Abstract: A system for keeping a solution of urea in a liquid state comprising a tank having a level sensing apparatus, inlet and outlet tubes for supplying and withdrawing urea solution, and a plurality of non-contact heating elements disposed in vertical relationship to one another. Preferably, the heating elements are infrared (IR) radiative coils encased in IR-transparent quartz tubes. In one embodiment, each heating element represents a horizontally defined heating zone. When the reservoir tank is full and predetermined temperature conditions are met, all of the heaters are on, each heater irradiating its own horizontal zone. As zones are progressively emptied during consumption of the urea solution, as determined by the level sensor, each respective zone heater is de-energized. Because each horizontal zone is heated by a single heater, the solution is maintained at a substantially uniform temperature over the full depth of the tank without localized overheating.

Abstract: A consumer unit (7) for converting inductively transmitted electric power. The device comprises at least one secondary coil (5) for accepting power from a alternating electromagnetic field. The secondary coil (5) is electrically connected to at least one consumer in which the electric power is converted. The consumer unit (7) is designed as a replaceable module for an induction furnace (25).

Abstract: A microwavable food package includes a container and a closure coupled to the container to close an open cavity formed in the container. The container includes a susceptor used to absorb microwaves and convert the microwaves to heat to facilitate cooking certain foods in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A method for stowage of cargo items (7, 18, 100). In a cargo container (12, 20, 103) wherein spaces around the cargo items and within the cargo container are at least partly filled with spacer elements (1, 19, 104-106, 109-112) so as to substantially prevent movement of the cargo items in the cargo container, characterized in that dynamic forces on the cargo items associated with motion of the cargo container and/or weight forces on the cargo items are transmitted to the container structure through the spacer elements, and wherein at least one spacer element transmitting such forces comprises a shaped block of expanded plastics foam material, preferably polystyrene. The invention is applicable to comparatively heavy loads such as those transported in shipping containers and in such land vehicles as rail cars and road transport vehicles.

Abstract: A detachable bamboo material-based storage container includes two side panels each having a substantially rectangular open frame made of bamboo and multiple bamboo slats transversely mounted in the rectangular open frame, a bottom panel detachably coupled between the two side panels by means of a tenon-and-mortise joint, a -shaped bamboo frame bar inserted through one side panel and forced into engagement with the other side panel and used as a handle of the storage container, multiple bamboo rod members detachably connected between the two side panels by means of a plug joint, and pins bilaterally vertically inserted through respective vertical through holes on the bamboo rod members and the -shaped bamboo frame bar and fitted into respective pinholes on the bottom panel.

Abstract: This invention is a fold up utility tray made of waterproof material to prevent spilling liquids while changing was ring, carpet, tile or flooring. Tray comes in many sizes to fit most jobs. Tray folds for easy storage. Can be used for mixing small amounts of cement, stucco or art work.

Abstract: A vessel includes a containing body, an upper cover, a thing holding member, and a bottom cover; the containing body has an upper opening; the upper cover is threadedly joined on the containing body to cover the opening; the upper cover has a drink outlet, and a moving cap is pivoted on the upper cover to seal the drink outlet; the upper cover further has several bores so that drinks can flow out of the containing body through the drink outlet easily; the thing holding member is securely joined on the containing body, and has several hollow holding portions on an inner circumferential side to contain drink materials such as tea bags and sugar bags; the bottom cover is joined on a lower end of the thing holding member to close the hollow holding portions.

Abstract: A mask blank container is adapted to house a mask blank with a resist film. The container comprises a container body 5 for receiving the mask blank; a cap member 6 to be put on the container body; and a fixing member 9 adapted to fix the container body and the cap member to each other when the cap member is put on the container body. The container body and the cap member have fitting portions 51 and 61 made of a resin material and fitted to each other, respectively. The fixing member comprises a first member 91 having an engaging portion 91 a to be engaged with the fitting portion of the cap member, and a second member 92 having an engaging portion 93 to be engaged with the fitting portion of the container body. A distance between the engaging portions of the first and the second members is desired to be variable.

Abstract: A cover for a photoresist container includes a cap assembly and a threaded connector. The cap assembly includes a mounting plate, a connecting base and a cover plate. The mounting plate has a bottom surface, a top surface and a central hole defined through the mounting plate. The connecting base is mounted in the central hole of the mounting plate and abuts the bottom surface of the mounting plate. The cover plate is mounted on the top surface of the mounting plate and is connected to the connecting base. The threaded connector is connected detachably to the mounting plate and has a passing hole defined through the threaded connector and having an inner thread. When the inner thread of the threaded connector is worn off or damaged, the threaded connector can be detached and replaced easily and conveniently.

