Abstract: A cap attaching structure includes a cylindrical member and a cap member. The cylindrical member has an end plate, a side wall to be inserted into the cylindrical member, and an engagement claw piece in which a proximal end portion is connected to an inserting side end portion of the side wall, while a distal end portion extends towards the end plate via a slit. On an outer circumference of the engagement claw piece, a claw portion adapted to be brought into engagement with an engagement hole of the cylindrical member is provided. The distal end portion of the engagement claw piece is disposed in a cutout portion in the end plate.

Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a lifting mechanism with a motor, a lifting member, and a variable gear. In some embodiments, the motor is operably connected with the variable gear such that the motor can drive the variable gear and/or the lifting member. In certain implementations, the variable gear includes one or more teeth with varying tooth radii. In some variants, the variable gear and a clutch member are engageable and are configured to allow manual operation of the lid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a lid structure with latches is configured for sealing use with container vessels of different materials having differing manufacturing dimensional tolerances, such plastic vessels and glass vessels. Another feature of a lid and vessel combination is the provision of a lid receptacle feature, configured to capture the base of a vessel in a stacking arrangement, without utilization of special features on the vessel base. Another feature of an embodiment of a lid is the capability of lid nesting of multiple lids with interference fit between adjacent lids to lock the lids together.

Abstract: This concerns sealable containers for household use that combine a container for food, beverages and the like with a lid for closing the container in a tightly sealed manner. The container bottom on the outside has a downwardly projecting flange within which is an open outside volume, while the lid top on the outside has an upwardly projecting raised panel with a sidewall. The raised panel of the lid snappingly and realeasably fits into the outside volume at the bottom of the container, by virture of which the lid snaps onto the container bottom, creating a stackable situation. Also, the lid can contain on its inside a temperature-maintenance block such as a freezer pack that affects temperature within the container.

Abstract: The invention is a safety device (1) for fluid containers including at least two units (3) to be engaged with each other so as to define an inner volume adapted to receive said fluid under pressure, the safety device (1) comprising a closing system (4) defining a closed position in which said units (3) are combined together in a fluid-tight manner, and an open position in which they can be mutually moved, a vent member (5) suitable to enable the fluid under pressure (2) to come out of the container (2) or prevent the fluid from coming out, and at least one junction mechanism (14) adapted to operatively connect the vent member (5) to the closing system (4), and lock the closing system (4) to the closed position when the vent member (5) is in the closed position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a trash can assembly (e.g., a receptacle configured to receive refuse, recycleable materials, or otherwise), and related methods, are provided. Some embodiments of the trash can assembly include a body component and a lid configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In some variants, the lid can be moved between the open and closed positions by a power operated driving mechanism, such as a motor and/or other drivetrain components. In certain embodiments, the trash can assembly includes a clutch mechanism to facilitate manual operation of the lid while inhibiting or preventing damage to the motor and/or other drivetrain components.

Abstract: A collection of containers for dispensing food stuffs. This multi-compartmental dispenser comprises a liquid dispenser which doubles as a handle. The design is such that a small child can hold onto the handle while sipping liquids from the handle/straw.

Abstract: A package (10) for storing and dispensing a consumable product (24, 34) includes a first compartment (20) and a second compartment (30) that are hingedly and detachably attached by a first connection member (40) such as a perforated hinge, and a second connection member (52, 54, 56) that is removably attached to the compartments (20, 30). In a preferred embodiment, the second connection member includes a tear-strip (52) with one or more lines of weakness (60, 62). A related method for configuring and using such a package is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes bin separation systems. One system includes a separation piece for dividing the bin into a number of portions and an attachment piece for attaching a portion of the separation piece to a portion of a wall of the bin.

Abstract: A distensible fuel tank included in a vehicle is provided. The distensible fuel tank includes a housing having an exterior surface and a lattice structure coupled to the exterior surface, the lattice structure including a plurality of intersecting wall members, at least two of the plurality of wall members having an unequal thickness.

