Abstract: A food thawing article for evenly thawing frozen food in a microwave is disclosed. The food thawing article comprises an impermeable film backing, an absorbent layer adjacent the impermeable film backing, and a liquid permeable surface layer comprising a plurality of apertures covering the absorbent layer, opposite the impermeable film backing. A liquid is dispersed throughout the absorbent layer. The impermeable film backing is placed adjacent a frozen food item such that when the food thawing article is exposed to microwave energy, the liquid is heated and the heat is transferred to the food to thaw the food.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a main cavity and a ventilation system. A cavity vent extends between the cooking appliance and the ventilation system such that the ventilation system is in fluid communication with the main cavity to expel an exhaust of gases. A chimney is connected above the cavity vent and includes venturi zone therein, wherein the cavity vent is coupled to the chimney at the venturi zone.

Abstract: A transport container system includes a stackable crate having a bottom element and four side wall elements which are of a dimensionally and pressure stable structure. Each of the side wall elements has a foldable attachment element connected to it. When folded up, the attachment elements of the four side wall elements will form an attachment which will increase the volumetric capacity of the crates. The attachment elements will each bear on an upper side of the respective side wall element and be retained in the folded-up position by guides provided on the side wall elements. When folded down, the respective attachment elements can be integrated into the respective side wall element in such a manner that the attachment elements at least will not protrude substantially over the thickness of the side wall elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing products stored in standing containers. The apparatus comprises a container member having each of a first predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. The container member has a slot formed into a side of such container member. A flexlift member having a second predetermined shape is engageable with the slot formed on the side of the container. A lift member is engageable with the flexlift member for raising such product disposed in the container when such flexlift member is pushed downward. A bottom cap member is engageable with a bottom portion of the container member for closing off the bottom of the container. A track cover for engagement with a portion of the flexlift member and is further engageable with the bottom cap member. A top cap member is engageable with a top portion of the container member for closing off the top of the container member thereby keeping products stored therein from falling out.

Abstract: A magnetized active water cup is provided, which includes an opening cover opening and closing the cup, a protruding tube formed at the center of the cup, and an elongated rod-shaped permanent magnet fitted in the protruding tube. Here, magnet embedded grooves are formed at certain intervals in the wall of the cup and permanent magnet, a magnetic force blocking cover and a sealing plate are fixed in sequence into each magnet embedded groove. Accordingly, magnetic force lines generated by the magnets 2 and 3 are uniformly influenced on the water contained in the magnetized active water cup, to thus enhance a magnetic efficiency of water.

Abstract: A trash can lid has incorporated in it an apparatus for coupling to and receiving water from a hose and conveying the water to a spray-head mechanism, wherein the water is pressurized and from whence the pressurized water is directed against the angled blades of rotary water-deflector, such that a rotary spray of pressurized water is directed against the interior walls of the trash can, thereby flushing wastes from the walls to the bottom of the trash can.

Abstract: A lid for a cooking vessel comprises a body portion having a rim, an underside, and a handle, wherein the rim has a support surface and an outer surface, and is matched to a brim on the cooking vessel brim in size and shape. The lid is configured to be placed in a closed position on the cooking vessel brim and is configured to be placed in a displaced position on a plane of the cooking vessel brim. The lid includes at least one pair of lugs, wherein each lug has an underside configured to be supported by the cooking vessel brim when the lid is in the displaced position. Each lug of the pair has an axis of symmetry forming a central angle with respect to each other of less than about 180°.

Abstract: A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon. Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material such as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.

Abstract: Detailed are embodiments of a detachable nose faceplate system that has a faceplate with a removable nose portion that may be orientated in multiple configurations to yield at least one passage.

Abstract: A plastic resealable closure includes a base plate affixed to a can, a middle plate having a plug, and a top plate having a support ring. The support ring expands or supports the plug to enhance sealing. The top plate includes prongs that are insertable into recesses on the base plate to enhance closing. The closure is applied without heating of the tool or the closure.

Abstract: A can end for a beverage container is described. The can end has a public and an opposing product side. A center panel extends radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis. The center panel has a means for opening the center panel and a symbol conveying information to a user on the public side. The symbol is at least partially surrounded by a spacing member in the center panel. The spacing member is dimensioned and located to provide a relative height differential between the spacing member and the symbol. A reinforcing wall is located about a peripheral edge of the center panel. A circumferential wall extends upwardly from the reinforcing wall. A curl is joined to the circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end.

