Abstract: Described is a bagging station that uses a bag retaining fixture. The bag retaining fixture holds paper bags open at the bagging station so the paper bags can be filled without the bag moving or falling off the bagging station. The bag retaining fixture includes a plate and an elongate rod. The plate is coupled to the bagging station. The elongate rod is coupled to the plate such that the elongate rod captures a side of a paper bag between the elongate rod and a side wall of the bagging station. The bagging station can have a number of bag retaining fixtures coupled to it, so that a number of paper bags can be held open at a time, and filled with purchased items.

Abstract: A beverage bottle for simultaneously dispensing three beverages without mixing the beverages inside the bottle has a spiral-shape divider forming three compartments defining spiral paths for the beverages through the bottle and preventing the beverages from mixing inside the bottle.

Abstract: A self folding box with a carrier for packing of pizza, as well as a tool for forming the box, comprises a box (A) with a lower part (1) of the box and a cover (2) of the box, wherein on a bottom (1.1) of the lower part (1) of the box is placed a carrier (4) for two slices of pizza quarter. Lateral sides (1.2, 2.2), auxiliary sides (1.8, 2.8) and an opposite side (1.5, 2.5) are made around bottom (1.1, 2.1) both of the lower part (1) and the cover (2) of the box (A). The lateral sides (1.1, 2.1) and the auxiliary sides (1.8, 2.8) are mutually connected and locked by means of tongues (1.3) entering slots (1.10). The opposite side (1.5, 2.5) is locked in a slot (1.7) in the bottom (1.1, 2.1) by means of a tongue (1.6). The carrier (4) comprises two pads (3) for one slice of pizza quarter, which are superposed one on another, so that the tongues (3.3, 3.4, 3.6) of the sides (3.2) of the upped pad (3) enclose from outside the sides (3.2) of the lower pad (3), while the trapezoidal tongues (3.

Abstract: A stocking topper having components which are combined to form an insert to be placed into or atop an open topped container, such as a Christmas stocking. The stocking topper provides a receptacle into which various items can be inserted such that they will be positioned in an upper area of a stocking while also providing entertaining visual features.

Abstract: A package assembly suitable for use in storing and shipping a plurality of product containers includes a shipping configuration and a display configuration. In the shipping configuration the package assembly is constructed from a single blank of packaging material and formed into a case into which a plurality of product containers are inserted. In the display configuration a top portion of the case is removed from a bottom portion of the case along one or more tear lines on the blank.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for a product includes a tray for holding the product, a sleeve for slidably receiving the tray, and a hanger insertable into a slot in the sleeve. The hanger includes a spring arm configured to exert a spring force between an inside surface of the sleeve and the tray when the tray is in the sleeve to increase a force required to remove the tray from the sleeve, the hanger also providing a hang point for the packaging assembly.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing a flowable material M has a container (12) having an outer wall (20) and membrane (14) collectively defining a first chamber (22) configured to contain the flowable material M. The membrane (14) has a thickness and a weld seam (40) wherein the weld seam (40) has a thickness less than the thickness of the membrane (14). A fracturing mechanism (16) is operably connected to the container (12). The fracturing mechanism (16) has an extending member (64) projecting from the outer wall (20) of the container (12). The extending member (64) has a projection (66) positioned proximate the membrane (14), wherein in response to deflection of the extending member (64), the projection (66) deflects the outer wall (20) proximate the membrane (14) wherein the weld seam (40) fractures creating an opening (41) through the membrane (14) configured to allow the flowable material M to pass therethrough and from the dispenser (10).

Abstract: A vibration isolator includes an upper member, a lower member, moving mechanisms, and an elastic member. The upper member has a first storage container placed thereon. The lower member is placed on a floor surface or on an upper side of a second storage container. The moving mechanisms make the upper member movable relative to the lower member from a position of origin in a horizontal direction. The elastic member makes the upper member return to the position of origin by an elastic force responsive to a moving amount of the upper member from the position of origin in the movement of the upper member relative to the lower member.

Abstract: A fuel container comprising an enclosure configured to extend and contract vertically, allowing the container to be in a fully extended state or a fully collapsed state and further capable of being within a motorcycle storage compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can include: providing a body having a latch; coupling a tray to the body with a hinge, the hinge enabling a tray open configuration and a tray closed configuration, the tray including mounting plates for attaching false eyelashes thereto, and the latch extended vertically from below the tray to above the tray while the tray is in the tray closed configuration; attaching a mirror positioned within a lid extend between rounded edges of the lid, the mirror being smaller than the length and width of the lid; and coupling the lid to the body with the hinge, the hinge enabling a lid open configuration and a lid closed configuration, the lid releasably secured in the lid closed configuration to the body with the latch.