Abstract: A seal jar is constituted by a jar body collocating with an inner jar inserted into the jar body and a lid. An annular protruding rim in stair shape is formed on the upper end edge of the inner jar, and an annular groove corresponding to the lower end of the protruding annular rim for fitting with a seal is formed on the side edge of the inner jar which is covered by the lid which has a seal on the lid edge. The inner jar is inserted in the jar body, and the seal fitted in the annular groove of the inner jar seals at the inner side of the jar body. The lid fits at the upper end of the annular protruding rim of the inner jar, and the seal fitted in the annular groove of the lid similarly seals at the inner side of the annular protruding rim.

Abstract: A fluid container is described herein. The fluid container generally includes a first end, a second end, a first opening disposed at the first end, a second opening disposed at the second end, at least two caps adapted for securing the first opening and the second opening, a divider disposed proximate a center of the bottle. The at least two end caps provided with a flat end and support structure up the a diameter of the container and also including an integrated, hinged fluid port adapted to provide access to fluid contained in the fluid container, said at least two end caps adapted for securing the first opening and the second threaded portals and to support the fluid container upright when stood on its ends and on at least one of said at least two end caps.

Abstract: A slider package is illustrated which includes a lid which can be linearly translated and selectively pivoted relative to a container. A slide assembly is provided between the lid and container which may include tracks and at least one follower such as one or more projecting cylindrical tabs which slide against and can be rotated relative to the tracks. Partition spacers may also be employed to separate and space individual units of consumable products. This feature may also be employed in a non-slider package such as a container having a lid which is permanently connected to the container by a living hinge. The packages are preferably formed through plastic molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap assembly mounted on a discharging portion of a container for containing an ingredient different from that in accommodated in a container, which comprise a cap body a cap body formed by an upper cap part and a lower cap part which may be divided along a cut-off line; a housing with a storage chamber for a secondary ingredient formed by the lower portion of the upper cap part; a sealing assembly provided below the lower cap part, comprising a sealing element and a space through which the secondary ingredient may be discharged in use; and a mouth formed above the lower cap part. The cap assembly of the present invention has advantageous effects of convenience in use and of preventing alteration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a composite material as a fluid barrier under cryogenic conditions, the composite material having: (a) a tensile Young's modulus of less than 50 GPa; and (b) a tensile strain at break of at least 5% at ambient conditions. The present invention further relates to a sandwich and a containment system for a cryogenic fluid comprising the composite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the food industry. The inventive package comprises a thermal module (3) placed in a heat insulating body (1) and having an activator including holder, (5) with at least one piercing member (6) installed thereon and having a tip. Arranged in a thermal module case are: a stored product container (4) hermetically connected thereto, a solid reagent (11), and a closed compartment (9) formed of a material capable to be pierced, containing a liquid reagent (10). Recesses (14) are formed as grooves or holes at equal angular distances relative to each other in a sidewall of the thermal module case at least oppositely to the closed compartment (9) arranged therein. An internal surface area of each recess (14) is arranged at a minimum gap or closely to the closed compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for storing articles. The apparatus comprises a container having an open top, a closed bottom and a continuous peripheral wall extending therearound between said top and bottom. The peripheral wall has an exterior surface adapted to have a flexible sheet applied thereto. The flexible sheet has top and bottom opposed edges corresponding to the top and bottom of the container. The apparatus further comprises edge protecting means for protecting at least one of the top or bottom edge of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: The current invention is an apparatus that allows the user to easily lift a container. Specifically, the apparatus is a set of handles that can be attached to a container after market or can be integrated into the container's design during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A packaging container for dispensing wipes includes a lid and a base for storing wipes that are dispensed through an aperture having large and small aperture portions connected by a channel and a continuous concave curve from the large aperture portion to the small aperture portion.

Abstract: Tissue products comprising an expandable dispensing carton and a compressed stack of folded tissues, such as facial tissues, can significantly reduce costs associated with shipping such low density products. Expansion of the expandable dispensing carton can be activated by the user or the retailer, thereby releasing the compression of the tissue stack and allowing the tissues to be dispensed normally.

