Abstract: A closed loop dispensing system comprises a connector connectable to a container for selectively dispensing the fluids from the container. The connector includes an outer cap having a first passage with an interior surface. The first passage can have variable cross-sectional areas over different regions of the first passage. The connector comprises a plug slidingly movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, the plug allows passage of fluids present in the container in the open position, and the plug prevents passage of fluids out of the container in the closed position. The plug can have a variable cross-sectional area thereby preventing the plug from being disengaged with the outer cap or sliding out of the connector and into the container.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a body with an outlet, and a closure for the outlet. The closure and the body are pivotally movable relative to each other between an open position in which the outlet is open and a closed position in which the closure closes the outlet. The closure and the body are adapted for locking engagement with each another in the closed position. The closure has a locking member for locking and unlocking the closure and the body in the closed position. A force applied on the locking member for unlocking urges the closure toward the open position. The dispenser preferably facilitates the application of a material to be dispensed to a desired location.

Abstract: A packaging intended to contain at least one item, such as a food product, having a flexible inner seal forming a bottom and a cover delimiting with the inner seal a cavity suitable for receiving the item. The cover is more rigid than the inner seal and includes a peripheral edge sealed on a periphery of the inner seal in a position of closure of the packaging. The packaging is such that the cover is able to be cut into at least two sectors respectively provided with gripping tabs extending the edge, when traction is exerted on one of the gripping tabs, toward a zone opposite the edge while flattening the other gripping tab on the inner seal, so as to detach from the inner seal the sector whose gripping tab is subject to this traction in order to place the packaging in a partially open position.

Abstract: A package includes a first compartment joined to a second compartment by a hinge. A handle bridges the hinge and is connected with the first compartment and the second compartment. The package has a display condition wherein the brand faces are exposed and a transport condition wherein the brand faces are concealed. The handle and hinge are configured such that the package is transformed from the display condition to the transport condition by applying force to the handle.

Abstract: A container having an opening, a first seal covering the container opening, the first seal having an aperture or passageway positioned therein and proximate a periphery edge, a second seal hingedly affixed thereto said first seal proximate said periphery to close off the aperture, and, thus, when such second seal is removed functions to provide reduced or restricted pouring capacity of the container contents via said aperture in the first seal.

Abstract: Disclosed are packaging systems and method useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.

Abstract: A container that includes a tray having a base bottom portion and one or more sidewalls having a volume for holding a product; a lid that is attachable to the tray to protect the product in the tray when attached thereto; and a divider for providing a plurality of compartments with a predetermined volume in the tray, the divider configured, dimensioned and positioned to provide support to the lid, air flow between the compartments and torsional rigidity to the tray. The most preferred container of the invention is a rectangular clamshell container as described herein that includes a spine which is pivotally hinged to the base bottom portion via the lid. This preferred container also includes a plurality of snap locking members for attaching the lid to the tray for retaining contents therein.

Abstract: A lid for a beverage cup includes: (a) a radial collar configured to engage with a rim of a drinking cup mouth, having an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface; (b) an outer reservoir wall extending axially upward from the outer surface of the radial collar and enclosing a reservoir chamber above the radial collar, and including an upper rim; (c) a reservoir floor extending radially inward from an upper end of the inner surface of the radial collar and substantially closing the reservoir chamber from below the reservoir floor, the floor including a fluid path opening providing at least part of a fluid path extending upward through the reservoir chamber, the fluid path opening being positioned along a first diametrical line extending through the reservoir chamber; (d) an inner wall separating the fluid path from the reservoir chamber substantially in the shape of an upside-down funnel extending upward from the floor, having a minor diameter extending above a vertical level of the upper rim of the ou

Abstract: A method of forming a carton or container for food or other items having a model vehicle configuration is provided that accurately depicts the contours and dimensions of the vehicle to enhance its appeal. An elongated, cardboard-like sheet is presented that is die cut to fold into a three dimensional model of the vehicle. The sheet's first end is folded along a first pair of transverse fold lines and secured in a position to present an open cabin, rear deck and tail of the vehicle, whereby the open cabin may provide the container for food and other items. The sheet's central portion is folded upwardly along a pair of longitudinal fold lines to present the sides of the vehicle, and the second end portion is folded along a second pair of transverse fold lines and secured in position to present the hood and front windshield of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chiller for a canister including: a drum-shaped tray with an open upper part; an inner casing inserted in the tray with a given space between the inside wall surface of the tray and the inner casing for receiving the canister; and a drainage container arranged between the inner casing and the tray for collecting cooling water discharged from the inner casing, thus preventing dew from being produced on the surface of the tray.

