Abstract: A star wheel for a bottle-processing machine, such as a filling machine, labeling machine or the like, includes a support fixed to a motor shaft and a wheel that is removably fixed to the support. The wheel has a base and a handling ring for the bottles, the handling ring being removably fixed to the base. The handling ring includes a primary sector and a removable sector which can be assembled with the primary sector.

Abstract: It relates to an equipment to transport and move material which transfer products in bulk into one by one; it receivers a certain amount of pieces (1) and delivers one by one to the next industrial process. This equipment transfers products from a belt conveyor (2) to a weighing system (8) of products on a constant flow; it comprises a rotating cylinder (5) with holes (9) on the cylindrical surface which suck the pieces (1) one by one discharging them in a sequence over a weighing and grading system (8).

Abstract: An idle station transport mechanism for a press, including a first plurality of magnetizable transport rails; a second plurality of magnetizable transport rails axially displaceable with respect to the first plurality of transport rails; and a plurality of transfer bars magnetizable to engage the material. The first and second pluralities of rails form a transport path along which material to be manipulated by the press is arranged to be transported and the transfer bars are displaceable to move the material axially along the transport path. In some aspects, the second plurality of transport rails is automatically displaceable while in the press, the plurality of transfer bars is arranged to magnetically engage a bottom side of the material, or the first and second pluralities of transport rails and the plurality of transfer bars are electro-magnetic. Also, a method of transporting material to a press.

Abstract: A curved conveyor comprises a toothed, endless belt and a slider bed that supports a portion of the belt. The slider bed can include at least one guide in the form of a rail extending along the slider bed in the direction of belt travel. Each of the belt teeth are discontinuous and have at least one gap sized to receive the at least one guide; thus, the at least one guide prevents inward radial migration of the belt during movement of the belt. The conveyor can further comprise a center guide wheel or a guide post to prevent belt radial migration.

Abstract: Methods of passivating a metal surface are described, the methods comprising the steps of exposing the metal surface to a silicon-containing passivation material, evacuating the metal surface, exposing the treated surface to a gas composition, having a concentration of reactive gas that is greater than an intended reactive gas concentration of gas to be transported by the metal surface, evacuating the metal surface to remove substantially all of the gas composition to enable maintenance of an increased shelf-life, low concentration reactive gas at an intended concentration, and exposing the metal surface to the reactive gas at the intended reactive gas concentration. Manufactured products, high stability fluids, and methods of making same are also described.

Abstract: A contact lens package that is reusable as a case to store a contact lens between uses includes a lid, a base, one or more receptacles for a contact lens case, and a time keeping device. The time keeping device comprises an indicator for each one or more receptacles that indicates a period of time that has elapsed since the contact lens case currently in the receptacle was placed therein. When the period of time has expired, the indicator denotes a need to discard both the contact lens case and a contact lens associated with the contact lens case.

Abstract: A contact lens package includes a substrate, a first sheet removably sealed to one side of the substrate, and a second sheet sealed to the other side of the substrate with a contact lens contained between the first and second sheets.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable holder for securing articles, a package securing such articles using heat-shrinkable sheets, a shrinkable sleeve, and a method and device for securing such articles using heat-shrinkable sheets and sleeves are disclosed. The holder is constructed so that it is separable when desired, and may comprise the labeling or the like for an article to be packaged. Releasable fasteners such as adhesives, heat seals, and/or perforations may be employed on the sheets. If desired, articles may be individually sleeved with a heat shrinkable film blank portion, which may function as labeling.

Abstract: A single unit cardboard carrier is transformed from a collapsed state into an expanded multi-use carrier with a minimum of assembly actions. A preferred embodiment of the multi-use carrier has a central chamber, a plurality of vessel apertures located around the centered chamber, and has a handle spanning across the chamber.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first compartment for storing and heating baby wipes, a second compartment for storing plastic bags for use as dirty diaper bags, a first fluid receptacle for holding and dispensing hand-lotion, a second fluid receptacle for holding and dispensing anti-bacterial lotion, and a tube receiving and squeezing mechanism that can hold one of a variety of tubes and that can squeeze cream such as diaper rash ointment from the tube.

Abstract: A package for tobacco articles, having a group of tobacco articles, and a cup-shaped container which houses the group of tobacco articles and has an open top end, a bottom wall, two parallel, opposite major lateral walls, and two parallel, opposite minor lateral walls; at least one retaining member is located inside the container, projects perpendicularly from at least one of the lateral walls, defines a supporting surface for the group of tobacco articles, and is defined by two rigid panels separated from each other by a crease line and folded one towards the other.

