Abstract: A method to make an arm for the distribution of concrete, or other material similar to concrete, used on heavy work vehicles, wherein the arm comprises a plurality of segments selectively folding and extendible one with respect to the other. Each segment comprises a main girder and auxiliary elements for connection to adjacent segments or for attachment of movement and/or supporting devices for the pipe that carries the concrete. The method comprises a first step in which each main girder is formed, with a predefined length, by depositing a plurality of layers of pre-impregnated composite material in a female type mold. The method comprises a second step in which the composite material, deposited in layers in the mold in a variable number of layers, is subjected to polymerization. The method comprises a third step in which each main girder is removed from the mold and a fourth step in which the auxiliary elements are associated with each girder so as to form a relative segment.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a food container. The food container includes an open end and a closed end. The food container is provided on a surface thereof with a plurality of apertures and a plurality of protrusions. The food container is made of a resilient material for use with foodstuff.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a food container having an open end and a closed end. A plurality of apertures is formed on the container. A first coupling member has an opening in communication with the container open end. A second coupling member cooperates with the first coupling member and movable between an open configuration allowing food to pass through the opening and into the container, and a sealed configuration where the second coupling member covers and seals the open end of the container. The container is made of a soft resilient material, and the apertures and the container are sized and shaped such that normally the container stays in its original shape and the food stays inside the container. The container collapses by external force during feeding, and returns to its original shape upon release of the force.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a novel container neck finish having a substantially cylindrical exterior wall surface surrounding an orifice defined in the container and a thread structure positioned about the exterior wall surface. The thread structure in one aspect has at least a first portion, a second portion positioned substantially axially below the first portion, and a third portion positioned substantially axially below the second portion. The first, second, and third portions, being inclined with respect to the other portions provide a screw on neck finish. The effective maximum diameter of the first portion is less than the effective maximum diameter of the second portion to define a first to second separation distance. And the effective maximum diameter of the second portion is less than the effective maximum diameter of the third portion to define a second to third separation distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced water product, wherein a solid dosage product is conveyed with a bottle of water in an attached dosage cup. The attachment is achieved with a novel frangible feature that flexes out of the way during a simplified snap-on assembly. The feature breaks away when any attempt is made to separate the dosage cup from bottle, thus rendering the product safe from malicious tampering. In an alternate embodiment, the dosage cup is used to measure any liquid product.

Abstract: A so-called ‘non-drip’ cap (10) for a soft bottle (12) includes a base (16) and a top (26) defining a chamber (32) for the throughflow of a product, in which a stop valve (34) of an outlet (30) is mobile, the valve being elastically retracted back into the throughflow chamber (32) by an elastic element (36). The elastic element (36) includes of a series of at least three flexible lugs (38) which are regularly angularly distributed and project from a cylindrical body (40) of the valve (34), the lugs being supported against a wall of the base (16).

Abstract: A polyolefin composition having good transparency and mechanical properties comprising, all percent amounts being by weight: A) from 70 to 98% of a propylene homopolymer or copolymer having haze of 25% or less and melting temperature of 130° C. or higher; and B) from 2 to 30% of a butene-1 copolymer containing from 0.5 to 30% of one or more comonomer(s).

Abstract: Plastic bottle including a body (9) extending along a central axis (Z) that includes a lower portion (3) with a substantially constant cross section; followed by a gripping portion (4); and terminated by an upper portion (5) with a substantially constant section and arranged to correspond with the cross section of the lower portion. The gripping portion (4) includes two globally plane gripping panels (41) arranged to be parallel to each other and to the central axis (Z) at a distance convenient for gripping with the hands. These panels have at least one reinforcing relief (44; 45) extending in a transverse plane, and are connected to each other by connecting panels (42) extending along the lower portion (3) and the upper portion (5), through rounded angles located at the circumferential ends of the panels.

Abstract: A plastic container that is fabricated from an extrudable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using an extrusion blow molding process includes a neck portion, a bottom portion and a main body portion. The main body portion has a central opening that extends completely through the main body portion and may have generally toroidal area surrounding the central opening. The bottom portion includes a plurality of support feet and a substantially smooth central raised portion that has substantially no discontinuities such as the gate well that is commonly found on PET containers fabricated using the conventional stretch blow molding process. The neck portion may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the container so as to facilitate pouring by a consumer.

