Abstract: A steering wheel includes a heating element which heats an entire rim to a uniform temperature. The heating element is coated as an electrically conductive paste on a surface of the rim, and is formed such that an electrical resistance increases away from an inner diameter portion of the rim toward an outer diameter portion of the rim.

Abstract: A home appliance having an oven with a broil element, the home appliance including an appliance body; an oven cavity defined within the appliance body; a broil element mounted within the oven cavity; a broil element reflector mounted to a wall of the oven cavity; and a mounting arrangement formed integrally with the broil element reflector for mounting the broil element within the oven cavity.

Abstract: A method and device for determining temperature of a substrate in a vacuum processing apparatus during a process of the substrate are disclosed, the substrate to be measured is placed on a susceptor in the vacuum processing apparatus for a manufacture process, and the method includes: selecting i wavelengths from radiance emitted from the susceptor through a substrate, where i is a natural number greater than 1; obtaining at least i pieces of radiance corresponding to the selected i wavelengths; and calculating the temperature of the substrate based on the i pieces of radiance and the i wavelengths, by using a mathematical equation: E(?i)=T(d)×M(?i,T), where E(?i) is the ith radiant quantity corresponding to the ith wavelength ?i, T(d) is transmittance of the substrate, which is a function of thickness d of a film grown on the substrate, and M(?i,T) is blackbody radiation equation, which is a function of the ith wavelength ?i and the substrate temperature T.

Abstract: A home appliance having a griddle includes an appliance body; a cooktop on the appliance body and defining a griddle space; a griddle housing in the body adjacent the griddle space and operatively associated with the griddle; a griddle insulation retainer for removable disposition within the griddle space for supporting insulation material intermediate the griddle and the griddle insulation retainer, the griddle insulation retainer including a base and a wall; and a mounting arrangement for mounting the griddle insulation retainer to the range body including a first mating component on the griddle insulation retainer and a second mating component on the griddle housing, wherein the first mating component is removably joined to the second mating component in a press-fit manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling a complementary electric radiator (R) installed in a ventilation system used in the automotive sector, said device including at least two electronic modules each including a computer, a control module (1) capable of sending operating commands to the radiator and a management module (2), which is implemented within the electric radiator (R) in order to manage the operation thereof on the basis of commands received from the control module (1). According to the invention, the control module (1) includes a unit for generating and transmitting a PWM signal representative of the operating commands being sent to the radiator (R) over a communication wire (3) connected to the management module (2) and a unit for reading the signal travelling over the communication wire (3); the management module (2) includes a unit for altering the PWM signal travelling over the communication wire on the basis of detected events in the operation of the radiator (R).

Abstract: The present invention provides a heating element, including a transparent substrate, an adhesive agent layer provided on at least one side of the transparent substrate, a conductive heat emitting line provided on the adhesive agent layer, a coating film capsulating the conductive heat emitting line and an upper side of the adhesive agent layer not covered by the heat emitting line, a bus bar electrically connected to the conductive heat emitting line, and a power part connected to the bus bar, and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: A crushable ceramic heater core for an electric heater device which has a cylinder-like body of crushable ceramic material and grooves along the periphery of the body, the grooves being key shaped and adapted to receive a conductive pin in a groove. The invention also includes an electric heater device where such a core has been wound with heater wire and the conductive pin has been inserted in a core groove in contact with the wire, and the wire wound core has been installed in a sheath which has been filed with electoral insulting material. The sheath and its contents are swaged to create a compacted unitary heater assembly. The invention also includes the process for making the wire wound grooved core having a conductive pin therein in contact with the wire winding, and a method for making a heating device having such a core and which has been compacted to a theoretical density. The heater assembly and the method may also include installation of temperature sensing devices.

Abstract: A substantially square multi-temperature and multi-texture frozen food microwave heating tray with Y shaped, flex stabilizing dividers, includes a first integral compartment defined by at least one sidewall and an upwardly convex bottom, and two additional integral compartments defined by at least one sidewall and a bottom and comprising a microwave energy access modulating structure for at least one of the compartments.

