Abstract: A fuel tank closure assembly includes an inner cap and an outer cover. The inner cap has a cylindrical side wall and multiple protrusions extending outward from the cylindrical side wall. The protrusions have a height less than a height of the cylindrical side wall. The outer cover has a cylindrical side wall with an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the inner cap. The cylindrical side wall has multiple openings and multiple hollows. The openings and the hollows in the outer cover each receive one of the protrusions to secure the cover to the cap and rotatably lock the cover and the cap together.

Abstract: A food storage container includes a bowl that connects to a lid in a closed position. Upon movement of the bowl and lid into the closed position, an audible sound or signal is generated as well as visual and tactile indications.

Abstract: A food container includes a glass container, a lid and a protective sleeve. The sleeve covers at least a portion of the side walls and bottom surface of the glass container. The lid has a perimeter that is absent of securing features for the container. The lid has a receiving feature which is engaged by a latch on the protective sleeve when the latch is moved from an open position to a locked position.

Abstract: A can for packaging food, comprising a metal can body and a diaphragm lid (16) formed of lidding material which comprises a multilayer structure with at least an aluminum layer of from 6 to 90 microns thickness and a bond layer for fixing the lid (16) directly to the can body. One method for forming the can forms the lidding material by using an outwardly extending curl (20) at one end of the metal can body as the draw die. Lidding material which is carried by the body maker punch is drawn around the curl of the can body draw die so as to form the lidding material into a cup shape.

Abstract: The present application provides a container, such as a metal or plastic can, that has a rim with an integral heat seal zone (26) and a heat sealable powder or hot melt coating (42) applied to the heat seal zone (26) of the upper rim. In another embodiment, the container includes: a sidewall having an upper rim, wherein the upper rim includes an upwardly inclined and integrally formed heat seal zone (26); a heat sealable coating (42) applied to the heat seal zone (26) of the upper rim; and a peelable foil lid (30) removably attached to the heat seal zone (26) of the upper rim.

Abstract: A package film is provided for attaching to a base member to define a package. The package film construction includes a top layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. A removable adhesive is provided having a defined pattern applied below the bottom surface. A polyethylene (PE) emulsion layer is provide that covers at least a portion of the adhesive pattern, with the PE emulsion layer being heat sealable to the base member.

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: A sewage tank for use with a pump such as a grinder pump to convey sewage. The sewage tank includes a container comprising a sidewall, and a plurality of members connectable and attachable around an outer surface of the sidewall of the container operable for use in providing additional ballast under high ground water conditions.

Abstract: A container tank body and a processing method thereof are provided. The tank body is arranged in a frame with a square-shaped cross section and comprises a cylindrical main body part, end enclosures arranged at two ends of the cylindrical main body part and fixedly connected with the cylindrical main body part, and a tank body strengthening device. The cylindrical main body part comprises a plurality of parts with an arc-shaped cross section, the parts are formed by bending and welding a same panel, and the cross section of the cylindrical main body part of the tank body is generally arranged between the square-shaped cross section of the frame and an inscribed circle of the square-shaped cross section. A tank container comprising the tank body is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic resin container provided with an inverting, foldback bottom wall that can maintain a stable, self-supporting position while being able to minimize the amount of residual contents, and that can be formed by blow-molding, etc., and maintain the favorable producibility or low cost of the past. The synthetic resin container is provided with a bottom wall that forms the bottom of the container, and a drum section that is united to the perimeter of the bottom wall and forms a filling space M for contents on the inside, and is a synthetic resin container wherein a raised bottom is formed by inverting and folding back said bottom wall toward said drum section. Said drum section has a lower peripheral wall that touches or approaches the outer wall part of said bottom wall and forms a self-supporting base by the inversion and folding back of said bottom wall.

Abstract: A flexible container comprises a container wall and a handle attached to the wall. The handle includes multiple layers of thermoplastic material having stitching applied through the multiple layers and a portion of the handle is attached to the container wall.

Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen device, namely a cooking vessel to be used with a cooking utensil. The cooking vessel is adapted to hold the utensil by the stem in order to suspend the cooking implement of the utensil above the container of the cooking vessel. More particularly, the cooking vessel comprises a container having a bottom surface, and a handle extending from the container. The handle has an opening for receiving the stem of the utensil, the opening having a predetermined shape for cooperating with the stem to temporarily hold the stem so that the cooking implement of the utensil hangs above the bottom surface of the container. There is also provided a cooking assembly comprising the cooking vessel and the utensil. There is also provided a handle to be joined to a cooking vessel, as well as a utensil to be used with the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A cooler has a body that includes a bottom and at least one wall forming a cavity therein. The cooler can also include a lid rotatably or otherwise removably coupled to the wall of the body. The cooler also includes a spout provided in the lid for obtaining liquid stored in the cavity of the cooler body. The cooler also include a handle assembly rotatably coupled to either the lid or the body. The handle assembly include at least one handle arm having a first end rotatably coupled to either the lid or the body and a second, distal end coupled to a handle. One or more hook features are coupled to, rotatably coupled to, slidably disposed within, or generally provided with or adjacent to the handle.

Abstract: In a container for solid, paste-like or flowable products, particularly food products, comprising a lower container part for containing the products and a container top part for closing the container, wherein the container bottom part has a rim which extends around the container bottom part opening, the container top part has a collar element which extends around the rim of the container bottom part and an essentially flat areal cover element connected to the collar element and releasably connected to the rim of the container bottom part when, after filling of the container bottom part with a product, the container is closed by the container top part.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided including a first piece mounted in a fixed, detachable, and sealed manner, on a rigid, annular collar of a second piece having an end opening. The first piece includes an annular peripheral wall having an inner face configured to contact an outer face of the collar. The first piece includes a transverse wall that can enter the opening, and an annular wall forming a skirt, the inner face of the skirt including a larger diameter part, a smaller diameter part, and an intermediate part configured to contact with conjugated parts of the outer face by clamping. The transverse wall and the skirt form one component and are made of a highly flexible material enabling the first piece to be brought into an intermediate state in which the first piece is enlarged to be removed from the second piece, while retaining elastic deformation.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing valve includes a liquid dispensing portion with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a liquid passage communicating between the liquid inlet and liquid outlet. A valve member is mounted for movement relative to the liquid outlet between open and closed positions. An actuation portion is coupled with the liquid dispensing portion and includes an inflatable bladder structure. The inflatable bladder structure includes an interior adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with a source of positively pressurized air. The bladder structure may be expanded by the positively pressurized air to move the valve member to at least one of the open or closed positions from the other of the open or closed positions. Methods of dispensing liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, from the valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for extracting fluids from within a container scaled by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments can include a needle connected to a valve connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.

Abstract: A gas storage and delivery system for restoring pressure as it is depleted from a pressurized container, includes a container holding a product under pressure to be dispensed from the container, a quantity of gaseous material under pressure, occupying a space in the container and applying to the product a predetermined pressure of from about 30 to about 180 psig, and a quantity of gas-adsorbing material, storing under pressure a quantity of the gaseous material and releasing it into the container in response to a decrease in pressure in the container, thereby restoring and maintaining a predetermined pressure in the container as product is depleted from the container, wherein the gas-adsorbing material is wetted with a release-promoting agent to promote release of the sorbed gas from the gas-adsorbent material. A process of filling the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container having a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The dispensing system also includes an electro-responsive wire that imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.

Abstract: A multi-sensory product able to disperse chemical actives using reeds or other wicks, as well as providing a light show is disclosed. The product includes a form-within-a-form design wherein the inner form or vase is able to store the chemical actives, as well as mount the reeds or other wicks. The outer vase complements the aesthetics of the inner vase while at the same time concealing the electronics of the device. The electronics of the device can include a power source, as well as a circuit board for driving LEDs mounted thereon. The LEDs can generate a light show which can be refracted and diffused through the glass or polymer material forming the inner and outer vases thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing and multi-sensory experience through the use of the product.

Abstract: A multi-tower modular dispensing system including at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit including a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping including a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle including at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.

