Abstract: An auxiliary contact configuration for a switching device, the switching device comprising a frame part (2) and the auxiliary contact configuration comprising a first auxiliary contact position (5) provided in the frame part (2) and arranged to receive an auxiliary contact (8), and a movable auxiliary contact control device (10) comprising a first control element (11) arranged to control the auxiliary contact (8) installed in the first position (5). The auxiliary contact configuration comprises a second auxiliary contact position (6) provided near the first auxiliary contact position (5), and the auxiliary contact control device (10) comprises a second control element (12) arranged to control the auxiliary contact (8) installed in the second position (6) in a manner different from the manner in which the first control element (11) is arranged to control the auxiliary contact (8) installed in the first position (5).

Abstract: In a push switch, a keytop 40, a keytop returning coil spring 110 which upward urges the keytop 40, a slider 30 which is press-operated via the keytop 40, a slider returning coil spring 100 which upward urges the slider 30, and switch contacts 80, 81 which are contacted with and separated from each other in accordance with the operating position of the slider 30 are disposed. The slider returning coil spring 100 is placed at a position deviated from the axis L1 of the keytop 40. A push switch which is small in size, which less produces tilting or rattling even when a large keytop is attached, and which generates an excellent operation feeling is provided.

Abstract: A key. A scissors linking mechanism is disposed on a base plate and includes a first linking member and a second linking member. The first linking member pivots on the second linking member and includes a first end and a second end. The second linking member includes a third end and a fourth end. The second end includes a first guide pillar. The fourth end includes a second guide pillar. A keycap is disposed on the scissors linking mechanism and includes two first slides, two second slides, and a guiding protrusion. The first slides oppose each other and correspond to the first guide pillar. The second slides oppose each other and correspond to the second guide pillar. The guiding protrusion is disposed between the first slides. The first guide pillar enters the first slides through the guiding protrusion, enabling the second guide pillar to enter the second slides.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and/or earthing switch are disclosed wherein a rotatable spindle nut, which is mounted in a spindle housing, displaces a spindle in a translatory manner, thus displacing contact elements of the switching device. The spindle actuates a contact pin that is configured in a contact carrier by a connection yoke that is common to all phases or poles and an isolating bar for each phase or pole.

Abstract: A plunger switch comprises a switch body housing a first contact element, a second contact element and an elongate plunger. The first contact element is partially housed in the switch body and extends out for operative communication with a circuit. The second contact element is movable along a longitudinal axis of the switch body and is aligned to contact the first contact element through movement. The elongate plunger is movable along the longitudinal axis of the switch body, and is able to be completely recessed in the switch body. Movement of the plunger in a first direction facilitates contact between the first and second contact elements. The contact elements contact at contact portions. At least a pair of the contact portions may have ridged surfaces that are oriented so as to have intersecting points at contact and configured to perform oxidation cleanup. At least a pair of the contact portions may include silver nitride.

Abstract: An input system is delineated comprising an array of touch regions. At least one touch region is aligned with a sensing structure. The sensing structure comprises a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a membrane switch includes an insulating sheet provided with a first sheet portion having a first contact, a second sheet portion having a second contact, and a fold-back portion having a fold line. The fold-back portion has a conductor pattern which crosses the fold line. A gap in which the conductor pattern is to be situated is defined inside the fold-back portion by folding the fold-back portion of the insulating sheet along the fold line so that the first contact and the second contact face each other. The gap is filled with an adhesive having electrical insulating properties and water-repellent properties. The adhesive covers the conductor pattern.