Abstract: A case for a mobile device, including a first layer, a second layer, and a first graphic. The second layer is arranged to be located closer to the mobile device than the first layer when the mobile device is arranged within the case. The first graphic is located between the first layer and the second layer. In addition, a first portion of at least one layer, of the first and second layers, corresponding to a location of the first graphic within the case, is translucent, transparent, or clear.

Abstract: A cooking bag and a method for cooking food using a cooking bag, with the cooking bag having a variable opening vent formed from a thinning of the bag material, perforations through the bag, and/or slits through the bag, and a tear-off strip for browning and removal of the food product from the bag.

Abstract: A storage container includes a container body, a lid, and a dividing member. The container body defines an accommodating space that has a top opening. The lid is removably disposed on the container body, and has two covering sections that cooperatively cover the opening. Each one of the covering sections is independently operable to uncover a part of the opening. The dividing member is removably disposed in the accommodating space for dividing the accommodating space into two compartments.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing a flowable material M has a container (12) having an outer wall (20) and membrane (14) collectively defining a first chamber (22) configured to contain the flowable material M. The membrane (14) has a thickness and a weld seam (40) wherein the weld seam (40) has a thickness less than the thickness of the membrane (14). A fracturing mechanism (16) is operably connected to the container (12). The fracturing mechanism (16) has a first extending member (64a) and a second extending member (64b). The first extending member (64a) and the second extending member (64b) are positioned on the container (12) in spaced relation, wherein the first extending member (64a) and the second extending member (64b) extend above the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A container sealing assembly is provided. The container sealing assembly includes a cap configured to attach to a container body and a unitary compliant sealing valve movable between a sealed position and an open position and configured to form a sealing interface with the cap when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position. One or more seal-breaking structures may be provided to interact in response to a movement of the unitary compliant sealing valve from the sealed position to the open position, where such interaction is configured to break the sealing interface. A compression spring section of the valve may be provided to assist in moving the unitary compliant sealing valve into the open position.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing spout assembly is provided that includes a housing having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion attached at an angle to the first cylindrical portion, a spout attached to a the second cylindrical housing, a vent disposed inside a lower portion of the first cylindrical housing, the second cylindrical housing, and the spout, and a valve assembly disposed inside the first cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A reclosable flexible package is described that includes an inner film layer, an outer film layer laminated to the inner film layer, and reclose region defined in a portion of package film layers. The reclose region includes pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the inner and outer film layers. A number of cut lines are provided in the outer film layer in the reclose region, such that the user, by manipulating the package film layers at the reclose region, can reveal the underlying layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. Once the pressure sensitive adhesive of the reclose region is exposed, the action of the user can serve to adhere the pressure sensitive adhesive to itself and/or other portions of the film, such that the package is cinched in the area of the reclose region and maintains the remnants of the package contents within the reclosed package for later use.

Abstract: A package including a carton and a plurality of articles. The carton can include a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of articles can be arranged in a plurality of rows of articles in the interior of the carton, the plurality of rows of articles can include at least a first row and a second row, and the first row can include at least one more article than the second row forming a void between a first article at an end of the first row and a second article at an end of the second row. A handle can include the first article at the end of the first row and a handle feature extending in the carton. The handle feature can be at least partially aligned with the void and can be proximate the first article.

Abstract: A laminate structure, package, and associated method of manufacturing are described, where the laminate structure includes a first film layer having an uncut laser-distorted region, a second film layer having an inner laser score line laminated to the first film layer, and a third film layer having an outer score line laminated to the second film layer. The inner laser score line is in line with the laser-distorted region, and the outer score line is offset from the inner laser score line and the laser-distorted region. When a consumer peels back the third film layer via the outer score line, the first film layer breaks along the laser-distorted region to form a first film layer cut line continuous with the inner laser score line, allowing the first film layer and the second film layer to be moved together with the third film layer for opening the package.

Abstract: A woven laminated plastic bag having an easy open feature is provided. The easy open feature is generally defined by a weakened portion in the bag, such as formed by cutting, punching, or using a laser to provide a plurality of cuts and/or perforations in the bag. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from a woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer, which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also be sealed to be sealed to provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing.

Abstract: A device for easily unwrapping a package forming a personalized pattern in the paper is provided. The device includes a first adhesive elongated strip layer, comprising: a first and second horizontal elongated edges having first and second ends; and first and second vertical side edges extending between the first and second horizontal elongated edges. Further included is a second adhesive elongated strip layer separated from the first adhesive layer by a gap, the second adhesive layer elongated strip, comprising first and second horizontal elongated edges each having first and second ends and first and second vertical side edges extending between the horizontal elongated edges. A first non-adhesive strip layer placed over the gap, a tearing thread located on the first non-adhesive strip layer; and a second non-adhesive strip layer located on top of the tearing thread and the first non-adhesive strip layer.

