Abstract: A handheld welding torch for electric-arc welding with a melting welding wire has a wire feed unit for conveying the welding wire along a conveying axis arranged within a torch housing with a handle region, the wire feed unit including a drive unit with a rotation axis arranged vertically with respect to the conveying axis of the welding wire, a drive roller with a rotation axis and a counter roller with a rotation axis, and having a torch push-button. The wire feed unit has a gear stage and the rotation axis of the drive unit is arranged aligning with the conveying axis of the welding wire.

Abstract: A welding torch, in particular a handheld welding torch, for a melting welding wire, which is guided in a wire core arranged within a protective hose, fastens the protective hose and the welding core within a torch housing of the welding torch independently from one another. For minimizing stresses on the welding torch by the hose package, the protective hose is fastened rotatably and pivotably and the wire core is fastened rotatably to the torch housing.

Abstract: A vacuum oven or vacuum furnace is disclosed having an energy distribution sleeve that conforms to the shape of an interior heating chamber. The energy distribution sleeve may be of generally annular shape, like a ring, and located in a substantially regularly spaced and offset relationship from a heating element located within walls adjacent the interior heating chamber. The energy distribution sleeve includes a thermal conductive material which absorbs and re-radiates heat emitted from the heating element, thereby providing more consistent and regular radiation fields for heat treating a work piece that is loaded on a work holding tray and, upon the vacuum oven being in an operational position, the work piece is located within the furnace chamber.

Abstract: An anneal module for annealing semiconductor material wafers and similar substrates reduces particle contamination and oxygen ingress while providing uniform heating including for 500° C. processes. The anneal module may include a process chamber formed in a metal body having internal cooling lines. A hot plate has a pedestal supported on a thermal choke on the body. A gas distributor in the lid over the hot plate flows gas uniformly over the wafer. A transfer mechanism moves a hoop to shift the wafer between the hot plate and a cold plate.

Abstract: A heating system for a fluid pipe system in which at least one electric heating element (RL) is assigned to at least one fluid line, said heating element, in order to apply a predetermined heating output to the fluid line, being provided with an electric operating voltage (UB) that is reduced compared to the supply voltage (U).

Abstract: Methods and systems for thermal control of a device are disclosed having (i) a heated zone including two or more resistive sensors and (ii) a common electrode connected to each of the two or more resistive sensors. The two or more resistive sensors may be driven with heater control signals having alternating polarities. One or more portions of a thermal boundary of the heated zone may be heated by one or more thermal guard heaters.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus is provided in accordance with some embodiments. The thermal processing apparatus includes a heating source for transmitting incident radiation to a work piece having a circuit pattern formed on a front surface; a radiation sensor configured to receive light radiated from the front surface of the work piece; and a controller coupled to the radiation sensor, the controller being designed to control the heating source to reduce temperature variation of the work piece.

Abstract: An electrically heated aerosol-generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes a heating element including a first electrically conductive element electrically insulated from a second electrically conductive element by an electrically insulating portion. The first and second elements are elongate and are electrically connected to each other by an electrically resistive portion. At least one electrically conductive element and the electrically resistive portion are arranged such that they are at least partially in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

Abstract: A method of optimizing performance of a cooktop with a plurality of adjacent heating zones includes indicating a point for each heating zone; placing a cooking vessel on the cooktop, the cooking vessel being sufficiently large to cover at least two of the points simultaneously; and adjusting the cooking vessel so that the cooking vessel covers the maximum number of the points possible for the size of the cooking vessel. A cooktop includes at least three induction heating elements; and a persistent indicator for each heating element. The cooktop is adapted to instruct a user to cover a maximum possible number of the at least three persistent indicators with a cooking vessel to optimize use of the cooktop.

Abstract: A microwave appliance and method for operating a microwave appliance are provided. The method includes operating a fan of the microwave appliance in order to draw a flow of air through a circulation conduit of the microwave appliance, measuring an air quality of the flow of air within the circulation conduit with a sensor of the microwave appliance, and deactivating the fan of the microwave appliance if the air quality of the flow of air within the circulation conduit of the microwave appliance exceeds a threshold value. In such a manner, the flow or air can be properly filtered without operating the fan of the microwave appliance excessively.