Abstract: A fluid supply device includes a base member including an end plate and a rod perpendicularly extending from a first end of the end plate and defining a first channel axially and a through slot radially, a container attached to a second end of the end plate opposite to the first end and defining a second channel to contain fluid, a pushing member slidably received in the first channel and the second channel, an actuating sleeve threadedly engaging with the rod, and a fixing member attached to the actuating sleeve and extending through the through slot and the pushing member. The actuating sleeve is rotated to drive the pushing member to slide in the first channel and the second channel to push the fluid.

Abstract: An automated dispenser for dispensing spices, condiments, herbs, teas, ground coffees, or powdered beverages, having a plurality of cartridges mounted on a carrier respectively containing the items, having a dispenser with relative movement capable between the dispenser and the cartridges. A look-up table is provided for operation of the dispenser to dispense a particular variety of mixtures and quantities from the cartridges. When a spice blend and associated dispensing program is selected by a user, the dispensing program aligns the dispenser relative to the cartridge carrier and cartridge, to dispense a particular quantity and, in the case of a mix, to subsequently align with other selected cartridges to provide, from the cartridges, the mix of spices, herbs, condiments, powdered beverages or ground coffees. A specialized cartridge for use in the automated dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a fluid is presented. The dispenser comprises a compressible elastomeric fluid conduit having a first end and a second end for flowing the fluid from the first end to the second end, a first check valve and a second check valve distanced in the conduit for forming a fluid chamber, and an actor for compressing the fluid chamber for dispensing a portion of the fluid. At least the second check valve is a duckbill valve. The second check valve is located at the second end of the conduit. The second check valve has sealing lips that extend beyond the second end of the conduit.

Abstract: In a metering unit (10) having at least one outlet (20) for dispensing an aerosol with a defined concentration, with at least one inlet (180) for a carrier gas, at least one inlet for a liquid, preferably for a hydrogen peroxide solution, and a buffer container (30) for the liquid, it is provided that the metering unit (10) has at least one liquid flow controller (90) on the outflow side.

Abstract: A metering valve for dispensing an aerosol, includes a metering chamber and a valve stem. The valve stem is equipped with one end disposed on the side of a container and a dispensing end mounted in the metering chamber such that it can slide under the force of a spring between a first high position, known as the rest position, and a second position, known as the intermediate position for filing the metering chamber. The metering chamber includes an upper cylindrical compartment and a lower cylindrical compartment, the diameter of the upper compartment being greater than that of the lower compartment.

Abstract: A metering valve for dispensing an aerosol, includes a metering chamber and a valve stem. The valve stem is equipped with one end disposed on the side of a container and a dispensing end mounted in the metering chamber such that it can slide under the force of a spring between a first high position, known as the rest position, and a second position, known as the intermediate position for filing the metering chamber. The final low position is defined when a shoulder provided on the valve stem abuts against a shoulder provided inside the metering chamber.

Abstract: A mounting member fitted and mounted on an open head portion of an aerosol container having an inner diameter of 1 inch is formed with two or more valve housing mounting portions. The mounting member is fitted and mounted with the middle portion of this mounting member being located at a bead of the opening head portion of the aerosol container in such a manner that the upper portions of aerosol valves project upwardly from the opening head portion. A cover covering the outside of the mounting member is crimped to the outside of the bead in a manner to hold down a stem gasket and two or more aerosol valves are provided in the inch can.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and/or system for housing a device. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.

Abstract: A highly efficient bakery tray is provided. The tray includes a square base and is configured to stack upon another like tray in any of three or four orientations to provide three or four different product clearance heights between the trays.

Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. The beverage capsule includes a body having a sidewall and a base defining an interior space. A first opening is defined at one end of the body and a second opening is defined at an opposing end of the body. A first cover covers the first opening and a second cover covers the second opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space a pre-determined distance away from the second opening. Ingredients, such as ground coffee beans, are disposed in the interior space between the first opening and the filter for preparing a desired beverage, wherein the ingredients have a statistical arithmetic mean particle size that is greater than 600 microns.

Abstract: A method and means for disaggregating aggregated particulate. A housing contains a rotational motor and a vibrating motor also has an auger drivingly linked to the rotational motor. Legs extend from the housing in the same direction as the auger and the device rests upon the aggregated particulate. Upon driving the rotational motor, the auger bores through the aggregated particulate, thereby disaggregating particulate. The vibrating motor is also driven to vibrate and further disaggregate the particulate. A plate device with a vibrating motor attached is also used to disaggregate the particulate, such as by teeth extending from the bottom of the plate that are driven into the aggregate by the weight of the plate when vibrated.

