Abstract: A rotor system for a rotorcraft includes a first rotor assembly defining a rotation axis, a second rotor assembly offset from the first rotor assembly along the rotation axis, and a drive system connected to the first and second rotor assemblies. The drive system includes a first electric motor disposed along the rotation axis and operably connected to the first rotor assembly, and a second electric motor disposed along the rotation axis and operably connected to the second rotor assembly to rotate the second rotor assembly about the rotation axis independent of rotation of the first rotor assembly about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft using a hybrid electric propulsion system includes an engine, a generator that produces electric power using power supplied by the engine, and a battery that stores the produced electric power. A motor receives the electric power stored in the battery and electric power produced by the generator but not stored in the battery and provides the power to a thrust generating apparatus. A controller selects either silence mode or normal mode, and determines the amount of electric power stored in the battery and the amount of electric power not stored in the battery from the electric power supplied to the motor. In the silence mode, the controller supplies only the electric power stored in the battery and controls a duration by adjusting output power of motor. In the normal mode, the controller supplies electric power not stored in the battery.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel system has a bottom wall, and a rib with a bottom edge joined to the bottom wall. The rib provides a boundary between first and second compartments. At least the first compartment is arranged to carry fuel. An open recess is in the bottom edge of the rib and a rib sealing arrangement between the bottom edge of the rib and the bottom wall prevents fuel from flowing across the bottom edge of the rib except at the open recess. The system has a pump and a conduit coupled at one end to the open recess and at another end to the pump. The open recess and the conduit provide a fuel flow path across the bottom edge of the rib from the first compartment into the pump. The flow path is sealed to prevent fuel flowing out of the flow path into the second compartment.

Abstract: A method of evaluating pilot performance receives and processes avionics data at a database system. The database system computes component scores for the pilot based on the avionics data. Each component score represents a performance grade for a pilot-controlled operation of the aircraft. The database system saves the component scores in association with a pilot performance record for the pilot, and calculates an overall score based on the component scores. The overall score represents a flight performance grade for the pilot. The database system saves the overall score in association with the pilot performance record, and generates a report derived from the component scores and the overall score. A graphical representation of the report is communicated to an electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an operations specified by an operations checklist of an aircraft are provided. A method can include providing a user interface for display on a display screen. The user interface can include a checklist having one or more checklist items and can present an interactive virtual element in conjunction with each checklist item. Each checklist item and virtual element can be associated with a task to be performed for operation of an aircraft. The virtual elements can be visual representations of physical control interfaces associated with the task. The method can include receiving data indicative of a user interaction with at least one virtual element. In response, the method can further include sending one or more command signals to one or more aircraft control devices to perform at least a portion of the task associated with the at least one virtual element.

Abstract: A layered construction is provided having a storage modulus G?t25 at 25° C., comprising: a) a cured polymeric composite having a storage modulus G?s25 at 25 ° C.; and b) a cured surfacing film bound thereto; wherein G?t25 is not greatly elevated over G?s25, typically not more than 118% of G?s25. In some embodiments the cured surfacing film comprises an electrically conductive layer, typically a metal layer. In some embodiments the cured surfacing film comprises a cured epoxy resin which may optionally be a chain-extended epoxy resin and may excludes phosphorus. The resulting layered construction may display high erosion resistance, high corrosion resistance, and high resistance to microcracking. In another aspect, methods of making the subject layered constructions are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an aerial vehicle that includes a light alteration assembly that may be used to alter light entering a lens of a camera of the aerial vehicle. The light alteration assembly may include an adjustable visor and/or filters that may be selectively positioned over the lens of the camera. By altering light entering the lens of a camera of the aerial vehicle, the camera is able to obtain higher quality images of the area surrounding the aerial vehicle. The higher quality images may then be processed to accurately detect objects within a vicinity of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to support aircraft with disabled landing gears. The apparatus comprises a support assembly, a hub, a shock absorber and a transport mechanism. The support assembly includes a contact component. The support assembly is rotatably connected to the hub. The shock absorber includes a first end to which the hub is rigidly connected. The transport mechanism is to move the apparatus along a ground surface. The contact component is to contact with and to support an aircraft fuselage during landing.