Abstract: A tray and bottle arrangement has a tray for holding several reusable bottles. The tray has an elongated body and defines several pockets adjacent one another in the top of the tray. Each pocket has a cylindrical sidewall with narrow channels communicating between adjacent pockets so that the sides of adjacent bottles can touch one another. Fingers extend from the top surface of the tray on both sides of the pockets and engage the sides of the bottles within the pockets. Also, ribs extend into the pockets from the pockets' sidewalls that engage the sides of the bottles to hold them in the tray.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an LC circuit, including forming a first conductive layer pattern serving as a lower electrode of a capacitor on a first interlayer insulating layer, forming a dielectric layer pattern storing electric charges on the first conductive layer pattern, forming a second conductive layer pattern serving as an upper electrode of the capacitor on the dielectric layer pattern, forming a second interlayer insulating layer on the second conductive layer pattern, forming a contact via exposing one of the first or second conductive layer pattern in the second interlayer insulating layer, and filling the contact via with a contact plug, and forming a third conductive layer pattern on the second interlayer insulating layer having the contact plug, wherein the third conductive layer pattern is electrically connected to the contact plug, and is etched in a metal interconnection type layer and functions as an inductor.

Abstract: Metal-clad laminates in which a conductor layer having superior peel strength is formed on a smooth surface of an insulating layer can be obtained by a method comprising (A) a step of preparing a metal-clad laminate precursor by providing one or more sheets of prepreg between two sheets of film having a metal film layer on a support layer, and heating and pressing them under reduced pressure, (B) a step of removing the support layer, (C) a step of removing the metal film layer, and (D) a step of forming a metal film layer on the surface of an insulating layer by electroless plating.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, this invention uses an ultraviolet-curable resin material for pattern transfer containing 80 to 95 wt % of isobornyl acrylate, 1 to 20 wt % of trifunctional acrylate, and 0.5 to 6 wt % of a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultraviolet-curing resin material for pattern transfer contains at least one of 2-methyl-2-adamantyl acrylate, 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl acrylate, and 1,3-adamantanedimethanol diacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, polyfunctional acrylate, and a polymerization initiator, or contains at least one of the acrylates described above, a polymerization initiator, and fluorine-based alcohol.

Abstract: A method (and apparatus) of imprint lithography, includes imprinting, via a patterned mask, a pattern into a resist layer on a substrate, and overlaying a cladding layer over the imprinted resist layer. A portion of the cladding layer is used as a hard mask for a subsequent processing.

Abstract: A processing gas fed from a gas feed pipe (8) through a gas introducing port (9) flows first into an outer annular gas flow channel (20a), where it is circumferentially diffused, and then into an inner annular gas flow channel (20b) via a passageway (23), and from this inner annular gas flow channel (20b) it flows into a gas diffusion gap (7) in the back surface of a shower head (6) via a gas feed hole 25. Thereafter, the processing gas is diffused in the gas diffusion gap (7) and delivered from gas delivery holes (5) to a semiconductor wafer (W). This makes it possible to improve the uniformity of in-plane process, as compared with the prior art, and to make a uniform process.

Abstract: Occurrence of a back-flow of plasma or ignition of gas for plasma excitation in a longitudinal hole portion can be prevented more completely, and a shower plate in which efficient plasma excitation is possible is provided. In shower plate 105, which is arranged in processing chamber 102 of a plasma processing apparatus and discharges gas for plasma excitation into processing chamber, porous-gas passing body 114 having a pore that communicates in the gas flow direction is fixed onto longitudinal hole 112 used as a discharging path of gas for plasma excitation. The pore diameter of a narrow path in a gas flowing path formed of a pore, which communicates to porous-gas passing body 114, is 10 ?m or lower.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode for a vacuum interrupter, capable of reducing damage of contacts due to heat concentration to the center of the contacts, by reducing magnetic flux concentration to the center of the electrode, and capable of rapidly extinguishing an arc by diffusing the arc by forming a wide range of magnetic flux.