Abstract: A hot-fill PET container or bottle (10) filling with a liquid at an elevated temperature has a side wall (9) extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (11) and a base (21) in its unfolded or pre-fill position. The panel (11) is transversely oriented and has a decoupling or hinge structure (13), an initiator portion (1) and control portion (5) of a steeply angled inverting conical section between 30 and 45 degrees. The control portion enables the inversion of the panel (11) into the container (10) to compensate for vacuum or reduced pressure induced within the container as the liquid cools down. The base (2) can also have a plurality of reinforcing ribs (3).

Abstract: A tool holder contains: a connector and a fixer, the connector includes at least one body, and each of the at least one body has a first side plate, a second side plate, and a connection plate. The first side plate has a first fitting portion, and the second side plate has a second fitting portion, wherein the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion define a square fitting zone, and the first side plate further has a first locking projection, wherein between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion is defined a cavity so that the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion deform inwardly, and the first locking projection retract into the fitting zone. The fixer is housed in the cavity of the connector so as to limit an inward deformation of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for an article, the apparatus including a surrounding sidewall having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, the sidewall also having a perpendicularly oriented first margin portion and an opposing second margin portion, also with a primary interior. In addition, included is a plurality of particulate items loosely disposed within the primary interior and a structure for removable engagement positioned adjacent to the first and second margins. The removable engagement structure facilitates the first and second margins to be removably engaged allowing the surrounding sidewall to envelope the article. The primary interior can be evacuated, thus removing the air spaces between the particulate items and in the interior resulting in rigidifying the surrounding sidewall partially encompassing the article to protect the article.

Abstract: A closable cooking pouch includes a heat resistant pouch body with a flap attached to it. The flap is tuckable into an opening the permits access to the pouch's interior. To close the pouch, the flap is tucked into the pouch's interior and a hook portion that forms part of the flap is inserted through a slot on the pouch body. Once through the slot, the hook portion retains at least a portion of the flap in the slot when the pouch is closed and typically provides sufficient retaining force to keep the pouch closed if it is flipped while being used for cooking. The pouch may be manufactured from a single sheet of material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of folding disposable gloves and a method of dispensing those gloves. The gloves are folded in a manner in which the gloves are interlocked with each other, forming a glove bundle. As the gloves are individual dispensed rom the glove bundle, a successor glove is positioned to be dispensed next. The present invention is directed to a dispensing system that houses a glove bundle It is a cylindrical shaped container that contains one or two openings from which the gloves can be dispensed.

Abstract: In the military, colleges, and university privacy can be at a minimum. Even around the home, there are children and visitors. In each of these environments, other individuals finding one's adult toy can lead to embarrassment. The present disclosure is a container designed to store an individual's adult toy in what appears to be a common household item such as a shampoo bottle, conditioner bottle or soap dispenser. These containers can then be transported to and from the bathroom there the adult toy can be used or cleaned in private and if the container is observed, questions will not be raised as to the contents of the container.

Abstract: In the military, colleges, and university privacy can be at a minimum. Even around the home, there are children and visitors. In each of these environments, other individuals finding one's adult toy can lead to embarrassment. The present disclosure is a container designed to store an individual's adult toy in what appears to be a common household item such as a shampoo bottle, conditioner bottle or soap dispenser. These containers can then be transported to and from the bathroom there the adult toy can be used or cleaned in private and if the container is observed, questions will not be raised as to the contents of the container.

Abstract: A device forming a stackable container that can be used to transport products includes a portion forming a crate defining a base and four side walls and a top wall, secured to one another in a sealed manner, made mainly of a plastic material; a door for sealingly closing the crate, forming with the crate, when closed onto same, a sealed box; a system for drawing and compressing gases contained in the closed box; and at least one tight casing for storing the drawn and compressed gases, rigidly connect to the box and forming a bracing frame during transport and a flotation buoy when the container is immersed in water.

Abstract: A water storage tank includes: a tank containing water; a roof positioned over the tank; a headspace region formed between the roof and a surface of the water contained in the tank; and a corrosion reduction system. The corrosion reduction system includes (i) a port that enables air to flow out of the water storage tank, and (ii) an active air ventilation system having at least one device configured to facilitate movement of air exterior of the water storage tank into the headspace region. The corrosion reduction system reduces a rate of corrosion of the water storage tank. A method of reducing a rate of corrosion of a water storage tank is also included.