Abstract: A hopper bottom for a grain bin includes a hopper wall having an inverted cone shape so as to taper downwardly and inwardly towards a central bottom opening and including ventilation openings therein. Perforated ducts extend into the grain bin from the ventilation openings. According to one embodiment upright support legs support the hopper wall above the foundation. Each upright support leg has a hollow interior chamber to direct air from an inlet manifold structure to the ventilation openings in the hopper wall. According to another embodiment, an outer support wall supports the hopper wall above a floor structure which collectively enclose a manifold space which directs air from a blower into the ventilation openings in the hopper wall.

Abstract: Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.

Abstract: The invention includes two interconnecting side release buckles configured to releasable connect to each other. A first webbing is secured in a loop to one release buckle, while a second webbing is secured around the other release buckle. A cable tie is positioned through the loop in the first webbing and inserted through openings in the hinged lid such that the cable tie can be tied about itself to secure the release buckle to the hinged lid. A fastener is secured through an eyelet in the second webbing and secured to a region on the trash can. Upon securing one of the side release buckles to the trash can and the other side release buckle to hinged lid, the side release buckles may be connected to each other to secure the trash can to the hinged lid and released to permit the hinged lid to open.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product dynamically configures a delivery system for delivering products to smart mats. A delivery coordination server determines a location of multiple smart mats. Each of the smart mats includes a positioning system and a transmitter that transmits a message describing the real-time geophysical location of the smart mats. The delivery coordination server receives a message describing a location of a first delivery vehicle that is transporting a first package addressed for delivery to a first smart mat. The delivery coordination server determines that the first smart mat has moved to a location that is within a predetermined distance of a second smart mat, to which a second delivery vehicle is scheduled to deliver a second package. The delivery coordination server directs the first delivery vehicle to transfer the first package to the second delivery vehicle for delivery to the first smart mat.

Abstract: An inventory system includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit includes sensors for detecting one or more load characteristics of the inventory holder and/or includes magnets and/or magnetic surfaces for securing the inventory holder to the mobile drive unit during lifting and/or moving.

Abstract: A wall (2), for receiving one or more wear plates (1), has openings for receiving at least some of the fastening elements (11, 12) of the wear plates (1). The wall has, furthermore, gaps (22), with dimensions corresponding to the width and thickness of the wear plates (1). Slots (23) extend from the gaps (22). The slots (23) correspond to the fastening elements (11, 12) of the wear plate (1). The fastening elements (11, 12) of the wear plates (1) can pass through the wall (2), through the slots (23).

Abstract: This invention provides a transport unit that includes driving rollers arrayed in the transport direction of a work, and when the work transported by the driving rollers reaches a predetermined stop position, stops movement of the work. The driving rollers include at least one first driving roller, and at least one second driving roller arranged on the side of the predetermined stop position in the transport direction with respect to the first driving roller. The first driving roller is a roller capable of idling on a driving shaft. The second driving roller is a roller incapable of idling on the driving shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the trough angle of a conveyor belt transport mechanism and for automatically correcting for conveyor belt creep along the conveyor belt sides during belt operation. The apparatus and method are directed to an idler assembly that pivots through a high point over a base frame. The idler assembly includes a horizontal base strut and angled wing struts on each side of the base strut. Rotatably mounted on the horizontal base strut are a pair of parallel centered rollers that surround a centrally-located pivot point. Rotatably mounted on each angled wing strut is a respective conical-shaped wing roller wherein a lower end of the wing roller remains at a fixed distance from the wing element whereas the distance between the upper end and the angled wing strut is adjustable via a threaded rod using jam nuts to releasably secure the angled wing rollers at a desired angle.

Abstract: A center drive module for use with a carousel conveyor that includes a continuous loop conveyor chain. The drive module includes a drive motor that rotates one or more sprocket wheels that each engage drive lugs formed on the bottom surface the conveyor chain to move the conveyor chain along the support frame. The drive module includes a pair of guide rollers positioned on opposite sides of the sprocket wheel. The guide rollers engage the conveyor chain and rotate upon the movement of the conveyor chain. Each of the guide wheels resists vertical movement of the conveyor chain caused by the rotating sprocket wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying material for railway construction comprises a material loading device that is movable on a chassis, in particular a crawler chassis (2) having at least one receiving conveyor belt (17) each for receiving material and having a transfer conveyer belt (9, 12) for transferring material. The transfer conveyer belt (9, 12) is rotatable about a chassis vertical axis using a rotary drive and can be adjusted in height along the chassis vertical axis by using a lifting drive (4).

