Abstract: Travelling carrier delivery equipment includes a delivery unit for transferring a travelling carrier that has no self-running means between a movable rail and a main rail by means of external friction-driven, and the travelling carrier is provided with a friction driving surface across its entire length, the delivery unit has a friction drive wheel and friction drive wheel moving means, the friction drive wheel is provided on the movable rail and is switchable between a driving state, in that it propels the travelling carrier via the friction driving surface and a driving release state, and the friction drive wheel moving means reciprocates the friction drive wheel between a retreating position (R), at which the friction drive wheel can be made to contact with the friction driving surface of the travelling carrier supported on the movable rail and a forwarding position (F), at which the friction drive wheel can be made to contact with the friction driving surface of the travelling carrier supported on the mai

Abstract: A gripping intake system for a dual belt conveyor includes a hopper for storing granular material adjacent the return sections of the upper and lower loop belts of the dual belt conveyor, at least one hold down roller engaging the lower loop belt such that the upper and lower loop belts are held in spaced apart configuration prior to the conveying sections of the upper and lower loop belts being biased towards one another in face-to-face conveying relationship whereby granular material falling from the hopper comes into contact with the upper and lower loop belts which engage and accelerate the granular material via gravity and frictional contact with the belts to approximately the same speed as the belts and then feed the accelerated granular material into the dual belt conveyor.

Abstract: A rubber member conveying device and a rubber member supplying system having the same are provided. The device and the system rapidly promote the shrinkage of the rubber member, thereby avoiding the length variation of the rubber member in the processing step for the rubber member. A rubber member supplying system 10 comprises a belt conveyor 14 which supplies a to-be-cut material 12 having an internal strain, a cutter 16 which cuts the to-be-cut material 12 supplied by the belt conveyor 14 to form a rubber member 20, and a rubber member conveying part 24 which conveys the rubber members 20. The rubber member conveying part 24 comprises an endless belt 26, and rollers 28 supported by supporting parts 30 that are provided at the endless belt 26. The rubber member 20 is conveyed on the rollers 28 while exposed to vibrations. Accordingly, the shrinkage in the rubber member 20 caused by the internal strain thereof is substantially completed in the conveying operation.

Abstract: A web cover for an endless conveyor is formed from one continuous belt of wear-resistant, non-metallic sheet material in which a plurality of closely spaced holes are provided. The web cover is endless and intended to overlie the screen of said conveyor wherein the web cover is formed with the ends of the belt being joined together by fastening means. The fastening means comprises two parts. Both parts have reflexive sections and have two limbs with one part being secured to each end of the belt with a limb above and below the said end of the belt. One part is provided with a lengthwise series of spaced hook elements and the other part is provided with a correspondingly spaced lengthwise series of apertures through which extends and is secured a rod around which each hook element is engagable and is held.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical programmer which contains a rotary display dial and segments for determining at least one programming range which is supported by the dial such that it can move between two different control positions, and where each of the segments passing from one control position to the other by tilting around an axis is orthoradial in relation to the axis of rotation of the dial. Moreover, each segment consists of a body with an essentially-C-shaped cross-section, including an inner face which is directed towards the dial and which extends around the tilting axis of the segment and another surface which, in the control position, covers an associated zone of the dial and which, in the other control position, uncovers and exposes at least part of the zone to the exterior. The displaying of one or more uncovered portions of the zone provides the user with immediately-comprehensible information relating to the programming ranges.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a breaker interlock device adapted to mechanically resist switching a handle of a first circuit breaker from an OFF position to an ON position when a handle of a second circuit breaker is in an ON position, wherein the first circuit breaker is adjacent to the second circuit breaker.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a breaker interlock device adapted to mechanically resist switching a handle of a first circuit breaker from an OFF position to an ON position when a handle of a second circuit breaker is in an ON position, wherein the first circuit breaker is adjacent to the second circuit breaker.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a breaker interlock device adapted to mechanically resist switching a handle of a first circuit breaker from an OFF position to an ON position when a handle of a second circuit breaker is in an ON position, wherein the first circuit breaker is adjacent to the second circuit breaker.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for improved separation of switching material by creating a diversion of the activating force. In one embodiment at least one structural element is positioned in close proximity to an inlet for the actuating force to influence the actuating force to fully separate the switching material. Structural elements may include protrusions, either adjacent to the inlet or approximately across the channel from the inlet, as well as at least one additional inlet. The diversion can be created, if desired, by forces coming from opposite sides. Embodiments of the invention make use of non-wettable surfaces lining the channel in regions where switching material is to break into separate volumes, and wettable surfaces away from such regions. Embodiments of the invention provide for multi-pole, multi-throw switching.