Abstract: My invention is to use the shipping cargo container as a fully customizable, secure enclosure to produce professional audio recording, engineering, mixing, mastering, scoring, live concert, broadcast, video recording, video editing, video production, web programming, web design, visual arts, graphic design, communications, Wi-Fi, internet, live broadcast production, vocational training, National Security surveillance, entertainment, network, television, mobile content, social media, SEO/SEM, and Cloud computing. The construction of the shipping cargo container will utilize all the standard and available construction materials. The broadcast and communications production material and components will consist of all the past, current, and future software and hardware designed to produce the aforementioned products and services.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

Abstract: A mobile device case having an integrated latch. The mobile device case includes a first portion sized to at least partially retain a mobile device. The first portion includes side wall portions including at least one corner contiguous with the side wall portions. The at least one corner includes at least one first mating element. A second portion is matable to the first portion. The second portion includes at least one flap. Each flap includes a second mating element sized to mate with the first mating element. Each flap is disposed on an exterior portion of the at least corner when the first mating element is mated to the second mating element.

Abstract: A packaging container having sustainable repulpable/recyclable capability specifically sized to maintain the integrity of the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) rations used by the U.S. Army and military services. A coated corrugated fiberboard using a C-flute configuration is utilized in a novel packaging design that incorporates a liner or a vertical container divider.

Abstract: A closure device (1) for a product dispensing container. The closure device comprises a base (2) having a body with a connector portion (2a) adapted to mount the closure device on a product container. The base comprises a product channel (5) and a rupturable seal (4) occluding the product channel and forming a lower seal of the closure device. A rotary part (20) is rotatably journalled on the base. The rotary part has a product passage (21) in communication with the product channel in the base. An upper sealing arrangement (30) is arranged on the rotary part and forms an upper seal of the closure device that is remote from the lower seal and seals the product passage of the rotary part. A lower seal rupturing member (40) is movable in a rupturing motion relative to the base to rupture the rupturable lower seal. A motion transfer (27, 42, 3b, 41) means is provided and is adapted so as to effect the rupturing motion of the lower seal rupturing member upon suitable rotary actuation of the rotary part.

Abstract: A reclosable container lid includes a top cover and a lid arrangement. The top cover has a top ceiling, a sealing rim for sealing at a container, and a drinking opening formed at the top ceiling. The lid arrangement includes a through elongated guiding slot formed at the top ceiling of the top cover, a lid panel rotatably coupled at a bottom side of the top cover, and a lid actuator upwardly extended from the lid panel above the top ceiling of the top cover through the guiding slot to move the lid panel. When the lid actuator is moved to a first end of the guiding slot, the lid panel is moved to cover at the drinking opening. When the lid actuator is moved to a second end of the guiding slot, the lid panel is moved away from the drinking opening.

Abstract: An end closure for a container is provided. The end closure includes a stay-on-tab and a tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. The tear panel includes a raised portion which extends in an upward orientation toward a public side of the end closure.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes a carrier and sealant contained by the carrier. An enclosure interface includes first and second pieces and defines one or more sealing channels that the sealing apparatus may be positioned within. The first piece defines an opening that has a perimeter sealed by the sealing apparatus. When the first and second pieces are mounted together, the sealant forms a first interface seal with the first piece and a second interface seal with the second piece. The one or more sealing channels are interconnected by one or more junction sections that include a volume of sealant. The carrier may define first and second channels that respectively contain first and second volumes of sealant. The method for making the sealing apparatus may include extruding the first and second volumes of sealant into the first and second channels.

