Abstract: A system for identification of different fastening elements used for connecting of components of a unit to be assembled has a receptacle to receive different fastening elements which differ from each other with regard to shape and/or size and/or material and are coordinated to the components which are respectively to be connected so that the number of fastening elements which are able to be received by the receptacle corresponds at least to the number of connection sites on the components, a housing which serves to receive the receptacle, and identification elements to display the individual charging position of a fastening element in the receptacle.

Abstract: A paint brush cover has a bottom opening; a stretchable, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric body with an internal volume less than a volume of an inserted paint brush head; and a top opening narrower than the fabric body and the paint brush head and sized to freely admit the brush handle. A paint brush is inserted handle-first through the bottom opening until the wider brush head registers in a fully covered position with the brush head stretching the fabric body into moisture-wicking contact against the bristles, and with the bristle ends spaced above the bottom opening. The bottom opening may be stiffened with a flexible stiffener that flexes open when a brush head is inserted, or with a closure flap.

Abstract: A cover for a welding wire container has a body portion provided with an elongate slot through which the welding wire can be withdrawn from the container, and at least one flap formed integrally therewith and partially defining the slot.

Abstract: A wallboard joint compound package is provided, including a container defining an interior space and configured for being sealed, a first component of ready-mixed joint compound being disposed in the interior space to a level which leaves a pre-determined head space, and an upper surface of the component is defined in the container. A second component is provided, including water, and is placed in the interior space upon the upper surface, such that the first and second components remain substantially distinct prior to opening of the container.

Abstract: A sanitary cake cover with a removable candle deck, which protects the contents of the cake from contamination during blowing out of celebratory candles. The transparent cake cover includes a removable candle deck for at least one candle, which does not pierce the cake or cover being decorated by lighted celebratory candles. The cake cover can be used without the candle deck. The sanitary cake cover is impervious to assault by normal airborne contaminants, such as dust and dirt as well from contaminated expelled breath during the act of blowing out candles. The separate removable candle deck is removable to enable the container to be used for other food items without the obstruction of candle recesses. The flat top of the cover has a peripheral top ridge forming a flat central depression of dimensions to fit the flat candle deck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crate (2) of a system of crates, in particular for transporting fresh fish, which has an opening (16) on the top side, and wherein the edge area as well as the base area of the opening on the top side are designed in such a manner that the base area on the edge of the opening on the top side is laterally and positively placed on an identical crate; thus the crates can be stacked on top of each other such that the upper crate can be inserted into the lower crate, rotated about a vertical axis by 180°, and thus the empty boxes can be stacked into one another (180° stack-nest crate), and said crate is thereby characterized in that the edge area (10) of the opening on the top side is designed, at least in terms of area, in a channel shape and has at least one first through hole (30) which is located on the outer side at the bottom of the crate wall adjacent to the edge area, and in that the base of the crate features a second through hole (30) so that liquid can drain out of the

Abstract: The powder classifying device classifies powder having a particle size distribution and collects the classified powder. The device includes a disc-like cavity to which the powder is supplied and where the supplied powder is classified, a powder supply port for supplying the powder to the cavity, guide vanes arranged so as to extend from an outer periphery of the cavity in an inner direction at a predetermined angle, a discharge unit for air streams including fine particles discharged from the cavity, a collection unit for coarse particles discharged from the cavity and air nozzles arranged below the guide vanes on an outer peripheral wall of the cavity along a tangential direction of the outer peripheral wall and blow compressed air into an inside of the cavity.

Abstract: An air classifier contains a cylindrical casing provided with at an upper part thereof a feed port to feed high pressure air and a powder material, an umbrella-shaped center core in the casing, and an umbrella-shaped separator core arranged downstream of the center core in the casing and including an opening at center thereof. The air classifier has a configuration containing a dispersion chamber to disperse the powder material, being surrounded by an inner wall of the upper part casing and the center core, and a classification chamber to classify the powder material into fine and coarse powders by centrifugation, being surrounded by the center core, separator core and inner wall of the casing. In the dispersion chamber provided are a louver ring containing guide slats circularly arranged at regular intervals, and a space encircling the louver ring and serving as flow passage of the air and powder material.

