions of the chamber may be treated with selectively reflectivity based on design considerations to achieve objectives with respect to a particular chamber performance parameter.

Abstract: A method of thermal treatment of components. The optimum thermal amplitude of the components at which the phase transformation kinetics of the components is maximum is determined by subjecting samples of the components to cyclic thermal processing at various thermal amplitudes by maintaining the upper temperature constant and varying the lower temperature. A thermal amplitude which is higher than the optimum thermal amplitude is selected. The components are subjected to cyclic thermal processing at the thermal amplitude selected above to achieve near uniform phase transformation kinetics of the components across their crosssection. The components are cooled down to room temperature to obtain components with near uniform microstructure and properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel active insulation device and method for thermally shielding an external body from temperature fluctuations of a contained body. The method comprising providing an active thermal insulation envelope between the contained body and the external body; regulating the heat transfer from the active thermal insulation envelope to the external body; and regulating the heat transfer from the contained body to the active thermal insulation envelope, thus maintaining the temperature of the external body at a constant temperature or within a narrow temperature range.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ceramic heater 11 comprising: a plate member 12 made of insulating ceramics in which one or more pair(s) of through-holes 13 are formed; a conductive layer 19 made of conductive ceramics; and a coating layer 21 made of insulating ceramics; wherein a joint member 14 made of conductive ceramics is inserted into the through-hole; an end face 16 of the joint member has a same plane with a main surface 15 of the plate member; the joint member is coated with the conductive layer 19 and thereby fixed to the plate member and also connected with the conductive layer having a heater pattern 20; and an opposite side of the joint member projects from the plate member and the projecting portion 18 constitutes a terminal on which the coating layer is not formed.

Abstract: An electric cooker having a composite heat source comprising: an external case having an air inlet and an air outlet; a cooking plate on an upper surface of the external case to be a top plate; a heat generating unit including a work coil and/or an electric heater, mounted between the external case and the cooking plate for coaxial arrangement with the air inlet; and a heat radiation unit including a fan motor and air ducts, coaxially arranged between the air inlet and the heat generating unit, such that sufficient cooling effect can be achieved even with a small-sized blow fan of a small capacity. The manufacturing cost can be reduced, and an effective utilization of space for parts arrangement can be enhanced using the relatively small capacity of blowing fan, enabling to manufacture an electric cooker in a thin, light, simple and compact manner.

Abstract: A heat storage unit (2) includes a body having a passage (12) formed therein through which a flowable product passes. A heatable element (10) is incorporated within the body of the heat storage unit (2) in thermal communication with the passage (12). Meanwhile, a heat-retentive material (8) is in thermal communication with the heatable element (10). The heatable element (10) includes either a magnetically-compatible material or a microwave-compatible material that is heated by locating the heatable element in a field (F) generated by a charging device (6), for example.

Abstract: A media microwave oven for showing videos at a workplace. The media microwave oven includes: a microwave oven; a display screen embedded in the door of the microwave oven; a speaker; and a lockable compartment containing a computer system. The computer system comprises: a microprocessor, connected memory, mass capacity storage; a first software component for retrieving the at least one advertising video from the storage and transmitting the advertising video to the display screen and the speaker; and a second software component for managing the sequence and time of showing the advertising videos, wherein the advertising videos are shown repeatedly.

Abstract: Heating and drying devices including generally rectangular waveguide applicators forming exposure chambers for uniformly heating materials. Material to be heated enters and exits a microwave exposure region of the chamber through entrance and exit ports at opposite ends of the chamber. Various techniques are used to achieve uniform or preferred heating effects.

Abstract: A meal kit for microwave cooking of a multi-component food product is disclosed. The meal kit includes at least two sealed packages of ingredients for the multi-component food product, one of which contains a liquid component of the multi-component food product. The meal kit also includes a cooking tray formed of a microwave-safe material having a bottom wall with an upstanding sidewall extending around the periphery thereof to define an interior of the cooking tray. Outer packaging is provided to contain the sealed packages of ingredients and the cooking tray.

Abstract: A container for storing one or more articles (e.g., cosmetic substances, accessories, applicators, etc.) is provided. The container includes a base, a cover pivotally coupled to the base about a hinge, a resilient bar supported at one of the base and the cover, and a first cam surface supported at the other of the base and the cover. The first cam surface is configured to engage the resilient bar when the cover has moved a predetermined angle relative to the base. The resilient bar acting on the first cam surface moves the cover to a closed position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the resilient bar and/or the first cam surface is substantially concealed within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for changing a volume are provided. More specifically, a system and a method for changing a volume of a container are provided. The container has an initial height defined between a top end and a bottom end. The container has a first section, a second section and/or a third section. The second section of the container is insertable into the first section and/or the third section. The first section and/or the third section is insertable into the second section of the container. The container holds contents, such as, solids, liquids or gases. The container seals the contents from an environment external to the container. As the contents of the container are removed from the container, the environment may fill the container. The first section, the second section and/or the third section may move to change the volume of the container to remove the environment from the container.