Abstract: A drawn arc welding process that includes the steps of a) providing a welding device having a fastener, b) providing a power supply and controller linked with the welding tool, c) providing a work piece, d) energizing a main welding current in the welding tool locally melting the workpiece and forming a weld pool, e) changing the energizing current to a predetermined plunge current, and f) plunging the fastener into the locally melted workpiece at the predetermined plunge current forming a weld between the fastener and the work piece.

Abstract: A laser welding method for stacked workpieces. A laser irradiation diameter that is irradiated on a surface of one workpiece among two stacked workpieces is set such that a laser irradiation diameter at a weld ending-edge portion is equal to or greater than approximately 1.5 times a laser irradiation diameter at a weld starting-edge portion. Thus, at the weld ending-edge portion, the material is melted in a wider area compared to a conventional example, and therefore, the melted material is supplied to the center portion of the weld ending-edge portion while the weld ending-edge portion is solidifying. As a result, a depth of the recess at the weld ending-edge portion can be made shallow enough to guarantee the welding quality of each of the workpieces.

Abstract: A system prevents oxidation of a laser cut workpiece by utilizing a laser source that utilizes laser source with an inert gas, such as argon or helium, rather than air or oxygen, to create the slots or kerfs which form the pattern cut into the workpiece. The system introduces oxygen gas through the workpiece as it is being laser cut to oxidize any slag or dross created during the laser cutting process. Oxygen or a mixture of oxygen with other gases cools the slag and the workpiece while at the same time oxidizing the slag to either completely burn or partial burn the slag before it strikes an exposed surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward transmitting radiant energy across a boundary of a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for transmitting radiant energy across a boundary of a medical device includes a first functional module of a medical device, a second functional module of the medical device, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the first functional module, and a radiant energy source that emits a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to perform a manufacturing process on the first functional module and the second functional module.

Abstract: A weld data acquisition system collects data from the weld controller according to user selected collection parameters. The weld data acquisition system is able to transmit the data at high frequency to a weld data software utility that provides a user interface.

Abstract: A tandem pulse arc welding control apparatus includes a voltage detector; a voltage setting unit; a pulse-peak-current-reference-value setting circuit; a pulse-base-current-reference-value setting circuit; an error amplifier that calculates a pulse-peak-current variation value and a pulse-base-current variation value; an adder that calculates a pulse-peak-current value; an adder that calculates a pulse-base-current value; a pulse-waveform selection circuit that outputs the pulse-peak-current value in a pulse peak period, and that outputs the pulse-base-current value in a pulse base period; and an output control circuit that controls a current value for a second welding wire. Because an appropriate welding voltage can be obtained with this configuration, a high welding quality can be realized.

Abstract: It comprises cylindrical feeder collet (6) formed with a slit portion at a front end thereof for feeding power to a welding wire internally set through; collet case (7) for storing feeder collet (6) therein, having an abutment on which the end of feeder collet (6) is abutted; flexible inner tube (4) for leading the welding wire to feeder collet (6); torch body (3) with inner tube (4) inserted therein and collet case (7) detachably disposed at the front end thereof; and spring (5) for pressurizing feeder collet (6) toward the front end of the welding wire, wherein there is provided a taper surface on at least any one of the front end of feeder collet (6) and the abutment of collet case (7). Thus, it is structurally simple and applicable for a curved torch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to steam ovens, and particularly to steam ovens configured to generate and deliver steam directly to the oven using a water reservoir in close proximity to an existing oven heat generating system. The steam ovens described may be designed so that they inject steam directly into the oven cavity, and in some instances, generate the steam directly in the oven cavity as well. Certain embodiments are designed with a water reservoir in close proximity to an oven heat generating system such that water in the reservoir is heated, turned to steam, and delivered to the oven cavity via a steam delivery system.

Abstract: A steam cooker 1 has: a steam generation heater 52 generating steam; and a steam heating heater 41 heating the steam generated by the steam generation heater 52 to generate overheated steam and heating steam in a heating chamber 20 through circulation, an-article-to-be-heated F being cooked by use of steam fed into the heating chamber 20. The steam cooker 1 has: a first cooking step in which the article-to-be-heated F is cooked with supply of electric power to the steam generation heater 52 being larger than that to the steam heating heater 41; and a second cooking step in which the article-to-be-heated F is cooked with supply of electric power to the steam generation heater 52 being smaller than that to the steam heating heater 41. When the temperature of the article-to-be-heated F exceeds the fat melting temperature zone but is less than or equal to 100° C., the first cooking step is switched to the second cooking step.