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly distributing fluids (e.g., washing and in-service) through a filter bed of a filter. The system and method of the present invention can be used with any type of filter that uses media to remove impurities from a fluid. The filter bed can include one or more layers of media. The media can be natural (e.g., sand, gravel, anthracite, etc.) or can be fabricated (e.g., plastic). The filter media can be supported by one or more layers of gravel. Alternatively, the filter media can be supported by a porous plate or other support designed to replace the gravel layers. The present invention includes a system having one or more distribution members configured to uniformly distribute a fluid through a filter bed of a filter. Preferably, the one or more distribution members can be readily installed by relatively unskilled labor in both existing filters and new filters.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include compositions and methods for making them that include a polymeric porous membrane with one or more atmospheric pressure microwave plasma modified surfaces. The modified porous membrane is stable, non-dewetting, and retains its mechanical strength.

Abstract: A carbon membrane structure includes: a cylindrical porous support body provided with a plurality of cells extending from one end face to the other end face and functioning as fluid passages, and a carbon membrane disposed on the surface side of the cells formed in the porous support body. The plurality of cells are formed so that a distance from one cell to another cell adjacent to the one cell in a cross section perpendicular to a cell extension direction of the porous support body 1 is 0.60 mm or more. The carbon membrane structure shows very excellent separation performance by the carbon membrane.

Abstract: A note holder is disclosed that comprises a base; a spine extending from the base and having a base end and an upper end, the upper end being positioned higher than the base end in the vertical plane; and, a plurality of retainers attached to said spine and adapted to retain one or more pieces of notepaper in an easily observed state.

Abstract: A shelf including a mounting bracket having two arms is provided. The length of the arms and the distance between the arms are adjustable so the shelf may be attached to and project outwardly from various support structures.

Abstract: A covering member (1) for mounting on a fastener ring (2), the ring and the covering member co-operating with each other to form a fastener device for fastening a dispenser system (3) on a receptacle neck (40). The covering member is substantially cylindrical and includes an outside wall (14) and an inside wall (15) for coming into clamping contact around the ring (2). The inside wall forms at least one elongate groove (16) hollowed out in a base zone (151). The groove is formed by a plurality of groove segments (17) that are separated by non-groove zones in such a manner as to form a groove that is interrupted locally.

Abstract: A polymer lid for capping the mouth of a PET bottle having a neck with a male thread, the lid comprising a threaded female cylindrical section for engaging the male thread of the neck; an outer surface comprising an arcuate skirt consisting of at least three quarters (270°) of a torroidal cylindrical section around the female cylindrical section; and further consisting of a protrusion having first and second surfaces than meet at an apex whose maximum extension protrudes between 1 mm and 5 mm from the inner cylindrical female surface; the protrusion for engagement by a thumb of a person attempting to open the bottle, enabling increased torque in a counter-clockwise direction for removal of the lid from a PET bottle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a compact closure for containers with a neck and mouth, comprising a threaded pourer (14) which has a drip-stop lip (19) and a threaded cap (3) designed to screw-engage with the threaded pourer, the pourer body comprising a part which has a cross-section substantially in the form of an upside-down “U” and the drip-stop lip being formed on the substantially annular upper portion (18) of the part with a cross-section in the form of an upside-down “U”.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed toward bottles with improved top loading resistance and does so by, among other things, utilizing walls, shoulder, and/or other structural features of a particular size, taper, angle, and/or material. The bottle includes a mouth, a barrel connected to a base, and a shoulder extending between the mouth and barrel. The shoulder may include upper, intermediate, and lower sections, in which the intermediate section may be relatively thicker than the upper section. The barrel may also include upper, intermediate, and lower sections, in which the intermediate section may be relatively thicker than the lower section.