Abstract: The fuel cap includes an outer cap as an outer envelope. The fuel cap includes an inner cap removably fitted in the outer cap through an opening of the outer cap. The fuel cap includes a canister located in a space between the outer cap and the inner cap for adsorbing a vaporized fuel. The fuel cap closes a fuel filler port for feeding a fuel to a fuel tank. The canister adsorbs a vaporized fuel vaporized from the fuel in the fuel tank. At least one of the outer cap and the inner cap defines a communication hole communicating with the space and an exterior. The canister includes a housing; and an adsorbent accommodated in the housing. The housing defines, on an end surface directed to the inner cap, an inlet for a vaporized fuel to flow into the inlet. The housing defines, on another end surface directed to the outer cap, an outlet for a gas, from which the vaporized fuel has been absorbed, to flow out of the outlet.

Abstract: A fuel cap 10 maintains high sealing even when subjected to external force; is easy to operate; and requires minimal space for accommodation. The cap device comprises a casing body 20 for closing the filler opening FNb in a sealed condition, a cover 40, a handle 45, a clutch mechanism 60 and a torque transmission mechanism 80. By upraising the handle to the handling position and applying rotational torque, rotational torque is transmitted to the casing body 20 via the clutch mechanism 60 and the torque transmission mechanism 80, closing the filler opening FNb. The handle 45 lowers back to the retracted position when released, whereupon the clutch mechanism 60 assumes non-transmission mode wherein the cover 40 and the handle 45 rotate freely if subjected to external force such as in a collision.

Abstract: A lid with a detachable sealing joint, the lid having a crown-type shell having an inner surface and an external surface, a sealing joint upon the inner surface of the shell; a detachable hydrophilic coating; and a coating compatible with the sealing joint upon the detachable hydrophilic coating; such that the detachable hydrophilic coating and the compatible coating form an adhesive interface between the crown and the sealing joint. The detachable hydrophilic coating having at least a water solid polymer, for example polyvinyl pyrrolidone; at least a cross-linking agent, for example, butanediol; and at least a solvent, for example, water. It also describes a method for manufacturing a lid with a detachable sealing joint and a method for bottling beverages using lids with a detachable sealing joint of the invention.

Abstract: A bubble top and height-extender element for use on a hopper such as a seed hopper in agricultural applications includes a bubble top or lid for mounting on the hopper or on an extender element positioned on the hopper, to facilitate additional seed or other material containment in the hopper. When used, the extender element is interposed between the bubble top or lid and the hopper itself, for increasing the carrying capacity of the hopper. In a preferred embodiment the bubble top or lid is utilized on a conventional hopper with or without the extender to increase the volume of seed, fungicide, pesticide or other material loaded in the hopper and thus reduce the labor costs and time required for distributing the material on a field to be seeded or treated.

Abstract: A locking system includes a carrier member at least one locking member extending from the rod. The carrier member is movable between a first locked position in which the locking member engages a locking receptacle to maintain a container cover in a closed position and a second unlocked position in which the locking member disengages from the locking receptacle and the cover is movable between the closed and open position. The locking system includes a blocking member at a second end of the carrier member. The blocking member is movable between a first engaged position in which the rod abuts a portion of the blocking member and maintains the elongate rod in the first locked position and a second disengaged position in which the rod disengages from the blocking member and a biasing unit urges the rod in the second unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vial including a stack of test sensors, wherein the vial includes a vial body and a vial cap and a seal. In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal includes an annular ledge, a flange attached to the annular ledge, a hinge, also referred to as an annular line of weakness, and a skirt. In one embodiment of the present invention, the annular line of weakness is positioned between the skirt and the flange such that the skirt folds outward when pressure is applied to the annular ledge, such as, for example, when the skirt is pressed against a sealing surface of the vial body.

Abstract: Apparatus for enclosing and containing its contents. Apparatus may include a container having wheels and a handle. Apparatus may include a top portion with a retractable cover capable of protecting the contents of the container from weather and other harmful elements.

Abstract: A lid for a container having a built-in opening feature comprises a flexible laminate comprising an upper layer and a lower layer, a pair of radially spaced concentric lines of weakness being formed in the upper and lower layers, respectively, wherein the upper and lower layers in an annular region between the lines of weakness are readily peeled apart, and wherein the upper and lower layers outside the annular region are laminated together with an adhesive providing a bond with a greater peel strength than that required to separate the layers in the annular region. An integral tab is formed in the upper layer by a U-shaped cut line. A distal end of the tab opposite from the two ends of the cut line is within an adhesive-free region of the laminate. The ends of the cut line are in an adhesively laminated area of the laminate.

Abstract: A pouch assembly is provided for use in a shipping container. The pouch assembly comprises dunnage in the form of a plurality of pouches for storing and transporting parts. The pouch assembly includes two end panels located inside the container and flexible support rods extending between the end panels for supporting individual pouches. The pouch assembly provides vertical access to product residing inside the pouches or cells inside the container.