Abstract: A foldable container is disclosed. The container comprises a plurality of rod bodies having an inverted U-shape, which is mutually arranged by slopes and intersections; knots provided at the two ends of the rod body for connecting; hooks at the end section of the interconnected rod bodies, and the hooks being connected with elastic elements, whereby a retractable frame is formed and is covered with fabric to form into a retractable container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collapsible container comprised of a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one intermediate panel, at least one side wall, and at least one divider panel. Each of the panels and the side wall may be covered with flexible material such that the collapsible container is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The top panel is spaced apart from the bottom panel with the intermediate panels being interposed therebetween in spaced relation. The side wall partially extends around the top, bottom and intermediate panels to partially enclose the collapsible container and define a plurality of compartments with an opening to each compartment. Each one of the top, intermediate and bottom panels has a tension loop extending therearound and configured to outwardly urge the top, bottom and intermediate panel perimeters such that the top, intermediate and bottom panels are generally held taut.

Abstract: A container for containing an explosive device, including a mitigating layer defining an enclosure openable to insert the explosive device therein and closable to surround the explosive device, the mitigating layer reducing a force of a blast caused by an explosion of the explosive device, and a fragment-retaining layer substantially surrounding the mitigating layer, the fragment-retaining layer being resistant to a remainder of the force of the blast passing through the mitigating layer and retaining fragments propagated by the explosion of the explosive device, such as to reduce potential injury to a person in proximity of the container.

Abstract: An injection molding process for the manufacture of a lid for an electric capacitor. The process employs a dual injection machine having a first mold half initially positioned on a fixed mold plate and a second mold half initially positioned on a rotatable mold plate and comprises the steps of injecting through a first injection unit a rigid thermoplastic resin into the initially positioned first and second mold halves; opening the mold halves of the dual injection machine and rotating the rotatable plate so that the second mold half is positioned on the fixed mold plate and the first mold half is positioned on the rotatable mold plate; injecting through a second injection unit a flexible thermoplastic resin into the repositioned first and second mold halves; and opening the mold halves of the dual injection machine and expelling the lid for an electric capacitor. A lid for use in the manufacture of an electrical capacitor is also provided.

Abstract: A throwable personal flotation device is detachably coupled to a lid of a storage container.

Abstract: A package has a pair of separated compartments for holding two elements. A container forms one compartment and has an opening with a flange there around. A first cover extends across and closes the opening by being attached to the flange. A second cover extends over the first cover and is attached to the flange, thereby forming a second compartment between the covers. A second element is contained within the second compartment. By detaching a first tab from the flange, the second cover attached to that tab can be removed from the container. The first cover is attached to a second tab of the flange and is removed by detaching the second tab from the container.

Abstract: A method of coupling a first conduit to a device. The first conduit has a surface and is adapted for conducting a medium. A plastic material is brought at least partly on said surface and on said device. The plastic material has an electric conductor. An electric current flow through said electric conductor of the plastic material is initiated. Said plastic material is heated at least partly by said electric current flow for at least plastifying said plastic material.

Abstract: A flip-top closure for composite and cardboard packaging, which permits the automatic opening of a package by flipping open the lid of the closure, includes a frame base element, which is designed to be welded by its level underside to composite or card-board packaging, and has a continuous peripheral overhang that protrudes upwards in order to form a pouring neck with an interior opening. A cover that flips open and closes is fixed to the base element. A guide, or tongue, element is pivotally mounted on the base element extends over the interior expanse of the overhang and friction-fit elements act between the tongue, or guide, element and the cover to pivot the tongue downwardly by force when the cover is flipped open for tearing and pivoting away a piece of the packaging lying below the tongue or guide element.

Abstract: The invention relates to hygienic closure means for cans. The inventive closure means are used to close the can opening through which the product contained therein is dispensed, in particular a liquid product, before the can is opened and after the contents thereof have been partially consumed. The invention provides perfect hygienic protection of the area surrounding the aforementioned opening, on which the user places his/her mouth directly in order to consume the product. The improvements offered by the invention lie in protective tongues which are pivot fixed to the point at which the opening tab is connected, said tongues being configured such that they are connected to the surface of the lid as well as to the groove formed along the outer perimeter of said lid and, where appropriate, to the actual peripheral edge of the can at the area at which the lid is joined to the body of the can.