Abstract: An interconnectable 3-way switch system for electric cable wiring is provided for controlling a fixture. First and second switch enclosures each have an input port and an output port and a toggle switch. Each switch enclosure has a cam having cam arms movable between a first position where the arms electrically connect and close return bus cam contact points of adjacent return bus segments and a second position where the arms electrically connect and close a power bus cam contact point of a power bus segment to a return bus segment. The first switch enclosure has the cam arms in the first position and the second switch enclosure having the cam arms in the second position. Each switch enclosure has a segmented power bus, a segmented second power bus, a segmented return bus and a ground bus extending between input ports and said output ports.

Abstract: A device for supplying an ignition current from an energy reserve to at least one ignition power module, a voltage regulator being provided between the energy reserve and the at least one ignition power module, setting a voltage on the at least one ignition power module at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A rotary circuit selection device (400) having a driving cam (430) and an operating cam (440), each having a series of alternating peaks (442) and valleys (455). A biasing mechanism (420) biases the driving cam toward the stationary cam such that the peaks of one cam are received by the valleys of the other cam and vice versa. Selection of an alternative circuit includes rotating and translating the driving cam in relation to stationary cam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antistatic component and a method of manufacturing the same. An antistatic component of the present invention comprises buttons each of which includes a push portion 11 or 11? formed at one end of the button and made of a first resin and a switch contact 13 or 13? formed at the other end of the button and made of a second resin; and an elastically-deformable connection portion 15 formed integrally with the switch contact 13 or 13? so as to connect the plurality of buttons to one another. The push portion is exposed outward to be pushed and has a plating layer 12 or 12? formed thereon, and the switch contact selectively operates a tact switch 4 or 4?. The first resin comprises a plating material and the second resin comprises a non-plating material. The switch contact and the connection portion, and the push portion are formed integrally with each other by means of dual injection molding.

Abstract: A dome switch assembly that can reduce the SAR value and improve radiation performance of a mobile communication terminal and a mobile communication terminal having the same are provided. The ground layer of the dome switch assembly is connected to a hinge by a hinge contact unit. The hinge contact unit extends through a groove formed in the ground layer towards the inside area of the ground layer and is connected to a bottom surface of the groove. The position and length of the connection of the hinge contact unit to the ground layer may be adjusted so that the SAR value can be reduced and radiation performance can be improved.

Abstract: A linear sensor (101, 201) comprising electrically conductive textile fibres (103, 105, 205, 207) and electrically insulating textile fibres (106, 208). The sensor comprises at least two conductive elements (102, 104, 204, 206) having electrically conductive textile fibres (103,105, 205, 207). The sensor also has electrically insulating textile fibres (106, 208) spaced to separate the two electrically conductive elements when no pressure is applied to said sensor, and to allow electrical conduction between the two conductive elements under the application of pressure.

Abstract: A touch dimmer has a three-wire touch sensitive screen that produces an output voltage signal representative of a position of a manual pressure touch along a longitudinal axis of the touch screen. To reduce the occurrence of erroneous position indications due to low-pressure touches of the touch screen, a filter circuit is coupled to the output of the touch screen to prevent the detection of transient touches, and to prevent the detection of low-pressure touches having less than a certain actuation force. As a result, a controller may accurately determine the position of the manual pressure touch. In a preferred embodiment, two filters are coupled to the output of the touch screen. The first filter conditions the output voltage signal to allow the controller to accurately determine whether a manual pressure touch actuation has occurred.