Abstract: A slow cooker for heating food stuffs includes a housing defining a heating cavity and a housing rim. A heating element is disposed within the housing to heat the heating cavity. A container has a generally hollow interior and a container rim and is shaped and sized to fit within the heating cavity for heating thereof by the heating element. A lid is sized and shaped to at least partially cover an opening of the container and includes a gasket around an outer edge thereof for sealing engagement with the container rim. The slow cooker further includes at least one clip for selectively retaining the lid in sealing engagement with the container rim to inhibit leakage of the food stuffs. The at least one clip is an over-the-center clip and includes a hook and a catch to selectively retain the lid in sealing engagement with the container rim.

Abstract: This heating cartridge (1) includes a thermally conductive tube (2) to be immersed in a thermo-expandable substance of the thermostatic element, electric heating means (3), arranged inside the tube and provided with wires for conducting an electric current supplied by an external current source, and connection means between the wires and ports (7) powered by the external current source, these connection means comprising a support base (4) integral with the tube. In order to facilitate the electric connection between the wires and the ports and make it more reliable, the connection means comprise coupling pieces (6), supported by the support base and designed to pinch each port against the corresponding wire.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a planar heater. The planar heater includes a heating element and at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes are separately and electrically connected to the heating element. The heating element includes a carbon nanotube film, and the carbon nanotube film comprises of a plurality of carbon nanotubes entangled with each other.

Abstract: An induction heating device includes the following elements: a resonance circuit; a power factor improvement circuit for boosting rectified output, supplying the output to an inverter, and improving the power factor of a commercial alternating current; and a load material detector for detecting the material of the load. The inverter includes switching elements forming a full-bridge circuit. The drive frequency of the switching elements is switched between a frequency substantially equal to an integral multiple of the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit and a frequency substantially 1/n time (n being an integer equal to or larger than two) thereof, according to a detection result of the load material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inductive heating apparatus, particularly using a liquid deposition precursor, for densifying porous articles. The inductive heating apparatus using induction coils that are made from machined or milled flat metal plates, such as copper plate, instead of bending a member (especially a hollow member) into a coil shape. The induction coils according to the present invention can be more precisely and more consistently fabricated than conventional bending techniques.

Abstract: A microwave oven cooking container is provided for evenly cooking foodstuff without risk of sparking during cooking. The container includes at least one compartment, and has at least two separate shields disposed on the container. A first shield is made of a material substantially opaque to microwave energy and is disposed on an outer or an inner surface of the compartment, with a shape generally corresponding to the outer shape of the compartment and optionally having an aperture on the base. The container further includes a lidding configured to seal the container closed, the lidding having a second shield disposed on the lidding, such as at a predetermined distance from the container sidewalls. Further, a multi-compartment container is configured to provide shielding for a food having a low specific heat capacity with one or more compartments arranged around and at least partially surrounding a shielded central compartment for the food.

Abstract: A rack assembly for a domestic appliance, comprising: a rack having a plurality of apertures distributed over the surface thereof; at least two supports, each of the supports being attached to the rack, each support being adapted for supporting the rack assembly in at least a first position and a second position; wherein the rack is attached to the supports in an asymmetric configuration, whereby, in use, the level of the rack is higher when the rack assembly is in the first position than in the second position. The supports may each comprise at least one leg and at least one foot, the legs being attached to the rack; wherein the legs are elongate, and the rack is attached to each of the legs at a point thereon that is closer to one end thereof than the other.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition utilized in the manufacture of biodegradable bottles and other biodegradable containers, and a method of manufacturing such containers via injection molding and ultrasonic welding. A biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 80% starch; 1 to 8% cellulose; 1 to 5% sodium stearate; and 1 to 2% oleic acid. Another biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 70% starch; 1 to 8% cellulose; 1 to 12% hydroxyl-polypropylene; and 1 to 5% calcium carbonate. Another biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 30% starch; 1 to 40% poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate); 1 to 20% poly(lactic acid); and 1 to 5% hydrated magnesium silicate.