Abstract: A lid having a reclosable spout for providing a reclosable drink-through opening therewithin, for use with disposable drinking cups. The lid comprises a reclosable tab, an integral hinge and a sealing edge wherein the reclosable tab may be moved about the integral hinge to an open position by pulling the reclosable tab away from the sealing edge; or to a closed position by pushing the reclosable tab against the sealing edge. The reclosable tab, in its open position, defines a drink-through opening in the lid through which a user can consume a beverage from the drinking-cup without removing the lid. In its closed position, the reclosable tab is adapted to close the drink-through opening in a leak-resistant manner. The reclosable spout of the present invention can be employed on a variety of lids and containers for facilitating drinking, dispensing, or pouring therefrom.

Abstract: A lid for a container holding a flowable substance has an annular top wall. A side wall depends from the top wall, and has a mounting portion for connecting the lid on the container. The top wall has an opening that is adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid. The top wall also has a retaining member. The lid further has a closure member positioned on the mounting portion. The closure member is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the closure member is received in the opening in the first position and at least a portion of the closure member is received in the retaining member in the second position. The opening and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the opening. The retaining member and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the retaining member.

Abstract: An easy open can lid having: a panel portion, which is formed of an approximate disc shape, and in which a flange portion for fixing a can trunk is formed integrally on an outer circumference; a score line, which is formed near the periphery of the panel portion along the outer circumference of the panel portion; an opening piece, which is defined by the score line; and an opening tab, which is fixed near the periphery of the opening piece. This easy open can lid of the invention is characterized in that the score line is formed of an arcuate along periphery of the panel portion and both ends thereof are separated, and comprises a connecting portion connecting the opening piece with the panel portion, which is formed between the both ends of the score line, and a strength incrementing portion, in which a rupture strength thereof increases gradually toward the end portion of the score line.

Abstract: A unique shaped molded lid, lid assembly and container for sealingly enclosing a moist wipe container. The present unique shaped lid comprising a molded configuration having a shape simulating an icon. The shaped molded lid, lid assembly and container configuration simulating an icon and optionally at least one cartoon character, one face, one animal or one toy. A hinged base and cover comprising a molded configuration having a shape simulating an icon is provided.

Abstract: A paper wiper bracket used in an automobile comprises an upper cover and a connecting mechanism. The central portion of the upper cover is bulged upward to form a container whose inside space defines a receptacle for retaining a magnet. Thereby, the upper cover can be attached onto a top inner wall of an automobile by the magnetic attraction. Two opposite sidewalls of a mount for the magnet are each provided with a placement slot for housing a piece of sponge, whereby the sponges will be soaked with liquid that can be added at will by the user. The connecting mechanism can connect a boxy chamber beneath the upper cover by the engagement between the connecting mechanism and corresponding connecting parts around the upper cover, whereby the boxy chamber can be attached onto the inner wall of an automobile with the upper cover.

Abstract: A crockery basket with racks for items to be washed in dishwasher machines is provided, wherein the height of the racks is variable. To this end, the crockery basket is provided with a number of holding elements, by which means at least one rack can be arranged at different heights in the crockery basket. In this way, at least one rack for an item to be washed can be fixed at various heights in the crockery basket according to the spatial requirements of the item to be placed in the crockery basket or on the rack. The possibilities for varying the position of the item to be washed in the crockery basket or on the rack are thus improved, and the space available in the crockery basket is better used.

Abstract: A food holding plate having a pocket formed therein for holding utensils such as a knife, fork and/or spoon and/or a napkin. A lower plate-like member is engaged to the lower surface of the plate member to form the utensil pocket, such that the pocket is generally formed beneath the flat central portion of the plate. An opening for the pocket is formed between an edge of the lower plate-like member and the lower surface of the plate member. Handle portions of the utensils may be disposed within the pocket, while the food contact portions of the utensils extend from the pocket opening.

Abstract: A tray for handling food in a warming oven comprises a dish portion a rim portion and a gasket portion. The dish portion is constructed from a first material and has a base portion adapted for handling of food products. The dish also has a wall portion surrounding the entirety of the base portion and extending therefrom. The wall portion has a closed end connected to the base portion and an open end disposed away from the base portion. The rim portion is constructed from a second material and extends generally parallel to the wall portion, around the perimeter of the dish portion. The rim portion has an attached end adapted for compressive engagement with the open end of the wall and a free end adapted to facilitate handling of the tray. The gasket is compressively disposed between the dish and the rim and adapted to restrict the movement of the dish away from the rim.