Abstract: The tablet cassette includes a division block installed to be rotated by a drive motor to discharge tablets introduced from above through transfer passages indented in an outer circumferential surface thereof. Each of the transfer passage includes a separation recess for downward transfer of the tablets, a lower end of which is blocked by a prop, and a supply recess along which the tablets having passed through the separation recess are moved on the outer circumferential surface of the division block to thereby be discharged downward via rotation of the division block. The tablet cassette further includes a bottom ring provided around a lower end of the division block to transfer the tablets located in the separation recess into the supply recess via rotation of the division block.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients is a liquid chocolate ingredient.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a fluid dispenser member (10) such as a pump or a valve, and a dispenser head (20) provided with a dispensing orifice, said fluid dispenser device being characterized in that said device is provided with dispensing detector means (30, 31) for detecting dispensing of a dose of fluid, said detector means (30, 31) being adapted to deliver a signal for informing the user that a dose of fluid has indeed been dispensed by said pump, said detector means comprising a detector (30) for detecting the fluid going from said dispenser member to said dispenser orifice.

Abstract: The portable multipurpose food and beverage insulated container and insulated water dispensing alternative consisting of the cooler body, a press fit top lid, a content support assemblage, a cup support assemblage, a nozzle or spigot access door with magnetic closure function and rubber skid strips. The cooler body is a rigid plastic multilayer housing with thermal insulator foam deposited between the general plainer outer shell and inner shell for reducing heat transfer through the cooler body. The press fit lid covers the top of the cooler body. The plastic content support assemblage supports the weight of the unit's contents in one of two possible orientations and collects condensate from the ice pack and or content defrosting. The cup support assemblage seats cups on a level surface and captures spilled water during water dispensing.

Abstract: A dispensing system for supplying containers with a fluid material provided from a source is provided. The dispensing system includes a chamber configured to be connected to receive the fluid material from the source and a piston configured for motion between predetermined limits for establishing controlled volumes of the fluid material. The dispensing system further includes a nozzle configured to receive the controlled volumes of the fluid material and to discharge the controlled volumes of the fluid material into the containers and a switching valve positioned directly between the piston and the nozzle, the switching valve configured to include a lumen that moves from a first position to a second position to regulate the discharge of the controlled volumes of the fluid material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device used for assisting a person in putting on pants. In its preferred embodiment the present device is generally comprised of a non-flexible beam, a plurality of clips, two ropes and two handles. The beam has two ends and each rope is attached to each end of the beam. Each rope terminates at a soft, rubberized handle. The clips are attached to the beam in a downward facing manner by clip attachments. Clips then attach to the person's pair of pants for use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable carrier. The portable carrier is capable of removably retaining and carrying a beverage container. The portable carrier comprises an enclosure and a strap. The enclosure includes a base and a sidewall. The sidewall is extending vertically upward from a periphery of the base for configuring a hollow space with a top opening. The enclosure is capable of removably retaining the beverage container within the hollow space. Further, the strap is detachably coupled to the enclosure, proximate to the top opening, for configuring a loop for removably suspending the enclosure to a neck of a user for carrying the beverage container.

Abstract: A portable retainer apparatus and method of use for retaining an article, wherein the retainer apparatus removably engages a body part, the retainer apparatus includes primary, secondary, and tertiary flexible panels. The secondary flexible panel is positioned adjacent to a portion of the primary flexible panel, wherein the secondary flexible panel forms a secondary partial pocket as against the primary flexible panel. The tertiary flexible panel is positioned adjacent to both a portion of the primary flexible panel and a portion of the secondary flexible panel, wherein the combination of the primary, secondary, and tertiary flexible panels form a combination pocket. Further included is a structure for removable engagement to the body part, wherein operationally the combination pocket allows an unobstructed single hand access to the article disposed within the pocket for article replacement while the retainer apparatus is engaged to the body part.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system adapted to be secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system includes a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface and at least one cross bar. The cross bar has end supports that are able to pivot. The end supports may be secured to the support rails to place the cross bars in an operative position extending generally perpendicularly between the support rails, and elevationally above the support rails. The end supports also enable the cross bar to be placed in a stowed position along the slats where each of the end supports lay generally co-linear with a central portion its respective cross bar.

Abstract: A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp.

Abstract: A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage.

Abstract: Camping gear has a storage bag permanently attached thereto which provides an internal storage chamber for receiving and storing the camping gear therein when the gear is in a collapsed position. A pocket is secured to a surface of the gear and the storage bag is secured at one end within the pocket and stored therein when not in use. Prior to placing the camping gear in the collapsed position, the storage bag is pulled from the pocket and is either rolled over the collapsed gear for placing the gear within the storage chamber or the collapsed gear is inserted into the storage chamber of the bag through an elongated opening formed in the bag. An opening can be formed in one end of the bag for inserting the gear into the storage chamber and is closed by a drawstring. A handle or strap is attached to the storage bag for carrying the camping gear after being placed in the storage bag.