Abstract: A modular rainwater storage tank configured to allow storage capacity in a small area when positioned around the corner of a rectangular house or other structure utilizing run off from a roof top. The storage tank may be designed as a three-dimensional quarter-round such that three units will fit in a tight configuration around a right angle. Each storage tank has opposing overflow channels in a raised rim enclosing a recess in the lid. Downspout water is directed to an opening in the raised rim. When the storage tank is full, excess water in the recess in the lid may be directed to an adjacent storage tank in a cascaded configuration. In this manner, three storage tanks may be positioned and cascaded around a corner.

Abstract: Shape memory insulators comprising a first layer of core material, such as polymeric insulative material, and a second, shape memory layer of elastomeric material, for attachment to objects. The shape memory layer may comprise silicone rubber, silicone gum, silicon crepe, and/or silicone gel, for example. The shape memory insulator may be part of a handle for an object, such as a pot or pan, for example, or other objects and devices requiring continuous and/or repetitive manual operation. The shape memory polymeric material may conform to the shape of the user's hand when the handle is gripped by a user's hand. When the grip is released, the shape memory material returns to its original shape. The shape memory insulators provide insulation as well as improving comfort and/or control over the engagement and use of objects, while decreasing arm and hand wear and/or strain of those using the objects.

Abstract: A system comprising a tray, utensils, and utensil adapters is disclosed. The tray features a plurality of holes into which customized utensils may be placed vertically, or into which standard utensils fitted to appropriate adapters may be placed vertically. In addition, the tray features one or more recesses, which may contain a sauce or dip, or may contain a serving utensil (itself too large to be placed vertically in a hole while maintaining stability). The system allows the user to serve utensils needed to consume an appetizer course or other food serving in an elegant and efficient manner.

Abstract: A multi-use modular container includes a food storage container portion having insulated bottom and upstanding side walls defining a food storage container interior area and an open top. An insulated divider member is positioned in the food storage container interior area and divides the interior area into first and second chambers. The divider member is configured to maintain a different temperature in the first and second chambers. A non-food container portion includes non-insulated bottom and upstanding side panels that define an interior area and open top. The non-food container is releasably coupled to the food-container with a fastener. A storage compartment is situated on an outer surface of one of the upstanding side walls of the food storage container, the storage compartment defining a storage area and an opening configured to give selective access to the storage area.

Abstract: A Cool Cup comprises an open top beverage volume, a sealable chiller volume and an end seal adapted to make a water tight seal with said chiller volume. The interior wall of said beverage volume is substantially cylindrical. The exterior vertical wall of said chiller volume is also substantially cylindrical. The diameter of the chilling volume is at least 60% of the diameter of the Cool Cup. The top of said chiller volume is a rounded dome shape. Ice and optionally cold water may be added to the chiller volume to help cool a beverage and keep it at a constant preferred serving temperature. The ice can be immediately replenished if it melts by removing the end cap, dumping the melted water and adding new ice. Thus a Cool Cup can be used all day without having to be refrozen.

Abstract: A container adapted to be lifted by a forklift having a pair of prongs, including a receptacle having a floor, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of opposed sidewalls, wherein a front edge, a rear edge and side edges of the floor define a perimeter of the floor. A plurality of bolsters is attached to the floor such that each bolster is within the perimeter, each bolster including a lower panel and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly to the floor and forming a first entry window configured to slidably receive one of the prongs of the forklift. Each bolster is positioned such that its first entry window is accessible from one of the opposed side edges of the floor, and the prongs of the forklift are slidably receivable between a pair of the bolsters from one of the front edge and the rear edge of the floor.

