Abstract: An ablation method including a steps of ablating a region of a substrate (1) by a laser beam (3); and removing debris ablated from the region (1) by a flow of a fluid (7), namely, a gas or vapor, a liquid or a combination of the fluids. The flow of fluid (7) is directed to flow over the region so as to entrap debris and thereafter remove the entrapped debris from the region by directing the flow of fluid, with any entrapped debris, away from region along a predetermined path (6) avoiding subsequent deposition of entrapped debris on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of annealing and real-time monitoring by applying laser beam includes steps of emitting a laser beam and splitting it into a first light beam and a second light beam; irradiating the first light beam along a first path at a to-be-annealed work-piece in order to process annealing for the work-piece; irradiating the second light beam along a second path at the to-be-annealed work-piece; having the to-be-annealed work-piece changed to an annealed work-piece after the process of annealing is completed for the to-be-annealed work-piece; retrieving a characteristic of a characteristic of changes of properties of matter generated from the second light beam irradiated at the to-be-annealed work-piece and the annealed work-piece.

Abstract: A compliance monitoring system (40) for an intraoral appliance comprises a power source (460), a detector (410) for detecting when the intraoral appliance is positioned in the mouth for use, a recorder (430) configured to record measurement data, and a transponder (440) configured to communicate the measurement data. The monitoring system is adjustable based on a particular property of a patient or a group of patients.

Abstract: A device for applying electric discharge to an optical fiber is comprised of a pair of electrodes having the optical fiber interposed between the electrodes and being opposed to each other; a pedestal configured to support the electrodes; a member configured to securely press the electrodes onto the pedestal; and a heat radiation fin provided on the member.

Abstract: A glass substrate slicing apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a laser emitting device and a slicing device. The laser emitting device is adapted to emit a laser beam onto a surface of a glass substrate to be sliced so as to form micro-grooves on the surface of the glass substrate; and the slicing device is adapted to slice the glass substrate at locations of the micro-grooves, and comprises a wheel cutter fixing device and a diamond wheel cutter fixed on the wheel cutter fixing device. A laser beam is emitted by the laser emitting device to form micro-grooves on a surface of the glass substrate so that a diamond wheel cutter can be inserted into the micro-grooves to slice the glass substrate at locations of the micro-grooves. As a result, the frictional force between the diamond wheel cutter and the glass substrate can be enhanced to prevent slipping of the diamond wheel cutter during the slicing process, thus improving the slicing accuracy.

Abstract: A temperature control interface for a stove top is provided. The temperature control interface includes a numerical temperature setting to which a temperature of an object heated on the stovetop will be regulated for a predetermined period of time. A method of cooking on a stovetop is provided in which a recipe includes a numerical temperature to which a cookware object should be regulated during cooking for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A glass-ceramic cooktop is provided that is made of glass-ceramic material with a flat upper side and an underside. The glass-ceramic material has transmittance values of greater than 0.1% in the visible light range in the total wavelength region greater than 420 nm, a light transmittance in the visible range of 0.8-2.5%, and a transmittance of 0-85% in the infrared at 1600 nm, and wherein the glass-ceramic material has high quartz mixed crystals as the prevalent crystal phase. The underside is flat, unstructured, and coplanar with the upper side.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heating element adapted to be disposed on a substrate. The heating element includes electrodes and a multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness disposed between the substrate and electrodes. The multi-layer conductive coating has a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating element at high temperatures. The multi-layer conductive coating may be produced by spray pyrolysis.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to control the penetration of condensed water into an insulation member or a heater element in an electric heating catalyst (EHC). The EHC according to the invention includes a heater element that generates heat by supply of electric current to heat a catalyst, a casing that houses the heater element, an insulation member provided between the heater element and the casing to provide electric insulation, and an electrode connected to the heater element through an electrode chamber, which is a space located between the inner wall surface of the casing and the outer circumferential surface of the heater element. The EHC is further provided with a bypass passage, one end of which is connected to a bottom part of the casing at a position upstream of the upstream end face of the insulation member. The bypass passage bypasses the insulation member.