Abstract: A golf bag for carrying a plurality of golf clubs in an organized fashion, comprising an elongated rigid or soft-sided container having a plurality of compartmentalized golf club receiving holes positioned partially around the perimeter of the top for holding the various golf clubs. A storage area comprised of a series of drawers or storage compartments are arranged vertically along one side of the golf bag wherein the golf club receiving compartments are positioned partially around the perimeter of the storage area. A pair of extendable stand-to legs and optional extensible handle and dolly may be further integrated into the design. A cart (either powered or manually pulled) may be securely attached to the bottom of the golf bag, wherein the drive means and battery are received within a central raised portion of the cart, complementary to a recess on the bottom of the golf bag.

Abstract: A paperboard includes a rectangular main portion, and first and second foldable extension parts respectively extending from four sides of the main portion. The main portion is divided by fold lines to form a first region and two second regions on two sides of the first region. The paperboard is foldable to form a first packaging configuration in which a four-sided surrounding wall extends upright from the first region, or a second packaging configuration in which one side of the four-sided surrounding wall is unfolded. A plurality of soft plates are respectively provided on the first region, and four sides of the surrounding wall for cushioning purposes.

Abstract: Nested rolled sheet material packages have multiple rolls of sheet material each with unique internal and external diameters and nested and held in a telescoping arrangement by a package fixture which fits within a portion of each roll and which is contacted by an end of each roll so that a portion of each roll is visible. The package fixture may be generally planar, cylindrical or conical, and may further include steps for contact with ends of each of the rolls.

Abstract: High visual impact plastic packaging is described as well as methods for producing such packaging. Printing on multiple surfaces of a package to obtain appealing visual effects is described. Methods of sealing plastic packages are described, including some that use heat sealing techniques. Plasticized or laminated paperboard materials can be used, as well as plastic materials such as recycled and/or recyclable polyurethane.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for retaining a projectile launched from a launcher are disclosed. The packaging defining a chamber to receive the projectile and permit the visualization of the flight of the projectile after it is launched from the launcher. The launcher configured to impart a motive force to the projectile and to launch the projectile from the launcher. The launcher includes an actuator to permit a user to launch the projectile from the launcher and into the chamber while at least a portion of the launcher is secured within the packaging.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a package comprising a sleeve and an insert, the insert being adapted to be movably received in said sleeve, wherein the package further comprises a locking mechanism adapted to limit unintentional movement of the insert in relation to the sleeve, the insert being provided with a grip portion being accessible to a user, wherein the grip portion is separable from the insert, and wherein the grip portion is adapted to be separated from the insert or made inoperable by application of a first force, wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to withstand said movement of the insert against application of a second force, and wherein the second force is greater than the first force. The disclosure further relates to an insert adapted to form part of a package of the above kind.

Abstract: A cosmetics case having a dual sealing structure is disclosed. The cosmetic case includes an outer case (1), an inner case (10), an inner lid (30), a rail case (20), and an outer lid (40). The outer case has a receiving chamber and a fastening groove. The inner case is received in the receiving chamber such that its fastening step is inserted into the fastening groove, and has a packing groove to receive a packing. A plurality of locking guides is provided on the outer circumference of the inner case. The inner lid is rotated around a second hinge pin, thus opening or closing the inner case, and the lower end of the inner lid comes into close contact with the packing. The rail case is mounted on the outer case. The outer lid includes projections that are guided along the corresponding locking guides.

Abstract: A structure of housing is to be arranged in such a way as not to involve a complication of a manufacturing process or damage to a sealing rubber, and moreover, not to involve a decrease in a mounting area of an electronic substrate, either.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: A liquid supply assembly for use with a spray gun (FIG. 1) comprises a reservoir 9 provided with a drop-in filter 10 for removing solid particles from liquid added to the reservoir 9. The reservoir 9 has a lid 12 with an outlet opening 12E connectable via a spout 16 to the spray gun and a separate inlet opening 12D in which a support collar 27 of the filter 10 is located. The filter 10 comprises a tubular mesh body 10A having an open end and a closed end. The open end is connected to the support collar 27 and the mesh body 10A extends away from the inlet opening 12D within the reservoir 9. The mesh body 10A is sized to pass through the filler opening 12D and has a high flow capacity to permit rapid filling of the reservoir 9. The filter 10 may be left in place when the reservoir 9 is connected to the spray gun and the reservoir 9 may be discarded together with the filter 10 after use.