Abstract: A device for washing and draining food includes a base portion, a draining dam, and optionally a handle. Draining dam is coupled to wall of base and includes a plurality of holes therein for draining liquid. Draining dam includes a front portion and a lip portion, the front portion forming a section of the base and the lip portion enclosing a portion of the internal bowl space to trap food when device is tipped to drain liquid. Device may further include a handle coupled to the base. In use, a user places produce or other food to be drained, washed or soaked into device, adds water to the device, then tips the device to drain off liquid through holes in draining dam. Food is trapped in the draining dam as user tips device, thus allowing food to remain in the device while liquid is drained off through holes.

Abstract: Lid with cap for drink receptacles comprising at least one hole for the exit of liquid from the receptacle, at least one hole for the entrance of air into the receptacle, said air inlet incorporating a check valve allowing the entrance of air but not the exit of liquid therethrough; said valve being built into the body of the lid and having a plug element, by way of an axially sliding cap, allowing simultaneous front double closure of both holes, as well as an ergonomic swallowing of any liquid and aseptic use of the receptacle.

Abstract: A drinking vessel comprises a generally cylindrical container (10) for containing liquid, and a lid (20). The lid comprises a generally cylindrical inner member (21) and a generally cylindrical sealing element (30) which surrounds the inner member (21). The contained 10 further comprises a rim (14) and an inner circumferential sealing surface (15). The lid (20) is fixedly insertable into the container 10 in order, when the lid (20) is inserted, to cause the sealing element (30) to lie against the sealing surface so as normally to form a seal with the sealing surface (15). The seal is deformable by suction at the rim (14) such that under the action of the suction liquid within the container (10) is caused to flow from a chamber (13) inside the container out past the rim (14).

Abstract: The invention provides for a sleeve for a container, e.g., a food or beverage container, which includes a sleeve body sized to receive therein a portion of the container. Plural connection elements are arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve body. At least one three-dimensional element is removably connectable to the sleeve body via at least one of the plural connection elements.

Abstract: The invention provides for a container comprising a container body sized and configured to contain a substance. At least one connection interface is arranged on the container body. The at least one connection interface is structured and arranged to removably connect at least one three-dimensional element to the container body.

Abstract: A container lid includes a panel portion and an outer wall portion having a ledge protruding inwardly therefrom. A plurality of tabs extend downward from the outer wall portion. At least two of the plurality of tabs are separated from one another by a gap. The ledge of the outer wall portion extends across the gap to provide a seal across the gap. A tear strip removably connects the plurality of tabs to one another.

Abstract: A storage container comprised of a container bottom, and with multiple sealable covers, configured to connect the covers to the container bottom in both open and closed arrangements, and where the covers will link to link or seal to the container, and to each other. The containers may be proportioned to stack or nest into other container bottoms, as well allow open covers to rest vertically alongside the container without significantly contacting the surface the container is resting on.

Abstract: An automatic bill discharging device includes a storing unit which stores a plurality of sheets of bills, a temporary storing unit which includes a bottom plate for supporting a bottom side of the bills in a standing position and temporarily stores the bills therein, a discharging port which is arranged above the temporary storing unit, a conveying mechanism which conveys the bills to the temporary storing unit from the storing unit, and an inclining mechanism which inclines the bills in the temporary storing unit such that a first end of the bills is set higher than a second end of the bills.

Abstract: Systems for dispensing adhesive bandages are provided for quick one-handed retrieval and application of a bandage to a wound. The dispensers and packaging keep the bandages free from contamination. A dispenser for housing rolled dispensing tape comprising a series of partially overlapped adhesive bandages, wherein each bandage is releasably adhered to the dispensing tape only at one end is specifically provided. Also provided is a hollow dispenser housing a series of adhesive bandages disposed in a stack, wherein the bandages are adhered to one another at one end of each bandage and during use are advanced sequentially through an opening in the dispenser by pulling the free end of the top bandage in the stack. The systems may be easily manufactured and made available to the consumer or medical professional.

