Abstract: An anti-refill product includes a container including a neck with an interior surface, an anti-refill dispensing fitment positioned in the neck of the container, and including at least one ceramic or glass component, and a bonding material between the container and the component that non-removably secures the fitment to the container and thereby renders the product tamper-evident.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for receiving and dispensing additives into an agricultural tank have a threaded opening, the system including a threadable cap releasably secured to a measuring device and threaded to the tank threaded opening, the threadable cap including a hose restrictor for passing a hose through said threadable cap into said tank.

Abstract: A packaged roast and ground coffee product comprising a lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container comprising a moisture barrier and an oxygen barrier, and a quantity of roast and ground coffee disposed within the container. The container comprises a finish having a top surface and one or more snap beads positioned below the top surface. A sealing member may be sealed to the top surface and may include a one-way valve permitting venting of CO2 resulting from off-gassing of the roast and ground coffee while preventing ingress of air. A removable overcap comprising a top wall and a depending skirt may be affixed to the finish. The skirt may include an inner surface with at least one locking member dimensioned to engage the snap beads in an interference fit. The packaged roast and ground coffee is preferably capable of withstanding stacking loads and loads associated with decreased interior pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealable element (1) for sealing the rim (21) of receptacles (20), the element (1) comprising at least a backing layer (2) made from a deformable material, and a sealable membrane (3) detachably connected to the backing layer (2), wherein the membrane (3) comprises an additional or integral opening means (4), wherein at least the membrane (3) has a contour with a radius varying between a lower radius value (L) and an upper radius value (U), wherein the ratio between the lower radius value (L) and the upper radius value (U) is defined by the equation 0.9?L/u?0.99, preferably 0.95?L/u?0.97. The invention further relates to a cap (10) comprising said sealable element (1) and to a receptacle (20) comprising said cap (10) being removably attached onto an opening (O).

Abstract: A package closure embodying a rotatable material stripping element provides a means to close off the package opening and comprises a material stripping element that accommodates the insertion and withdrawal of an external mixing element with a predetermined close fit. Whereas, the said mixing element may be inserted through the closure and into the vessel to mix material contained therein, and after the mixing operation is complete, the material stripping element strips off substantially whatever material residue is sticking to the mixing element as it being withdrawn from the vessel and the closure, thus preventing it from escaping the vessel.

Abstract: A capsule cap for a beverage container of the present invention includes: a cylindrical lower coupling unit (10) keeping an additive (A) therein; a cutting unit (20) having a cylindrical cutting body (21) inserted in a lower body (11) and vertically moving down to cut a seal (12) so that the additive (A) drops; and an upper coupling unit (30) disposed over the lower coupling unit (30) to be turned and vertically move the cutting unit (20), in which drinking water contained in the beverage container an additive are separately kept, so the drinking water and the additive are prevented from spoiling. Further, spiral guides are formed, so torque is easily changed into straight force, thereby achieving easy cutting and opening.

Abstract: A multi-positional closure fastener includes a plurality of receivers that orient at different relative angles and elevations. The receivers include tapered sidewalls that enable rotational motion between adjacent receivers. This multi-positional disposition of adjacent receivers facilitates the reception by the receivers of zip tie-styled straps from multiple angles, elevations, and directions. This is because there are greater possibilities of proximity between the straps and the receivers due to the multiple possible orientations and flexible movement of the receivers. This proximal positioning creates a more aligned, linear connection between corresponding receivers and straps; thus resulting in reduced stress on the straps. Each receiver comprises a housing having an opening. The openings are where the insertion tab from the straps are inserted and fastened into place. A fastening mechanism in the opening of the housing locks with an insertion tab from the strap to form the fastened closure.

Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.

Abstract: A childproof packaging for individual doses, in particular for preparations for administration in film form, wherein the packaging constitutes a bag produced by sealing, which has a covering layer which is provided at each side of the packaging with local weak points which do not touch the edge of the packaging, wherein the local weak points form a cohesive pattern which runs around the individual dose in an arc or a curve and overlaps an angular region of at least 90° when considered from the main area of the individual zone. The local weak points have a start area and an end area which have a Y configuration when the local weak points on each side of the packaging are superposed.