Abstract: A case is defining a chamber. A slider is disposed in the chamber and being movable between a first position and a second position. A first contact member is disposed in the chamber and being movable in conjunction with the slider. A second contact member is disposed in the chamber. An urging member is disposed in the chamber. A projection portion is adapted to be fitted with a first recess portion. When the slider is located in the first position, the first contact member comes in contact with the second contact member and the projection portion is not fitted with the first recess portion. When the slider is in the second position, the first contact member is separated from the second contact member, the projection portion is fitted with the first recess portion, and the urging member urges the slider toward the first position.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing (1) defining a receiving cavity (14); a plurality of contacts (2, 3) disposed in the housing, each contact comprising a contact beam (21, 31) with a contact portion (210, 310) exposed to the receiving cavity and a pivot beam (22, 32) extending opposite to the corresponding contact beam; and an actuator comprising a plurality of grooves (421) at its rear end for receiving head portions of the pivot beams of the contacts and a plurality of shaft portions (422, 423) in the grooves. Some contact defines cutouts (320) which extend through corresponding front surfaces of the head portions for receiving the shaft portions therein, and other contacts define recesses (220) at the head portions for receiving the other shaft portions to prevent the actuator breaking off the contacts.

Abstract: Device (1) for removing mercury from mercury-containing residues (6), comprising a gastight screw (2) conveyor provided with an inlet (5) for mercury-containing residues (6), first heating means for heating admitted mercury-containing residues and causing mercury to evaporate, an outlet conduit (7) for mercury vapour-containing gas and an outlet channel (10) for mercury-free residues, which device (1) is provided with pump means (16) for applying an underpressure in the screw conveyor (2) and discharging mercury vapour-containing gas therefrom, and with a distillation column (17) provided with cooling means (18, 19) to cause condensation of mercury vapour from the mercury vapour-containing gas discharged with the pump means (16), and a method for removing mercury from mercury-containing residues (16) using this device.

Abstract: The invention relates to azeotropic and azeotrope-like mixtures of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365) and hydrogen fluoride and a process for separating the azeotrope-like mixtures. The compositions of the invention are useful as an intermediate in the production of HFC-365. The latter is useful as a nontoxic, zero ozone depleting fluorocarbon useful as a solvent, blowing agent, refrigerant, cleaning agent and aerosol to propellant.

Abstract: A vacuum distillation system and method utilizing an auxiliary, low capacity vacuum producing ejector operated in parallel with a primary ejector during the winter months enables significant reduction in the absolute pressure of a vacuum distillation column. Operation of a vacuum distillation tower at lower absolute pressures results in increased yield of desirable vacuum distillation products.

Abstract: A method of sputtering a copper seed layer and the target used therewith. The copper included in the sputtering target includes a first dopant reactive with copper and a second dopant unreactive with copper. Examples of the first dopant include Ti, Mg, and Al. Examples of the second dopant include Pd, Sn, In, Ir, and Ag. The amount of the first dopant may be determined by testing stress migration and that of the second dopant by testing electromigration.

Abstract: A hard laminated film wherein a layer A and a layer B having specific compositions are deposited alternately so that the compositions of layer A and layer B are different. The thickness of layer A per layer is twice or more the thickness of layer B per layer, the thickness of layer B per layer is 0.5 nm or more, and the thickness of layer A per layer is 200 nm or less. Layer A has a cubic rock-salt crystal structure such as that of Ti, Cr, Al, V nitride, carbonitride or carbide, and layer B is a hard film having a crystal structure other than cubic such as that of BN, BCN, SiN, SiC, SiCN, B—C, Cu, CuN, CuCN or metallic Cu. Alternatively, layer A has a chemical composition satisfying the following formula (1), and layer B has a chemical composition satisfying the following formula (2). Cr(BaCbN1-a-b-cOc)??Layer A 0?a?0.15, 0?b?0.3, 0?c?0.1, 0.2?e?1.1??(1) B1-s-tCsNt??Layer B 0?s 0.25, (1?s?t)/t?1.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes a susceptor for receiving a substrate, and a first target device disposed to be opposite to a center region of a substrate and at least second and third target devices disposed to be opposite to peripheral regions of the substrate, wherein the second and third target devices are rotatable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing hydrogen comprising: contacting steam 20 with a proton conducting membrane 7 supported on a porous redox stable substrate 8, through said substrate 8. The membrane 7 is non-permeable to molecular gas and to oxide ions. A DC voltage is applied across an anode 15 coupled to the substrate side of the membrane and a cathode 9,11 coupled to its other side so as to dissociate at least part of the steam 20, into protonic hydrogen and oxygen at said anode 15. The protonic hydrogen passes through the membrane and forms molecular hydrogen 23 at the cathode 9, 11.