Abstract: The cup rack contains at least a lower rail suspended by at least two connection members. The connection members could be affixed to a bottom surface of a shelf or ceiling, or they could be slidably positioned in a pair of parallel upper rails. A number of hook members are hung across the lower rail. The positioning of the hook member is achieved by a bolt running through the hook member and into a block slidably positioned in the lower rail. Depending on how the block is oriented, the hook member could be locked to the lower rail or the hook member could be slid freely along the lower rail.

Abstract: An adjustable clothing display rack includes a base, a waist attached to the base, first and second laterally-spaced adjustable sides, and first and second shoulders. The adjustable sides have respective upper and lower ends. The lower ends are pivotably attached to the waist, such that the lateral spacing of the upper ends is adjustable independent of the lateral spacing of the lower ends. The first and second shoulders are formed at respective upper ends of the first and second sides.

Abstract: Shelving construction for customizing shelves used on interior walls of homes, offices or other buildings is described. Longitudinal members are first attached to a vertical interior wall for receiving shelf arms which are adjustably attached therealong. The longitudinal members are covered with a wood veneer and the shelf arms are then inserted into box-like wooden shelves which provide an all-wood appearance. The shelving construction can be easily modified by adding to the existing configuration. Each longitudinal member includes a series of grooves for receiving threaded plates which rotate for releasable engagement with the arms.

Abstract: A shelving system includes first and second side frames, each of said side frames having at least one upwardly extending prong; a shelf frame having at least two connector sections, wherein each of said connector sections is in communication with one of said side frames; and wherein each connector section defines a vertical hole therein to receive one of said upwardly extending prongs.

Abstract: A storage rack includes at least one first support beam at a first end of the storage rack and at least one second support beam at a second, opposite end of the storage rack wherein the support beams are spaced apart to define a storage area. A flue system for use with the storage rack includes first and second brackets. The first bracket is coupled to the first support beam and the second bracket is coupled to the second support beam. The first side panel extends between the first and second ends of the storage rack, and includes a first end removably coupled to the first bracket and a second end removably coupled to the second bracket. A second side panel extends between the first and second ends of the storage rack, and includes a first end removably coupled to the first bracket and a second end removably coupled to the second bracket. The first and second side panels are spaced apart to define a passageway extending through the storage rack.

Abstract: A self-supporting suspension device may include vertically oriented columns. The columns may be releasably fastened to one or two feet by being inserted into slots of the respective feet and by surrounding a portion thereof. A stabilisation element may be fastened to two adjacent columns for lateral stability of the suspension device, and a locking beam or the stabilisation element may increase the torsional rigidity of the columns.

Abstract: The portable collapsible garment support rack apparatus provides several desirable features. First, the apparatus can be marginally or even completely disassembled to aid in portability and transport, as well as compact storage. Disassembly and reassembly are rapid and basic. The apparatus further provides adjustable height legs, and adjustable length by way of the expansion insert fitted within the two upper tubes. Each end of the apparatus, when in the expanded state, forms an a-frame type construction, with each end having a pair of braces extended downwardly and angularly to be braced against the first and second legs of each end, thereby bracing the a-frame shape. A cross brace is also provided at each end to pivotally and removably fasten the first leg to the second leg. Each of the braces is flat-ended for best mating with the related legs and with the upper tubes.

Abstract: An articulated joint coupling (1) for rail vehicles comprises a coupling lug (3), which engages into a coupling fork (4), and a spherical bearing (2) in the coupling lug (3), with the spherical bearing (2) having an inner ring (5) with a convex surface (6) which is pivotably mounted in an outer ring (7) with a concave surface (8), and with the outer ring (7) being fastened in an opening (14) of the coupling lug (3). To fasten the outer ring (7) in the opening (14) of the coupling lug (3), both the outer ring (7) and also the coupling lug (3) have in each case one groove (15, 17), with a clamping ring (18) lying in the groove (17) of the outer ring (7) and simultaneously in the groove (15) of the coupling lug (3).

Abstract: A novel baby nipple assembly for use with a flexible drink pouch, wherein the baby nipple assembly generally comprises a mount subassembly (sometimes hereinafter referred to as simply “the mount” or “the disk”) for attachment to the flexible drink pouch, and a nipple subassembly (sometimes hereinafter referred to as simply “the nipple”) for connection to the mount subassembly, wherein the mount subassembly comprises a relatively large flat element for adhesion to an outside surface of the flexible drink pouch, and the nipple subassembly comprises (i) means for connection to the mount subassembly, (ii) a sharp tube for extending through the mount subassembly and puncturing the side wall of the flexible drink pouch, and (iii) a soft nipple in fluid communication with the sharp tube, whereby a baby or young child can suckle on the nipple and receive the beverage from the flexible drink pouch.