Abstract: An air cargo container comprising a skeleton structure of interconnected frame members to which are arranged face panels forming at least one wall between the frame members. At least one of the walls comprises an opening providing access to the interior of the container, whereby the opening covers substantially the complete surface area of said wall between the outermost of the frame members. Parts of the outermost frame members forming the peripheral edge of the opening are provided with connecting means for connecting a stiffening member to the peripheral edge, said stiffening member being provided to link said parts under tension.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and way for folding a shipping container in order to improve safety and security of the shipping container. A foldable shipping container is provided having improved locking mechanisms positioned on the inside and outside of the shipping container.

Abstract: A bulk material shipping container in one embodiment including a pallet, a bottom compartment mounted on the pallet, a top compartment mounted on the bottom compartment and movable from a retracted position relative to the bottom compartment to an expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, a plurality of top compartment supporting assemblies configured to support the top compartment in the expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, and configured to release the top compartment from the expanded position to enable the top compartment to move downwardly into the retracted position, a material unloading assembly, a material loading assembly, and an extension assembly.

Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has guides containing generally L-shaped slotted tracks having horizontal and vertical portions. A plurality of dunnage supports extend between the tracks. Dunnage is suspended by the dunnage supports. The dunnage supports have narrowed portions engaged with the slotted tracks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsible hopper bin having a dispensing portion and a storage portion. The dispensing portion includes first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The storage portion includes first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The storage portion first and second side walls are hingedly attached to the dispensing portion first and second side walls. The storage portion first and second end walls are hingedly attached to the dispensing portion first and second end walls. The collapsible hopper bin has a collapsed position and a filled position. The storage portion first and second end walls and first and second side walls are substantially horizontally flat along the top of the dispensing portion in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A bulk bin container having a plurality of first interlocking elements along a bottom portion of the container, and a corresponding plurality of second interlocking elements along a top portion of the container. The interlocking elements help distribute impact forces to a stack of such containers.

Abstract: A bottle made of polyethylene terephthalate does likely undergo that a gas having a small molecular weight or volatile component escapes from the bottle in a short time in comparison with a glass bottle, steel can, and aluminum can. For a countermeasure, a simple operation prevents hydrogen molecules, helium gas, and volatile component from scattering and being lost. A container filled with gas, or liquid or viscous fluid in which gas is dissolved, or metal granules adsorbing gas is given a cap, and then, the whole of the container including the cap is packed with a metal foil laminated film superior in gas-barrier properties to be vacuum packaged.

Abstract: An improved liner for a container in which gases, liquids, or powders are stored. The liner is a multi-layer structure made in a roto molding machine. The liner includes a first outer layer made of metallocene polyethylene, an intermediate gas and liquid impermeable layer, and one or more inner layers made of thermoplastic material compatible with the material stored inside the container. During the molding process, the three layers are made sequentially with the second and third layers being bonded and fused to the adjacent layer to form a uniform composite layer. The outer layer is made of metallocene polyethylene that has superior rigidity and relatively low coefficient of expansion properties making the liner less susceptible to cracking and useful as a layup structure for molding a structure around it. Once the liner is fabricated, the liner may be a build up structure to manufacturer a container or tank around the liner using either blow molding or roto molding processes.

Abstract: A misfuelling prevention apparatus for vehicles can prevent a diesel vehicle from being filled with a wrong fuel. The apparatus for vehicles may include an upper housing at an entrance of a filler neck, an internal housing located at a bottom of the upper housing while being supported by an interior of the filler neck, a stopper and a stopper spring, and a flapper and a flapper spring. The stopper may be at one side of the internal housing to be rotated around a pin by a contact with an oil gun. One end of the flapper may be rotatably installed in a pin structure at an opposite side of the internal housing with respect to the stopper and the other end of the flapper may be caught in a recess of the stopper. The flapper is to be pushed and selectively opened by the oil gun.

Abstract: A termite barrier seal including a hollow seal body having a wall surrounding an axial bore extending from an insertion end to a surface end. A closure formation is located about the surface end for engagement with a closure for the orifice of the bore at the surface end of the seal body. A one-way valve at or intermediate the insertion end and the surface end of the seal body, the one-way valve arranged to permit liquid flow through the axial bore, but to prevent liquid flow to the surface end. An external seal about the seal body for sealing the wall of the seal body against the internal surface of a hole drilled through a concrete slab. An internal seal engages the seal body for sealing the wall against an external face of an injector when inserted into the bore of the seal body.