Abstract: A waterproof container is disclosed. The container can include first shell and a second shell; a first rim extending around the first shell; a second rim extending around the second shell; and a latch for securing the first shell to the second shell and defining an enclosed storage volume in a mated position. The first shell can include a grip projection adapted for opening the container from a mated position. The latch defines a latch recess adapted for receiving the grip projection when the latch secures the first shell to the second shell in the mated position. The second rim can include a continuous recess, having a pair of continuous sides and a seal ridge between, but spaced apart from, the continuous sides, while the first rim can include inner and outer continuous sealing ridges that fit over the seal ridge and between the continuous sides.

Abstract: A packaging structure is an integral formed from a plate material. The plate material includes a main bending line, a first side plate and a second side plate. The first side plate includes a plurality of auxiliary bending lines and a plurality of first connecting sections. The second side plate includes a plurality of cut lines and a plurality of second connecting sections. The plate material is bent along the main bending line, and the first auxiliary bending lines of the first side plate and the cut lines of the second side plate are bent to allow the first side plate and the second side plate to surround and form a geometric accommodated space for placing an object. Further, an impact of an external force upon the object is reduced through the dual layer structure formed by the first connecting sections and the second connecting sections.

Abstract: A liner for protecting two articles, stacked or side-by-side, comprises panels each of which consists of inflated tubes. The panels provide protection for the top, bottom and sides of both articles. Where the articles are stacked there is a panel between the top of the lower article and the bottom of the upper article. Where the articles are side-by-side there is a panel between the adjacent side surfaces of the two articles. A shipping container is also disclosed which comprises a liner having side wall panels, a lid and a base. Each panel comprises a number of parallel side-by-side tubes. There is an air manifold to which the tubes are connected and an air valve through which air for inflating the panels can be introduced. The liner fits snugly in an outer enclosure which is rigid or is a soft bag. A stiff inset sheet in the bag and against its base imparts rigidity to it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage device for fresh products and/or perishable produce and a method for storing fresh products, comprising: a cabinet provided with an access door and/or flap; one or more substantially gastight compartments arranged in the cabinet and provided with at least one gas inlet and one gas outlet; and conditioning means suitable for conditioning the climate in the compartment, wherein the conditioning comprises of providing desired gas conditions, including oxygen content.

Abstract: A vacuum container and/or pump system may include a rounded rectangular base container with opening at a top to receive foodstuffs, adapted with an edge; an optional cover having at least two locking latches adapted to couple to the edge, the cover to close the opening of the container, the cover including: a circular vacuum tubular opening forming a cylindrical hole through the cover, and a cross-shaped notch on the inner cross-section of the tube, through which at least a portion of a plug is received and disposed when evacuating air, and optionally the cover may include a spinner, chopper, and/or twist/lock cap (coupling plug to container) to prevent loss of vacuum of the container (when cap has been twisted in locked position). A vacuum bag may include an opening; resealable fastener; hole for evacuating air with pump; cap for covering hole; and removable clip for easing closure.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct may include a widened base. The construct may be erected by folding end panels of the construct towards one another and optionally securing the panels in the folded position. The construct may be formed from a blank. The construct and/or blank may include a removable portion at least partially defined by a line of disruption.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a dispenser including a dispense assembly having a head assembly, and also including a collapsible liner that contains a material to be dispensed, the liner detachably secured to the dispense assembly with the head assembly in fluid communication with the liner, wherein the material in the liner is dispensed out the liner and through the head assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and dispensing a viscous product. The product and a propellant are stored in a container on a base, and the propellant forms a head space. In a storage configuration, the container rests on the base, the base rests on a surface, and the propellant in the head space and the product tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to a dispenser. In one aspect, the base comprises a first portion, a second portion comprising a lid, a sidewall comprising a window, and an interior. In a second aspect, the method comprises storing the container in the storage configuration, removing the lid to expose a dispenser, dispensing the product, and viewing an interior of the base through the window.