Abstract: A package having child-resistant and non-child-resistant modes of operation includes a container having a neck finish with an open end, an external surface surrounding the open end and at least one external first engagement element spaced from the open end. A closure has a base portion, a skirt extending from the base portion, and at least one internal second engagement element on the skirt for engagement with the external first engagement element on the container neck finish in a child-resistant mode of operation. The skirt containing the second engagement element is severable from the base portion of the closure to convert the closure from a child-resistant mode of operation to a non-child-resistant mode of operation. A first annular element within the skirt is disposed for engagement with the external surface on the container neck finish to seal the package in the child-resistant mode of operation.

Abstract: Complementary load bearing surfaces are provided on a child resistant closure and container combination forming at least one load carrying member preventing axial forces under stacking load conditions from causing biasing, child resistance, and/or seal failure when the closure is in a stacking position on the complimentary container.

Abstract: A closure for a container having a container opening is provided herein. The closure includes an annular top having an inner skirt depending downwardly from an inner perimeter of the annular top and having an outer skirt depending downwardly from an outer perimeter of the annular top. An annular bottom extends radially inward from the inner skirt, and the annular bottom has defined thereon a dispensing aperture positioned adjacent to the container opening when the closure is mounted to the container. A sealing member is formed to the annular bottom for closing the dispensing aperture. The outer skirt optionally includes a hingedly flexible flap having one or more gussets dimensioned to cooperate with the anti-rotation structure of a neck finish.

Abstract: A tamper evident container closure seal with an integral pull opener is constructed from one or more layers of frangible sheet material adhesively bonded to one or more layers of strengthening sheet material. The one or more strengthening layers each contain one or more duplicate void configurations that form a weak area in the multi layered seal only in the area of the void configuration. When a consumer forces a finger into the seal when bonded to the rim of a container the applied pressure forces the seal to break open and tear only in the weaker area of the void configuration while the peripheral portion of the seal remains bonded to the container rim. The broken open center portion of the seal then forms a pull tab that can be partially connected which allows the pull tab to be lifted back out and pulled from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure for a liquid container, comprising a plug manufactured from at least partially flexible material with a recess which is arranged at least substantially in axial direction in the plug and which is accessible on at least one side, and an operating member protruding outside the plug and displaceable in the recess such that a force exerted by the operating member on the recess in the plug can be modified by displacing the operating member. The invention also relates to methods for placing such a closure into a liquid container and removing thereof from a liquid container.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a neck with an opening, a bell portion surrounding the neck, a body portion including at least one “m”-shaped horizontal rib, and a base where the body portion is located between the bell portion and the base.

Abstract: A hot-fillable container that has an aesthetically pleasing shaped after the hot-fill process. The side walls of the container have structural aspects that permit the side walls to retain a substantially similar shape after the hot-fill process. This allows for an aesthetically pleasing design that compensates for the deformation that can occur during the hot-fill process.

Abstract: A blow-molded carrying chest which includes an integrally molded frame with a top frame member slideably engaged with the left and right frame members. The frame includes a base frame member, and right and left frame members integrally molded to the base frame member. A top frame member is slideably engaged with the right and left frame members to secure the top frame member and assemble the carrying chest without requiring any fasteners. Below the top frame member is a plurality of drawers which are locked by hinged doors on the right and left frame members that prevent the plurality of drawers from sliding when the carrying chest is in transport.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and systems loading trays with nine packaging containers. First and second cutouts are arranged on opposite ends of the tray and an approximate dimension of about 16 inches by about 20 inches. Each container has a lid connected to a body with a hinge and securable using latches. The closed lid defines at least two horizontal ventilation slots between the lid and body and at opposite ends of the container. Each container holding about 1 lb of contents with substantially vertical sidewalls. The nine containers are arranged in the tray in three columns of three containers aligning the ventilation slots of the containers with ventilation slots of other containers as well as with the tray ventilation cutouts.

Abstract: A food container system that comprises a tray member that is the primary storage container, a first lid member that is molded to comprise a plurality of recesses of either similar or varying sizes to house various foodstuffs, and optionally a third lid member. When assembled, the foodstuff in the first lid member may be retained by a foil that adheres to the mouths of the recesses or the optional third lid member which may be formed to snugly fit over the recesses of the first lid member. The foodstuffs may be mixed in any combination desired. Embodiments of the invention will include for the tray member that may be releaseably attached to either the first or second lid member via a snap-fit grip mechanism; additionally, the first and second lid members may be releaseably attached to each other in a similar manner. The utility of the container system is magnified through the multi-compartmentalized lid member.