Abstract: A disposable liner, used with a cone-shaped funnel of a drum lifter/inverter mixing/discharge machine, may include a first liner portion formed into a hollow cylinder having a first diameter and a first thickness. The first liner portion transitions into a second portion that is formed into a conical shape, with a first end formed to the first diameter, and with a second end formed to a second diameter being larger than the first diameter. The second portion is formed with a plurality of openings positioned a small distance away from the second end and are spaced equally spaced about a third diameter of the second portion. Each the openings are formed to a special elliptical shape, with a corresponding elliptically formed grommet, to be configured to be preloaded with respect to the center of corresponding buttons on the con; onto which the openings may be received to mount the liner.

Abstract: The present invention is for a fitment assembly for use with a flexible pouch, the fitment assembly including a fitment having a spout tube, and a cap for sealing the spout tube. The cap for the fitment includes a plug portion. The plug portion extends from the cap, and is received by the spout tube of the fitment, thereby blocking product contained within flexible pouch from entering the spout tube when the cap is attached to the fitment. The cap further has a sealed recess which is designed to hold a tablet.

Abstract: A system including a DEF tank and a fuel tank arranged in a portion of a vehicle to give that portion multiple structural functions. The system may be arranged to form a part of a counterweight on a work vehicle.

Abstract: A transport tank for mounting to a truck has a composite tank body, an outer boss mounted to an outer side of the tank body, an inner boss mounted to an inner side f the tank body, and a flange disposed such that at least a portion of the inner boss is disposed between and abuts the inner side of the tank body and the flange. The tank body, the inner boss, the outer boss and the flange each have an aperture defined therein. The flange is fastened such that the outer boss, the tank body, and the inner boss are compressed by the flange.

Abstract: A device for tempering food held in rectangular pan-shaped containers of standardized sizes. The device has two opposing side walls and a cover panel connecting the side walls at the top. A rectangular opening is provided in the cover panel. The size of the opening is determined as a function of the standard-size containers to be placed in the opening. A laterally projecting opposite edges of the containers extend beyond the opening. Two opposing groove-like slots are on each of side walls below the opening. A tub for the purpose of tempering has two opposing, laterally projecting edges which are dimensioned to extend over the edges of the opening when the tub is placed in the opening, and which can be slid into the opposing slots in the side walls.

Abstract: A plate with integrated design for sauces includes a plate well, a lip, an outer base, a plurality of central bases, at least one design indentation, and a design indentation border. The lip is positioned around the plate well, and the outer base and the plurality of central bases are positioned with the plate well opposite from the lip. The at least one design indentation is positioned on the plate well and provides a separate area for the sauces. The design indentation border that provides a barrier between a food surface of the plate well and a top surface of the at least one design indentation is positioned around the at least one design indentation. The plate with integrated design for sauces allows food items to be served on the food surface while keeping the sauces within the at least one design indentation.

Abstract: A vessel apparatus includes a pressurized vessel and at least one flow control element. The at least one flow control element is located within the pressurized vessel and has an upwardly-converging wall.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vessel, a first vertical support, a second vertical support, and a series of insulating panels. The first vertical support and the second vertical support are fixated to the vessel such that the first vertical support is spaced apart from the second vertical support. Each of the insulating panels in the series of insulating panels is supported between the first vertical support and the second vertical support. Moreover, each insulating panel in the series of insulating panels slidably overlaps one or more adjacent insulating panels in the series of insulating panels.

Abstract: Insulating cup includes an inner body and an outer body. The inner body has an inner sidewall defining a top opening and an inner bottom portion, and the inner sidewall includes a first circumferential rib and a second circumferential rib. The outer body has an outer sidewall surrounding at least a substantial portion of the inner sidewall and engaging the first circumferential rib and the second circumferential rib to define an insulating space therebetween, and the outer body has an outer bottom portion disposed below the inner bottom portion to define a surface-engaging edge.

Abstract: A consumer product package comprising a tub comprising a base and a perimeter wall defining a cavity, the base comprising at least two projections extending from the base within the cavity, the at least two projections spaced apart from the perimeter wall; and a consumer product disposed within the cavity such that each of the at least two projections define a recessed portion to receive the consumer product, wherein the base comprises a secondary projection having a height different than a height of each of the at least two projections, the secondary projection free of contact from the consumer product.