Abstract: A non-disassembling partition assembly comprising a partition matrix made up of intersecting first and second slotted partitions, each of the partitions having at least one slot. The slots of the partitions are engaged with each other at a plurality of intersections. The partitions may be made by folding over a partition blank and securing a foam portion of the folded partition blank to itself. The foam may be heated before being cooled under pressure to secure opposed plies the partition together. The partition assembly is held together by a floor parent welded to the intersecting partitions. The floor has a lower outer skin and a foam layer to which the partitions are parent welded.

Abstract: A serving container for selectively dispensing one of two beverages includes a container body having an upper open mouth at the top and a vertically disposed partition to divide the container body into a pair of laterally disposed left and right compartments to hold two different beverages. The partition has a horizontally disposed sealing edge at the top between the compartments. A removable cover has a cooperating sealing surface adapted to engage the edge of the partition to form a seal that prevents mixing of the contents of the compartments when the cover is secured to the mouth of the container. A pair of selectively operable left and right valves are mounted in the cover to permit a beverage held in a selected storage compartment of the container to flow into either of two separate transfer chambers when a corresponding one of the valves is in an open position.

Abstract: A container for fluids, in particular liquids, such as beer or water, includes a spherical or spheroid casing, a valve part for filling the container with a fluid and an outer package surrounding the casing. The outer package comprises a shell, which follows the circumference of the casing.

Abstract: A plate pack includes a disposable dish and a first utensil detachably connected to the disposable dish. The plate pack includes a second utensil detachedly connected to the disposable dish, a third utensil detachedly connected to the disposable dish and a support member to detachedly connect to the disposable dish. The first utensil, the second utensil, the third utensil and the support member are connected to a periphery of the disposable dish. The plate pack is stackable with another plate pack.

Abstract: A container (1) for meat storage, treatment and distribution has an external rib (5) to facilitate handling and provide strength. Clips (32) are provided for attaching a lid (6) to the container, and a clip removal tool (52) which allows clips to be removed to open the container.

Abstract: A design for water shedding receptacle bottoms is presented in this invention. For ease in understanding, the specific case of a water shedding mug is presented and described in detail. The mug is designed such that water will run off the bottom of the mug when it is inverted in a dishwasher. The design is comprised of a convex bottom, a series of raised curvilinear forms radiating outward from the center of the bottom of the mug, and an associated high point on each curvilinear form at or near the periphery of the inverted mug. The convex bottom and raised curvilinear forms to form flow channels through which water will flow via normal gravitational forces when the mug is inverted in a dishwasher.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a liquid substance, the apparatus comprising: a vertical tube having a top open end and a bottom closed end, the top open end being generally circular and the bottom closed end being generally circular and sloped to a center portion. The center portion is adapted to receive the intake nozzle for a sprayer to allow the liquid to be fed into the sprayer without having to tip the bucket and preventing air from clogging the sprayer.

Abstract: A container includes a receptacle having sidewalls and a floor; and a plurality of bolsters attached to an underside portion of the floor. The bolsters include a lower panel spaced apart from the underside portion of the floor, at least two projections from the lower panel that form a first entry window, and a pair of walls extending from the lower panel to the floor that form a second entry window that is substantially perpendicular to the first entry window.

Abstract: An inspection port is for use in connection with a panel having a mounting hole. A base ring has a circular wall with base inner and base outer surfaces. The base ring has a plurality of flexible annular ridges extending transversely outward. The annular ridges each have a diameter greater than the mounting hole diameter. A cover has a circular wall with cover inner and outer surfaces. The cover outer surface is adapted for sliding engagement with the base inner surface. The cover has a plate extending transversely across the cover. An O-ring removably seals the cover to the base ring. The cover plate can be opaque, or transparent, and includes at least one finger recess for rotating the plate. The cover can include a plurality of louvers in the plate. To latch the cover, the base ring has four key slots 90 degrees apart on the base inner surface. The key slots are each L-shaped, with an axial leg and a transverse leg. The cover has four pins 90 degrees apart on the cover outer surface.

Abstract: A modularly constructed object comprising: a frame formed from a mouldable material; and one or more sheets of material, each having at least part of one edge embedded in the frame so that the one or more sheets are held in place by the frame. A method for constructing the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns containers of liquids such as for example a beverage, and in particular but not exclusively, disposable cups, and more specifically a utensil provided in such cups. Such a device (1) can be used both for stirring, as a drinking straw, for protection from heat by rigidifying de body of the cup (3), and as a support for an advertising message. Said elements (12, 30) can easily be individually detached from one another to mix or to drink a beverage, and optionally for preserving a printed information on the heat protecting sheet (2) for preventing fingers from getting burnt.