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes an engine, a hydraulic pump, a cargo handling tool, a mast, a first hydraulic actuator, a second hydraulic actuator, an instruction member, a supply oil passage, and a controller. When the mast is being tilted forward, the controller performs revving control that raises the engine speed when detecting that an operation of the instruction member instructs a load operation that applies load to the engine.

Abstract: An improved belt scraper assembly for belt conveyors includes one or more blade assemblies and one or more hinge assemblies mounted on either side of a supporting flexible member for facilitating twin blade cleaning. The one or blade assemblies are operatively connected to the hinge assembly, which is adapted to ensure limited rotational motion of said blade assembly.

Abstract: A device (1) for alignment of elongated food products to be further processed, wherein the device comprises an incoming product conveyor (21) for transporting incoming elongated products into the device, a displacement device (23) displaceable arranged on a displacement track (29) for relocating the incoming products from the incoming product conveyor (21) onto an outgoing product conveyor (26) having capacity for arranging two or more incoming products (20?) side by side, before transporting the two or more incoming products simultaneously out from the device, is described.

Abstract: A right angle transfer and method of transferring articles includes a plurality of conveying members that define a conveyance surface and are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction and a plurality of diverting members. The diverting members are driven to divert objects at an angle from the conveyance surface. A frame mounts the diverting members for general vertical movement with respect to the conveying members. A lifting system including a plurality of spaced apart vertical actuators selectively raises and lowers the frame with respect to the conveying members. Each of the vertical actuators may include a cylinder that is positively driven in each of opposite directions by application of a fluid to opposite sides of the cylinder in order to positively drive the frame to both a raised state and a lowered state. The diverting members may be driven prior to being vertically moved into contact with an article being diverted.

Abstract: A conveyance device for levitating a subject body by a gas and conveying the subject body in a first direction is comprised of a levitation section emitting the gas to apply pressure on the subject body to levitate the subject body; a conveyance section comprising an endless belt elongated in the first direction and a plurality of projections projecting from the belt and capable of coming in contact with the subject body, and being configured to come in contact with and drive the subject body in the first direction; and a suction section elongated adjacent to and in parallel with the conveyance section or aligned with the conveyance section in a single straight line, the suction section applying negative pressure on the subject body to have the subject body in contact with the conveyance section.

Abstract: An article conveyor system for conveying a singulated row of articles includes an upstream belt conveyor, a downstream belt conveyor spaced apart from the upstream belt conveyor by an air gap, and an air conveyor bridging the air gap from the upstream belt conveyor to the downstream belt conveyor. The air conveyor receives upright articles from the upstream belt conveyor and conveys them over the air gap to the downstream belt conveyor. Tipped or fallen articles on the upstream belt conveyor are not received by the air conveyor and fall into the air gap, thereby being ejected from the article conveyor system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving loose-piece articles positioned on a slipsheet. A vacuum head is moved into proximity with the loose-piece articles positioned on a slipsheet. A vacuum is created which causes the slipsheet, and the loose-piece articles positioned thereon, to be drawn toward a surface of the vacuum head and maintained in such position as the vacuum head transports the slipsheet and the loose-piece articles positioned thereon.

Abstract: A rotary feeder for transferring loose material, said rotary feeder having a housing, where a rotor transfers material from the feed channel of the housing into the discharge channel of the housing, the rotor having blades for transferring the material, and a counter blade is fixed in the housing of the rotary feeder between the blades of the rotor for cutting oversized pieces of material. A filler is arranged in the feed channel of the rotary feeder, to prevent the formation of a protrusion in the feed channel that would disturb the flow of the material formed by the counter blade, the edge of the filler adjacent to the counter blade being arranged to yield, and the filler is arranged to return to its initial position after the cutting operation.