Abstract: Portable containment units and methods for making same are described herein. The portable containment unit can include a liner containing a geotextile material and having an outer perimeter. A wall assembly can be adhered to an upper surface of the geotextile material on the outer perimeter of the liner. The wall assembly can include an open-cell foam material. An elastomeric material can be coated onto the liner and the wall assembly to form the portable containment unit.

Abstract: A liner for lining a receptacle has a front panel and a rear panel that define an interior and a top opening in fluid communication with the interior. A frangible sizing seal structure joins together the front and rear panels along the top of the liner adjacent a side of the liner. The sizing seal structure limits a size of the liner opening and is configured to be selectively broken to separate the front and rear panels to enlarge the size of the liner opening so that the top edge margin fits over a rim of the receptacle. In a method of making the liner, the front and rear panels are sealed together to form the frangible sizing seal structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting secondary biological material into reusable energy and for storing said material, said method initially packages, transports, and stores the secondary biological material in portions in at least one gas-tight encasing material in at least one layer. The encasing material and/or a material added to the secondary biological material hereby promotes production of at least one gas in the casing. Further, the invention relates to an encasing method for sealing secondary biological material in portions in casings comprising at least one transport device which is designed to form an accommodation depression together with the first encasing material. The invention further relates to an encasing device for sealing secondary biological material in portions in a sealed casing for each portion comprising at least one fill opening for accommodating a portion of the secondary biological material to be sealed on an encasing material in at least one accommodation body.

Abstract: The garbage bin device provides a lid section that can be totally unlatched from the bottom section, along with an overlap of the bottom section to avoid closing difficulties and to limit odor emanation. Pivoting handles are positioned to provide for balancing the device. A bottom opening with accordion door and t-handle operation provides for emptying the bin device as desired, whether through lid top or bottom side. A gable and arched top also provide for additional clearance for taller items. An indicia is provided for the lid section lid front, whether user or distributor supplied. A rear top overlap further protects against odor emanation. Latches assist in preventing animal invasion.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.

Abstract: Example pallet-conveyor systems may include a conveyor system configured with a delivery track arranged to move pallets to a delivery area, a recirculation loop, and a diverter mechanism. The system may include a computing system that selects an item for the recirculation loop based on future demand and causes a robotic device to maintain pallets of the selected item in the recirculation loop. The computing system may further receive an item request and determine that a requested item is available from the recirculation loop and responsively cause the diverter mechanism to divert the requested item from the recirculation loop to the delivery track. The computing system may also cause robotic devices to obtain and load pallets of remaining requested items onto the conveyer system for the delivery area, and cause pickers to remove one or more items from pallets at the delivery area in order to fulfill the item request.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a picking apparatus includes a carriage, a holding mechanism, and a movement mechanism. The holding mechanism includes an arm, a rotating shaft provided at one end of the arm and rotating the arm, and a holding part provided at the other end of the arm and able to hold at least one object. The movement mechanism is provided on the carriage, and includes a first movement part that moves the rotating shaft along a first direction toward the object, and a second movement part that moves the first movement part along a second direction intersecting with the first direction and approximately perpendicular to the carriage. The first movement part is positioned along a direction away from the object with respect to the second movement part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting and combining items in an outbound container through the use of autonomous vehicles, each of which includes means for automatically loading and unloading a payload, to perform both transfer and transport functions in moving containers of items within a workspace via a network of roadways. Under computer control, said autonomous vehicles transfer and transport case containers of item units between incoming receiving stations, intermediate storage locations, and outgoing order-assembly stations where entire containers or individual item units are combined in the outbound container.

Abstract: Arrangements relating to personal storage with shared vehicles are described. A shared vehicle, a user device, a storage compartment, a storage computing system, and/or a storage depot can be communicatively linked. The storage compartment can be configured to store one or more physical items as well as electronic data. The storage compartment can be configured to be selectively loaded within and unloaded from a shared vehicle during a use by a user. The storage compartment can be configured to be communicatively linked to the shared vehicle when in a loaded condition such that a component of the shared vehicle may access the electronic data during the use of the shared vehicle. Systems and methods described herein can be implemented with shared autonomous vehicles.

Abstract: A warehouse automation system adapted to improve warehouse operating productivity includes a plurality of carts for transporting products within a warehouse and a controller. The controller is adapted to associate a first one of the plurality of carts with a first person and to control the first cart to lead the first person around the warehouse. According to one advantage, the time the first person spends restocking, picking, counting, sorting, moving, and packing product into customer orders and shipments, for example, is reduced.