Abstract: A housing type cup holder includes: a holder housing in which a receiving part is formed; a holder including a main receiving part and a sub receiving part which is slidably connected to a lower portion of the main receiving part so as to descend by weight thereof when the main receiving part is drawn out and a holder support which includes a support lead having one end of which is connected through a hinge to the sub receiving part and the second end which is extended toward the inside of the holder housing; a support link which is connected through the hinge to the support lead and the second end which is housed in the receiving part in a state that the holder is drawn out, and a guide lead guiding the holder position of the support link.

Abstract: A detachable handle for a cooking container includes a body having an upper contact portion, a lower contact portion, and a locking element. The upper contact portion couples an interior surface or a rim of the cooking container. The lower contact portion couples with an exterior surface of the cooking container. The upper contact portion and lower contact portion cooperate to support the cooking container. The locking element resiliently locks the handle on the cooking container when the upper contact portion and lower contact portion are coupled to the cooking container. The body and the locking element may be formed as a single molded part.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fastening structure having a fastening flange extended outward from the periphery of a cover, and the fastening flange has a latch portion under the fastening flange for latching and fixing the cover; and a hinge portion for connecting the fastening flange at the periphery of the cover, and the hinge portion has a plurality of sections of crevices for reducing a hinge area that connects the fastening flange to the cover. The invention also discloses a sealed box that includes the fastening structure, and a container having a latch structure disposed at a top edge of the container and used together with the latch portion for latching and fixing the cover. Without changing the thickness of the hinge portion, the invention can save efforts for the operation of the sealed box while maintaining the stress of the hinge portion.

Abstract: A disposable container for disposing of yard debris. The container has a containment area defined by a sidewall. The containment area has a volume for storing waste yard debris. The container has an opening for accessing the containment area. The container has a flap adjacent the opening. The flap joins a base surface to the opening wherein the yard debris traverses along the flap to reach the opening and the containment area.

Abstract: A paintball canister apparatus includes a cylindrical canister body and a lid pivotally attached to the open end of the canister body. A lip extends downward from a major portion of an outer periphery of the lid, the lip extending along an outer surface of the canister body when the lid is closed. The lip and canister body are configured such that the lip engages the canister body to maintain the lid in the closed position. The canister body is made from a resilient material such that the lid may be opened by sliding a player's digit upward along the outer surface of the canister body into contact with the bottom edge of the lip and exerting a squeezing force on the canister body and an upward force on the lip to disengage the ridge from the groove and move the lid toward an open position.

Abstract: A serving tray assembly includes a serving platter and a receptacle platter. The serving platter has a central aperture extending there through and a serving area defined between the central aperture and a perimeter thereof. The receptacle platter has a bottom and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom at a perimeter thereof. The serving platter and the receptacle platter are releasably coupled to one another.

Abstract: A device and method of using same is provides which includes the use of an apparatus configured to apply labels to parcels moving along a conveyor belt. The apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame, a pair of turntable assemblies, a corresponding pair of arm assemblies, similarly corresponding arm assembly drive motors, a label application head assembly, a label printer/supplier, and a controlling apparatus. The support frame supports the pair of two turntable assemblies. Each of the turntable assemblies supports one of the arm assemblies such that each of the arm assemblies is pivotable about a horizontal axis. Each of the arm assemblies is also movable along its longitudinal axis relative to its respective turntable. The lower ends of arm assemblies are attached together in a hinged connection. At one end of one of the arm assemblies is attached a label application head assembly.

Abstract: A controller of a vending machine includes a timer for measuring current time and a memory for storing a usual product price for each product. Furthermore, the controller, when current time of product sales is within a predetermined time period, discounts a predetermined amount from the usual product price for product sales control.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of accessing a packaged medicament include placing a blister-type package containing the medicament onto a receiving area of a holder with a blister portion of the package extending into an opening in the holder. The blister-type package is held in place while a severing device is moved relative to the opening to separate at least a part of the blister portion from the blister-type package in order to access the medicament.