Abstract: A novel bag for holding, transporting, and pouring a bulk product is provided. The bag comprises a perforated section extending the majority of the way (and preferably the entire way) horizontally across the bag. The bag can be opened by tearing along the perforations and separating the resulting two sections of the bag. The bag is typically formed of plastic, and can be used for salt, animal food, and other pourable products.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing a liquid under pressure, the dispensing unit comprising a first coupling means for coupling to a liquid container adapted to store the liquid to be dispensed and a propellant gas at a first pressure and a pressure regulating means for generating said first pressure in the liquid container. The pressure regulating means have a second coupling means for coupling to a gas container adapted to store said propellant gas at a second pressure substantially higher than said first pressure and a first fluid communication path for the propellant gas between said gas container and said liquid container. Furthermore a dispensing path for dispensing the liquid from the liquid container and a first operating means for controlling the flow rate of the liquid along the liquid dispensing path during dispensing are provided.

Abstract: A novel bag for holding, transporting, and pouring a bulk product is provided. In one embodiment, the bag comprises a curved, perforated section at one corner. The section can be removed by tearing along the perforation, thus forming a spout for pouring the product from the bag. In another embodiment, the bag further comprises a second perforated section extending the majority of the way (and preferably the entire way) horizontally across the bag. In this embodiment, the bag could alternatively, or additionally, be opened by tearing along the second set of perforations and separating the resulting two sections of the bag. The bag is typically formed of plastic, and can be used for salt, animal food, and other pourable products.

Abstract: A slurry distributor can include a distribution conduit and a profiling mechanism. The distribution conduit extends generally along a longitudinal axis and includes an entry portion and a distribution outlet in fluid communication with the entry portion. The distribution outlet extends a predetermined distance along a transverse axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The distribution outlet includes an outlet opening having a width, along the transverse axis, and a height, along a vertical axis mutually perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The profiling mechanism includes a profiling member in contacting relationship with the distribution conduit and movable over a range of travel such that the profiling member is in a range of positions over which it is in increasing compressive engagement with a portion of the distribution conduit adjacent the distribution outlet to vary the shape and/or size of the outlet opening.

Abstract: A device (10) includes multiple containers storing different respective tints, a horizontal axis carousel carrying the containers disposed in a circumferential configuration, a support (18) for a collector receptacle (16), the carousel indexed to a delivery position where the expulsion orifice of a selected container is placed in register with the collector receptacle, with metering means controlling the expulsion of a predetermined quantity of tint into the collector receptacle, the carousel driven in permanent rotation to produce a gravity field that turns relative to the contents of the containers and that is suitable for preventing particles present in suspension in the tints from settling, the carousel has multiple cells (14) each defining a closed inside volume suitable for housing in airtight manner a flexible deformable pouch (22) containing one of the base tints, with means for pressurizing the inside volume of the cell prior to expelling the base tint.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing catalyst pellets from a hopper to a chemical reactor. The hopper receives and holds the catalyst pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the chemical reactor. The flow of the catalyst pellets is controlled so they flow into and through a conduit in a widely spaced-apart arrangement to the chemical reactor. This controlled, spaced-apart flow is created by providing a sieve between a hopper and the conduit having openings small enough that the catalyst pellets form bridges above the openings, and then repeatedly breaking up the bridges in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Marking devices for dispensing a marking substance on the ground and marking methods are provided. The marking devices and marking methods use one or more detection mechanisms to detect one or more characteristics of the marking substance. In some embodiments, the detection mechanism may be, but is not limited to, an optical sensor, an olfactory sensor, a weight sensor, a switch device, and any combination thereof. The one or more detection mechanisms may provide, for example, the capability to: (1) determine the type of marking substance that is installed in the marking device; (2) determine in advance of or during a marking operation the amount of marking substance within the marking dispenser; and (3) determine when the marking dispenser is becoming empty.

Abstract: An in-line drink dispensing system (1,16,17) for dispensing liquid such as water or other beverage. The system comprises a pump (6) in fluid connection with the system so that the pump can create a flow in the system and based on the current that the pump uses during operation a value can be determined and used for analyzing one or more statuses of the system.