Abstract: A method and system for managing the dispensing of beverages from an automatic beverage dispensing unit. The beverages may be comprised of a single or multiple ingredients, including a first plurality of liquids, a second plurality of liquids, and/or a combination of one or more first and second plurality of liquids. In addition, garnishes and sides may be included in the beverage. The beverages are dispensed according to a pouring schema. The pouring schema may be a beverage recipe and may be preprogrammed by a system manager, or alternatively, be chosen by a consumer during operation of the system. The first plurality of liquids may include liquors and the second plurality of beverages may include mixers which are mixed with the liquors to create the beverage.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for mixing and dispensing multi-component masses including a multi-component cartridge or syringe having a plurality of chambers, a mixer element having a longitudinal axis and a mixer housing placed over the mixer element. The outer surface of the mixer element and the inner wall of the mixer housing have a cooperating guide element which only allows a displacement of the mixer housing at the mixer element along the longitudinal axis of the mixer element. The mixer housing is axially displaceably connected to the multi-component cartridge. The mixer housing and the mixer element are displaceable against one another in an axial direction in the closed and dispensing positions. A rotary element, the mixer housing and the multi-component cartridge have a cooperating interaction element in which the rotary element rotates such that an axial relative movement results between the mixer housing and the multi-component cartridge.

Abstract: In a mixing tip of an impression material cartridge, a top connective plate is on the center of the top of a pair of cylinders, with an impression material cartridge installed with the connecting end of each of a pair of mixing tips facing each other located on each side of the top connective plate, and a mixing screw inserted into a protruding mixing tube on the center of the upper part, with a connective structure of the mixing tips having protruding connecting wings on the lower side of the supporting structure, formed to achieve diagonal symmetry of a rotational bump on the end surface of the connecting wings on a lower supporting side of the mixing tips, and on the lower surface of the rotational bump, cylindrical guide pins that guide the connecting direction of the mixing tips are each formed to protrude towards the bottom.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is described that includes a dispenser, a cap, and an insert. The dispenser is flexible and includes a body portion and a cylindrical mouth portion extending from the body portion. The mouth portion has an opening defining a lip. The cap is operable to engage the mouth portion of the dispenser, said cap has an aperture therethrough operable to dispense a fluid stored within the dispenser. The insert is sized for placement within the opening, between the mouth portion and the cap and includes a substantially solid plug having a first and a second axial hole therethrough, a first reed valve operably attached to the plug to close the first axial hole from an outside of the dispenser, and a second reed valve operably attached to the plug to close the second axial hole from an inside of the dispenser.

Abstract: A sealing structure which seals a container body and an aerosol valve without providing a seal member between them. An aerosol container employing the seal structure comprises a bottomed cylinder like container body and an aerosol valve firmly fixed to the opening of the container body. The seal structure between the container body of the aerosol container and the aerosol valve is formed of a valve support portion of the container body and a step portion of the aerosol valve. The aerosol container is manufactured by deforming a corner of the step portion into a curved surface shape from a square shape by applying an annular force to the step portion from a convex surface by plastically deforming a lower part of a cover cap and a part of the container body while pushing the cover cap downward.

Abstract: A shaker dispenser for containing and dispensing product includes a body, a handle, and a dispensing mechanism. The handle includes a base portion and a handle gripping portion that a user may grip to transport and use the dispenser. The handle is inserted within the body such that the entire handle, including the handle gripping portion, is within the body, thereby allowing the shaker dispenser to sit, if desired, on the end having the handle. The body includes indentations, or cut-aways, that allow the handle to be visible from at least one of: a front view, a side view, and a back view. A method of manufacture and use of a shaker dispenser is also described.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a housing having a material chamber in fluid communication with a material inlet port and a nozzle. The dispensing device also includes a valve in fluid communication with the material chamber and the nozzle. The valve includes a tip, a stem, and a seat. The stem is configured to move relative to the seat to control the flow of material exiting the housing through the nozzle. The tip is fixedly attached to the stem at a second distal. The tip includes a rounded head and a neck, the tip being fixedly attached to the stem by inserting the neck into a bore disposed within the stem.

Abstract: A closure for a container has an upper part (1) that can be connected to the container. The upper part (1) has an opening (2) and an outer hollow body (3). An inner hollow body (4) is arranged coaxially in the outer hollow body (3) with an intermediate space therebetween. A lower part (7) in the form of a hollow body can be displaced longitudinally in the intermediate space. A plug (5) is held coaxially in the lower part (7) and opens or closes the opening as the lower part (7) is displaced longitudinally in the intermediate space.