Abstract: A hooded backpack and speaker combination device which has a plurality of pockets on its shoulder straps for housing various electronic devices including a switch pocket and switch allowing communication with a selected electric device via speakers housed within a hood attached to the top of the backpack.

Abstract: Camping gear has a storage bag permanently attached thereto which provides an internal storage chamber for receiving and storing the camping gear therein when the gear is in a collapsed position. A pocket is secured to a surface of the gear and the storage bag is secured at one end within the pocket and stored therein when not in use. Prior to placing the camping gear in the collapsed position, the storage bag is pulled from the pocket and is either rolled over the collapsed gear for placing the gear within the storage chamber or the collapsed gear is inserted into the storage chamber of the bag through an elongated opening formed in the bag. An opening can be formed in one end of the bag for inserting the gear into the storage chamber and is closed by a drawstring. A handle or strap is attached to the storage bag for carrying the camping gear after being placed in the storage bag. Alternatively, the invention is a cushion having an integral waterproof protective covering permanently attached to the cushion.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing sheet product includes a housing, a proximity sensor operative to detect a presence of a user's hand at a predetermined location near the dispenser, and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing, the dispensing mechanism including an electronic controller operably coupled to a drive motor that is operably coupled to a feed roller to dispense the sheet product. The dispensing mechanism is operative in a first mode to be responsive to a signal from the proximity sensor to dispense the sheet product, and is operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet product in response to an existing sheet product being torn from the dispenser. The controller is responsive to a switch adapted and configured to set an adjustable time delay between sheet feeds when the dispensing mechanism is operating in at least one of the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: A slide hammer for driving a probe into the ground includes a probe lifting and removal arrangement in which a slide hammer tube is pivoted away from the probe to function as a lever operating with a clutch arrangement to incrementally withdraw the probe from the ground. A biasing arrangement using a coil spring is operative to hold the anvil in a locked probe driving position, to facilitate release of the tube from the locking position for pivotal movement to the probe removal position, to bias a clutch disk to a release position with respect to the pin, to facilitate incremental lifting contact between the clutch disk and the pin, and to return the tube to a subsequent incremental lifting position.

Abstract: A stapler gun comprises a main body, a magazine assembly, a seat assembly, a coil spring and a pressing assembly. The magazine assembly is coupled to the main body and includes a slider rail and a nail holder. The seat assembly is slideably disposed along the slider rail. The coil spring includes first and second ends, with the first end of the coil spring is wound in the seat assembly, and with the second end of the coil spring fixed to the slider rail. The pressing assembly is pivotally connected to the seat assembly and abuts with the nail holder. After feeding a plurality of C type nails on the nail holder, the pressing assembly is abutted against the rear one nail of the C type nails for restricting the C type nails on the nail holder.

Abstract: A new control variable is introduced, that when combined with previous dependent control criteria on other variables results in a control program that can create a superior weld while minimizing wear on the FSW tool, wherein the tool repeatedly experiences the same thermal and mechanical loading within specified control windows during every repeated weld sequence because flow stresses and tool loads are driven by temperature, and dependent control loops account for differences in material and heat that is transferred at different rates in varying locations throughout a friction stir weld.

Abstract: A device and a method for making a semiconductor device including bonding a first bonding partner to a second bonding partner. The device comprises a lower tool and an upper tool, the upper tool including a plunger having a bottom side facing the lower tool at which bottom side a vacuum is creatable, so that the first bonding partner can be picked up by vacuum from the upper tool and positioned on the second bonding partner.

Abstract: A wire bonding apparatus including a capillary having a through-hole through which a wire is inserted; an inert gas feed section for feeding inert gas containing reducing gas to a region on the tip end side of the bonding tool; and a gas blowing nozzle for blowing out inert gas containing reducing gas along a base end surface of the capillary including an opening of the through-hole. The pressure in the through-hole is made lower than the ambient pressure by the gas blown out of the gas blowing nozzle toward the opening of the base end of the capillary, so that the inert gas containing reducing gas blown out of the inert gas feed section flows through the tip end into the through-hole, thus preventing oxidation of the part of the wire inside the through-hole of the capillary.

Abstract: Packaging materials and methods of forming the same are described herein. The methods generally include providing a paperboard substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, coating the exterior surface of the paperboard substrate with a first polymer to form an exterior layer forming a wall structure, forming the wall structure into a packaging material and adhering a closure assembly to the packaging material, wherein a portion of the closure assembly is directly attached to the exterior layer and wherein the portion of the closure assembly is formed of the first polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a collapsible shipping container utilizing standard box making equipment manufactured from material such as paper, corrugated board, and corrugated plastic, and in particular, to a package that employs a tensioned film system, that holds a product hammock style, between two layers of film and/or between a film and a wall of the package. To use the box, the formed box which has been stored in a flat configuration, is unfolded to a substantially rectangular or square configuration by folding at least one flap panel about its fold line to a position superadjacent a central panel and conforming the container to a hexagonal cross-section. In this configuration the box retains its hexagonal cross-section and can be self supporting in a vertical position, in order to facilitate the filing operation.