Abstract: A heating cartridge includes a tube that is thermally and electrically conductive, a first end portion thereof is to be embedded within a heat-expandable material of a thermostatic element; a rod which is electrically conductive and extends at least partially inside the tube in a substantially coaxial manner; and a heating resistor comprising a tubular body which comprises an electrically resistant material and radially positioned between a first end portion of the rod and the first end portion of the tube, by forming a cylindrical interface for electrical contact between the rod and the inner surface of the tubular body as well as a cylindrical interface for electrical contact between the tube and the outer surface of the tubular body, the tube and the rod including respectively, opposite their first end portion, second end portions which are respectively adapted to be connected to the poles of an external current source.

Abstract: In an induction heating apparatus, an infrared-ray detection portion includes an infrared-ray reception portion adapted to receive infrared rays radiated from an object to be heated, an amplification portion adapted to amplify a detection signal from the infrared-ray reception portion to form an infrared-ray detection signal, and a temperature detection portion adapted to detect the temperature of the infrared-ray detection portion and to output the temperature to the control portion.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate thermal treatment apparatus enables excellent heating control in suppressing influence of mutual induction between induction heating coils even when the induction heating coils are arranged in the vertical direction while providing horizontal magnetic flux to susceptors. The apparatus indirectly heats wafers mounted on horizontally-arranged susceptors including induction heating coils to form alternate-current magnetic flux in a direction parallel to a mount face of the susceptor. The wafer are arranged at an outer circumferential side of the susceptor. The induction heating coils are structured with at least one main heating coil and subordinate heating coils electromagnetically coupled with the main heating coil.

Abstract: A heating coil includes a pair of linear lead portions adapted to be connected to a power supply, and a ring-shaped or coil-shaped head portion having end portions connected to the lead portions respectively. A flow path through which a cooling medium flows is formed inside the lead portions and the head portion. An outer circumferential surface of the head portion has a circular or elliptical cross section and is configured to face a heating target portion of an inner circumferential surface of a work extending, the heating target portion extending in a circumferential direction of the work. Each of the lead portions has a straight side portion in a plane intersecting a longitudinal direction of the lead portions, the straight side portions of the lead portions being arranged in proximity to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic induction heater uses a stationary target which is electrically conductive. A plurality of stationary magnets with fixed poles are positioned near the target to induce at least a first and a second magnetic field in the target, where the first and second magnetic fields are different. A shuttering device alternately blocks or allows the magnetic fields from the magnets to reach the target. The shuttering device is activated to alternately allow and block the first and second magnetic fields from the target, such that the target is exposed to varying magnetic fields to produce heat.

Abstract: A wall-mounted microwave oven includes a body comprising a lower case; and a hood mover movable with respect to the body. The hood mover includes a hood plate, a frame member to separably support the hood plate, and a moving member to move the frame member with respect to the body. The hood plate has an inlet formed at a bottom portion of the hood plate, to receive exhaust gas, and an exhaust passage defined in an interior of the hood plate.

Abstract: A launcher for microwave radiation comprises an elongate guide part, a surround part which surrounds a length of the guide part, at least one inwardly facing baffle provided on an inner face of the surround part and extending towards the guide part; and at least one outwardly facing baffle provided on an outer face of the guide part which is spaced axially along the guide part relative to the at least one inwardly facing baffle and faces outwards towards the inner surface of the surround part.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for shipping one or more articles is disclosed as well as a way of manufacturing the storage apparatus and shipping articles with the storage apparatus. The storage apparatus includes a main panel that includes at least two opposing flaps. The opposing flaps extend away from outside edges of the main panel and include an overlay portion and a folding portion. One or more tabs are included on the corners of the storage apparatus and are configured to bend upwardly to engage sidewalls of a storage container.