Abstract: An improved lightweight container incorporates a thinner wall structure in an essentially octagonal container having a bottom member, a plurality of sidewalls, a spout, an upwardly converging neck member coupling the sidewalls of the spout, a handle molded into the container and a radiused transiting section between the sidewalls and the spout which eliminates weakened corner sections and improves overall strength to weight ratios.

Abstract: A shipping container liner system for use in the shipping of bulk flowable products is described. The system comprises a specially adapted shipping container liner that is self-supporting without the need of rear-mounted rigid supportive bars to retain the liner within the shipping container during filling and discharge. The system comprises an arrangement of interior support baffles operating in conjunction with a plurality of exterior anchor straps adapted to distribute the cargo load throughout the length of the liner. A specialized hopper for unloading the bulk material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-locking package comprising a sleeve having a self-initializing locking tab and a slidable insert. The sleeve comprises a plurality of panels forming a substantially quadrilateral cross section. The locking tab extends between a top panel and a bottom panel and is offset from corners of the quadrilateral. An insert for retaining an item is at least partially insertable within an opening of the sleeve and includes a notch formed in at least one portion of the perimeter of the insert, such that when the insert is properly inserted into the sleeve, the locking tab seats within the notch to substantially prevent relative movement between the insert and the sleeve.

Abstract: A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large asymmetrically shaped objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining subsections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position.

Abstract: A floating plug emergency drain valve for a floating roof used with a storage tank for volatile fluid, where the floating roof includes vertically spaced apart top and bottom surfaces and a duct having open top and bottom ends that extends through the roof for drainage through the roof of water accumulated atop the roof, the valve having an open state for allowing the accumulated water to drain downward through the duct and a closed state for blocking vapors from rising upward through the duct, the valve including a valve seat having an upper sealing surface, and a valve sealing element having a buoyant ball-like upper part, and a bottom part formed as a plug extending downward with a bottom sealing surface sealing with the valve seat upper sealing surface when the valve is in its closed state.

Abstract: A fluid container includes a spout and a cap, where the spout has an actuation portion that is inclined with respect to a drinking portion of the spout. The spout is actuated from a closed position to an open position with an external force applied on the actuation portion. A channel through the spout encompasses an oblique angle, and the spout is pivotally coupled to the cap at a fulcrum point. The fulcrum point is laterally offset from an aperture in the cap, where the aperture forms a passageway through a thickness of the cap. The channel adjoins the aperture when the spout is in the open position.

Abstract: A modular recycling unit comprises a support for supporting a first container. The first container is tiltable between a first position where the interior of the container is accessible and a second position where the interior of the container is inaccessible. The first container is freely removable from the support. A second container is supported on the support such that it is in a stacked relationship relative to the first container. The second container is freely removable from the support.

Abstract: A pressure vessel has a composite shell; a boss defining a port in the composite shell and having a neck; and an interface element disposed between the composite shell and the boss. The interface element is neither bonded to the composite shell nor to the boss, thereby allowing for movement between the interface element and the composite shell and allowing for movement between the interface element and the boss. The interface element further includes a neck disposed adjacent the neck of the boss.

Abstract: An insulating sleeve comprising a flat, elongated blank with straight top and bottom edges and end edges which are joined together at a glue flap. The sleeve includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rows of generally longitudinally orientated and off-set slits. The rows of slits (5 to 10) are generally placed adjacent the glue flap and cover only a portion of the sleeve. Preferably at least one of the even or odd numbered slits extend to the top or bottom edge of the sleeve. In use, the sleeve is placed over the frustoconically shaped side wall of the cup which causes the sleeve to expand circumferentially until the desired fit is obtained.

Abstract: The disclosed device primarily consists of a band, ring, or other piece of shape memory polymer (SMP) or SMP composite in various embodiments that allows or disallows containment. When the SMP reaches its transition temperature (Tg) the SMP provides the means for releasing containment of the pressurized material so as to prevent ignition or explosion of hazardous material. At normal operating temperatures, the SMP is in a deformed shape maintaining an environmental seal to protect the contents of the container. When environmental conditions cause the SMP or SMP composite to exceed its Tg, specified by the operating requirements, the SMP returns to its memory shape in a controlled geometry, rather than simply melting. The return of the SMP to its memory shape causes the venting of the container in different manners depending on which embodiment is utilized.