Abstract: The device slips securely over the neck of the bottle or container preventing liquids that are being poured from a container and traveling down the outside of the container causing staining to the material below the container. The ring collar is lined with an absorbent material that absorbs the liquid and traps it inside the ring collar. The ring collaring tool is comprised of a main body with a removable absorbent material, which can be replaceable at a later date if necessary.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a reusable container for the point-of-sale display and advertisement of beverages is disclosed. The container generally comprise an open end, a drinker-friendly lip disposed around the open end, and a lid adapted to fit substantially around the lip to prevent the beverage from leaking out of the container. Graphics may be printed on the container comprising a company logo or an advertisement for the beverage. Instructions may also be provided that the container is reusable as a drinking glass at home.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a storage apparatus is described having a container with an opening and a cover that is reversibly deformable between a storage position and a covering position for covering the opening, the apparatus comprising: a rigid storage container having an opening and being nestable with other containers of identical size and shape, a reversibly deformable detachable cover comprising an elastomeric member that is reversibly deformed upon movement of the cover from the storage position to the covering position, with the elastomeric member providing a seal between the cover and the container when the cover covers the opening in the covering position, wherein the cover has a projected surface area in the storage position that is less than a projected surface area of the cover in the covering position such that the cover is storable inside the container while other containers of identical size and shape are nested in the container.

Abstract: A sheet dispenser for a stack of removable sheet has a transparent or translucent upper housing member. The dispenser provide visual feedback to a user upon removing a sheet from the stack.

Abstract: A dispenser, and associated method for producing such dispenser, for interfolded disposable sheets includes a dispensing container defining an interior volume sufficient for receipt of a clip of interfolded disposable sheets, the container including a first wall with a dispensing opening defined by a removable panel. At least a portion of an adhesive material is disposed at a location on the removable panel such that the adhesive is not exposed to the interior volume of the container in an adhesive state. A clip of interfolded disposable sheets is inserted into the interior volume of the container. After insertion of the clip, the adhesive material is exposed in an adhesive state to the interior volume of the container and contact is made between the adhesive and the uppermost sheet of the clip of interfolded sheets such that the removable panel is attached to the uppermost sheet.

Abstract: Cigarette dispenser that comprises a compartment (2) where cigarettes (200) are stored, an opening (11) through which the cigarettes (200) facing said opening (11) are provided, a lid (3) which covers the opening (11) and which is attached to the dispenser (1) by means of a rotation shaft (30), and actuating means (4,5,6) that comprise an actuator (4) which is displaced when it is operated. Said displacement causes the lid (3) to pivot in relation to said rotation shaft (30) revealing said opening (11), being possible to provide the cigarettes (200) through said opening (11). When the actuator (4) is displaced in a longitudinal direction (X), said actuating means (4,5,6) are longitudinally displaced and draw a cigarette (200), such that said cigarette (200) is provided through said opening (11).

Abstract: A dispensing unit that includes a chamber capable of housing a plurality of first objects having at least one of rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible characteristics. The dispensing unit also includes a sensor capable of detecting presence of a second object, a dispensing mechanism capable of dispensing one of the plurality of first objects in response to the sensor detecting the second object, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the dispensing mechanism. Preferably, the controller is capable of activating the dispensing mechanism in response to receiving a signal from the sensor. Additionally, the dispensing unit includes at least one power source capable of providing power to at least one of the sensor, the dispensing mechanism, and the controller.

Abstract: Gloves and dispensers for gloves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to disposable gloves packaged in a disposable dispenser configured to engage with a carrier. Aspects of the glove assemblies provided herein include a dispenser case having a flange having locking tab for sliding engagement with a channel on the carrier. The dispenser case may be removed from the carrier and a new dispenser case engaged to the carrier.

Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway providing a means for air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.

Abstract: A device for flexible, collapsible walled tubes containing a pliable viscous substance for extrusion through an opening in the tube is discussed, which effectively reduces the volume in the tube by moving the contents of the tube toward the end of the tube having the opening. The device has a slot through the middle that is of such width as to allow the flattened and sealed end of the flexible, collapsible walled tube to be inserted, and to enable the device to be slid along the flexible collapsible walled tube body toward the opening. The small tubular one-piece device is of molded plastic or metal and has suitable space for sticker logos on either side of said device.

Abstract: A bag-in-box type of assembly is disclosed where numerous features are provided. One of the features helps to lock the drainage tube of the bag in a predetermined position at the bottom of the box. Another feature is directed to a ramp inside the box that aid drainage of the bag's content, e.g., concentrate for a postmix beverage. Yet a further feature is directed to structures that prevent slippage of the bag when placed on the ramp.

Abstract: At least one collapsible tube for containing at least one product, comprising: external flexible thread form on flexible throat coupled to flexible shoulder. The flexible throat and flexible shoulder flatten to dispense essentially all the contained product. The flexible shoulder may include a raised detent for stopping a cap and/or raised flexible ribs to control the direction of flattening the flexible shoulder. At least one cap for the collapsible tube including an interior bulge or an interior rim, both for urging an included interior thread form to engage with an external flexible thread form included in the flexible throat, and further including a lower surface to engage with the raised detent, and/or internal ribs and/or internal posts to engage with the raised flexible ribs. Manufacturing methods for the collapsible tubes and caps, and these items as products of the manufacturing processes.