Abstract: A pedal bin includes a container, a pedal and a pivotably mounted flap. The flap is locatable in a first position to facilitate opening of the flap in a first direction relative to the container. The flap is also locatable in a second position to facilitate opening of the flap in a second direction relative to the container. In either position, the pedal is operable to open the flap.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a case structure for an electronic device. The case structure comprises at least two covering members made of a wooden material for covering a covered member; and a supporting member provided along the inner surfaces of the covering members for supporting the covering members.

Abstract: A reclosable metal container in the style of a bottle-shaped can has a conventional can body of steel or aluminum to which a metal neck component is seamed. A sleeve of plastics fits over the neck component and a detent inside the sleeve clips it onto the seam. The upper edge of the sleeve is fixed in place by a curl on the upper edge of the neck component. By using a separate neck component and hiding the seam under a sleeve, conventional sizes and material gauges can be used for the can body. Thicker material may be used for the neck component in order to withstand necking forces. Threads for closing the container may be provided either on the sleeve or, in an embodiment where the sleeve is simply used to cover the seam, on a cylindrical part of the neck component itself.

Abstract: An insert for a multiple component container includes a reservoir with an opening defined by a peripheral edge which, in use, is connected to a sealing element (20). In use, the reservoir and the sealing element define a substantially sealed space. The reservoir includes a stationary portion (2) and a movable portion (4), which is connected to the stationary portion and is movable with respect thereto by the action of gas pressure within the reservoir. A discharge opening (6) is formed in the movable portion (4) and a gas leakage path is provided in the reservoir wall. A valve member (14) is connected to the stationary portion (2) and cooperates with the discharge opening (6) and substantially seals it. The application of a greater gas pressure to the interior of the reservoir than to its exterior results in movement of the movable portion (4) away from the stationary portion (2) and thus in the valve member (14) moving out of sealing contact with the discharge opening (6).

Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles using an apparatus including a housing and a sensor system, the housing defining a dispensing passage having a dispensing inlet and a dispensing outlet downstream of the dispensing inlet, the sensor system including first and second sensors spaced apart along the dispensing channel such that the second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor. The method includes: forcing at least one article along a path through the dispensing passage; generating detection signals using the first and second sensors responsive to articles passing through the dispensing channel; and using the detection signals from the first and second sensors to monitor dispensing performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: A CO2-based beverage dispensing system includes a CO2 monitoring unit operative to emit a warning upon detecting excessive consumption of CO2 gas. The CO2 monitoring unit includes a gas input port, a gas output port, a CO2 monitor, an alarm, and in one embodiment a shut-off valve. The CO2 monitor may measure CO2 gas flow rate or pressure, and indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured CO2 gas flow rate is above a predetermined flow rate or the measured CO2 gas pressure is below a predetermined pressure level. The CO2 monitor may include chronological functionality, and only indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured quantity trips a threshold for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system having a dispensing module and a gun manifold, the gun manifold includes a shelf portion that extends outwardly from its front face and the dispensing module includes a correspondingly shaped aperture configured to engage the shelf portion so that the dispensing module rests, or hangs, on the gun manifold without being held into place. From this position, the module can be easily and readily attached to the manifold. The shelf and aperture have complementary shapes and can be keyed so as to require the mating of the manifold and module in only one orientation. Additionally, an adaptor can be provided between the module and manifold so that smooth face manifolds and modules can still be coupled to corresponding manifolds and modules having shelves or apertures.

Abstract: A liquid storage container (eyedrops container) comprises a container body having a liquid storage portion for containing medical liquid therein, and an instilling portion for allowing the medical liquid to flow out in an opened stage. An aerating device having a filter element and a check valve for allowing ambient air to flow in from outside and preventing the liquid from flowing out to the outside is installed at the bottom of the container body. Further, a cap having an opening member and a valve member is mountable on the container body.

Abstract: A household liquid dispenser has a spout fitment with discontinuous beads or screw threads which define axial channels to interface with a pump inlet in a lock and key arrangement so as to maintain consistent quality of liquids dispensed by preventing the substitution of product refills of uncertain quality. Refills may be readily manufactured and at low cost. Mechanical and motorized dispensers may be used with the inventive spout fitment.