Abstract: A packing that includes a bottle and/or a bottle and box combination wherein the container has a handle portion and the box has a bottom opening utilized as a grip portion. The handle is pivotally mounted to the top of the container. In addition, the box includes an opening to permit access to the handle and the neck of the container.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a tire tote for at least one of a tire and a wheel. The tire tote can include a shell configured to surround the tire or wheel. The shell can include a central shell portion having at least one slit and being configured to extend around an annular wall of the at least one of the tire or wheel. The shell can also include a pair of side shell portions attached to the central shell portion, the pair of side shell portions configured to cover opposing faces of the at least one of the tire or wheel. The tire tote can further include a support strap inside the shell extending along a circumferential direction of the central shell portion. The tire tote may include a handle disposed outside the shell and attached to the support strap through the at least one slit.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet packaging box includes a box body including a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall connected between the top wall and the bottom wall, and an accommodation chamber surrounded by the peripheral wall for accommodating a bicycle helmet in an upright position with a top portion thereof facing toward the top wall. The box body defines an imaginary axis that extends substantially perpendicular to the top wall and the bottom wall. The peripheral wall includes a door panel turnable about the imaginary axis. The box body has a side opening selectively closable by the door panel and adapted for the passing of the bicycle helmet to access to the accommodation chamber. The user can conveniently take the bicycle helmet out of the bicycle helmet packaging box, or put it back to the inside of the bicycle helmet packaging box.

Abstract: A container system for use with a forklift, includes a plurality of containers, each container including side and end walls and having interlocking structure cooperatively arranged whereby adjacent containers are connectable to each other and a base secured relative to each container. The base is dimensioned to support the container and being adapted to couple with the blade of the forklift to permit placement and transport of the containers in an interlocked relation thereof. Each container may be collapsible to facilitate storage thereof.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an air cargo container (1) comprising a rectangular, planar bottom side (2) for accommodating a transported product (8), a rectangular, planar top side (6), at least four connecting profiles (10) and an least triangular, planar intermediate element (12) made of a flexible material, wherein the connecting profiles (10) each connect one corner (11) of the bottom side (2) and one corner (11) of the top side (6) with one another in order to form sides (3) of the air cargo container (1), a guide device (19) is disposed on each of at least three connecting profiles (10) and/or a guide device (19) is disposed on each of two opposing edges (21) of the bottom side (2) and on at least one edge (21) of the top side (6) or on each of two opposing edges (21) of the top side (6) and on at least one edge (21) of the bottom side (2) such that the guide devices (19) define a plane, and the intermediate element (12) comprises a snap-fitting means (20) at each corner (14), wherein said snap-fittin

Abstract: A manway gate assembly couples to a tank and provides a liquid tight seal. The manway gate assembly includes a gate selectively slideable in a first linear direction between an open position, a closed position, and/or an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. The manway gate assembly includes one or more locking members arranged adjacent to the gate and moveable between a locked position and an un-locked position. When in the locked position, the one or more locking members apply a biasing force to the gate in a second linear direction perpendicular to the first linear direction to seal the gate to the tank and provide a liquid tight seal.

Abstract: Unitary ornamental front load containers for containing trash and/or recyclables include a container for containing the trash and/or recyclables, and an ornamental surround attached with a connector to the front load container. The attached ornamental surround defines right and left front openings aligned with right and left front pocket openings of right and left fork pockets of the container. The ornamental surround obscures from view the front sidewall, the right sidewall having the right fork pocket, the left sidewall having the left fork pocket, the rear sidewall, and the at least one hinged top of the container by an observer standing on the ground. The container and the attached ornamental surround being liftable as a unit by forks of a front loading garbage truck to empty the trash and/or the recyclables from the unitary ornamental front load container.

Abstract: A waste cart includes a base housing; a center upright having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is secured to the base housing; a top housing secured to the distal end of the center upright, wherein the top housing has two or more disposal openings for two or more separate disposal portions including, a first waste portion which has a first metal detector and an indicator for providing a notification when a metal item passes through the opening; and a second waste portion which includes a second metal detector and an indicator for providing a notification when a metal item passes through the opening; an electronics module which operates each metal detector independently; and an alarm indicator operationally associated with the electronics module which is activated when the electronics module detects the passage of a metal item through an opening into a waste portion.

Abstract: Techniques for improving the efficiency and flexibility of inventory systems are described. In an example, multiple robots may be operated to move an item. The robots may be allocated to a mobile robot group configured to move the item according to an arrangement of these robots. Tasks for incrementally moving the item and dependencies between the tasks may be generated. Instructions about a first task may be sent to one of the robots. Progress about performing the first task may be received back from the robot. Based on the progress and a dependency from the first task, instructions about a second dependent task may be sent to a second robot. When performed by the respective robots, the first task and the second task may cause an incremental movement of the item by the mobile robot group.

Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a bottom fabric layer having a lower first surface forming a backside of the conveyor belt and an upper first surface, wherein the lower first surface is impregnated with an impregnation having: a) one or more thermoplastic polyolefins selected from the group consisting of ethene homopolymers, propene homopolymers, ethene/?-olefin copolymers, propene/?-olefin copolymers and terpolymers of ethene with two or more different ?-olefins; and b) a thermoplastic polymeric dispersing agent containing repetitive units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of a comparatively lipophilic nature and from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of a comparatively hydrophilic nature and earring an anionic carboxylate group. A process for the manufacture of such belts includes applying the thermoplastic polyolefin(s) and the thermoplastic polymeric dispersing agent as an aqueous dispersion and heating the lower first surface having the dispersion applied thereonto.

Abstract: This invention reveals a conveyor belt which is comprised of a carry cover layer, a tie gum layer which is situated immediately below the carry cover layer, a reinforcement layer which includes steel cords which are embedded in polychloroprene and which is situated immediately below the tie gum layer, and a rubber layer which is situated immediately below the reinforcement layer, wherein the carry cover layer is comprised of a millable urethane rubber. The tie gum layer will typically be an alloy of polyvinylchloride and nitrile rubber to attain good adhesion between the carry cover layer and the reinforcement layer. The subject invention also reveals a conveyor belt which is comprised of a carry cover layer, a reinforcement layer which includes a resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex coated fabric reinforcement, and a rubber layer which is situated immediately below the reinforcement layer, wherein the carry cover layer is comprised of a millable urethane rubber.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor with the workpieces oriented transverse to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors configured to convey workpieces toward a lugged conveyor. The first and second endless conveyors of each pair are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array can form a continuous or discontinuous transport surface. Some pairs of endless conveyors in the array may overlap one or more other pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array may include two or more endless conveyors that are independently driven at different speeds and/or in different directions to de-skew a workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine (8) for processing and/or packaging objects, said machine having an essentially horizontal conveying section (10) for conveying articles, packages, and/or packaging units, which conveying section (10) comprises a first horizontal conveying device (14) with at least one conveying means (15) for a first operating mode, which horizontal conveying device (14) can be replaced by a further horizontal conveying device (24) with at least one second conveying means (25) that is different from the first conveying means (15) in order to establish at least one further operating mode.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus comprising: (1) a conveyor belt comprising a load bearing belt having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the belt having a plurality of channels therethrough, (2) mounting material on the exterior surface of the belt, and (3) a resilient engagement covering. Also a method of using the apparatus in conjunction with means for applying a negative pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auger feeder of concrete mix having a helical segment, which auger feeder has at least one insert (22), which is manufactured of material that is softer than that used for manufacturing the auger feeder's helical segment. One insert (22) is mounted on a downstream end of the auger feeder. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an auger feeder, which method includes manufacture of a helical segment of the auger feeder, in which method at least one insert is manufactured from a material softer than that used for the auger feeder's helical segment. The insert (22) is to be mounted on a downstream end of the auger feeder of the casting of the auger feeder's helical segment.

Abstract: Belt conveyor idler systems for increasing the trough angle of a conveyor belt. In some embodiments, wing roll brackets that support the wing rolls increase in length from the front end to the back end of the idler system.

Abstract: A mobile robotic device with a conveyor that is configured to link up with another conveyor of a second mobile robotic device is described. In this manner, the mobile robotic devices may provide integrated, flexible conveyors and the ability to link conveyors to make an aggregate conveyor of any shape or size. Moreover, the mobile robotic device is configured to receive a conveyor from a storage unit and move the conveyor to another point within a physical space. The mobile robotic device also has the capability to rotate the conveyor, when docked, about the axis of the mobile robotic device (e.g., for sorting and other operations).

Abstract: An example system includes a first tote handling assembly having a wiper bar, a first plurality of actuators connected to and moveable with the first wiper bar, and a first tab associated with a first actuator of the first plurality of actuators. The system may also includes a second tote handling assembly disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to the first tote handling assembly. The second tote handling assembly includes a second wiper bar, a second plurality of actuators connected to and moveable with the second wiper bar, and a second tab associated with a second actuator of the second plurality of actuators. In such a system, movement of the first wiper bar in a first direction along a transverse axis of the first tote handling assembly, while the first tab is engaged with a tote disposed on the first tote handling assembly, transfers the tote from the first tote handling assembly to the second tote handling assembly.