Abstract: Relatively high speed methods for increasing the bulk density of coal particles, apparatus for increasing the bulk density of coal particles and methods for making metallurgical coke. Once such method includes depositing coal particles onto a charging plate external to a coking oven to provide an elongate bed of dry, uncompacted coal having an upper surface of the charging plate. The charging plate has side walls, and at least one movable end wall An impact pressure is applied to the upper surface of the bed of dry, uncompacted coal while degassing the coal to provide a dry, compacted coal bed having a bulk density ranging from about 960 to about 1200 kilograms per cubic meter.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a process for pyrolyzing hydrocarbonaceous material are provided. In one embodiment the process for pyrolyzing hydrocarbonaceous material includes charging a reactor with a feed material comprising hydrocarbonaceous material, heating the feed material, and collecting liquid product from the reactor which is anaerobic in operation. At least 5% of the organic carbon atoms which are not present in an aromatic ring of a compound of the feed material are present in an aromatic ring of a compound in a liquid portion of the product.

Abstract: A novel thermochemical cycle for the decomposition of water is presented. Along with water, hydrogen, and oxygen, the cycle involves an alkali or alkali earth metal based process intermediate and a variety of reaction intermediates. The cycle is driven by renewable energy sources, and can have a maximum operating temperature below 1173 K (900° C.). The kinetics of the cycle are based on the reactant behavior as well as the separability characteristics of the chemicals involved.

Abstract: A sputtering target forming method, a sputtering target, and a method of using a sputtering target are herein disclosed. Large area sputtering targets are necessary for producing films on large area substrates. To save on material costs, the large area sputtering target can be formed of multiple target tiles that can be placed adjacent each other on a backing plate. The gaps that are present between the target tiles may to be filled to ensure that the backing plate does not sputter and contaminate the sputtering process. The material filling the gaps may be of the same composition as the sputtering target tiles. Alternatively, the entire sputtering target can be plasma sprayed onto the backing plate to ensure that the sputtering target has a unitary sputtering target body across the entire large area backing plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrocatalytic coating and an electrode having the coating thereon, wherein the coating is a mixed metal oxide coating, preferably platinum group metal oxides with or without valve metal oxides, and containing a transition metal component such as palladium, rhodium or cobalt. The electrocatalytic coating can be used especially as an anode component of an electrolysis cell for the electrolysis of a halogen-containing solution wherein the palladium component reduces the operating potential of the anode and eliminates the necessity of a “break-in” period to obtain the lowest anode potential.

Abstract: A material suitable for use for structural components in a cell for the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminium metal defined either by: the formula (A?1?uA?u)x(B?1?vB?v)y(C?1?wC?w)zO4, in which A? and A? are divalent elements from the group Co, Ni, or Zn, B? and B? are trivalent elements from the group Al, Cr, Mn, or Fe, and C? and C? are the tetravalent elements Ti or Sn. O is the element oxygen. 0?u<1, 0?v<1, 0?w<1 1?x?2, 0?y?2 and 0?z?1, x+y+z=3 and 2x+3y+4z=8, ?or the formula A?1?sA?sTiO3, in which A? and A? are divalent elements from the group Co, Ni, or Zn. O is the element oxygen. 0?s<1 ?or the formula A?1?tA?tO, in which A? and A? are divalent elements from the group Co, Ni, or Zn. O is the element oxygen. 0?t<1.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for electrochemical deposition (ECD) of a metal or an alloy inside at least one opening located at a front surface of a substrate, said apparatus including: (a) an electrochemical deposition (ECD) cell adapted to contain an electrolyte, the electrolyte including plating metallic ions and at least one inhibitor additive; (b) a cathode including at least a portion of said front surface of the substrate, wherein at least one surface inside said at least one opening includes an exposed metallic surface, and wherein at least a portion of said cathode is immersed in said electrolyte; (c) at least one anode, wherein at least a portion of the at least one anode is immersed in said electrolyte; (d) a power supply adapted to generate an electroplating current through the electrolyte between said cathode and said at least one anode; and (e) means for producing a turbulent flow of the electrolyte across the front surface of the substrate, wherein the turbulent flow is capab

Abstract: A system electroplates the interior or exterior cylindrical surfaces of an elongated workpiece, such as a pipe or shaft. The workpiece is continuously electroplated with metallic solutions via a traveling anode that gradually plates along the axial length of the workpiece instead of plating the entire part or large portions of the part at one time.