Abstract: An impact pad, for use in a T-shaped tundish, comprises a base having an impact surface and an outer side wall extending upwardly therefrom and defining an interior space having an upper opening for receiving a stream of molten metal, the interior space being divided into two regions by a separating wall provided with at least one passageway for the molten metal stream. The separating wall is at least three times higher than the outer side wall and is inclined with respect to the vertical. This impact pad increases the homogeneity of the molten steel cast from the different outlets of the T-shaped tundish and provides equal or relatively similar residence times of the molten steel discharged through the different outlets of the tundish. This impact pad also permits a fast transition of the steel quality at ladle change while retaining the advantages of conventional impact pads.

Abstract: A glove arrangement includes at least a glove and a retaining arrangement, wherein the retaining arrangement detachably retain the glove on an environment surface so that the glove is adapted to move between an in-use position and a storing position, wherein when the glove is at the in-use position, the glove is departed from the environment surface for operation by a user, wherein at the storing position, the glove is retained on the environment surface.

Abstract: A spacer for spacing a spare wheel assembly from a vehicle floor of a vehicle compartment is provided. The spacer includes an annular body, an outer flange, and an inner flange. The annular body includes an upper surface for facing toward the spare wheel assembly and a lower surface for facing toward the floor and away from the spare wheel assembly. The annular body further includes a peripheral edge and an inner edge. The outer flange extends from the upper surface and is configured to contact a wheel rim of the spare wheel assembly. The inner flange is offset radially inwardly from the outer flange and extends from the upper surface. The inner flange is configured to contact the wheel rim of the spare wheel assembly offset from where the outer flange is configured to contact the wheel rim.

Abstract: A releasable attachment apparatus has multiple components that allow for easy storage, deployment and detachment of small portable items carried on the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a retractable unit having a housing inside of which are a reel, a spring coil biasing rotation of the reel, and a tensile member carried on the reel. The housing has a female opening that fittingly receives a connector so that there is minimal swivel action in the connector and thus minimal strain on the tensile member when the tensile member is fully retracted in drawing the connector to a stored configuration with the retractable unit. The apparatus also includes a fastener that is adapted to carry the small portable items and is removably attached to the connector. The apparatus also includes a locking switch which is movable between a neutral position that allows rotation of the reel and a locking position which locks the reel against rotation.

Abstract: A carrying case that is adjustably mountable to a binding of a snowboard includes a bag and a mounting strap configured for attaching at the bag. A plurality of generally vertical slots, at least one first angled slot and at least one second angled slot are established either through the mounting strap or between the mounting strap and the bag. The generally vertical slots are configured to receive a toe strap of a snowboard binding therethrough while one of the first and second angled slots are configured to receive an ankle strap of the snowboard binding therethrough. When the carrying case is disposed at a snowboard, the toe strap of the binding passes through one of the generally vertical slots, while the ankle strap of the binding passes through an appropriate one of the first and second angled slots to secure the carrying case to the binding and snowboard.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus for transporting sports or activity equipment, such as a skateboard, in-line skates, a surfboard and/or the like, which attaches to a bicycle is disclosed. The carrying apparatus has a generally Y-shaped holding member and an adapter. The holding member holds a skateboard, in-line skates and/or a surfboard, while the adapter secures the carrying apparatus to a bicycle. The holding member preferably has a first extension member which extends into a first prong and a second extension member which extends into a second prong. The prongs connect at an adjoining central point. The adapter preferably has a first side portion and a second side portion, each of which may have a generally C-shaped portion. An inner wall of the first side portion and the second side portion fit around a seat support bar of a bicycle. The adapter may be secured to the seat support bar by any suitable means.

Abstract: An improved carrier system is provided for easy attachment and detachment of the carrier from a wheeled conveyance such as a bicycle or motorcycle. When not attached to the conveyance, the carrier can also be used in a fashion similar to roller luggage.

Abstract: A Two way, convertible shoulder strap construction worn over one shoulder were the strap winds around the user's chest or as an alternative to wear the shoulder strap over both shoulders. The Two way, convertible shoulder strap construction is affixed to a main body or an outer shell used to transport objects or materials, but not limited to, a tote, backpack, book bag, knapsack, back sack, rucksack, cinch sack, satchel, haversack, luggage, purse or any like item.