Abstract: A conductive contact ring for an electroplating or electrodeposition process on a cylindrical surface includes a frame defining an opening through which the object can be passed and an array of electrically conductive fibers spanning the opening. The frame is electrically conductive and is connected to a DC power source in the process. Two or more contact rings can be used in a process to provide consistent electrical contact with the surface sliding therethrough. A single contact ring can have first and second groups of filaments spaced from each other along the axial length of the surface.

Abstract: Described are methods for producing membrane electrode assemblies containing crosslinked membranes and electrodes, which membranes and electrodes are prepared from fluoropolymer organic-liquid dispersions containing a homogeneous mixture of reacted and unreacted sulfonyl halide groups.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane electrolyzer comprises electrodes at least either of which is held in contact with leaf springs formed integrally with a leaf spring holding member arranged in an electrode chamber so as to extend toward the electrode and remain electrically energized at the respective electrode touching sections thereof, each of the leaf springs having a crooked section arranged at a position separated from its connecting section connecting itself to the leaf spring holding member and adapted to be bent toward the leaf spring holding member when the electrode touching section is pressed toward the leaf spring holding member side.

Abstract: A sampling system for measuring the presence and concentration of inorganic ion species, including, metals, metalloids and non-metals, in a liquid solution including a first sampling unit. The first sampling unit includes a potentiometric subsystem configured to gather environmental metrics of the liquid sample, a preparation subsystem, coupled to the potentiometric module, the preparation subsystem being configured to prepare and isolate contaminants of concern in a flow of a liquid sample into metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic forms; and a voltammetric subsystem selectively coupled to the preparation subsystem, potentiometric subsystem and a sample source, the voltammetric subsystem being configured to identify and determine a concentration of metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic species through stripping voltammetry. The system is configured to compare a value of a stripping signal of the sample with a predetermined value to determine if dilution of the sample is required.

Abstract: A test strip or biosensor comprising a base substrate on which an electrode system is formed. One or more laminate layers overlie the base substrate to form a sample-receiving chamber in which a reagent is deposited. An opening is provided from the sample-receiving chamber to the exterior of the biosensor. The layers and the base substrate are laser welded to secure the biosensor. One of the layer and base substrate is light transmissive to allow laser welding at the interface therebetween. The biosensor may be formed from a series of continuous webs that are subsequently sliced to form individual biosensors.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to minimize the power for heating of an FET-type gas sensor using an FET to ensure a long operating life. Two terminals 10 and 11 are arranged at a sensitive electrode 31 formed on a gate insulation film of an FET, and different potentials are applied thereto to cause a current to flow. The sensitive electrode 31 functions as a heating element by causing a current to flow in the sensitive electrode 31 which needs to be heated, allowing the FET-type gas sensor to be heated most efficiently. Furthermore, the terminals 10 and 11 configure a part of a temperature detector which measures the temperature of the heated sensitive electrode 31.

Abstract: An electrodeionization (EDI) apparatus and method comprising an ion-depleting chamber for removing ions from liquids passed therethrough, wherein a resistive component is coupled proximate the outlet region of the chamber so as to increase the electrical resistance of the outlet region of the chamber with respect to the inlet region of the chamber. The resistive component may be coupled to the ion-selective membranes bordering the diluting chamber and/or the concentrate chambers. In an alternative embodiment, the resistive component may be coupled between the ion-exchanging media particles themselves within the ion-depleting chambers. In each embodiment, the electrical resistance of the outlet region is increased with respect to the inlet region of the chamber, with results being that electrical current is shifted from the outlet region toward the inlet region, thus enhancing overall deionization performance of the EDI device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow rate of a fluid passing through a micro-flow path, comprising an electrode layer, an electrolyte layer and a conductive polymer membrane in this order, the conductive polymer membrane being exposed to the micro-flow path, and the flow rate being controlled by supplying electric current from the electrode layer to the conductive polymer membrane via the electrolyte layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capillary electrophoresis apparatus in which a capillary is easily attached to and detached from a migration medium filling unit without mixing impurities into the capillary. Mixture of impurities such as dust is also prevented when a capillary negative-electrode end is brought into contact with a sample stored in a vessel. Furthermore, temperature control is efficiently performed in the capillary. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus, the whole of capillary array can be supported by grasping a grip portion by hand. A migration medium filling mechanism includes a slide mechanism which moves a polymer block with respect to a capillary head. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus includes a vessel in which a sample and a buffer can simultaneously be stored. Temperatures of the capillary and an irradiation and detection unit are controlled by a temperature control function provided in a thermostatic device.