Abstract: One embodiment of a temporary wall for a rectangular liquid containment system comprises linear and corner panels. The linear panels comprise a rectangular body including a supporting foot apparatus that deploys from the outside surface of the body. A horizontal panel extends from the bottom of the panel inwardly for stability. The linear panels are joined in an overlapping configuration. The corner panels are pinned together at a hinge. An impermeable membrane is laid over a ground surface to be protected against spills and draped over the tops of the linear and corner panels. A metallic cap is placed over the top of the panels to secure the membrane.

Abstract: A collapsible beverage cup and method for its use. The beverage cup is provided with a body portion capable of lying flat in a first state and capable of assuming the shape of a beverage cup in a second state. In its first state, the collapsible beverage cup is substantially two dimensional and planar having a relatively rigid outer shell having a first edge, second edge and boundary edges joining said first and second edges, the collapsible beverage cup further comprising an inner liner for retaining a beverage therein when said collapsible beverage cup is in its second state and a loop, preferably in the shape of a round ring, sized to slide onto the outer shell and releasably maintain the collapsible beverage cup in its second state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recyclable composite container. The recyclable composite container comprises a cardboard hollow body having an open end defining an opening, the body being formed by a sidewall having inner and outer surfaces, the sidewall being provided with an aperture at a distance from the open end. The recyclable composite container also comprises a framing element removably connectable to the open end having a collar sized and shaped for snugly fitting over said open end; and a resilient arm extending from the collar, the arm extending along the inner surface of the sidewall and having a projection sized and shaped to be removably fitted in the aperture of the sidewall of the hollow body.

Abstract: The invention is a collapsible container for transporting fresh fish or the like, in particular ice-cooled goods or foodstuffs. This “fish crate” is essentially manufactured by means of plastic injection molding, i.e. by injection-molding the side walls and the base of the collapsible container using an injection-molding tool. In particular the four side walls are implemented to be double-walled, a closed air cushion being created by welding on a footing after the injection molding process. In the area of the slightly tray-shaped base, openings for the passage of liquid are provided; in particular, the melt water of the ice-cooled fresh fish is to be drained off to the outside. Besides these base openings, further additional openings which join the base and the side walls in a foldable manner may be provided in the area of the hinges.

Abstract: There is a bag scaffold configured to support a flexible bag in an upright and open configuration. The bag scaffold includes a first wall member having a first end and a second end. The first wall member includes a plurality of panels coupled to each other in series by an integral leaf spring. The first wall member includes a first coupling structure and a second coupling structure and is configured to be able to selectably couple to the first coupling structure. The bag scaffold includes a second wall member that is substantially identical to the first wall member and is selectably coupled thereto at their respective first and second coupling structures.

Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be opened by pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the button is released. Thus, the user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container. The beverage container closure includes an actuating lever configured to press the button when a user applies a force to the lever. By utilizing the mechanical advantage provided by the lever, a user is able to selectively open and close the stopper using a relatively low amount of force.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a lid piercer that pierces or punctures the lid of a small container. The container may hold a filler that is a liquid, gel, powder or granules needed for a specific task. The lid piercer is desirably usable with one hand. Also provided is an oral care kit that contains the lid piercer; such a kit includes a bag containing implements needed to perform oral care for a patient. The kit also has a container of oral care solution and the container is made from a cup with a top or lid covering it. The kit also has a lid piercer disposed in relation to the container such that a user may bend the tip of the lid piercer into the top of the container to pierce the top and release the oral care solution.

Abstract: A lockable, reversible lid for a container having a lip. The lid includes a cover having a perimeter, a first side and a second side. A locking tab pivotally extends from an end portion of the perimeter, such that the locking tab is disposable between the container body and the container lip when the lid is positioned upon the container with the first side disposed toward the container. The lid may be inverted by slipping the locking tab past the container lip, removing the lid, and setting the inverted lid on the container with the first side disposed away from the container.

Abstract: Some embodiments concern a holder for an electrical device. The holder can include: (a) a cover configured to couple to the electrical device, the cover having: (1) a front portion; (2) a back portion opposite the front portion; (3) one or more side portions; and (b) a holding mechanism coupled to the back portion of the cover such that the holding mechanism is rotatable at least ninety degrees relative to the back portion of the cover, the holding mechanism having: (1) a strap assembly configured to couple to the back portion of the cover; and (2) a strap configured to couple to the strap assembly. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic container or shelf bin having a plurality of slots for holding divider sheets is provided.

