Abstract: The invention relates to a flywheel device for position stabilization of a spacecraft, comprising a carrier (1), a rotor (2), a magnetic drive (4) for the rotatingly driving the rotor (2) relative to the carrier (1), and a roller bearing (3) arranged between the rotor (2) and the carrier (1). A magnetic force can be generated between the rotor (2) and the carrier (1) by means of the magnetic drive (4) in order to pre-stress the rolling bearing (3). The outer diameter (A) of the rotor (2) can have, for example, only a maximum of 2.5 times of the rolling bearing diameter (W).

Abstract: A dipole cancellation system and method may include a plurality of magnetometers for measuring a device magnetic field associated with a plurality of device coils generating a device magnetic field having a primary magnetic dipole moment. A compensating coil carrying a compensating current running a first direction that generates a compensating magnetic field having a compensating magnetic dipole moment. The compensating coil may be positioned and the first current may be selected so that the compensating magnetic dipole moment completely cancels the primary magnetic dipole moment. A method may use the system to stabilize a spacecraft by calculating an estimated torque of the spacecraft, receiving a value for an external magnetic field, receiving a value for a device magnetic field, and calculating and applying a compensating current may be then applied to the compensating coil to cancel the primary magnetic dipole moment, wherein the spacecraft is stabilized.

Abstract: The PanelSat Launch System consists of PanelSat(s) and it's/their Launcher. It serves to launch one, better several satellites into space, whereby besides unfurling of the thin film solar cell panels off their rolls no further deployment is needed. PanelSats are small agile spacecraft thought especially for observation and communication services in LEO, which are using their thin film solar cell panels for both, harvesting electric energy as well as for fuel less station keeping, steering, pointing and propulsion. In contrast to conventional satellites with their 3-axis control design, PanelSats are not locked to only 3 axles and can tilt and point into several directions (depending on the number of panels). Besides Roller Reefing for fuel less attitude control PanelSats feature “Soso Steering” (switch on, switch off) which adds even better fuel less agility compared to prior art satellites.

Abstract: An air accelerator dosing tube for a form/fill/seal machine used to package fine cut tobacco material includes an axially-adjustable annular venturi communicating with the particulate material passage. A lining of polyether ether ketone optionally covers surfaces exposed to the particulate material. A metering assembly for delivering predetermined quantities of particulate material at predetermined time intervals may also be fabricated from polyether ether ketone. Each dosing tube is adapted for calibration by adjustment of the annular venturi to produce a predetermined force at a predetermined stand-off distance. In operation, consistent simultaneous operation of multiple dosing tubes, each of which has been calibrated, gives substantially uniform deposit of particulate material in pouch-type packages. The particulate material may include finely cut tobacco in addition to humectants, flavorants, and other tacky substances.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device for filling an electric cigarette, more specifically for filling a consumable-material tank of an electric cigarette wherein the device has a first tank for accommodating a consumable material and a second tank for accommodating air, wherein the device is designed such that the volumes of the tanks can be altered inversely by means of an actuating device, and therefore a pressing action and an intake action can be established at connections of the tanks. By virtue of the device being connected to a consumable-material tank of an electric cigarette, it is thus possible, while the consumable-material tank is being filled with consumable material, for the air displaced by the consumable material to be simultaneously extracted from the electric cigarette.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum packaging method and a vacuum packaging apparatus that can sufficiently degasify the inside of a packaging bag without any trouble and in which bubbles are less likely to remain inside the packaging bag after vacuum packaging, even if a liquid is included in a packaged object.

Abstract: Devices and method for accurately measuring the length of film feeding into a pre-stretch carriage from a supply roll and the length of film exiting after the pre-stretch carriage in order to accurately determine the actual percentage of film stretch occurring during the wrap cycle are provided. A first idler roller mounted on the frame of a pre-stretch carriage before the pre-stretching rollers and second idler roller mounted to the frame after the pre-stretching rollers are included. Optical rotary encoders are driven directly by idler roller shafts as stretch film passes around the shafts during film application.

Abstract: Automated bagging of cannulate objects comprises arranging a plurality of cannulate objects to be substantially longitudinally parallel with one another, opening a mouth of a bag so that the sidewalls of the bag are spaced from one another at the mouth of the bag, and forming a longitudinally-extending externally supported constriction between the mouth of the bag and the bottom of the bag. The externally supported constriction is narrower than the open mouth of the bag and the cannulate objects remain confined above the constriction. The cannulate objects are fed into the mouth of the bag, longitudinally parallel with the constriction, and, while feeding the plurality of cannulate objects into the mouth of the bag, the constriction is lowered toward the bottom of the bag, whereby the cannulate objects remain substantially longitudinally parallel with one another in the bag.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing an oral pouched snuff product comprising a filling material (29, 10) and a saliva-permeable pouch (43) enclosing the filling material (29, 10), the product (29, 10) having a moisture content of at most 20% by weight, in particular at most 10% by weight, based on total weight of the product (29, 10), the saliva-permeable pouch (43) having one or more seals (45, 46), and said filling material (29, 10) comprising at least 20% by weight, based on dry weight of the filling material (29, 10), of at least one ingredient having a melting temperature below 180° C., the method comprising ultrasonically welding and cutting an advancing web (32) of packaging material (7) to which the filling material (29, 10) has been supplied. The present disclosure also provides an oral pouched snuff product which is obtainable by this method.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the percentage of stretch of a stretch wrap film in a stretch wrapping machine includes a first sensor associated with the stretch wrap roll and configured to generate a first signal as the film travels from the roll to the pre-stretch roller assembly, and a second sensor associated with the load and configured to generate a second signal as the film is wrapped around the load. A processor is operable to: a) calculate a pre-stretch length of the film based on the first signal during a time interval; b) calculate a stretched length of the film as the film is wrapped around the load on the rotating platform during the time interval; and c) calculate a percentage stretch of the film based on the pre-stretch length and said stretched length.