Abstract: A control method and pneumatic transport system of granular material, conveys granular material from storage containers to processing machines includes at least one loading device of the granular material with a collection tank of the granular material; at least one granular material conveying duct fluidly connecting the collection tank to at least one container; and a granular material flow generator inside the conveying duct. For each loading device at least one sensor detects vibrations induced by the material being loaded inside the loading device. The sensor is arranged at or near the loading device and generates time signals of the vibrations that may be correlated to the granular material mass being progressively loaded in the tank or to the volume of the tank being progressively filled by the granular material.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an electric lug loader system. An electric lug loader may include a shaft assembly rotatably mounted to a frame that extends across a flow path. The shaft assembly may have shafts arranged radially around, and parallel to, the rotational axis of the shaft assembly, clamp members arranged along each of the shafts, support members arranged radially around the rotational axis and across the flow path, and electric drives coupled to the shafts. Conveyors may be coupled with the frame and spaced apart across the flow path upstream and/or downstream of the shaft assembly. Additional drives may be coupled with the shaft assembly and the conveyors. A controller may be configured to synchronize the drives to engage successive workpieces between the clamp members and the support members and deposit the workpieces onto a lugged conveyor. Other embodiments provide related methods and systems.

Abstract: A belt conveyor has an upward sloping tube and a hopper extending outward from the lower intake end of the tube. A belt has an upper run passing along a hopper floor of the hopper then over a top S-roller of an S-roller assembly, under a bottom S-roller thereof, and up through the tube. Resilient bottom seal strips each extend along each side of the hopper with lower edges thereof bearing against the belt adjacent to side edges of the belt and resilient top seal strips are fastened on top of the corresponding bottom seal strips such that a lower edge of each top seal strip bears against the belt beside the lower edge of the corresponding bottom seal strip. Roller seals seal edges of the S-rollers and the belt passing therethrough, and a support surface supports the belt between the bottom S-roller and the intake end of the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medicine package inspection apparatus for inspecting whether or not accurate medicines have been packaged in medicine packages. The medicine package inspection apparatus includes: a conveying unit conveying the medicine packages; an image reading unit photographing the medicine packages and reading states of the medicines by the photographed image; an aligning unit uniformly spreading the medicines packaged in the medicine packages unit so as not to be overlapped with each other; and a displaying means pivotably installed on a front surface of the body and displaying a work state simultaneously with controlling a work of inspecting the medicine packages. The displaying means is pivotably and tiltably installed on the body through a pivoting and tilting unit and configures a portion of the body, such that an inner portion of the body is opened when the displaying means pivots.

Abstract: A refuse disposing system includes a housing having a perimeter wall bounding an interior space. An inner conduit is positioned within the housing. The perimeter wall has an access opening therein in communication with the inner conduit and the inner conduit has an exit aperture extending through the perimeter wall. A blower is in fluid communication with the inner conduit and ejects air into the inner conduit and outwardly of the exit aperture when the blower is actuated to an on position. A tube has a first end and a second end where the first end is fluidly coupled to the exit aperture. A refuse container is positioned under the second end of the tube. Articles positioned in the inner conduit and moved through the inner conduit and into the tube by the blower are ejected into the refuse container.

Abstract: Systems for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using the systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a stack of trays, each tray being comprised of a plurality of spaced apart containers arranged in rows and columns and interconnected by webs located at their upper, open ends, the containers of each tray in the stack being nested within the containers of an adjacent tray, the space between the tops of adjacent containers in a row or column and the space between adjacent webs forming linear pathways through the stack. The apparatus includes a magazine for holding a stack of the trays. The magazine includes a plurality of first and second support fingers located at the first and second ends of the stack. First and second support linear actuators cause the support fingers to be extended to a stack support location during a non-separation mode of operation, and cause the support fingers to retract to a non-stack support location during the separation mode of operation.