Abstract: Improvements introduced in a sealed recipient to accommodate food products with one or more compartments, more precisely, it is a sealed recipient (1) to accommodate food products in general, mainly, of the type of frozen fruit pulp (P); being said sealed recipient (1) configured in a single piece, conforming one structural cup (2) of flat base (2a), with at least one compartment to accommodate (C1) respective food products, mainly frozen fruit pulps (P); each compartment (C1) is developed from the flat base (2a) so as to reach the trimming peripheral border (2b), which is conformed by a reverser neck (2c) conforming a side wall (2d); the flat top portion (2e) of the border (2b) receives the sealing (3), on its turn, configured by an opaque or translucid blade (3a), the compartmenting of said recipient (1) may vary depending on the needs of final volume and on the individual characteristics of each pulp accommodated (P), and may vary between one and eight compartments (C1).

Abstract: A drinking container comprises a retaining member detachably coupled with a container body at a mouth thereof, and a media storing member detachably mounted with the retaining member for processing the beverage, wherein the beverage is thermal treated by the media storing in the media storing member and filtrated by the retaining member installed with a filtration media.

Abstract: A product, e.g., insulated beverage bottle having a lid, and method of making it are disclosed. The product includes an outer hollow blow molded vessel in which an inner hollow blow molded vessel, is disposed. Each of vessel has a sidewall from which a flange projects. The flange of the outer vessel includes an annular wall. The flange of the inner vessel includes an engagement surface having an annular groove to receive the annular wall of the outer vessel. The inner vessel is arranged to be supported within the outer vessel on the flange of the outer vessel and with portions of the annular wall and annular groove engaging each other. Ultrasonic energy is applied to one of the flanges adjacent the engaging surfaces to concentrate the ultrasonic welding energy at those surfaces to produce a good double sided shear joint weldment thereat.

Abstract: A thermally insulating packaging system including insulated walls surrounding an internal cavity. At least one of the faces of the packaging system is insulated with a first type of thermal insulating material and the remaining faces of the packaging system are insulated with a second type of insulating material. The first insulation material is a Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP). The VIP is fitted to a frame, which is formed by a single piece of the second insulation material. The second insulating material is a shaped insulating foam. The frame provides a support for the VIP via a contact surface. The VIP is held in contact with the frame. Here, the frame can be shaped and sized so as to provide a positive holding force. Additionally or alternatively, an outer cover can be used such as a rigid external fitting, flexible cover, shrinkable or elastic cover or other means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a can, such as a paint can, comprising the steps of: i. providing a cylindrical body; ii. arranging piston means in a first opening of the cylindrical body for defining the diameter of the opening; iii. curling a free end of the first opening radially outwardly and axially along the cylindrical body thereby forming a curl, such that the defined diameter of the first opening is substantially circumferentially, dimensionally stable, and to the can and can body made.

Abstract: An innovative end cap for IC trays includes a bottom and side walls. The side walls extend upwardly from the bottom and form a tray-accommodating space. The innovative end cap includes a plurality of buffering ribs and buffering grooves on its surfaces. The buffering ribs and buffering grooves arranged on the end cap can fully absorb, disperse and transfer the impact energy generated during testing, storage, collision and shock of the trays which accommodate the precision semiconductor components therein, and increase impact strength and anti-dropping damage ability of the end cap. Therefore, the innovative end cap with the buffering ribs and buffering grooves can not only protect the trays and extend the service lifetime of the trays, but also give better protection to the precision semiconductor components such as Chips, IC etc in the trays.

Abstract: A container comprises a wall and a bottom. The wall includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and forms a cylindrical shape. The thermoplastic polymer material has a microstructure that includes a plurality of closed cells, each cell containing a void and each cell having a maximum dimension extending across the void within the cell that ranges between 1 micrometer and 200 micrometers long. The bottom is joined to an end of the cylindrical shape to close the end such that the beverage and/or other items disposed inside the cylindrical shape don't escape through the end of the shape.