Abstract: There is provided an electrophoresis device (100) including an insulator (10) that includes: a first-separating-medium storing section (4?) for storing therein a first separating medium (4); a first opening (7) and a second opening (8) that are in communication with the first-separating-medium storing section (4?) and for defining a direction of separation on the first separating medium (4); and a third opening (9) that is covered with a penetrable insulating thin film (3), wherein the first separating medium storing section (4?) is in communication with outside via the first opening (7) and the second opening (8). There is also provided an electrophoresis apparatus including the electrophoresis device (100). This realizes an electrophoresis apparatus, and a device therefor, that enables an operator to sample separated proteins without ever making contact with the electrophoresed gel, and that can easily be used with various types of analyses, thereby improving convenience of electrophoresis.

Abstract: A nanoparticle coated hydrogel may be formed by a method of electrospraying nanoparticles on to a hydrogel surface includes providing a drug and polymer combination in solvent to an inner capillary of a coaxial capillary spray nozzle. A coating with a drug that releases over time may be provided. Open and closed matrixes may be selectively formed to help modify time release periods.

Abstract: A process for forming a multilayer composite coating on a substrate is provided. The process includes forming an electrodeposition coating layer on the substrate by electrodeposition of a curable electrodepositable coating composition over at least a portion of the substrate. Optionally, the coated substrate is heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient to cure the electrodeposition coating layer. A basecoating layer is formed on the electrodeposition coating layer by depositing an aqueous curable basecoating composition directly onto at least a portion of the electrodeposition coating layer. Optionally, the basecoating layer is dehydrated. A top coating layer is formed on the basecoating layer by depositing a curable top coating composition which is substantially pigment-free directly onto at least a portion of the basecoating layer. The top coating layer, the basecoating layer, and, optionally, the electrodeposition coating layer are cured simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of producing metal foam is provided which involves optimizing the natural convection of electrolyte through a foam being electroplated by inclining the foam during plating. A diagonal flow of electrolyte though the foam enhances electrolyte turnover within the foam while increasing electroplating efficiency. Further increases in plating efficiency are provided by shifting current density from higher plating zones to lower plating zones.

Abstract: A process of producing aluminium and aluminium-containing materials from a solid aluminium-containing feed material is disclosed. The process comprises leaching the aluminium-containing feed material with a leach liquor and forming an aqueous solution containing aluminium ions, extracting aluminium ions from the aqueous solution by contacting the aqueous solution with an organic reagent and loading aluminium ions onto the organic reagent and forming an aluminium complex, and recovering aluminium or an aluminium-containing material from the aluminium complex.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising the steps of providing a molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of less than 900° C. having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell having a liner for containing the electrolyte, the liner having a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom. A plurality of non-consumable Cu—Ni—Fe—Sn anodes and cathodes are disposed in a vertical direction in the electrolyte, the cathodes having a plate configuration and the anodes having a flat configuration to compliment the cathodes. The anodes contain apertures therethrough to permit flow of electrolyte through the apertures to provide alumina-enriched electrolyte between the anodes and the cathodes. Electrical current is passed through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum at the cathodes and producing gas at the anodes.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous nickel coating is provided. The method includes the steps of: depositing a coating onto a substrate by melting and atomizing two consumable electrode wires of a selected composition in a wire-arc spray device, so as to form a molten, atomized material, and directing the material to the substrate to form a coating deposit; the selected composition including nickel and a sacrificial metal; and then dissolving at least a portion of the sacrificial metal from the coating deposit by applying a positive potential in an alkaline electrolyte, so as to obtain a porous nickel coating. An electrolytic cell that includes a porous nickel coating is also described.