Abstract: A paperboard carton for containing wet wipes is disclosed. The top of the carton can be at an angle to the bottom of the carton. The carton can have a plastic closure fitment. The carton can contain a hollow coreless roll of wet wipes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plastic dispenser apparatus for dispensing plastic bags. In one embodiment, a plastic dispensing apparatus comprises a base panel, at least first and second side panels, each having a substantially linear edge and a substantially nonlinear edge and each rotatably connected to the base panel along the respective substantially linear edges, a fastening mechanism for securing the first side panel to the second side panel along at least a section of the substantially nonlinear edges of each panel, and an aperture created at the junction of the substantially nonlinear edges of the first side panel and the nonlinear edge of the second side panel. In another embodiment, a plastic dispensing apparatus further comprises a means for preventing rolling by a living hinge situated along at least one of the first and second side panels are connected to the base panel.

Abstract: A soft sided package for a wipe product is disclosed. The package is constructed of a flexible material capable of retaining a plurality of wipes. Preferably, the soft package is a refill package formed to snugly fit within the housing of a rigid wipes container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: Containers for foodstuffs which are resealable and have an elevating lift therein. The lift is preferably operated by an operator that fits within the container to prevent loss of freshness of the foodstuff or other contents. One operator uses a slot or groove which winds at least partially around a tubular operator which is engaged by a follower that extends from the elevator lift. The follower may also engage with a feature on an inside wall of the container to prevent rotation of the lift and provide relative longitudinal motion between the lift platform upon which chips or other foodstuffs are supported so that the contents can be adjusted for easy access. A removable lid allows controlled opening and closing or resealing of the container to keep the foodstuff contents fresh when not being dispensed.

Abstract: A syringe for dispensing a viscous settable material such as dental impression material has a tubular body (1) with an internal chamber (4), a plunger (2) movable through an open distal inlet end (5) along the chamber (4), and a nozzle (3) connected to an open proximal outlet end (6) of the chamber The outlet end (6) is wide relative to the chamber cross-section and the nozzle can be detached to facilitate cleaning after use. The nozzle (3) when detached, may be displaceable from the outlet end (6) to the inlet end (5) to remove residual material due to a close scraping action between a rim (13a) on the nozzle (3) and the interior surface of the chamber (4). The nozzle may also be non-removable so that cleaning can be readily effected due to the relatively wide outlet (6) using a pull-through.

Abstract: In a liquid supply apparatus, a liquid held in a liquid holding portion is pushed out to the exterior by pressurized gas. The apparatus includes a liquid pouring section for pouring a predetermined amount of liquid into an intermediate portion of the liquid holding portion, a liquid discharge portion which comprises a thin pipe smaller in flow passage cross-sectional area than the liquid holing portion, and is connected to one end of the liquid holding portion, a liquid storing portion which is larger in flow passage cross-sectional area than the liquid holding portion, and is connected to the other end of the liquid holding portion, and a gas feed section for feeding the pressurized gas into the liquid storing portion. The apparatus further includes at least one of first fault detection section for detecting a fault of the liquid pouring section and second fault detection section for detecting a fault of the gas feed section.

Abstract: A medical gas cylinder system is provided that includes a gas cylinder, a gas dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medical gas from the gas cylinder, a flow control valve operatively disposed in the dispensing mechanism and adapted to initiate a flow of medical gas from the gas cylinder upon actuation, and a cylinder contents gauge adapted to indicate the status of medical gas within the gas cylinder. The flow control valve includes a setting to ensure the gas contents of cylinder are evacuated prior to return shipment. The disclosed system further includes a shipping container having a configuration adapted to hold the gas cylinder and dispensing mechanism and having one or more transparent surfaces or windows such that the cylinder contents gauge or other cylinder status indication is visible when the gas cylinder and dispensing mechanism are placed in the container. The gas cylinder and container are suitable for shipment via commercial carrier.

Abstract: A foam chemical dispenser apparatus having a chemical supply device and a dispenser device with housing and foam chemical output. A chemical passageway is provided from the source to the output. In a preferred embodiment, the passageway is at least partially defined by a hose and a chemical conduit formed in the dispenser housing. A heating system is included having a first heater element extending within the hose from a first end positioned closer to the chemical supply device to a second feedthrough supported end positioned closer to the dispenser device, and a second heating element is provided in the dispenser device. A temperature sensor system is included with a first temperature sensor positioned for sensing temperature of chemical in the hose and a second temperature sensor positioned for sensing chemical temperature in the dispenser device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for the production of optionally decorated confectionery from at least one liquid to viscous starting mass, said plant comprising a dosing unit, for the dosed introduction of mass to a dosing location, a positioning means, for carrying out a relative positioning between the dosing unit and the dosing position and a transport means for the removal of the dosed masses in the dosing location. According to the invention, the plant further comprises a data processing system with input means, display means and a memory, a comparator, a method parameter calculating means which designates process parameters of the production method and/or machine parameters of the plant according to a given calculated schema, for the product parameters inputted via the input means and a control system comprising actuators.