Abstract: A sputtering target forming method, a sputtering target, and a method of using a sputtering target are herein disclosed. Large area sputtering targets are necessary for producing films on large area substrates. To save on material costs, the large area sputtering target can be formed of multiple target tiles that can be placed adjacent each other on a backing plate. The gaps that are present between the target tiles may to be filled to ensure that the backing plate does not sputter and contaminate the sputtering process. The material filling the gaps may be of the same composition as the sputtering target tiles. Alternatively, the entire sputtering target can be plasma sprayed onto the backing plate to ensure that the sputtering target has a unitary sputtering target body across the entire large area backing plate.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus to measure ammonia in a gas mixture. The sensing apparatus includes a sensing element, which includes substrate, a first electrode assembly, and a second electrode assembly. The first electrode assembly includes a first sensor electrode coupled to the substrate. The first electrode assembly is configured to react to the ammonia in the gas mixture. The second electrode assembly includes a second sensor electrode coupled to the substrate. The second electrode assembly is configured to react to the ammonia in the gas mixture. The first and second electrode assemblies are configured to generate a differential electrical signal in response to the ammonia detected by the second electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting an electric field of an electrochemical processing cell are provided. In one embodiment, a capacitive element is disposed in the processing solution. The strength, shape, or direction of the electric field in the processing solution may be modulated by charging and discharging the capacitive element in a controlled manner. Because the electric field is modulated with out passing a current from the capacitive element to the processing solution, electrochemical reactions do not occur on the interface of the capacitive element and the processing solution, thus, reduces complications caused by unwanted electrochemical reactions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the area of surface coatings, the said coatings being in the form of organic films. It most especially relates to a method for forming copolymer organic films by electrochemical grafting on electrically conductive or semi-conductive surfaces using electrolytic aqueous solutions containing at least one protic solvent, at least one radically polymerizable monomer and at least one surfactant. The invention also concerns that surfaces obtained with the use of this method, their applications especially for preparation of microelectronic components, biomedical devices or screening kits, as well as the electrolyte solution used in the course of the method.

Abstract: Provided is a technique for wafer plating treatment that ensures that the plating film thickness becomes uniform on the total area of a plated wafer surface. This method of wafer plating includes: arranging a wafer in an opening of a plating tank; bringing a peripheral side of the wafer and a cathode electrode into contact with each other; supplying a plating liquid; causing the plating liquid that has reached the wafer to flow in the direction of a periphery of a wafer surface to be plated; and supplying a plating current by an anode electrode arranged within the plating tank so as to be opposed to the wafer and the cathode electrode, whereby the wafer is subjected to a plating treatment. In this method, the anode electrode has a shape almost the same shape as the wafer surface to be plated, a plurality of peripheral-edge current supplying sections are provided in a peripheral edge of the anode electrode, and a central current supplying section is provided in a center of the anode electrode.

Abstract: In this method for producing an anti-reflective film, pores are formed on a surface of a polymer molding material to continuously change a refractive index and then reduce reflectance, in which anodic oxidized porous alumina, in which pores having a tapered shape and whose pore diameter continuously changes, are formed by repeating anodic oxidation at about the same formation voltage and pore diameter enlargement treatment, is used as a mold, or a stamper, which is produced by using the anodic oxidized porous aluminum as a mold, is used as a mold.

Abstract: An electrolytic plating method and composition for electrolytically plating Cu onto a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate having submicron-sized interconnect features. The composition comprises a source of Cu ions and a suppressor compound comprising polyether groups. The method involves superfilling by rapid bottom-up deposition at a superfill speed by which Cu deposition in a vertical direction from the bottoms of the features to the top openings of the features is substantially greater than Cu deposition on the side walls.

Abstract: A process for coating a surface of a metal-containing substrate with a bioceramic material includes activating the surface of the metal-containing substrate by applying a voltage to the substrate in a liquid containing an electrolyte; and, immersing the substrate in a deposition solution containing the bioceramic material or precursors for the bioceramic material. The coated substrate may be heat treated to enhance coating bond strength. The bioceramic material may be hydroxyapatite. Coated substrates are useful for the fabrication of prostheses.