Abstract: A paperboard container having a lower portion and an upper portion and having two separate means to open the container comprising, a tear strip located around the lower portion of the container and a re-closable top located at the upper portion of the container.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a revolution counter tool and method employs an adapter shaft with input and output ends coupled in-line between a driven part and a driving part, and an intermediate portion between the input and output ends that is coupled to a rotary encoder and encoder circuit. A memory counter circuit maintains a count of turns and increments of the driven part by the driving part, and a reference setting circuit sets a reference setting of the memory counter circuit when a count is to be taken. The device body has a first portion mounting the adapter shaft with the rotary encoder, an intermediate housing containing the memory counter circuit, and a second portion at a distance from the first portion and of a sufficient mass that acts to orient the device body to a gravity-determined position as a reference position.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods consistent with disclosed embodiments permit the automatic configuration of printers based on the generic physical characteristics of print media by using a product code associated with the print media. Printer configuration settings associated with the product code are retrieved and used to automatically configure an input tray by detecting status information pertaining to input trays during a specified time interval around the time the product code was received.

Abstract: A media reader docking system is provided for organizing digital content stored on media cards. The system includes a dock for receiving a plurality of media bays. Both the dock and the media bay may be connected to a computer for access to the digital content of the media cards. The media bay is configured to accept a plurality of media cards for storage of the media cards and access to the digital content without requiring the removal of the digital content from the media cards. The dock is expandable to receive more media bays and thus accept more media cards. A collection of digital content may be generated from a series of media cards stored within the media bays. A software program is included to interface between the dock or the media bay and the computer. The media reader docking system provides fast and easy access to the digital content stored on the plurality of media cards inserted within the media bays and secured to the dock.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for carrying out peer-to-peer financial transactions using one or more electronic devices. In one embodiment, a request for payment is transmitted from a first device to a second device using a near field communication (NFC) interface. In response to the request, the second device may transmit payment information to the first device. The first device may select a crediting account and, using a suitable communication protocol, may communicate the received payment information and selected crediting account to one or more external financial servers configured to process and determine whether the payment may be authorized. If the payment is authorized, a payment may be credited to the selected crediting account. In a further embodiment, a device may include a camera configured to obtain an image of a payment instrument. The device may further include an application to extract payment information from the acquired image.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for carrying out peer-to-peer financial transactions using one or more electronic devices. In one embodiment, a request for payment is transmitted from a first device to a second device using a near field communication (NFC) interface. In response to the request, the second device may transmit payment information to the first device. The first device may select a crediting account and, using a suitable communication protocol, may communicate the received payment information and selected crediting account to one or more external financial servers configured to process and determine whether the payment may be authorized. If the payment is authorized, a payment may be credited to the selected crediting account. In a further embodiment, a device may include a camera configured to obtain an image of a payment instrument. The device may further include an application to extract payment information from the acquired image.

Abstract: A peripheral including a biometric reader and a card reader which require less mounting space than separate devices. An example peripheral includes a magnetic stripe reader including a housing, and a fingerprint reader in the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a customized gift card and methods for customizing the gift card with buyer-selected downloadable content. A buyer may associate pre-purchased downloadable content with a gift card such that the card is “preloaded” for a recipient. The recipient may then redeem the customized gift card and download or access the pre-purchased content. The customized gift card may also include a buyer-selected image and/or personalized message on the face of the card. Alternatively, the customized gift card may have a generic design. Various methods are provided for producing the cards and selecting the downloadable content, including purchasing the card online and having it delivered; buying a generic card and associating content with it online; and purchasing and preloading the card at a dispenser, or kiosk.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for transportation check-in (e.g., ticketing and identification) via near field communication (NFC) using a handheld electronic device, such as a cellular phone or a personal media player. The handheld device may store and transmit travel reservations and traveler identifications using a travel management application. Various methods may be employed to acquire the reservation and identification information on the handheld device. For example, travel reservations may be made via the management application or may be retrieved from an email, a website, another NFC-enabled device, or a carrier-provided confirmation number. User identification may be acquired by scanning a radio frequency identification tag embedded in a government-issued I.D. In another embodiment, an I.D. number may be entered via the travel management application, and the user's identification information may be downloaded from the issuing authority.