Abstract: A system for assisting in guiding of an aircraft maneuvered by an aircraft tractor on the ground, the system including at least one projection device including a laser generating a laser beam fixed to an anchor point of the fuselage of the aircraft. A fixing mechanism is configured to fix the projection device to an anchor point of the fuselage, the laser beam from each laser projector then plotting a light trace on the ground to be used to assist in guiding the aircraft on the ground. A camera can film the light trace on the ground. A remote display device includes a screen, the display device being positioned on the aircraft tractor for the screen to be visible to an operator of the aircraft tractor, each projection device being connected to the display device, the display device being configured to display the image from each projection device camera.

Abstract: Disclosed wing-to-body join methods include commanding a wing to a first command position and then iteratively repeating a first-phase movement and/or commanding a wing to a second command position and then iteratively repeating a second-phase movement. The first-phase movement includes determining a real position of the wing, calculating a first-phase difference between the real position and the first command position, and commanding the wing to reduce the magnitude of the first-phase difference. The second-phase movement includes determining a real position of the wing, determining a real position of the body, calculating a second-phase difference based on the second command position and the real positions of the wing and body, and commanding the wing to reduce the magnitude of the second-phase difference. Some embodiments include performing a port-side move for a port wing of the aircraft and performing a starboard-side move for a starboard wing of the aircraft.

Abstract: A ram air turbine has a turbine having blades to be extended into an airflow adjacent to an aircraft. The turbine is operable to drive a power generation rotor. A module receives sensed information from a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors are associated with locations on the ram air turbine, sense conditions at the locations, and send information with regard to the sensed conditions to the module. The module is operable to compare sensed conditions to limits and identify a potential condition of concern based upon the comparison. A method of testing a ram air turbine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning system for performing a cleaning cycle on a turbine engine mounted to an airframe includes a mobile supply unit. The mobile supply unit includes a cleaning agent supply that introduces cleaning agent into the turbine engine. The aircraft includes at least one valve configured to block cleaning agent from moving from the turbine engine into a passenger cabin of the aircraft.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for assessing an affected area of an aircraft is disclosed. A reference marker having a known size is located on the aircraft. The portable electronic device includes a processor in communication with a structural database, where the structural database includes a template that defines a maximum allowable size of damage to the aircraft. The processor executes instructions for determining an actual size of the affected area based on the known size of the reference marker. The processor also executes instructions for comparing the actual size of the affected area with the maximum allowable size of damage to the aircraft. The processor further executes instructions for determining that the actual size of the affected area exceeds the maximum allowable size of damage to the aircraft.

Abstract: A space propulsion system includes an electrostatic thruster with a first electrical load; a resistojet; a propellant fluid feed circuit; and an electrical power supply circuit including a first power supply line and a first switch for selecting between connecting the first power supply line to the resistojet and connecting the first power supply line to the first electrical load of the electrostatic thruster. The propulsion system thus enables a space propulsion method to be applied that includes a switching step for selecting a first propulsion mode in which the resistojet is activated, or a second propulsion mode in which the electrostatic thruster is activated.