Abstract: A package includes a lid adapted to mate with the brim of a container. An interior chamber of the package is bounded by the container and the lid when the lid is mounted on the container brim.

Abstract: Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers.

Abstract: Electronic device housing structures and other structures may be formed from molded plastic. Plastic structures such as injection molding housing structures and other structures may be provided with openings. An opening may have sidewall surfaces. Machining operations and other techniques may be used in forming the openings. Openings may be processed to enhance resistance to stress-induced cracking of the plastic structures along the sidewall surfaces. Cracking resistance may be obtained by activating the surface using heat or laser treatment and by electroplating the activated surface to form a metal liner structure. Surface treatments using applied liquid chemicals or heat may form a treated layer on the surface of an opening with enhanced cracking resistance. A plastic sleeve or other insert may form a liner structure in an opening that resists cracking. Liner structures may also be formed by applying heat or light to a coating in an opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing articles comprises one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags and a container. The one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags are configured for storing the articles therein. The container configured for storing the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags therein. The container has soft sides made of soft materials. In operation, when air within the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags is evacuated, the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags, and any articles stored therein, collapses into the container.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe an apparatus that includes a chamber elongated along a longitudinal axis and shaped to receive pharmaceutical pills arranged along the longitudinal axis in a row, in which any cross-section of the chamber perpendicular to the longitudinal axis intersects a maximum of one pharmaceutical pill.

Abstract: An apparatus for plugging a hole, the apparatus including: a chamber for housing a plurality of plugs which are sized to fit the hole, the chamber having a feed channel to permit passage of plugs under gravity to a feed location at or near an end of the apparatus; a plug exit; a guide for positioning the apparatus such that the plug exit is at an entrance to, or is within, the hole; and a push rod for driving a plug from the feed location through the plug exit into the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.

Abstract: A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor that rotates around a first shaft, a second rotor that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall extending from the second rotor towards the first rotor, a medicine discharge port provided on the outside of the second rotor, a medicine guide section located in the downstream of a movement section in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator disposed between the movement section and medicine guide section. In addition, the width regulator that is disposed between the medicine guide section and the height regulator is further provided. Also, a medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means for detecting the medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port, and a counting means (central control unit) for counting the medicines based on the detection performed by the medicine detection means.

Abstract: A system including a dry absorbent tissue paper sheet dispenser having a dispensing opening through which dry tissue paper sheets can be withdrawn and a moist sheet dispenser having a dispensing opening through which moist sheets can be withdrawn, wherein one of the dry tissue paper dispenser and the moist sheet dispenser is configured to sit atop the other so that the dispensing openings face in opposing directions in a combined configuration, and wherein the dry and moist sheet dispensers have cooperating interfacing surfaces when they are in the combined configuration that resist movement of the moist sheet dispenser with respect to the dry tissue paper dispenser in a first direction perpendicular to a sheet withdrawal direction of the dry tissue paper dispenser and the moist dispenser.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe an apparatus that includes a tubular body elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an interior cavity and a first open end, the interior cavity extending along the longitudinal axis and sized to receive multiple pharmaceutical pills, the interior cavity having a largest cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is sized to fit a single pharmaceutical pill within the cavity, the first open end sized to admit a pharmaceutical pill into the interior cavity, and a device to selectively allow insertion and removal of pills from the interior cavity.

Abstract: Device for facilitating the loading of capsules into a machine for dispensing capsules or for preparing drinks based on these capsules comprising: a detachable tube, containing stacked capsules furnished with an opening for the capsules to pass through the tube, means of aligning the tube allowing the tube to be aligned through a capsule receiving zone for the capsules to descend by gravity into this zone. The alignment means comprise means for retaining the capsules in their stack when the tube is moved with its opening oriented downwards, in the direction of the position in which the tube is aligned with the reception zone.