Abstract: An apparatus for rehabilitating an underground water conduit having at least one service entrance including a plug having a light emitter which is responsive to the presence of an electromagnetic field, wherein the at least one service entrance is plugged with the plug and a semi-transparent membrane lining the internal surface of the underground water conduit thereby covering the plug. A drilling head is disposed on a body moveable within the underground water conduit, the drill head having a drill bit and a coil inductor concentric with the drill bit. The coil inductor is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field near the drilling head, wherein the light emitter of the plug is adapted to be turned on by the electromagnetic field emitted by the coil inductor to allow visual alignment of the drill bit with the light emitted by the light emitter through the semi-transparent membrane.

Abstract: A sift-resistant dispensing closure is disclosed. The sift-resistant dispensing closure includes a base, a lid, and a hinge connecting the lid to the base. The base contains a circular end wall, a cylindrical skirt extending downward from the periphery of the end wall, and a sift deck elevated from the upside of the circular end wall. The sift deck contains a deck surface surrounded by a first snap bead and a first sealing surface, and pouring holes formed on the deck surface. The lid contains a second snap bead and a second sealing surface that are formed on the underside of the lid and engage with the first snap bead and first sealing surface, respectively, to form a seal around the sift deck when the lid is in a closed position.

Abstract: A can end includes a severable panel, a peripheral scoreline, an opening mechanism such as a pull tab, a rivet coupling the pull tab to the severable panel, and a rivet base scoreline in the public side of the severable panel. The rivet base scoreline includes an arcuate head portion, first and second arm portions extending from the arcuate head portion, and first and second ends. The base of the rivet has a radius of curvature forming an intersection between the stem of the rivet and the public side of the severable panel. The arcuate head portion of the rivet base scoreline is contiguous with the radius of curvature.

Abstract: A container lid is provided having a lid insert constructed of a paper-based material and a peripheral ring constructed of a plastic material. The ring is configured to be separated from the lid insert upon disposal. The lid insert includes a peripheral rim extending outwardly from a central cover portion. The ring includes an outwardly extending flange and a skirt depending downwardly from the flange. A first undercut extends inwardly from the skirt defining a channel sized and shaped for receiving an outer edge of the lid insert's peripheral rim. The channel may alternatively be sized and shaped for also receiving an outer edge of a peripheral rim of a container base to which the lid is attached. Another embodiment includes a second undercut located beneath the first undercut and defining a second channel into which an outer edge of the rim of the container base may be received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-piece food container with an integral hinge and one or more latching mechanism, a full perimeter seal, and ribbed or ridged support structures. The food container is fabricated from hybrid bio-based and polymeric a material that has heat resistance capabilities. In particular, the present apparatus and method utilize a hybrid slurry of simple, abundant and renewable materials, such as food or plant starch and calcium carbonate (limestone), and a polymeric material, that uses high temperature and high pressure presses. An optional coating, such as wax, is applied to the surface of the food container. The present invention one-piece food container has a plurality of ridges that are incorporated into the container to provide rigidity and resisting folding or bending. Lastly, the one-piece food container with has enough rigidity and strength to be stackable for efficient storage for distribution to a user.

Abstract: A drinking container with a drinking vessel, a drinking cap and a threaded ring. The drinking vessel has an inner space, a circular vessel opening, an opening edge surrounding the vessel opening and an external thread next to the vessel opening. the drinking cap has a bottom wall, a ring flange surrounding the bottom wall for abutment on the opening edge of the drinking vessel, a drinking element protruding outwards from the bottom wall and a sealing means for sealing and opening a passage from the inner space to the outside of the mouthpiece, which is openable for drinking and otherwise closable. A ventilation channel is present in the bottom side of the ring flange or in the top side of the opening edge.

Abstract: Provided is a basket for a refrigerator. The basket for a refrigerator, which defines a receiving space for a food includes a partition member disposed in the basket to partition an inner space of the basket, a pair of guide slots respectivley defined in both side surfaces of the basket and opened along a moving direction of the partition member, the pair of guide slots guiding movement of the partition member, and a guide member disposed outside the basket, the guide member being coupled to the partition member through the guide slots. The partition member partitioning the inside of the basket may smoothly move to improve manipulation feeling and convenience in use.

Abstract: A tray for the storage and preservation of foods and liquids that has a plurality of cavities, the volumes of which are common units of measure in cooking recipes and for calorie counting. A lid is also described which fits tightly onto the top of the tray to act as a sealing piece to help in the extended preservation of the contents of the tray. The lid also acts as a stabilizing element. When the tray is made from a flexible material, design features that create an internal support structure are described. There is also an optional external support structure that can be manufactured and attached to the tray to add dimensional stability, when necessary.