Abstract: An unpressurized cargo pallet including a pallet base having a frame, the frame being conformal with a structural exterior surface of a space vehicle to effect structural integration of the pallet base with the structural exterior surface of the space vehicle so that the pallet base forms a portion of the structural exterior surface, where the frame includes an interior surface, and an exterior surface that forms at least part of the structural exterior surface of the space vehicle, a cargo attachment interface disposed on the interior surface of the frame, and at least one grapple disposed on the exterior surface of the frame.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle comprising a navigable propulsion system for moving the vehicle in an operating environment and a controllable steering mechanism for steering the vehicle as it moves in the operating environment; and a tethering mechanism for attaching to existing space debris including waste, garbage, derelict satellites and equipment, and other debris; and tethering device for attaching to waste hauling device for disposing of waste generated from inhabited orbiting structures. The propulsion device is a universal transportation device for assorted space debris utilizing connectors for hauling collected waste captured in fibrous formulated cloth material, or individual pieces of debris, or equipment. A telescoping utility arm provides the capability to direct the hook mechanism and tethering device to secure space waste and debris of various shapes, sizes, and conditions for transportation. A fibrous formulated containment device collects waste from inhabited space structures.

Abstract: A filling aid. The filling aid includes a locking portion including a groove feature; and a locking feature having a locked and an unlocked position; and a filling syringe holder slidably attached to the locking portion, the filling syringe holder including a filling needle cradle portion having a tongue feature; and a needle housing portion comprising at least one tab having a starting position and a filling position, wherein the groove feature configured to accommodate the tongue feature, and wherein the locking feature interact with the filling syringe holder wherein when the locking feature moves from the locked position to the unlocked position the needle housing portion moves from the starting position to the filling position.

Abstract: Machine for packaging products with stretch film the flaps of which are stretched, folded and mutually superimposed on the bottom of the product usually arranged in a tray, comprising a final station with a motorized heat-sealing conveyor to mutually secure said flaps with a heat-sealing operation, characterised in that this final heat-sealing station is provided with an upper protective chamber for the operator, and which limits the loss into the work environment of heat produced by said heat-sealing conveyor, now incorporated in this protective chamber, which has a shape and size such as to allow the packaged products to be conveyed therethrough without interference, this protective chamber being provided with an inlet opening usually communicating with the casing of the packaging machine and being provided with an outlet opening for conveying the packaged products, wherein at least this last outlet opening is closed by a swinging barrier that prevents loss of heat towards the outside and that is arranged t

Abstract: A method of fabricating coffee pods at a point of sale location using a coffee pod dispensing device with shell less, expandable coffee pods. The fabrication is initiated by tactile input from a control panel that determines the parameters of the coffee pods to be fabricated and generates the operational signals for the dispensing device. Fabrication there after progresses sequentially through a series of operations that involves the loading of the coffee pods onto a pod advancing means which then takes the coffee pods through the steps of expansion, filling, sealing and delivery. To accomplish this the pods are compressible pods arranged in a linear array that allows for pleated or stacked storage in a pod loading means within the device's enclosure, as well as continuous feed capabilities.

Abstract: A point of sale coffee pod dispensing device for use with shell less, expandable coffee pods. The compressible pods are arranged in a linear array that allows for pleated or stacked storage in a pod loading means within the device's enclosure, as well as continuous feed capabilities. The pod advancing means moves the pods from a pod loading station to the pod delivery station, there between sequentially passing through stations for pod expanding, coffee filling, and sealing. An operating system allows input of signals for the operation of the device based on tactile input from a control panel on the device's housing that determines the parameters of the coffee pods to be fabricated.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically packaging items varying in size and number for shipment, comprising a unit (32) for acquiring size information of one or more item(s) to be packaged, an inner packaging material feeding unit (24) for feeding an inner packaging material, an outer packaging material feeding unit (26) for feeding an outer packaging material, a first wrapping station (16) for wrapping said inner packaging material around one or more item(s) to be packaged to create an inner packing surrounding the item(s) in a first direction and a second wrapping station (18) for wrapping said outer packaging material around said inner packing to create an outer packing surrounding the inner packing in a second direction, said second direction being substantially perpendicular to said first direction, wherein the first and the second wrapping stations are adapted to form said inner packing and said outer packing such that the inner and the outer packing form a combined package enclosing the packaged item(s) from all