Abstract: A card vending machine includes a machine base, a motor, a gear unit, a transmission roller and a pair of output rollers. The machine base includes a card storage trough and a middle partition. The output rollers include upper and lower rollers. The motor drives the gear unit to turn the transmission roller and the output rollers, so that the cards in a card storage recess are outputted one by one.

Abstract: A dispenser for food or medicine is provided to store contents such as food or medicine inside and discharging one or a certain amount of food or medicine at a time and improves productivity of components and convenience for assembly by improving a cover which has an elastic piece and a button and a rod formed in one body and improving a coupling structure of a blocking member, a base plate, and a cylindrical main body to a protrusion and a groove type coupling.

Abstract: A system for monitoring flow conditions of fluid flowing from a product container through a solenoid pump.

Abstract: Fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for initial and subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for managing blood sugar levels while on the go. A roll of water soluble sugar thin-film is contained within a specialized dispensing container. A sliding button is disposed on one side of the dispenser and actuates dispensing of a single sugar strip and advancement of a counter. Each sugar strip contains a predetermined dose of dextrose or other sugar in a rapidly dissolving oral film. Thus, diabetics and persons experiencing a blood sugar imbalance can rapidly dispense a measured dose of sugar that dissolves in saliva. A counter on the side of the dispenser tracks the number of remaining sugar strips, thereby ensuring that users who rely on ready availability of sugar strips are aware of their remaining supply.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes an adjustable dosing mechanism that permits adjustment of the amount of fluid to be dispensed. An adjustable dosing mechanism may be inserted into the dispenser in either a high dose orientation or a low dose orientation. The body further includes pair of dose adjusting flanges. When the adjustable dosing mechanism body is received into the dispenser in the high dose orientation, a relatively larger quantity of fluid product is dispensed. When the adjustable dosing mechanism body is received into the dispenser in the low dose orientation, a relatively smaller quantity of fluid product is dispensed.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a container configured to store a fluid, a pump for placement in an interior of the container and for pumping contents of the container to an exterior of the container, a motor system for driving the pump and including a rotor for placement in the interior of the container, and a stator for placement on the exterior of the container, wherein an electric current is passed through the stator for causing rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A bulk bin and bag dispensing apparatus comprises a bag fitment having an elongated buttress female thread and a nipple adapted to be joined to the bag fitment. The nipple comprises an elongated body portion having an axial flow passage therethrough and a projection portion extends radially therefrom. The body portion further includes a first end and a second end. The first end is defined by male buttress thread thereto and the second end is defined by NPT thread thereto. The first end includes a ring cutter and at least one sealing means attached thereto so that the nipple strokes threadedly within the elongated buttress female thread causing the ring cutter to puncture a bag membrane to thereby permit liquid to be dispensed through the flow passage.

Abstract: Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers having multiple product volumes.

Abstract: Dispensing devices are described which can contain at least one substance(s) that can be squished, emptied, extruded, and/or poured out. The dispensing devices can comprise an enclosure, a circumferential edge portion, a dispensing port, and a squeezable portion.

Abstract: Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers.

Abstract: A double hopper system is disclosed. The double hopper system includes, a first hopper and a second hopper. The first hopper has a first and a second opening, and the second hopper is arranged above the second opening of the first hopper and extends into the second opening of the first hopper. The first opening of the first hopper has a predetermined length and a distribution area, and the second hopper is movably arranged with respect to the first hopper, such that the second hopper is movable over at least ¾ of the length of the first opening of the first hopper.

Abstract: A lockable pushbutton includes a locking mechanism configurable to provide a pushbutton locked position and a pushbutton unlocked position. When the locking mechanism is positioned in the locked orientation, the locking mechanism prevents actuation of the pushbutton. When the locking mechanism body is positioned in the unlocked orientation the locking mechanism permits actuation of the pushbutton.