Abstract: A method for forming an aluminum sleeve comprises the following steps of: preparing material; wherein an aluminum alloy substrate is prepared; forging the aluminum material into a sleeve; trimming the sleeve in detail; thermally processing the sleeve for enhancing and hardening the forged sleeve; and anodizing-processing the sleeve to form a film on the sleeve. Between the forging and thermal processing; machining the trimmed sleeve through at least one process of rolling, grinding; polishing and vibration. Between thermal processing and anode-processing, surface-processing the sleeve so as to generate a blurred surface by a sanding step. In the anode-processing, dying the sleeve so that the color of the sleeve without fading or stripping.

Abstract: A method and a device (13) are disclosed for the electrolytic pickling of flat metal products (2), in particular special steel and/or carbon steel strips. At least one diamond electrode and/or at least one lead/tin electrode, for example a lead 93/tin7 electrode (15) is used. The special characteristic of the diamond electrodes and/or lead/tin electrodes is the form of water replacement. Whereas in electrolysis water is usually split into hydrogen and oxygen, the diamond electrode and/or lead tin electrode provides a working range in which ozone or highly reactive hydroxyl radicals are formed instead of oxygen. As a result the pickling times are significantly reduced in comparison to the conventional chemical descaling, and also in comparison to the conventional electrolytic pickling.

Abstract: A cathodic protection coating is disclosed that unexpectedly protects a treated metal substrate, notwithstanding the presence of a phosphate-containing conversion coating between the metal substrate and the cathodic protection compound. The cathodic protection coating includes sacrificial metallic particles less noble than metal in the metal substrate to be protected. The coating also includes inherently conductive polymer.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device and method by which dry reagent enzyme based electrochemical biosensors, which are in a relatively mature form due to the extensive amount of development pioneered by the blood glucose monitoring industry, may be simply adapted to perform tests for blood coagulation, enzymatic activity, or immunochemical assays for antigens present in a fluid sample. In particular, the utility of combining apoenzyme based dry reagent electrochemical biosensors with apoenzyme reactivation technology is taught. This combination creates a novel combination test technology capable of detecting a wide range of different analytes, and operating in a wide variety of wet or dry, in vivo or in vitro environments.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of NAD+ and NADP+ mediator compounds that do not bind irreversibly to thiol groups in the active sites of intracellular dehydrogenase enzymes. Such mediator compounds avoid a common mode of enzyme inhibition. The mediators can therefore increase the stability and reliability of the electrical response in amperometric electrodes constructed from NAD- or NADP-dependent enzymes.

Abstract: An onboard hydrogen storage unit for a hydrogen powered vehicle including one or more hydrogen storage vessels at least partially filled with a hydrogen storage material which stores hydrogen in metal hydride form. During operation of the hydrogen powered vehicle heat is provided to the hydrogen storage material within the one or more hydrogen storage vessels to aid in desorption of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material. During hydrogen refueling, heat of hydride formation is removed from the hydrogen storage material within the one or more hydrogen storage vessels to aid in absorption of hydrogen into the hydrogen storage material. The heat of hydride formation is removed from the one or more hydrogen storage vessels via a heat transfer fluid circulated and/or cooled by a stream of compressed air.

Abstract: A colorant sample comprising a flexible pouch with a portion of the colorant, paint, or stain therein, wherein the pouch may have an opaque area and a transparent window and may have removable label thereon, and the portion of colorant may be dispensed into the pouch from a reservoir that is agitated.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for storing medicaments and foods and/or beverages separately during shelf life, and for mixing the medicaments and foods and/or beverages when ready for use. A body of the device defines a plurality of first chambers for receiving a medicament, and a plurality of second chambers for receiving a food and/or beverage. A first sealing portion is located between the first and second chambers and is movable between a closed position preventing fluid communication between the chambers, and an open position permitting fluid communication between the first and second chambers for mixing the medicament and the food and/or beverage when ready for use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening system that is adapted for secring a sheathing board to an associated framing member. The system includes a feedband for retaining a series of fasteners and a powered drill for sequentially driving the fasteners. The feedband is made from a membrane of a polymeric compound. As the fastener is driven into the sheathing board, a portion of the membrane tears away from the surrounding feedband and becomes seated beneath the fastener. This acts to seal the penetration point and prevent water intrusion and otherwise prevents deterioration of the sheathing board.