Abstract: A vest pack includes right and left pocket regions. Each pocket region is adapted for being positioned just below the respective right and left breast of a wearer. The vest pack further includes a zipper that connects the right and left pocket regions from approximately the sternum of the wearer to approximately a belt line of the wearer, and a pair of suspenders having a strap connected proximate each second pocket and adapted to be worn over the shoulders of the wearer. The vest pack further includes a back region comprising at least one elastic strap connecting opposing back sides of the right and left pocket regions, and to the straps of the pair of suspenders.

Abstract: A bladeless optical fiber cleaver includes a first clamp and a second clamp coupled to each other via a generally support tray, where the second clamp is movable with respect to the first clamp along an axis of the optical fiber. The first and second clamps each receive a portion of the optical fiber. The fiber cleaver includes a mechanism to create a tension force in a stripped portion of the optical fiber, where the stripped portion of the fiber under tension is exposed to receive contact from a flexible abrasive material, the flexible abrasive material introducing a flaw in the optical fiber where the cleave takes place.

Abstract: A fastener driver comprises a housing and a magazine configured to retain a plurality of fasteners. A driver assembly is positioned within the housing and is configured to provide an expulsion force that expels one of the plurality of fasteners from the magazine. The device further includes a lockout member configured to pivot about a pivot axis between an unlocked position and a lockout position. The pivot axis is configured to move relative to the housing when a work contact element is depressed. The driver assembly is prevented from providing the expulsion force when the lockout arm is in the lockout position. The pivot arm moves from the unlocked position to the lockout position when a low level of fasteners remains in the magazine.

Abstract: A pneumatic nailer for use with a fluid source includes a housing, a cylinder, a first valve assembly, a piston, and a port assembly. The housing defines a storage chamber configured for fluid communication with the fluid source. The cylinder is configured for movement with respect to the housing between a first cylinder position and a second cylinder position. An inner side of the cylinder defines a sleeve chamber and an outer side of the cylinder and the housing defines an actuating chamber therebetween. The first valve assembly is connected to the cylinder and is configured to (i) to allow fluid flow from the sleeve chamber to the actuating chamber and (ii) to prevent fluid flow from the actuating chamber to the sleeve chamber. The piston has a piston head and a driver member extending from the piston head.

Abstract: A fan switch and an ignition switch are arranged such that the moving directions of operating buttons thereof cross the moving directions of a contact lever and the moving direction of a switch lever, respectively.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

Abstract: In one general aspect, the present invention is directed to a surgical instrument. According to one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising a movable firing member. A first sensor transponder may be positioned to sense a position of the movable firing member. A firing trigger may actuate the movable firing member. A motor may be mechanically coupled to the firing trigger. A control unit may be configured to wirelessly receive at least one input from the first sensor transponder; and control the motor based on the at least one input, wherein, via the coupling between the motor and the firing trigger, movements of the motor cause a force applied to the firing trigger.

Abstract: An anvil assembly comprising an anvil shaft and an anvil head, the anvil head having anvil depressions for farming surgical staples. The anvil head is mounted to the anvil shaft and the anvil shaft has a longitudinal axis and first and second spaced apart elongated projections attached to the anvil shaft and extending therefrom. The projections are configured and dimensioned to retain a purse string suture.

Abstract: A stapling reload assembly for a circular stapling instrument includes a casing, a staple holder, a staple driver, and an anvil assembly. The staple holder is attached to the casing. The staple driver includes a driver alignment surface. The staple driver is receivable within the casing and is configured to move within the casing from a pre-fired position to a fired position. The anvil assembly includes an anvil base surface, an anvil alignment surface, and a staple forming surface. The anvil base surface is configured to move from an open position away from the casing to a closed position adjacent the casing. The anvil alignment surface is configured to mate with the driver alignment surface, to rotationally align the staple forming surface with the staple holder, when the anvil base surface is in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a first jaw, a second jaw having an open position and a closed position with respect to the first jaw, a carriage, a driver, and an actuator configured to reciprocate the driver at a high rate with respect to the first and second jaws to translate the carriage with respect to the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A surgical including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position capturing the tissue between the first jaw member and second jaw member.