Abstract: A lock member L1 including an operation portion L1a and a lock bar L1b is disposed on each of first opposite side walls 2 to be brought down firstly toward a bottom portion 1, and a pivotal shaft 13 formed in the operation portion is pivotally supported in a bearing hole 2g2 formed in each of the first opposite side walls to be brought down firstly toward the bottom portion. To allow cancellation of a lock state between the lock member and each of second opposite side walls to be brought down secondly toward the bottom portion, the operation portion is pivotally moved downward. During an unlocking operation, even when an operator pivotally moves the operation portion included in the lock member, the operation portion is prevented from being tilted. Thus, the lock bar of the lock member can be used to reliably perform the unlocking operation.

Abstract: An improved flexible package and method thereof are disclosed herein. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a package system comprises a flexible package having at least a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls; and a locking means for maintaining a portion of the flexible package in a predetermined position, the locking means cooperating with at least a portion of the flexible package and comprising at least one semi-rigid member; wherein one of the front wall, the back wall, the top wall, the bottom wall, or any of the plurality of side walls has a substantially negligible surface area.

Abstract: An under-bed storage box comprises a shallow (3?-10?) lower portion such as a bin, open-top box, tub or tray, which is covered or coverable by a shallow complementary shaped lid having a perimeter which comes down around the upper rim outside the lower portion, and the lower portion has connecting means, like docks, eyelets, slots, etc. for securely receiving and holding attachment means, like cable ties, wires, tabs, twist ties.

Abstract: A valve for a floating roof emergency drainage system for draining fluid accumulated atop the floating roof, including: a. a valve body having: i. a top part having a cylindrical bore of first diameter, ii. a bottom part formed by a circumferential wall which extends axially downward from the top part and defines within the wall a cylindrical bore of second diameter that is generally coaxial with and greater than the first diameter, thereby defining at the junction of the top and bottom part bores a downward facing shoulder which serves as a valve seat, b. the circumferential wall of the bottom part having at least one fluid discharge passage extending transversely therethrough for discharge of the fluid from the valve, c. a valve seal element axially movable in the bottom part bore between (i) an upper closed position where it abuts the shoulder, and (ii) a lower open position spaced axially downward from the upper closed position, and d.

Abstract: A twist cap closure assembly comprising: an injection moulded thermoplastic base (1) including a tubular part, which has an interior side defining a channel in said tubular part and also has an exterior side, said tubular part forming a mouth of said channel at one end thereof, an injection moulded thermoplastic twist cap (50) adapted to be fitted on said tubular part of said base so as to close off the mouth in a closed position of said cap, said cap including a top wall and a downward skirt depending from said top wall, said skirt having an interior side, an exterior side and a lower edge, said exterior side of said tubular part and said interior side of said skirt having mating bayonet connector members, said bayonet connector members being adapted to hold said cap (50) in its closed position on said tubular part and allow for the cap to be twisted about a twist axis to release said cap (1) from the base so that the channel is opened, wherein a plug (70) is arranged within said tubular part of the base, sa

Abstract: A container for food product includes a film affixed to a food tray. The film forms a top of the container and has an access opening. The sealing label, adhesively sealed to the top around the opening, is resealable when a tab of the sealing label is pulled back. The sealing label is resealable against the top layer to seal the opening when the label is moved back against the top. In one form, the sealing label extends along the top of the container and seals along a portion of the film which is affixed to one or more top end surfaces of walls forming the tray.

Abstract: A life safety assembly includes an attachment stud configured to attach to a surface, and a life safety device that is mountable on the attachment stud. The life safety device has a receptacle configured to receive and interlock with the attachment stud to mount the life safety device with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A multipurpose attachment for cylindrical cans containing paints, varnishes and the like, which snap-fit engages to the top of the open cans and having uniformly thin, structurally rigid, and singularly molded construction that is disposable. The paint can liner protects the can's sealing channel into which the lid of a metal can mates, and provides an array of benefits suitable for either metal or plastic paint cans. In its preferred embodiment, primarily for gallon or similarly sized containers, the liner includes a pouring spout, an optional filter for use while pouring, a ribbed sloping surface for rolling excess paint from mini rollers, a horizontal shelf for resting either mini roller or paintbrush, and a linear edge for wiping excess paint from brushes.