Abstract: A layered construction for application to a device or substrate or placement in an enclosed space for use in decontaminating the underlying surface or enclosed space comprises a cathode, an electrolyte layer, an anode and a protective surface layer. A compound that can be electrically decomposed to release on demand and over an extended period of time, an oxidant is included in the layered structure, preferably in the electrolyte layer. Preferred compounds are those which can release halogen ions which react with various different chemical or biological contaminants which may contact the protective layer, destroying, or devitalizing the contaminants.

Abstract: A method for estimating the concentration of a particular gas in a gas mixture having a fluctuating pressure is provided. A sensor output signal indicating the concentration of a particular gas in the gas mixture is received from a gas sensor. The received sensor output signal may vary over time due to the fluctuating pressure of the gas mixture. The received sensor output signal may be processed to determine an estimate of the concentration of the particular gas in the gas mixture. The processing may include performing an autocorrelation of the signal. In some embodiments, the particular gas is oxygen and the method is used to estimate the concentration of oxygen in a gas mixture having a fluctuating pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of nanotechnology. Specifically the invention describes a nanosensor for the detection of an analyte in which the redox potential in solution is altered thereby causing changes in carbon nanotube conductance.

Abstract: A container for receiving at least one writing implement, wherein the container has at least one wall (W) element which is made from a flat material, wherein, when the container is in the finished condition, the one side of the wall element (W) forms a container inside and the other side forms a container outside and wherein at least a part of its edges the wall element (W) has a first connecting portion (30) whose edge part is angled with respect to the plane of the flat material of the wall element (30). It is further provided that at least a part of its edges the wall element (W) has a second connecting portion (32; 34) which is of a congruent configuration with respect to the first connecting portion (30) in such a way that when the first connecting portion (30) is connected to the second connecting portion (32; 34) to form at least a part of the container wall the edge part of the first connecting portion (30) is covered over with respect to the outside of the container wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a pre-moistened wipe heating system capable of heating a number of pre-moistened wipes to a desired temperature. The system includes a package formed of a suitable moisture-impervious material within which a number of pre-moistened wipes are positioned. The system also includes a heating mechanism disposed in the package in contact with the wipes that has a chemical heating element, and an activation device selectively engagable with the heating element. The activation device is actuated to activate the heating element, which initiates an exothermic reaction. The heat from the reaction is transmitted from the element to and through the wipes as a result of the moisture held within the wipes and within the package in order to heat the wipes to a desired temperature while also allowing the package to be handled by an individual as the wipes are heated.

Abstract: A polymeric film, multiple-compartment container having an internal frangible seal comprising a curved portion and variable width with a maximum width near the portion of the curve having the smallest radius of curvature, for confining a fluid and related beverage container with a re-closable fitment for storing and delivering two different flavored liquids or the like. The frangible seal of the container will burst when sustained squeezed thus allowing the components in the container to mix within the container.

Abstract: A rigid package of tobacco articles, having two first containers, each housing a group of tobacco articles and housed inside a second container so as to slide with respect to the second container between a closed position, in which the first container is fully inserted inside the second container, and an open position, in which part of the first container projects from the second container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a tubular pouch (10) having a standing base (20) formed integrally therewith, the standing base (20) being formed by sealing an end (30) of a tubular portion (40) that forms the tubular pouch (10) and drawing the sealed tubular pouch end (30) into the tubular pouch portion (40). The invention further relates to a tubular pouch produced by that method.

Abstract: An enclosing casing which enables enclosing media to be seen at a glance among a plurality of enclosing media held in enclosing medium holders of an inner casing is provided. An enclosing casing 1 is constructed by a combination of an outer casing 3 which has an inserting port 4 in one side portion and is formed by folding a paper material and an inner casing 2 which is inserted and ejected into/from the outer casing 3 through the inserting port 4 and is formed by folding the paper material. The inner casing 2 is constructed by enclosing medium holders 2a, 2b, and 2c of a plurality of stages which overlap so as to be relatively movable. All of the enclosing medium holders 2a, 2b, and 2c of the plurality of stages are reciprocatively moved in almost the same direction when they are inserted and ejected into/from the outer casing 3.