Abstract: An elastic roller includes: a roller shaft; and an elastic member. The elastic roller includes an inner layer side elastic member, and a coating layer. The inner layer side elastic member includes a base layer and an intermediate layer located from the roller shaft in this order. The base and intermediate layers have a rubber hardness of 30 to 80 degrees that is measured by a durometer type A in accordance with the standard of JIS K 6253. The rubber hardness of the base layer is more than that of the intermediate layer. The coating layer is made of a silicone resin, and has a thickness of 10 to 100 ?m. The silicone resin has a hardness of 20 degrees or less that is measured using a spring-based Asker C type in accordance with SRIS 0101 standard. The inner layer side elastic member has a plurality of internal grooves along a circumferential direction. Each of the internal grooves has a width of 25 to 1,300 ?m, and has a depth of 25 to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A process for using a first labeling system that is a constituent of a block-form first container-handling includes, before switching between said labeling and non-labeling modes of a labeling unit thereof, providing a control signal to a control unit that controls the labeling machine, the control signal being indicative of a gap in container flow. the control signal occurs before the gap in container flow reaches a container inlet of the first labeling system.

Abstract: This disclosure provides new closure and finish structures suited for small and light-weight carbonated beverage packaging that provide surprisingly improved carbonation retention and greater shelf life, while still achieving light weight. This closure and finish presented herein are particularly suited to small PET containers for carbonated beverages, for example less than or about 400 mL and provide good carbonation retention and shelf life.

Abstract: A blank assembly for forming a container includes a body blank that includes a bottom panel and two opposing side panels. The side panels are configured to at least partially form two opposing side walls of the container. The blank assembly also includes at least two end blanks. Each end blank is configured to form at least a portion of an end wall of the container. Each end blank includes a first inner corner panel, a first inner end panel, a first reinforcement panel, a second reinforcement panel, and a second inner end panel coupled together in series along preformed, parallel fold lines. The first inner corner panel is configured to extend obliquely between a side wall and an end wall. The first reinforcement panel is configured to extend from the first inner end panel inwardly towards an interior cavity of the container.

Abstract: Rigid box for smoking articles having a parallelepiped shape and provided with: a first panel which defines a top wall; a second panel which is hinged to the first panel, folded 90° with respect to the first panel and defines a first lateral wall; a third panel which is hinged to the second panel, folded 90° with respect to the second panel and defines a bottom wall; a fourth panel which is hinged to the third panel, folded 90° with respect to the third panel and defines a second lateral wall opposite the first lateral wall; a fifth panel which is hinged to the fourth panel, is folded 90° with respect to the fourth panel and rests on and is glued to an inner surface of the first panel; a sixth panel which is hinged to the fifth panel, is folded 90° with respect to the fifth panel and divides the inner volume of the rigid box in two adjacent chambers; and a seventh panel which is hinged to the sixth panel, is folded 90° with respect to the sixth panel and rests on and is glued to an inner surface of the third

Abstract: A cargo pallet having parallel, spaced runners with parallel, spaced slats mounted transverse thereto by removable pins. Each of the slats is substantially identical and each has different opposing faces so that when the slats are reversed the different faces provide different cargo-supporting surfaces. There are slat grooves on the runners into which the slats are mounted, along with endwalls, to prevent something from extending between the slats and the runners to separate slats and runners. Blockers extend laterally from one or both sides of the slats to prevent a forklift from contacting the cargo, and when the slats are reversed the blockers interlace.

Abstract: A scoop retaining assembly provides for the storage of a scoop within a container. The scoop retaining assembly comprises a head portion and cap member adapted for magnetic attraction between them, with retaining members adapted to receive and retain a scoop handle. The cap member is separable from the head portion whereby the scoop retaining assembly may be connected to a container by aligning the head portion and cap member on opposing surfaces of the container to effect a magnetic connection therethrough. The retaining arms are provided with a series of channels for receiving the scoop handle in either a vertical or horizontal orientation as the scoop retaining assembly is positioned within the container.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a container (1), comprising: providing a body (100) defining a chamber for storing a product and defining an opening through which the product is dispensable from the chamber; selecting a first structure (200) from a plurality of structures, each of the plurality of structures having a feature for forming part of an exterior surface of the container (1) when the respective structure is affixed to the body (100), the feature of the first structure (200) differing from the feature of another structure of the plurality of structures; and affixing to the body (100) the first structure (200) with the feature of the first structure forming part of the exterior surface of the container (1). Also disclosed are a container and a bundle or package of containers.