Abstract: A bail handle and containment case assembly, including a tray and closing lid, the bail handle including a portion that serves part of a latching function when in a first position over the lid and then serves part of a lifting function when pivoted off of the lid and moved into a second position.

Abstract: Hole-sealing cover wherewith, while securing space for a moving part such as the end of a suspension arm, the size of a hole in a member being attached to can be made small. The hole-sealing cover is shaped so that it can be inserted into a hole in a bracket, includes a vessel-shaped main cover body which has a space for an end to move in formed inside, and a flange, formed at the peripheral edges of the main cover body, for preventing excessive insertion, in which main cover body, at the top part thereof forming a vessel-shaped bottom surface, a hinge is formed which extends, crossing the top part linearly, which hinge exhibits elasticity wherewith the width in a direction crossing the hinge can be reduced by a pressing force and wherewith the width is restored to the original width when the pressing force is released.

Abstract: A protective bag for a portable electronic device with a first body and a second body is provided. The first body may be carried on a carrying surface. The second body may be folded relative to the first body to cover the first body or unfolded relative to the first body to stand on the carrying surface. The protective bag comprises a first covering plate for covering a bottom surface of the first body, a second covering plate for covering a rear surface of the second body and at least a connecting component connected between the first covering plate and the second covering plate. When the bottom surface is carried on the carrying surface via the first covering plate and the second body is unfolded relative to the first body, the second covering plate stands on the carrying surface with a support provided by the connecting component.

Abstract: An improved dispensing system for dispensing products provided initially in a package that includes an activatable opening structure is disclosed. The dispensing system comprises a frame being configured to support the package of products and an opening tool associated with the frame. The opening tool engages with the activatable opening structure on the package to create an opening when the package is moved longitudinally along the frame of the dispensing system, thus allowing the products to be at least partially dispensed out of the package into the product display area of the frame through the opening formed on the rear panel or on an angular of the rear and side panels of the package.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure also includes the step of performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the sensor detects sensory input, and performing a transition procedure.

Abstract: A foam pump having a flexible member for engagement with a dispenser, the pump being part of a refill unit including a product reservoir. The flexible connecting member extends from an extreme end of the pump and is received by an actuating carriage that is movably connected to an actuating mechanism. The flexible connecting member permits insertion of the pump into a dispenser, and may act to dampen actuating forces to reduce foam shearing. The flexible connecting member may be provided in the form of a flared tip that is received through an oval opening in the product dispenser, and the pump may include a locking member to prevent unwanted actuation thereof during insertion of the refill unit into the dispenser.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser contains and dispenses metered amounts of fluid, and in some embodiments comprises a reservoir for containing fluid; a chamber positioned substantially within the reservoir for containing a quantity of fluid; and a piston moveable within the chamber in a first direction to draw fluid into the chamber from the reservoir, and movable in a second direction to discharge a metered amount of fluid from the chamber. A user-manipulatable control can be coupled to the piston to move the piston with respect to the chamber, and in some cases to select the desired metered amount of fluid to be dispensed. Also, a pawl can be used to selectively permit and inhibit movement of the piston in the first and/or second directions to prevent partial doses from being dispensed from the fluid dispenser.

Abstract: A replenishable liquid soap dispensing apparatus includes a liquid soap container, a soap dispensing device and a support rack. The liquid soap container includes a holding portion, a bottle opening on the holding portion and at least one lean portion on the holding portion. The soap dispensing device has a soap intake tube connecting to the liquid soap container to draw liquid soap, a soap discharge tube connecting to the soap intake tube to discharge the liquid soap and a pressurizing mechanism to increase the pressure in the soap intake tube and soap discharge tube to send the liquid soap from the soap intake tube towards the soap discharge tube. The support rack includes a first support portion to hold the soap dispensing device and a second support portion corresponding to and coupling with the lean portion to hold the liquid soap container.