Abstract: A container includes a fire-retarding material, a substantially airtight cavity, and a reinforcement material. The substantially airtight cavity is formed by the fire-retarding material and is sized to hold at least one item. The reinforcement material is connected with the fire-retarding material.

Abstract: A fire-retaining container is disclosed which includes a first fire-retarding layer and a second fire-retarding layer connected to the first fire-retarding layer. Another fire-retaining container is disclosed which includes a fire-retarding layer and a reinforcement material reinforcing the fire-retarding layer. A method of containing an item is disclosed. In one step, an item is covered with a fire-retaining container. The fire-retaining container comprises: (1) a first fire-retarding layer and a second fire-retarding layer connected to the first fire-retarding layer; or (2) a fire-retarding layer and a reinforcement material reinforcing the fire-retarding layer.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank according to the present invention has a structure in which a chamber space (10) of a baffle body (6) is formed at a point away from an inner surface of a tank body (1).

Abstract: An inspectable pressure vessel (10) for containing a fluid such as CNG, the vessel having a generally cylindrical shape over a majority of its length, at least one opening for gas loading and offloading and for liquid evacuation, at least one stainless steel layer as a first layer (100) for being in contact with the fluid when the fluid is contained within the vessel, the first layer being made of low-carbon stainless steel, and a further external composite layer (200) made of at least one fiber-reinforced polymer layer that will not be in contact with the fluid when the fluid is contained within the vessel.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, storage pack for blood bags which maintains lower temperatures within the blood bags during transport and transfusions. The storage pack has an outer shell with insulated panels and flexible hinges that cover an internal chamber. The storage pack is refrigerated and a blood bag is inserted into the shell through openings. Flexible straps maintain the blood bag in the chilled storage pack during transport and transfusions. These flexible straps permit access to the blood bag access ports to allow transfusions without removing the bag from the chilled shell. A hanging strap on the top of the outer shell hangs the storage pack and the contained blood bag in a vertical position during transfusions.

Abstract: A dual-cup assembly includes an inner cup and an outer cup in which the inner cup is inserted. Each of the inner and outer cups has flange extending from the outside thereof. A fastening unit is mounted to the two respective flanges to connect the inner cup and the outer cup together. A room is defined between the inner cup and the outer cup.

Abstract: A fitment system for a neck of a container may include a fitment, comprising a base portion with a top and a bottom and a threaded bore extending upward into the base portion from the bottom to a bore bottom configured for sealingly engaging a top of the container neck, a nozzle portion extending from the base portion to a tip and configured for controlling the outflow of content from the container without imparting torsional forces on the fitment, and a support portion extending from the base portion to a distal end arranged at or beyond the tip, the support portion being configured for supporting the container in an inverted position.

Abstract: A cup holder sidewall includes a recess adapted to receive at least part of a handle having upper and lower socket engaging portions received in sockets in upper and lower flanges defining the recesses. The socket engaging portions permit the handle to be displaced from the sidewall recesses to a position projecting outward from the sidewall to permit the handle to be grasped in one hand. The sidewall includes at least one flexible segment extending through the sidewall from the inner surface to the outer surface, which may also extend from the upper margin to the lower margin. Each flexible segment renders the sidewall sufficiently flexible to allow the sidewall to adjust to receive cups of varying sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A tool box is equipped with a dual-colored handle. The dual-colored handle includes a frame of a color and a pad of another color. The frame is formed with two axles. The pad is formed with two rings each. Each of the rings is placed around and on a corresponding one of the axles as the frame and the pad are joined together.

Abstract: A laundry basket including: a frame structured wall; a top lid; at least one notch on a first side of the top lid; a hinge on a second side of the top lid, where the hinge provide a means to open and close the top lid on the basket; and a handle extending from one side of the basket. The handle may be a retractable telescoping handle, where the handle extends from the basket on a side adjacent to the first side of the top lid. The at least notch one may include two notches, where the two notches lie between the breadth of the handle. The laundry basket may further include four wheels under the basket for movement.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cooking splatter screen comprising an access hatch are provided. In one embodiment, a splatter screen is provided, the splatter screen comprising: a screen portion; a handle; and an access hatch, wherein the access hatch is operatively connected to the screen portion by a joint. The splatter screen may prevent splattered cooking ingredients from exiting a pan, skillet, or pot, while allowing a chef to selectively access the interior of the pan, skillet, or pot to manipulate food therein or insert additional ingredients.