Abstract: A rail-road intermodal freight system. In an embodiment, a conveyor system is provided for placing rail cars in a position for loading shipping containers thereon, while an over-the-road trailer is secured to the rail car. Rail cars have a frame with a front end and a rear end, and a bogie having at least four flanged rail wheels is pivotally mounted to the rear of the frame of the rail car. A method for unloading the rail cars includes lifting the front of the frame of the rail cars and pivoting the rail cars by an angle alpha from the track direction at an unloading area, and lowering the front end of the frame to the ground to allow truck access to trailers on the rail car. By utilizing the method, efficient loading and unloading of train involved in intermodal shipments may save considerable time, and thus reduce costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively providing access to a storage container having a door spaced above a floor of the container to provide access to an interior thereof comprises a shaft securable to said storage container at a position below said door and rotatable relative thereto and at least one lever arm extending from said shaft. The apparatus further includes at least one ramp extending between first and second ends, wherein said first end is supported on a surface proximate to said container. The at least one ramp is pivotally supported by distal ends of said at least one lever arms so as to be movable from a first position wherein said second end of said at least one ramp is positioned in front of said container to a second position wherein said second end of said at least one ramp is supported on said container as said shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes an apparatus body, a storage cassette having a cassette body and a regulation member regulating a position of a sheet, and a size detection portion detecting a size of the sheet. The size detection portion has a plurality of size detection levers which are swung around pivotal shaft, a plurality of non-contact type detection elements which are radially arranged around an imaginary axis on the apparatus body and are turned ON/OFF by the plurality of size detection levers in a case where the storage cassette is mounted, and a positioning unit. The positioning unit positions the storage cassette such that the pivotal shaft and an imaginary axis are matched in a case where the storage cassette is mounted on the apparatus body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a casing having an opening, a supporting portion configured to support a sheet inserted through the opening, a feed roller configured to feed the sheet supported on the supporting portion, and a first regulation member configured to move between an upright position and a flat position where the first regulation member is laid relative to the upright position. The first regulation member includes a first surface facing the feed roller when the first regulation member is at the upright position, and a second surface facing upward when the first regulation member is at the upright position, the second surface facing the feed roller when the first regulation member is at the flat position such that the second surface regulates a position of an upstream end, in a sheet conveying direction, of the sheet supported on the supporting portion of the casing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a movement mechanism includes a first arm assembly including a first arm configured to pivot about a first pivot axis between a retracted position and a protruding position, the first arm being biased toward the protruding position and extending away from the first pivot axis in a first direction and a second arm configured to rotate between a restriction position in which the second arm engages the first arm, and a releasing position in which the second arm is separated from the first arm, the second arm configured to rotate from the restriction position to the releasing position in a direction away from the first arm, and a guide including a guide surface extending in the first direction, the guide surface configured to contact the first arm situated in the protruding position and a protruding guide configured to contact and move the second arm.

Abstract: A sheet feeding cassette includes a storage region, a front portion, and a bottom portion. On the storage region, a sheet is stored. The front portion is disposed on a downstream side with respect to the storage region in a drawing direction. On the bottom portion, the sheet is placed. In the front portion, an opening is formed through which the storage region is visible. Within the storage region, the bottom portion is formed in white or a pale color. At least a part of the visible region in the storage region is formed to be different in lightness by three or more in Munsell value from a light-color part of the bottom portion, the light-color part being formed in white or the pale color.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes: a feed roller; a shutter movable between a restricting position restricting a leading edge of a sheet and a non-restricting position releasing the restriction on the sheet; and a controller configured to control rotation of the feed roller and movement of the shutter. The controller is configured to perform: a first feeding process of controlling the feed roller to rotate at a first rotational speed while the shutter is at the restricting position and of controlling the shutter to move to the non-restricting position from the restricting position no earlier than rotation of the feed roller at the first rotational speed: a reduction process of controlling a rotational speed of the feed roller to be less than the first rotational speed; and a second feeding process of controlling the feed roller to rotate at a second rotational speed.

Abstract: There is provided a feed apparatus including a support unit having a support surface, a feed roller, a first arm to support the feed roller, a recess portion on the support surface, a second arm swingable, with a side of the one end as a swing shaft, between a first position at which the other end of the second arm is in the recess portion and a second position at which the other end is outside the recess portion; and a biasing member. In a case that the second arm is the first position, a guide surface of the second arm is positioned on an upstream side of the feed roller in the feed direction and in a case that the second arm is the second position, the other end of the second arm is positioned on a downstream side of the feed roller in the feed direction.