Abstract: A transfer device that holds down a space occupied by a pair of hooks includes: a cargo placement part having a cargo placement surface for placing a cargo; a pair of hooks, each of which is rotated around a base end thereof between a protruding position where a tip thereof is engaged with a handle by protruding above the cargo placement surface and a retracting position where the tip thereof separates from the handle by retracting below the cargo placement surface. A slide arm moves the pair of hooks in the transferring direction with respect to the cargo placement part. When the pair of hooks is located in the retracting position, the hooks are arranged so as to be vertically superimposed by falling down sideways in a mutually approaching direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stacking tray device to be used for a business machine. The stacking tray device comprises a tray, a guide plate and a stopper, wherein paper is placed on the tray, the guide plate moves relative to the tray and restricts the size of the paper, and the stopper sets the position where the guide plate stops when the guide plate is pushed from the center towards the outside. When the stopper is in a lock position, the guide plate stops at a first position corresponding to a first standard paper size; when the stopper is in an unlock position, the guide plate stops at a second position corresponding to an oversized paper size.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a butt splice to join a first web of material to a second web of material is provided. The first web of material is cut or trimmed to form a first edge. The second web of material is cut or trimmed to form a second edge, and the second edge is positioned with respect to and registered with the first edge to define a gap therebetween. A curable liquid adhesive, such as an ultraviolet (UV)-curable liquid adhesive, is dispensed or applied within the gap, and the liquid adhesive is cured to form the butt splice that joins or splices the first web of material to the second web of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for cutting a material web in a papermaking machine. The apparatus includes a cutting device, an upper holding device and an upper positioning device, the cutting device being fixed above the upper positioning device on the upper holding device such that it can be moved in the cross-machine direction. The apparatus additionally includes an air guide box that is fixed above the material web, likewise on the upper holding device.

Abstract: A tractor unit has first and second tractors with tractor pins that engage sprocket holes on opposites sides of continuous paper. A tractor support shaft supports the tractors movably in the device width direction. A frame supports the tractor support shaft movably in the device width direction. A clamping mechanism is provided for fixing the second tractor on the tractor support shaft. The first tractor 31 is disposed at a reference position in the device width direction. A biasing member biases the tractor support shaft in a second direction when the tractor support shaft moves in a first direction opposite to the second direction.

Abstract: A self-hold type solenoid pulls a plunger by passage of electric current, and attracts and holds with permanent magnets also after interruption of the passage of electric current. A stopper member shifts between a regulation position for striking a front end of a transported sheet and a retracted position retracted from the regulation position by operation of the plunger. The self-hold type solenoid enhances the pull force of the plunger by being supplied with an electric current corresponding to one pulse at timing at which the transported sheet strikes the stopper member existing in the regulation position, and the stopper member is prevented from retracting by receiving an impact in striking the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a garden hose holder that includes a base having a first rail and a second rail that form a substantially vertical upper portion and intersect at a neck portion, a substantially horizontal center portion, and a substantially vertical lower portion. An arcuate support device is engaged to the first rail and second rail at the center portion, whereby the first rail and the second rail intersect extend outwardly at an angle from the neck portion forming the upper portion, the first rail and second rail extend outward from the upper portion in a generally parallel fashion forming the center portion and lower portion of the base.

Abstract: A retractable cable combined with a smartphone/tablet holder contains: a roller and a removable support connected with the roller, and the roller includes a casing, a rotatable disc, a spiral torsion spring, and a data transfer cable. The casing includes a first cover and a second cover which are connected together to define an accommodation space so as to house the rotatable disc in which the spiral torsion spring is fixed, and the data transfer cable inserts through and rolls on the rotatable disc. A USB plug of the data transfer cable is accommodated beside a connecting piece of the first cover, and a terminal portion of the data transfer cable is housed on a second joining sheet of the second cover. Preferably, the terminal portion of the data transfer cable matches with a USB slot of a smartphone or a tablet.

Abstract: Use of an elevator system can be reserved for a passenger based at least in part on an indicated arrival time for a passenger trip. The passenger trip includes a portion that is carried out using the elevator system and an additional portion. The passenger's elevator reservation is scheduled such that time is allotted for the passenger to complete both trip portions by the indicated arrival time.

Abstract: An elevator positioning system includes an optical tape, optical tape clips, and a sensor. The optical tape clips are mountable to various structures within the hoistway. A crossbar of the optical tape clips is located between a sensor and optical tape such that the sensor detects an interruption in the optical tape and signals the detection to an elevator controller. The elevator car can then be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway. Another elevator positioning system includes a sensor and a reflector clip assembly. The reflector clip assemblies are mountable to various structures within the hoistway. A reflector target of the reflector clip assemblies faces the sensor such that the sensor detects the reflector target and signals the detection to an elevator controller. The elevator car can then be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway.

Abstract: A method for giving a destination call to the control system of an elevator system is provided, in which method one or more predetermined departure floor-destination floor pairs are presented on the touch-sensitive display of a destination call-giving device having a touch-sensitive display, in which each pair identifies for the user one predetermined departure floor and one predetermined destination floor, and the departure floor-destination floor pair selected by the user is determined on the basis of a touch detected with the touch-sensitive display, and a destination call signal is sent to the control system of the elevator system, which signal identifies the departure floor and the destination floor of the departure floor-destination floor pair selected by the user. A call-giving device, an elevator system and a computer program product are provided to implement the aforementioned method.