Abstract: A two-way reusable shipping container has a plurality of flexible walls, the walls surrounding an internal cavity when the shipping container is in an open state. A pouch is located on a first wall of the plurality of flexible walls, and is configured to form a pocket into which the walls of the shipping container are collapsed when the shipping container is in a compact state. A closure device is configured to retain the shipping container in the pocket in the compact state. In some embodiments, the shipping container includes inflatable pillows, each pillow being secured to one of the walls. In some embodiments, the pouch inverts when the shipping container is converted between the open and compact states, such that interior surfaces of the pocket when the shipping container is in the open state become exterior surfaces of the pocket when the shipping container is in the compact state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure device for bags or the like comprising two complementary profiled elements (110, 210), characterized in that it involves sequential squeezing (300), of the two engaged profiled elements (110, 210), in a direction perpendicular to the support webs (100, 200).

Abstract: A tamper evident diaphragm (110) for a flexible package (300) is provided. The tamper evident diaphragm (110) includes two diaphragm strips (112, 116). Each of the diaphragm strips (112, 116) includes at least an outer layer (140) and an inner layer (136) laminated with each other. The inner layer (136) of each of the diaphragm strips (112, 116) is sealable together to form a non-resealable peelable sealed band (142). The outer layer (140) and the inner layer (136) are configured to be sealed with the flaps (120, 124) of a zipper (108) of the flexible package (300).

Abstract: A removable storage box cover having a bottom wall having a fore edge, at least two sidewalls having upper edges, fore edges, and defining a rectangular internal cavity, and a lid hingedly coupled to one of the at least two sidewalls, wherein the lid includes an upper wall portion having lateral side edges and a sidewall portion having lateral side edges and a lower edge separating the lateral side edges of the sidewall portion of the lid. The cover also includes a first track spanning the perimeter of the exposed edges of the at least two side walls and bottom wall and a second track spanning the perimeter of the exposed edges of the lid, wherein the lid, sidewalls and bottom wall are operable to be joined together in a watertight relationship with one another to enclose a box and be opened to insert or remove a box.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making re-closable package (10) and a product made therefrom. The said method comprises providing a first web (46) and a second web (50), folding a predetermined portion (P) of the first web (46) into a V-shape (58) thereby forming an extended portion and cutting the V-shape (58) of the first web (46) to form a pair of extended panels (62). A re-closable zipper (42) sealed with the extended panels (62). The first web (46) sealed with the second web (50) at a first sealing zone (SZ1) and second sealing zone (SZ2). Subsequently, cut the first web (46) and the second web (50) at the first sealing zone (SZ1) thereby obtaining a re-closable package (10). The said re-closable package (10) comprising a first panel (14), a second panel (18) and optionally side gussets (22, 26) and a bottom gusset (30).

Abstract: A tamper-evident container formed by thermoforming includes a tub having a bottom and a sidewall forming an interior volume. The container has a lid with an edge extending peripherally outward therefrom which is configured to mate with the tub edge to close the container. The lid edge has an inner portion and an outer portion with a perforated section therebetween. The perforated section extends continuously around the entire periphery of the lid, whereby the outer portion forms a tamper-evident seal removable from the inner portion for removing the lid from the tub. Texture elements are distributed around the outer portion of the lid edge which are configured to provide a visual indication of the presence of the tamper-evident seal. The tub edge is disposed beneath the outer portion of the lid edge and extends peripherally outward so that a substantial part of the outer portion of the lid edge does not extend below the tub edge in a vertical direction of the container in an upright orientation.