Abstract: A container for containing and dispensing viscous comestibles, such as ice cream, is disclosed. The container includes a container body with a nozzle and a container cap movably coupled to the container body. The container cap moves between at least two positions, a first position where the container cap covers the nozzle, and a second position where a portion of the nozzle extends through a container cap opening. In some embodiments a straw portion of the nozzle extends through the container cap opening. A method of containing viscous comestibles is disclosed which includes attaching a container cap to a container body such that the container cap has at least two positions, testing that the container cap moves to each of its at least two positions, inserting viscous comestibles into the container body through a nozzle opening in the container body nozzle, and locking the container cap in the first position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing container for liquids comprising a reservoir (1) which is connected to a dispensing nozzle (6), the nozzle having a mouth (4) through which liquid is dispensed, wherein the nozzle is adapted such that the size of the mouth is adjustable. In the most preferred embodiment, the container comprises a dispenser for fuel additives which comprises a novel design of dispensing nozzle, comprising a tube (5) adapted to fit the fuel tank of a petrol engine and a moveable sleeve (8) of greater diameter than the tube and adapted to fit the fuel tank of a diesel engine, this sleeve being positioned around the tube such that it can be moved to a position at the dispensing end of the tube which prevents the nozzle from being inserted into the fuel tank of a petrol engine.

Abstract: Filling device (1, 101) including a reservoir (3, 103) intended to contain liquid, a valve (4, 104) connected to the reservoir and a spout (20, 120), in which the valve has a shutter (10, 110) and a shutter seat (11), a flow circuit having a liquid inlet adjacent to the shutter seat and a liquid outlet adjacent to the spout, the liquid outlet being located lower than the liquid inlet, and an air intake circuit separate from the flow circuit, in which a pushrod (22, 122) has an upper end adjacent to the shutter. The pushrod includes a first duct (27) and a second duct (28), the air inlet circuit including the first duct, the flow circuit including the second duct.

Abstract: A tablet computer accessory system for holding a tablet computer includes a base; a plurality of holding straps extending from the base, the plurality of straps each forming a loop, each loop oriented on a corner of the tablet computer; a lanyard interconnected with the base; a handle interconnected with the base; a hanging strap interconnected with a carabineer, the hanging strap attached to the base; and a leg strap interconnected with the base.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to hold a communication device, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, or the like, in a manner that provides for hands-free use of the communication device, particularly while driving, visual proximity so that a display of the communication device is easily observed, and audio proximity so that a speaker and a microphone are easily within hearing and speaking distances. The holding apparatus includes one or more clips with which to clip the device onto a visor. The clips provide a degree of rotation about a pivot pin. The body is configurable such that it can hold devices of varying sizes. The body can extend both vertically and horizontally to accommodate longer and wider devices. In at least one embodiment, the body is sectioned into four quarters that can extend and retract to accommodate many varied sizes of devices.

Abstract: An adjustable width headache rack capable of accommodating the widths of multiple pick-up truck vehicles and mounting thereon including a frame member having an upper load bar and a lower cross bar each extending between two upright members spaced a distance from one another. Leg members extend from each upright member in a rearward direction on top of bed rails of the pick-up truck. The leg members have a sleeve portion which slidingly engages the lower cross bar thereby enabling width adjustment. Screen members are interchangeable within the truck rack frame.

Abstract: A rack system for vehicles such as pickup trucks comprises a number of base supports each clamped atop one of the opposed vehicle side walls by effective but economical clamping devices, a side rail mounted to each base support in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, and, tie-down devices releasably secured to cross bars extending between side rails located on opposite side walls of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the means for attaching gadget on a stroller using an elastic holder to wrap around the stroller. Using the elastic self-wrapped holder, the lighting device or gadget is easily and conveniently secured on the stroller without any tool, thereby saving time and effort of parents. The elastic self-wrapped holder does not distort or damage the stroller. The elastic self-wrapped holder is versatile and can firmly secure a lighting device or gadget to any parts of stroller. The elasticity of the material used for the holder can conform to gadget of various sizes and shapes thereby firmly grip and tightly fit the gadget.