Abstract: Provided is a removable handle for a kitchen object, having a lateral wall extending upwardly by a part that is curved back towards the outside, the handle comprising an inner jaw and an outer jaw to be respectively brought against the inner and outer surfaces of the lateral wall, the two jaws being mobile in relation to each other between an open position and a closed position wherein they pinch the lateral wall. The outer jaw comprises a groove that can receive the free end of the curved part of the lateral wall in abutment when the jaws are in the closed position thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing pellets from a hopper to a desired delivery point. The hopper receives and holds the pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the desired delivery point. A fixed diameter opening is defined through which the pellets pass in order to reach a conduit that directs the pellets to the desired delivery point. A localized, direct mechanical force is imparted to pellets adjacent to the fixed diameter opening to break up bridges above the opening and allow the pellets to flow through the opening.

Abstract: The present application relates to a foaming soap dispenser. The soap dispenser includes a housing, a liquid storage tank, a pump, a main control assembly and an output assembly. The arrangement of the pump allows for control of the output which prevents the air-liquid mixture from freely back flowing or dripping. The soap dispenser includes a controller configured to reverse the fluid pumping direction of the pump allowing for some liquid provided to the outlet to be returned to the liquid storage tank. Return of some liquid to the liquid storage tank prevents contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. Aspects relate to obtaining measurements regarding dispensing an ingredient (including the dispensing conditions of the ingredient) and determining whether to adjust dispensing conditions of at least one other ingredient. In one embodiment, at least one ingredient of a recipe is not dispensed based upon a dispensing measurement. The adjustment of one or more ingredients may comprise the use of adjustable orifices, which do not require separate measurements of ingredients before dispensing, but rather may measure ingredients' parameters (including dispensing conditions) as they are dispensed. Certain embodiments relate to devices and methods that may determine if an ingredient is a non-Newtonian fluid, and if so, may be configured to conduct measurements on such fluids, including, for example, the strain stress and strain rate as the fluid passes within a conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container having a hollow shell defining a body with a dispensing aperture, and a bag within the shell, the open end of the bag extending through the dispensing aperture and being secured with respect to the outside of the shell. The bag is made from a material suitable for containing the intended contents of the container. The shell may be formed from a material that would not be suitable for containing the intended contents of the container alone. The shell may be formed from a biodegradable material, such as wood or paper pulp. The bag may be separated from the main body of the container to allow for separate disposal. The container may be sealed by providing a spout through which the contents of the container are to be dispensed, and by folding the spout over to create a nip which seals the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container having a hollow shell defining a body with a dispensing aperture, and a bag within the shell, the open end of the bag extending through the dispensing aperture and being secured with respect to the outside of the shell. The bag is made from a material suitable for containing the intended contents of the container. The shell may be formed from a material that would not be suitable for containing the intended contents of the container alone. The shell may be formed from a biodegradable material, such as wood or paper pulp. The bag may be separated from the main body of the container to allow for separate disposal. The container may be sealed by providing a spout through which the contents of the container are to be dispensed, and by folding the spout over to create a nip which seals the container.

Abstract: A colorant dispenser for use with bagged colorants includes a canister including a base and a top section. A switch is connected to the canister. A pump is adapted to be connected to the switch. The top section of the canister is configured to receive a bag containing a colorant or a cartridge for open colorants. The top section is configured to store a solvent. The pump is configured to dispense solvent or colorant depending on a position of the switch.

Abstract: A food and beverage dispenser for dispensing food and beverage products may have a clean in place (CIP) system that functions with minimal to no operator interface and disassembly. The dispenser may include one or more product barrels and an ingredient supply refrigerator. A nozzle cap containing a cleaning/sanitizing agent may be placed on a dispensing valve of the dispenser, and a CIP connector may be connected to a BIB connector after disconnecting the BIB connector from a BIB package. The CIP connector completes a CIP circuit that places the product barrel in fluid circulation with a water source and optionally another sanitizer source to help clean the dispenser in place. A heater may be included in the CIP circuit to heat the circulating fluid. A microcontroller or other computer processor may control the CIP process.