Abstract: Provided is a storage container having a door lid whose opening and closing direction is changeable, and in which a take-out port can be accessed from various directions. The storage container includes a container body and the door lid. The container body has an outer peripheral frame defining the take-out port. The door lid can be attached to the outer peripheral frame, and opens and closes the take-out port. The outer peripheral frame includes plural coupling counterpart portions extending in directions in which the outer peripheral frame extends. The door lid includes a coupling portion detachably coupled to any of the coupling counterpart portions. The coupling portion and the coupling counterpart portions are configured such that, when the coupling portion is coupled to any of the coupling counterpart portions, the door lid can be rotated with respect to the outer peripheral frame to open and close the take-out port.

Abstract: A spill proof container assembly having a receptacle, a non spill barrier, a collar with a hook, a handle and a cover. The cover has in integrated hinge strap disposed at a peripheral edge. The hinge strap has a first surface having a curved notch and a second surface with a raised bump. When the hinge strap is attached to the hook, the cover pivots between an open position and closed position.

Abstract: A portable beverage container (e.g., an insulated, double-walled bottle) is disclosed. The container includes a lid pivotably connected to it by a hinge. The lid is arranged to be automatically pivoted open by the spring assembly when a catch on the lid is released so that the lid opens in a controlled, non-jarring manner. The spring assembly comprises an elastomeric member and a contact surface (e.g., a recess in a cap of the bottle). The elastomeric member is arranged to cooperate with the contact surface whereupon the elastomeric member operates bi-modally to effect the automatic opening of the lid.

Abstract: Beverage lid apparatuses for directing scent to a user are provided. In some embodiments, a beverage lid apparatus can be configured to attach to a beverage container and, by way of a drinking aperture on the lid, direct the scent of a beverage in the beverage container to the nose of a user when the user drinks from the drinking aperture. For example, the size and shape of the drinking aperture can be configured to allow scent from the beverage container to pass through the drinking aperture and above the flow of the beverage, upward into the nose of the user when the user drinks from the drinking aperture. In some embodiments, a beverage lid apparatus can further include a sliding cover configured to prevent spillage and/or contain heat and/or aroma.

Abstract: A breakseal providing desired compliance characteristics for a reliable seal between the fitment of a liquid dispenser and the breakseal. A compliant material is provided on the non-wetted face of the breakseal, enabling compliance of the breakseal on a wetted face for sealing between the breakseal and the mating component. The breakseal may also include raised features on segments that are separated after rupturing that prevent or mitigate scoring of O-ring seals upon probe insertion. A wiping feature that provides redundant sealing between the breakseal and a mating cap or other mating connection may also be incorporated into the breakseal. The breakseal can also include a flat on an outer perimeter that may serve as a gate for injection molding, so that any gate vestige from the molding process will not protrude beyond the outer diameter of the breakseal to cause unwanted interference between the breakseal and the mating connection.

Abstract: This invention is a tamper proof, child-resistant liquid dispensing container for single hand operation of unitized construction consisting of a top cap, a canister and a bottom cap. When operated, a prescribed amount of liquid contained in the canister is made to squirt out of the nozzle in response to the button located in the bottom cap being pressed.

Abstract: An improved closure adapted for use with a suitably configured dispensing container the closure comprising as parts of a single sidewall; a compressible main body part having a sidewall having disposed thereon and/or formed within one or more gripping means, a set of mating threads upon the interior of the sidewall, and a base edge, a distensible base skirt part which depends from the main body part by connecting cowling sections, the base skirt part comprising sidewall rim regions which are connected to the cowling sections but separated from the main body part by arcuate perforations in the region between the cowling sections and a base edge of the main body part, and further a catch pawl present within the cowling section. The closure provides for controlled removal of the closure from the dispensing container.