Abstract: A young coconut insert that is used to deliver the contents of a young coconut in a hygienic and safe manner, the young coconut insert comprises of a needle like body, the needle like body having a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section, the bottom section of the needle like body defines an opening that will increase in diameter as it flows toward the top of the needle like body, the top section of the needle like body will define a receiver and a flange, and the middle section of the receiver will either be screw like or it will define wings that face upward from the bottom section of the needle like body. The young insert further comprises of a cap that is placed over the receiver. The young coconut insert may still further comprise of at least one tamper resistant seal. The tamper resistant seal may be placed over the cap of the insert or over the receiver prior to the placement of the cap.

Abstract: A dispenser for viscous foods like condiments, batter and syrups employs a flexible plastic bag made of a flexible plastic material, one side of which or one end of which is formed to have a self-sealing, orifice formed in the wall of the bag by two slices or cuts in the plastic material. The cuts or slices form flexible vanes which deflect outwardly responsive to pressure from a viscous material and which return to their original shape when pressure on the food product is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for controllably dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate for use in dispensing a beverage. The beverage may contain liquid beverage concentrate in combination with a liquid dilution ingredient such as water and may also include one or more additional ingredients. This system, method, and apparatus provides more precise control of the quantity of beverage concentrate dispensed by operating a pump used to dispense the concentrate based on the number of pulses of concentrate dispensed. A calibration is made to determine the measure of concentrate in each pulse. This volume per pulse is recorded and stored in a controller to controllably dispense a precise volume for a specific type of concentrate based on a predetermined recipe retained in the controller for each drink, type, and volume of the finished beverage.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator including a cabinet, a door, a dispenser, a water supply pipe, and a nozzle. The cabinet defines a storage space. The door opens and closes the storage space. The dispenser is disposed on a front surface of the door and dispenses water or ice. The water supply pipe is disposed on an inner part of the door and supplies water to the dispenser. The nozzle is removably coupled to an outer part of the dispenser. An end of the water supply pipe is inserted in the nozzle to dispense water.

Abstract: An apparatus for decorative container with interchangeable ornamental articles includes an inner container, an outer casing, a gap, a base cap, a top lid, and at least one ornamental article. The inner container and the outer casing are connected to the base cap, where the outer casing is positioned around the inner container. The gap, which contains the at least one ornamental article, is positioned in between the inner container and the outer casing. The top lid is attached to the outer casing from above and adjacently positioned with a top opening of the inner container. The at least one ornamental article, which provides the decorative aspect, can be interchanged by removing the top lid. The outer casing blocks the stored content with the inner container while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance through the outer casing.

Abstract: Dispenser filters are provided that can be used in beverage systems to filter a beverage to be outputted from a beverage source (e.g., a vessel or a container) by a beverage dispenser. The dispenser filters can define an interior cavity that is in fluid communication with a beverage source, and can be configured to permit fluid to flow from the beverage source into the interior cavity, while inhibiting at least some objects (e.g., pieces of food) in the beverage from flowing into the interior cavity. The dispenser filter can include an outlet configured to discharge the beverage collected within the interior cavity.

Abstract: The liquid material discharge device and method discharges a liquid droplet even under a condition where discharge of a small amount of liquid material is required. The apparatus has a liquid chamber having the discharge opening through which the liquid material is discharged, an extrusion member having a plunger and a contact portion, the plunger being thinner than the liquid chamber not to contact a side wall of the liquid chamber and having a forward end portion which advances and retracts within the liquid chamber, and a collision member disposed adjacent to the extrusion member on the side opposite to the plunger and having a piston and a collision portion facing the contact portion. The collision portion collides against the contact portion such that the extrusion member is advanced at a high speed to discharge the liquid material.