Abstract: A flexible composite conveyor belt, such as for use as a belt wrapper in overlying combination with a metal belt in cooking or heating operations. The belt includes a protrusion attached to a flexible substrate. The protrusion includes an engagement surface adapted to secure the protrusion to a portion of the underlying metal belt to drive the belt at a same speed as the conveyor belt. Protrusions on opposing ends of the belt negate the need for conventional lacing in securing the ends of the belt together.

Abstract: A coal dropping impact energy buffer monitoring device and method for a coal mine belt conveying system. The device comprises a buffer belt roller group, a buffer bracket, buffer springs, impact energy collecting dampers, a signal converting and sending device, and an installation bottom board, the buffer belt roller group being fixed to the buffer bracket, the upper ends and the lower ends of the buffer springs and the impact energy collecting dampers being respectively connected to the buffer bracket and the installation bottom board, and the impact energy collecting dampers being connected to the signal converting and sending device fixed to the installation bottom board through guide lines.

Abstract: A conveyor flight for a chain comprising at least two spaced apart links, and two side plates that connect the links, with each side plate including two spaced apart extension pins extending from the side plate. The flight comprises a metal support, and the metal support includes two spaced apart cylindrical portions adapted to receive the two spaced apart extension pins. The flight also includes a flexible casing surrounding the metal support.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a roller assembly including: a support base provided with a shaft hole; and at least two circular arc segments that are detachably mounted on the support base, wherein the at least two circular arc segments constitute a roller and a vertical distance from any point on periphery of the roller to an axis of the shaft hole is larger than a vertical distance from any point on periphery of the support base to the axis of the shaft hole. The present disclosure also provides a transmission device including a roller assembly described above.

Abstract: A system for distributing a fracking proppant at a well site using a support frame to position a series of storage containers above a conveyor. The support frame receives a plurality of storage container and aligns the storage containers with hoppers formed on the conveyor. The support frame can include outriggers that extend to increase the stability and the amount of supported weight. The support frame includes a series of cross supports that extend across the conveyor belts to support the storage containers. The cross supports can include load cells to monitor the weight of the storage containers and stored proppant. The width of the cross supports can be adjusted and the support frame can include an extension frame to expand the width of the support frame. A control panel is included to display the status of the containers (full/empty/partially full) and control and monitoring the discharge rate of the plurality of containers.

Abstract: A volumetric feeder may comprise a driving unit, a storage tank, a sealing unit, a switch unit and a feeding unit. An interior space of the storage tank is horizontally divided into a feeding space and a preparing space which have the same volume such that the feeding material, including viscous or cement-like materials, in the preparing space is configured to be transported into the feeding space with the same volume at a time to achieve volumetric feeding effect. Also, the feeding material in the feeding space is moved by a piston in a pushing manner thus preventing the feeding material from damage or heating during feeding process.

Abstract: A carrying method of carrying a substrate with a substrate holder, including: holding a part of the substrate located above the substrate holder using holding pads; controlling and driving downward the holding pads holding the substrate so that the substrate is supported on the support surface of the substrate holder, when releasing the hold of an other part of the substrate by a substrate carry-in hand that holds the other part of the substrate located above the substrate holder. Accordingly, the substrate carriage to the substrate holder can be swiftly performed.

Abstract: An article loading facility includes: a transport unit; a loading unit; a setting unit; a first control unit; and a second control unit. The transport unit transports second supporting members from storage units to a transfer position. The loading unit loads target articles that are supported by the second supporting members, onto the first supporting member. The setting unit performs an arrangement setting process to set arrangement information for each of the plurality of target articles that are to be loaded onto the first supporting member, the arrangement information indicating the orientation and the position of the corresponding target article relative to the first supporting member, and performs an arrangement order setting process to set a type arrangement order that, when target articles of a plurality of types are to be loaded according to the arrangement information, indicates the order in which the plurality of types are to be arranged.

Abstract: A control unit performs first loading control that is to be performed when a target article that has been determined by a determination unit as being an article that is in an appropriate orientation is to be loaded onto a first supporting member in the appropriate orientation, and second loading control that is to be performed when a target article that has been determined by the determination unit as being an article that is in an inappropriate orientation is to be loaded onto the first supporting member in the appropriate orientation.

Abstract: A control unit performs a first loading control and a second loading control. The first loading control is performed to control a loading operation unit to load a plurality of target articles onto a first supporting member according to arrangement information. The second loading control is performed to execute a second determination process based on at least one of; the arrangement information; detection information obtained by the detection unit; and information regarding a loading area, to determine whether or not the remaining articles are loadable onto the first supporting member, and to control the loading operation unit to load the remaining articles onto the first supporting member if the remaining articles are determined as being loadable in the second determination process.