Abstract: A child resistant packaging container having a closure and release mechanism is provided having a base section and a cover section, with the cover section adapted to cover the base section when in a closed state. The closure and release mechanism includes an inner aperture formed within an inner wall segment of the base section and an outer aperture formed within an outer wall segment of the base section, which is aligned with the inner aperture. A projection extending inwardly from a side wall portion of the cover section is also provided for engaging the outer aperture and the inner aperture of the base section. Thus, the closure and release mechanism retains the cover section over the base section and secures the packaging container in a closed position. The projection is released from the outer aperture by depressing a deformable flange and applying inward pressure to the outer wall, thereby opening the packaging container.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a sealable drinking container operable to preserve the freshness, taste, nutrients and natural appearance of a smoothie/fruit and vegetable juice/green drinks. The sealable drinking container comprises a container body and an upper cap assembly comprising an air-extracting device. The air-extracting mechanism is configured to use a sealable coupling mechanism to couple with the container body forming the sealable drinking container and further operable to extract air from the sealable space, thus operable as an oxygenation suppressing apparatus. The air-extracting mechanism may also be incorporated within an air-extracting chamber associated with the upper cap assembly and used with various types of containers.

Abstract: A case for holding an article includes a base, a lid having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, such that the lid is connected to the base at the first side and the lid and base together define an enclosed environment when the case is closed. A monitoring device is included that has an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, and a temperature sensor. The monitoring device is attached to the lid such that the monitoring device is in communication with the enclosed environment when the case is closed. The device can be used to detecting tampering with the case and can be installed permanently in the case.

Abstract: A token provides the recipient with access to gifted content. Upon activation and redemption of the token, the recipient may be gain access to a gift, and the gift can take various forms. Some gifts may be electronic, while others may be physical in nature. Physical gifts, such as subscription-based gifts are not physically present at the time of giving. The token is pre-packaged in a fun gift packaging, making the gifting and unwrapping experience more meaningful.

Abstract: A cap for a container, wherein the cap is adapted to be positioned across the mouth of a container, the cap comprising: an upper portion that lies across the mouth of a container; a sealed compartment for storing contents to be added to the container interior, the compartment being located below the upper portion, and defined by a lower membrane and a wall extending between the upper portion and the lower membrane, wherein the lower membrane is rupturable; and a piercer in the sealed compartment that is actuable through the upper portion to pierce the lower membrane, wherein the piercer is configured to form a passage therethrough to open the compartment to the container interior.

Abstract: A tie strip system including a tie-strip assembly, with the tie-strip assembly including a linear-body, with the linear-body including a top-side, a bottom-side, and two ends. Also included are two body-ratchets coupled to the top-side of the linear-body nearest a center of the linear-body, each of the two body-ratchets arranged to accept one of the two ends of the linear-body to provide a loop useful for maintaining one or more objects in a fixed position. Two or more tie-strip assemblies may be removably coupled to each other such that a user may select the number of tie-strip assemblies during use. The tie-strip assembly is color-coded such that a user may easily identify the type object maintained in a fixed position, and may be constructed from non-electrically conductive materials.

Abstract: A tie well-suited for use in retail packaging applications includes a plastic head insert molded around one end of a paper-based cord, such as a length of twine, string or other similar environmentally-friendly material. In one embodiment, the plastic head includes a generally rectangular buckle shaped to define an elongated channel dimensioned to receive the free end of the paper-based cord. A deflectable pawl is coupled to the buckle and is naturally biased to project into the channel and selectively engage the cord in order to retain the tie in a closed loop configuration. The buckle includes a substantially open side wall through which the paper-based cord can be extracted after the tie is formed in its closed loop configuration. A clip is preferably provided on the head for selectively retaining a section of the paper-cord that has been inserted through the elongated channel.

Abstract: A hang tab and product tag assembly including a first panel, a second panel, and a. The first panel includes an aperture configured to engage with a retention mechanism, and the second panel includes an aperture that is configured to adjust to different dimensions.