Abstract: An electric caulking gun may include a cartridge setting portion to which a cartridge containing a caulking material can be set, an electric motor, a push rod driven by the electric motor via a power transmission path and configured to be pressed against the cartridge for dispensing the caulking material from the cartridge, and an interruption device provided in the power transmission path and operable for interrupting the power transmission path and allowing the push rod to be freely moved.

Abstract: An electric caulking gun may include a main body portion including a cartridge setting portion to which a cartridge containing a caulking material can be set, an electric motor disposed within the main body portion, and a push rod configured to be pressed against the cartridge for dispensing the caulking material from the cartridge. The push rod may be coupled to the electric motor so as to advance and retract along a moving path. The electric motor may extend in a right and left direction across a vertical plane including the moving path of the push rod.

Abstract: A tablet cassette of tablet medicine packing apparatus is disclosed. The tablet cassette includes a tablet outlet opened such that tablets contained inside thereof to be discharged, a drum opening and closing the tablet outlet selectively, a lever controlling movement of the drum when the cartridge is separated from the cartridge installation unit, wherein the lever includes a drum contacting unit to be pressed elastically in the direction of contacting with the drum, while the drum contacting unit is separated from the drum when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge installation unit.

Abstract: A beverage pressure control device, comprising a pressure regulating chamber and a pressure sensing chamber, separated by a movable or deformable wall part, wherein at least one gas inlet channel is provided for feeding gas under pressure into the pressure sensing chamber and at least one gas outlet channel for feeding gas from the gas sensing chamber, wherein the gas inlet channel can be closed by a valve operated by the movable or deformable wall part, depending on a pressure difference over said movable or deformable wall part, wherein an operating device is provided for regulating the flow through the at least one outlet channel.

Abstract: A flow regulating dispensing closure for a container comprises a base attachable to a container, a dispensing passage, and a lid connected to the base, the lid movable between a closed position in which the dispensing passage is blocked and an open position in which a first flow path through the lid is unblocked for dispensing flowable product from a container. The lid is movable to one or more further open positions in which one or more further flow paths therethrough are unblocked to allow increase of the flow rate.

Abstract: A one-piece dispensing cap includes a sidewall and an upper surface. A lid is hingedly connected to the upper surface and the lid is moveable between open and closed positions. A plurality of dispensing apertures are disposed in the upper surface and a plurality of projections depend from an interior surface of the lid. The plurality of projections mate with the plurality of apertures to seal the cap in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to lids for beverage containers and related methods, for example, a lid to fit within the screw on compression assembly found on standard canning jars to adapt the container to improve a user's ability to consume liquids directly from the vessel. Lids according to certain embodiments of the invention can be used with a wide range of containers like jars, so that the containers can be conveniently used to consume a beverage while avoiding spilling and facilitating extended use and recycling of the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge nozzle for an arrangement inside or at the base of a metallurgic vessel with an upper end, preferably for the connection to a metallurgic vessel or to a sliding valve of a metallurgic vessel, and a lower end, whereat a flow-through channel with at least one discharge opening at its lower end is arranged between the two ends, whereat the radially to the outside pointing wall of the flow-through channel is surrounded by a gas-proof case, characterized by the fact that the case surrounds the lower end with at least one discharge opening in a gas proof manner. The invention further relates to a method for operating a bottom discharge nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention is a support and carry system for use with slow moving vehicles having an existing slow moving vehicle support bracket; an extension bar constructed and arranged to be placed in said existing support bracket; an upper support bracket assembly, said upper support bracket dependent on said extension bar, said upper bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive signage indicating a slow moving vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible bag for the carrying of items. The bag converts between a backpack carrying configuration and a single strap carrying configuration. The single strap is connected to the backpack straps such that the backpack straps are flush against the bag when the bag is carried in the single strap configuration. The disclosed subject matter has the advantages that no removable straps or adjustable straps are necessary, and no straps hang freely when the bag is carried in the single strap configuration.