Abstract: This plastics material tray of substantially square or rectangular shape is made up both of a central portion provided with a hub suitable for retaining a disk on one of its faces, and of an outer portion referred to as a “frame”—for being adhesively bonded on a support. The tray is remarkable wherein its central portion is essentially detached from the frame, which is secured thereto in part only via a hinged link, and wherein the hub is a double hub, enabling a pair of disks to be retained, one on its outside face and the other on its inside face, thus providing free access to each of the two disks in order to put the disk into place on said central portion or in order to remove it therefrom, by pivoting said central portion to move it away from the general plane containing the frame. The invention applies to packaging compact disks such as CDs and DVDs.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: An assembly of a frame and doors with a lifting device to position the assembly in an open end of a storage container for conversion to access from opposing ends, the frame including side plates and end plates that abut respective side walls and end edges of end of the storage container from which an end panel is removed, and the lifting device attached to the assembly to hold the assembly in the end while rigidly connecting the assembly to the storage container. A method of converting a storage container for dual opposing access is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides biomarkers for the prediction of diarrhoea based upon the gene expression of certain genes by the subject, the expression of the Diego blood type by the subject, or the results of haematological assays.

Abstract: A card and blister package for small articles of commerce has a clear plastic blister piece, a card and a retainer piece. The blister walls form an article-receiving cavity and a plurality of upwardly projecting spaced-apart male prongs extending along the upper edge of the blister piece. A generally rectangular card has shaped perforations for receiving there-through the prongs of the blister piece and the retainer comprises a generally rectangular ring having a plurality of sockets for receiving the prongs of the blister piece, whereby the prongs can be engaged through the perforations, snapped into engagement with the ring sockets, and UV-activated adhesive on the engaged parts illuminated by UV light so as to bond to the ring to the blister to secure the package.

Abstract: A sachet has a semi-rigid layer laminated between first and second outer layers. A line of weakness formed in a mid-portion of the semi-rigid layer sequentially delineates inter-digitated finger portions of the semi-rigid layer. The first outer layer seals over and around the line of weakness. The second outer layer, optionally formed with a reservoir, is fixed to either or both of the other two layers. The sachet is flexed preferentially at the line of weakness by application of a compression force between opposite sachet edges to move at least the tips of the finger portions away from respective immediately surrounding portions of the semi-rigid layer and thereby rupture the first outer layer in the vicinity of the line of weakness and form an opening for discharge of sachet contents. A two-layered precursor web and a series of interconnected sachets are also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nestable container that includes a sidewall having a substantially cylindrical shape, a ring portion adapted to engage the upper opening of the sidewall, and a bottom portion adapted to engage a bottom opening of the sidewall. The diameter of the upper opening of the sidewall is greater than the diameter of the lower opening of the sidewall such that the sidewall of the container is tapered. Also provided is a lid adapted to removably engage the ring portion.

Abstract: An individual blister pack includes an unsealed area formed along an edge, and a die cut slot is formed at an angle adjacent edges of the blister pack and communicates with the unsealed area. The die cut slot allows tearing of the corner of the blister pack, which exposes an easily accessible corner pull tab to allow an impenetrable polymeric film to be peeled away from the underlying foil such that medicament can subsequently be pushed through the foil for dispensing the medicament from the blister pack. The package, therefore, provides a tear-peel-push sequence of operation requiring the cognitive skills of an adult and yet allows an adult an easy manner by which to obtain a finger hold on the impenetrable film layer for peeling it from the blister pack.

Abstract: A shipping container for shipping diagnostic specimens. An outer container includes inner foam panels that define an inner cavity enclosed by a closed cell polymeric foam for receiving items to be shipped. The inner cavity has an H-shaped transverse cross section for receiving specimen vials that can be packaged in a polymeric bag having several side-by-side compartments for receiving specimen vials. A freezable material is placed within the inner cavity and adjacent to the specimens to maintain the specimens packed within the container below a predetermined temperature during shipment. The foam defining the inner cavity provides insulation to aid in maintaining the temperature of the contents.