Abstract: A fuel module comprises an enclosure and a fuel chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, the fuel chamber comprises a primary containment tank contained within a secondary containment tank. The enclosure comprises a plurality of exterior enclosure walls and a plurality of interior enclosure walls that cooperate to form the secondary containment tank such that the primary containment tank is disposed between the exterior enclosure walls and the interior enclosure walls. In another exemplary embodiment, the exterior enclosure walls and the interior enclosure walls cooperate to form a single-walled fuel chamber disposed between the exterior and interior enclosure walls of the fuel module. Additional exemplary embodiments include fuel chambers configured as any multiple-wall structures, whether double-wall, triple-wall, or other, that comprise a plurality of containment tanks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank (1) consisting of thermoplastic, with at least one continuous seam (3), with a filler orifice, with means for aeration and venting and with means for the conveyance and extraction of fuel which are in the form of at least one fuel conveying unit (11) arranged inside the fuel tank (1). In the fuel tank (1) according to the invention, with the exception of the filler orifice, no orifices or perforations which are substantially larger than the diameter of the line to be led through are provided in the tank wall, instead the fluid lines and/or electrical lines led out of or into the fuel tank (1) pass through the seam (3) of the fuel tank (1) so as to extend at an angle with respect to the profile of the seam (3), and/or are led partially through the filler orifice and, if appropriate, a filler neck adjoining the filler orifice (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A storage vessel for storing a fluid substance, said storage vessel including a plurality of abutting individually sealed storage chambers, each chamber capable of withstanding super atmospheric pressure, with adjacent chambers forming at least one fluid passageway therebetween, characterised in that at least one said chamber includes an external peripheral seal configured to be relatively weaker than the remainder of said vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel for a compressed gaseous fuel. The vessel has a non-cylindrical shape and is provided with a bulk head within the vessel. The vessel is surrounded by a composite comprising a fibre reinforcement that is wound around the vessel. The vessel comprises a liner with a shape that is substantially the same as the desired vessel shape. The liner is provided with at least one recess that extends around the liner and divides the liner in sections connected to each other by a passage. The fibre reinforcement is continuously wound around the liner in different directions to ensure sufficient vessel strength and the recess is filled with fibres so that the fibres in the recess constitute the bulk head. The invention further relates to a method for producing the claimed vessel.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly for containing a non-corrosive liquid and a gas containing an evaporated liquid. The reservoir assembly includes a main reservoir having a main reservoir bottom wall, a main reservoir top wall and a main reservoir peripheral wall extending therebetween. An auxiliary reservoir, is provided having an auxiliary reservoir bottom wall and an auxiliary reservoir peripheral wall extending therefrom defining a peripheral wall top edge. The auxiliary reservoir located inside the main reservoir with the auxiliary reservoir peripheral wall adjacent the main reservoir peripheral wall to allow an infiltration of the non-corrosive liquid therebetween when the auxiliary reservoir is filled and the non-corrosive liquid overflows over the peripheral wall top edge. A deflector, is mounted inside the main reservoir to the main reservoir peripheral wall, having a deflector free end located above the auxiliary reservoir.

Abstract: Food and drink trays have flat surfaces and peripheral edges with openings adapted for receiving and securely carrying a plurality of beverage and food containers. A bearing member attachable to a tray has an arched configuration and fits over the forearm of a user, while a gripping member attachable to the tray is adapted for gripping by a user's hand. A second embodiment has a pair of large circular openings on the upper surface that will hold full plates of food. The food and drink carrying tray may be made from wood, or from a lightweight material, such as plastic, and is useful for holding a plurality of beverages and plates of food when dining buffet-style in a restaurant or a home dinner party. Additional embodiments have removable grips and removable bearing members, as well as large food trays capable of receiving a variety of container-holding adapters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for serving food, which employ stackable containers. The system includes a first container, a second container, and a support structure having top and bottom tiers for receiving the first and second containers, respectively. The first container features two or more compartments into which food may be placed. The second container also features two or more compartments, and both the second container and its compartments can be complementary in size and shape to the first container and its compartments. The second container further includes a means for heating and a means for cooling so that both hot and cold food items may be simultaneously served during a meal. The distance between the first container and the second container when seated on the support structure is such that food items in the first container can be effectively cooled or heated as desired by the second container.