Abstract: A backpack is positioned to rest in an essentially flat configuration between the shoulder blades, so as to mitigate backpack pain or stress. The pack is worn tightly across the individual to eliminate the downward forces of the weight included in a pocket having a rhombus shape. Stretchable material of the pack conforms to the contents of the pack. Effectively, the weight of the pack is distributed across the chest and back of an individual to provide a “weightless effect”.

Abstract: A miniature spring-actuated stapler includes a tapered, flat power spring to store energy and eject staples. The power spring pivots at a rear of the stapler housing and includes three co-extensive arms terminating near the striker. As the L-shaped handle of the stapler is pressed, it acts on the center arm of the power spring to deflect it downward while the outer arms deflect upward. The arms are integral at a rear end and the outer arms are linked to the striker at the front. A tapered, flat reset spring disposed generally parallel to the power spring is used to reset the internal action. The housing includes open top and rear areas with the handle providing the enclosure thereof. A base assembly is slidably attached at a bottom of the stapler with an open position exposing a staple-loading chamber.

Abstract: A surgical buttress includes a body portion and a band disposed on each of the distal and proximal ends thereof. The surgical buttress is configured to attach to an end effector of a surgical stapling apparatus. The body portion, having perforations disposed thereon, overlies the working surface of one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. A resilient portion extends transversely beyond the side edges of the first or second jaws. Each band remains attached to the end effector following the firing thereof. The proximal band is removably attachable to a hook feature disposed on one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. The surgical buttress can be made from suitable degradable or non-degradable materials. One embodiment contemplates a detachable and disposable single use loading unit. A method of attaching the surgical buttress to a surgical apparatus is also envisioned.

Abstract: A surgical staple having at least one projection formed thereon. In various embodiments, the projection is formed on a crown of the surgical staple. In one various embodiment, the projection surrounds, or is positioned adjacent to, at least one deformable member of the surgical staple. In one embodiment, the projection can apply an increased compressive force or pressure to soft tissue surrounding the deformable member prior to the deformable members puncturing a hole in the soft tissue. As a result of the increased compressive force or pressure on the tissue, after staple deployment, blood flow proximate deformable member puncture holes can be reduced.

Abstract: A flux dipping apparatus includes a flux plate having a top surface; and a dipping cavity in the flux plate and recessed from the top surface. A flux leveler is disposed over the flux plate and configured to move parallel to the top surface. A piezoelectric actuator is configured to adjust a distance between the flux leveler and the top surface in response to a controlling voltage applied to electrodes of the first piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: The storage box is formed from a sheet provided with a plurality of folding lines defining a parallelepiped provided with six faces, one of said face being a hinged lid (2), and it is characterized in that the opposed face to said hinged lid comprises a first sector (1a) provided with an oblique folding line (7a) that defines a first joining zone (8a); a second sector (1b) also provided with an oblique folding line (7b) that is joined to said first sector (1a) in said first joining zone (8a); a third sector (1c) provided with an oblique folding line (7c) that defines a second joining zone (8c); and a fourth sector (1d) that is joined to said third sector (1c) in said second joining zone (8c). It permits to obtain a box that can be mounted by itself.

Abstract: A bulk shipping container has a plurality of removable supporting legs extending downwardly from a periphery of its interior space beyond the bottom of the container to support the container in an elevated position above a floor. Reinforcing straps positioned on the container hold the legs in their extended positions. A dolly may be positioned beneath the elevated container between the supporting legs and the reinforcing straps removed to enable the weight of the container to cause it to slide down along the plurality of removable supporting legs to a lowered position resting on the dolly, which may then be used to transport the loaded container into a building for removal of product from the container.