Abstract: A packaging system for protecting a wheel hub containing inboard and outboard bearings separated by a spacer. The packaging system comprises a shipping retainer having inboard and outboard elements that are reversibly locked together within the axial bore of the wheel hub to seal the ends of the axial bore and maintain the alignment of the bearings and spacer. The packaging system further includes a stackable shipping tray having first and second sides, the first side adapted to receive the inboard end of a wheel hub with the shipping retainer installed and the second side adapted to receive the outboard end of a wheel hub. The shipping tray cooperates with the shipping retainer to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the shipping retainer.

Abstract: A carrier strip system includes a plurality of discrete carrier strips respectively receptive of fasteners of substantially different dimensions the strips having internal features configured to engage the fasteners, the strips further having substantially identical external dimensions said external dimensions being substantially symmetrical with respect to a virtual surface defined by inclusion of axes of the plurality of discrete fasteners, and the external dimensions being engagable with a single setting tool magazine such that fasteners with different dimensions have consistent alignment within a single setting tool magazine and method.

Abstract: A carton includes a retaining structure that is arranged to retain articles within the carton when an end of the carton has been opened. The retaining structure includes an obstruction spaced from the opened end of the carton that abuts an article located at a dispenser opening of the carton.

Abstract: A packaging container includes an enveloping plastic layer, first and second articles, and a receptacle. The enveloping plastic layer is formed during an initial packaging, and the enveloping plastic layer has at least one opening. The first article is fully enclosed within one portion of the enveloping plastic layer. The receptacle is at least partially contained and secured within the enveloping plastic layer, and the receptacle has an opening adjacent the opening in the enveloping plastic layer. The second article is insertable into the opening of the receptacle thereby allowing the second article to be inserted after the initial packaging.

Abstract: Two food elements are supplied in a container assembly which may be placed on a horizontal support surface or supported in an automobile cup holder. A smaller secondary cup is received within a secondary cup cavity cantilevered to one side of a thermoformed thermoplastic primary container which has exterior dimensions suited to a cup holder. The primary container has a main compartment which receives another food element. The base of the primary container is inclined from the rim of the primary container, such that the center of gravity of the primary container with secondary cup and edible material overlies the primary container bottom wall when the bottom wall is supported on a horizontal surface. A column in the primary container side wall extends from a protruding toe portion of the bottom wall to engage and support the secondary cup cavity.

Abstract: A fillable cushion (30, 31) for the protection of four corners, two edges and a surface area of an essentially cuboidal article (19) to be packed is shown, the cushion comprising at least two layers of plastic films. The cushion has near its longitudinal ends in each case a recess, by means of which the cushion can be pushed onto at least one corner of the cuboidal article, the cushion being dimensioned in such a way that its longitudinal extent between the two recesses corresponds to the length of the two edges to be protected plus the length of the diagonal of the surface area to be protected. The method and the apparatus for fabricating fillable cushions provide that the welding is performed with ultrasound.

Abstract: A casing (4) for a blister package having cavities has a bottom part (2) having a bottom (25) with openings (26) therein and comprising positioning means (21). The positioning means (21) are shaped and arranged to act on at least one cavity of the blister package in order to position each cavity of the blister package centered with an opening (26).

Abstract: A product is packaged in a blister, which is displayed and securely held in a child resistant gripper (10) on the top of a package. The blister bubble (7) is made of a strong plastic material, which is sufficiently rigid to hold its shape and which is difficult to tear or puncture without a sharp tool. The individual blister (3) is displayed with the blister exposed through an opening (11) of a holder (10). A base flange (9) of the blister is secured under the frame (13) around the opening (11) of the holder (10). A backing for the blister, through which the medication (5) is conventionally removed, is held tightly against the bottom (21) of the cap (20). Precise manipulations are required to remove the blister package. The blister package (3) is removed from between the holder (10) and the end cap (20) before the backing on the blister is opened.

Abstract: A tray system, comprising one or more retaining portions for a food container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system includes one or more feet which are of a depth at least equal to deepest recessed retaining portion of the tray. The feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into the retaining portion which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on serving tray and food container.