Abstract: An actuator (1) for a hand-held aerosol container fitted centrally at its top with a dispensing valve, said actuator comprising: (i) a cup-shaped over-cap (3) attachable to the container and comprising a top wall defining a gap through which a spray channel passes, said gap restricting lateral movement of the spray channel; (ii) a spray channel (4) in fluid connection with the valve; (iii) an actuator button (5) comprising a finger pad from which a keel depends; the keel dependent from the finger pad of the button (5) being able to press down onto the spray channel (4) and the spray channel (4) on to the valve after the first slide movement of the button (5), but not before; whereby the actuator button (5) has a distinct first slide movement that puts it into an orientation in which a second depression movement causes release of the contents of the associated dispenser and in that the force required for the first slide movement of the actuator button (5) is at least 5N.

Abstract: A fluid product dispenser includes: a tubular body extending along a main axis; a male element, able to slide inside the tubular body; a volume for receiving the product, located inside the male element; a plate molding an external side surface of the tubular body, the plate being provided with at least one projection able to slide in a slit in the tubular body, substantially parallel to the main axis, the projection being able to move the male element in the tubular body, the dispenser including an element for locking the plate on the tubular body in at least two locking positions along the main axis. Thus, a dispensing head, firmly fixed to the male element, can be extracted or retracted by making the plate slide along the tubular body.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser having an outlet for dispensing liquid, mixing means for mixing liquid and gas, liquid supply means, and gas supply means, the outlet, mixing means, liquid supply means and/or gas supply means are so arranged that in a first condition liquid and gas may be supplied by the liquid supply means and gas supply means respectively through the mixing means to the outlet thereby dispensing foamed liquid from the outlet, or in a second condition liquid may be supplied to the outlet, thereby dispensing unfoamed liquid from the outlet.

Abstract: Airless pump dispensers for various fluids are disclosed including an airless pump mounted in a housing, a movable piston mounted for moving within the housing starting at the bottom thereof, a dispenser at the top of the housing for receiving fluid from the airless pump and dispensing it, and a spring disposed at the bottom of the housing in contact with the bottom of the movable piston and having an insufficient driving force to independently move the movable piston within the housing when the housing contains the fluid.

Abstract: An aerosol trigger actuator having two or three parts includes one or more living hinges (170) allowing the two or three parts to act together to release a product from a container.

Abstract: A flexible pouring spout of segmented tubing having an internally threaded adapter cap at one end for connecting with a threaded neck of a fluid container, and an externally threaded terminal end which is adapted to connecting with the adapter cap thereby enabling the device to form a loop of itself. Thus, the interior of the spout remains clean even if it has a sticky or oily substance thereon, and any fluid within the device is retained therein. Also provided is a sealable air inlet valve for allowing air to be drawn into the spout when in use to prevent fluid lock in the device and bottle collapse, and to facilitate rapid and efficient pouring of the fluid from its container.

Abstract: The present invention provides pouring equipment of a tilting-type that can appropriately pour molten metal at a high speed corresponding to the speed of molding. It also provides a method of pouring the molten metal. The pouring equipment has a holding furnace supplying the molten metal by being tilted, a pouring ladle pouring the molten metal supplied from the holding furnace into molds that are intermittently transported, a device for measuring weight of the molten metal in the pouring ladle, and equipment for control that controls the tiltings of the holding furnace and the pouring ladle. The equipment for control has a device for storing results from measurements and devices for calculating the first and second flow rate. The equipment controls the tilting of the ladle so that the ladle pours the molten metal into the mold according to the flow pattern of the product.

Abstract: A device capable of fitting, sticking, hanging and/or clamping distinct and multiple clothes and drying and/or storing distinct garments, having a hooking part, shoulders and an openable and movable part provided with a supporting rod, connecting the shoulders.