Abstract: A plastic lid for a metal can including a liquid. The lid includes a cavity (20) receiving a neck (15) that can be folded down and secured to a wall section (21) of the cavity. The free end of the folded-down neck (15) compresses a wall (23) of the cavity and seals the can, closing an air intake slit (27) provided in an elastomer material (29).

Abstract: A device and a method for dispensing pharmacy/clinic loaded medications are described herein. The device may include multiple chambers, each chamber having stored therein one type of medication. Each chamber may have a cavity located along a rotating drum. Rotation of the drum causes the chamber to dispense the medications according to a defined schedule.

Abstract: Conventional sheet storage boxes have problems that the sheet storage box with a sheet-fixing sheet pasted on the sheet-removing opening is wasteful from the point of view of resources and that, in the case of the sheet storage box without the sheet-fixing sheet pasted on the opening, the fixing of sheet becomes weaker as the opening itself becomes larger due to the excessively wide rim of the opening and when the rims of the opening are made too close, the rim of the opening partially becomes smaller and the resistance to remove the sheets becomes too large.

Abstract: A personal defense device and method incorporating Bluetooth technology into a container with an irritant agent, such as pepper spray. The container is provided with Bluetooth-enabled wireless communication circuit that allows generation of an alarm signal every time pepper spray is dispensed. The alarm signal is capable of being received by a cellular telephone and capable of generating a predetermined responsive action by the cellular telephone, such as activation of a speakerphone, dialing of an emergency number, and activation of a global positioning system locator. A panic actuator is optionally provided on the container; the panic actuator is independently connected to the wireless communication circuit to generate the alarm signal even if the pepper spray is not dispensed.

Abstract: A battery-powered, handheld grease gun for dispensing lubricant. A pump mechanism driven by a motor is in communication with the lubricant and has a supply port for dispensing the lubricant at a lubrication point. A sensor monitors the pump mechanism of the motor. A display displays information indicative of the monitored condition of the device, such as volume of lubricant dispensed. A processor responsive to operator input selectively energizes the motor to drive the pump mechanism to dispense lubricant.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser includes a flow rate controller including a processor disposed within the interior volume of said housing and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The dispenser also includes a user interface including user-selectable indicia for providing data to the processor. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit, and is based on data provided to the processor by a user operation of the user interface.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed 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 of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device 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. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an independent automated detergent dosing device suitable for use in a ware-washing device. The device comprises at least one chamber that is sealed with a non-water soluble film; and wherein the at least one chamber contains a detergent composition and wherein the detergent composition is dosed by the controlled removal of the non-water soluble film from the at least one chamber such that the chamber is exposed to the wash liquor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that can be configured in a number of flexible arrangements, providing the opportunity for a configurable beverage dispensing “station” having a variable “footprint”. The hybrid beverage dispenser may have “on board” refrigeration and/or heating system for providing both hot and cold beverages from the same dispenser. A remote chiller may provide chilled syrups for the beverages. Also disclosed is a countertop hybrid beverage dispensing unit for situations where limited space is an issue. Also disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that provides the ability to dispense from one dispenser beverages which usually are dispensed from separate dispensers. The countertop unit possesses the same beverage dispensing flexibility; however, all ingredients are remotely chilled and pumped to the point of dispensing.

Abstract: A cartridge for selectively dispensing an additive to water that includes a housing, a bladder disposed within the housing, and a pump connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the bladder. The bladder is configured to contain a consumable additive such as a flavor, for water. The pump is operable to selectively dispense an amount of the additive into water. The cartridge may be connected to a water filtration system such that the cartridge may dispense the additive into filtered water.

Abstract: An adhesive dispenser comprises a dispensing head. The dispensing head comprises an adhesive material applicator portion on a first level of the dispensing head. The adhesive material applicator portion corresponds to a periphery of a package. The dispensing head also comprises a thermal interface material (TIM) applicator portion on a second level of the dispensing head different from the first level. The TIM applicator portion corresponds to a die of the package. The dispensing head further comprises an adhesive material conduit configured to supply the adhesive material applicator portion with an adhesive material. The dispensing head additionally comprises a TIM conduit configured to supply the TIM applicator portion with a TIM.