Abstract: In a method for automatically inserting enclosures (15) into a receptacle (10) which is intended to accommodate a principal goods item (14) a high degree of speed and flexibility in the context of commissioning is thereby achieved in that the receptacle (10) is moved past a stationary inserting station in a transportation direction (13), and that on passing the inserting station at least one enclosure (15) is inserted from the inserting station into the open receptacle (10).

Abstract: An end plug to be inserted axially into the centre of an end of a roll of paper, includes a holding element adapted to hold and/or guide the end of the roll of paper in correct position in a dispenser. The end plug includes an outer sleeve having an outer end and an inner end and the holding element is connected to the sleeve by elements allowing the holding element to be axially moved from a first position to a second position, in which the holding element protrude outwardly from the outer end of the sleeve, the holding element being releasably held in the first position when moved thereto. A roll of tissue paper including such an end plug and a dispenser provided with such a roll are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable stretch wrapping machine and method of stretch wrapping is disclosed herein. The stretch wrapping machine has a base and at least three wheels extending from the base for rolling on a surface. An arm extends up from the base and a stretch wrap holder is disposed with a first side of the arm. The stretch holder is configured to hold and dispense stretch wrap from a roll of stretch wrap. A lift is disposed with the arm and is configured to lift and lower the stretch wrap holder. The portable stretch wrapping machine is configured and disposed to hold and dispense the stretch wrap and maintain a center of gravity within a perimeter of the wheels.

Abstract: A printer system is disclosed comprising: a first print and apply device configured to print or encode a label and apply one or more label to one or more packages, wherein the device has a printer/encoder portion and an applicator portion; a first motor to move the print and apply device in an X-direction; a second motor to move the print and apply device in a Y-direction; third motor to move the print and apply device in a Z-direction; a second print and apply device configured to print or encode a second label and apply the one or more label to the one or more package, wherein the device has a printer/encoder portion and an applicator portion; a first motor to move the print and apply device in an X-direction; a second motor to move the print and apply device in a Y-direction; a third motor to move the print and apply device in a Z-direction; a switching device that delivers the one or more packages to the first or second print and apply device on request; a controller coupled to the printer system and havi

Abstract: A print and apply system configured to facilitate the application of a flow of activatable labels with variable length to a flow of items, including a roll of activatable label stock with a facestock and an activatable adhesive layer; a software program configured to create a layout for each of the flow of activatable labels with variable length; a printer configured to print on the facestock; a cutter configured to cut off a specific length from the roll of activatable label stock to form the flow of activatable labels according to the layout; an activation unit to activate the adhesive layer to turn it tacky; and, an applicator unit configured to receive and place the labels with activated adhesive onto a flow of items to be labeled. Related methods and uses are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container having increased compression strength. Embodiments of the container comprise a pair of opposing side walls, each of which may include at least one layer of corrugated board having horizontal fluting and at least one layer of corrugated board having vertical fluting. Embodiments of the container also comprise a pair of opposing end walls, each of which may include at least one layer of corrugated board having horizontal fluting and at least one layer of corrugated board having vertical fluting. Embodiments of the container may be prepared from a single blank of corrugated board and may have a bottom surface that is integral with each of the side walls and each of the end walls so as to be considered leak proof. Embodiments of the container may also be configured to be collapsible to a substantially flat arrangement.

Abstract: A multicompartment ventilated box is shaped by folding and attaching one or more blanks of a material. One or more attachment portions enable forming at least one compartment. The box may comprise an upper and a lower compartment and perforations that permit air flow between the compartments and to the exterior of the box. The compartments may be separated by a tray portion which transitions between an elevated and a collapsed position.

Abstract: Provided herein is, among other things, a packaging assembly comprising at least a substantially rigid panel, a tightening portion, a box portion, a flexible strip and securing members, wherein an object to be packaged is held securely between the flexible strip and the rigid panel. Also provided herein are methods of packaging an object using the packaging assembly disclosed herein.

Abstract: An improved multi-positional lid for a beverage can includes an outer layer and an inner layer, one of which is rotatable around a central point, thus providing various changeable modes for the can. One mode enables the user to drink the beverage through an opening designed for a straw, a second mode provides a larger opening designed for direct consumption, and a third mode enables closure of the lid to protect the contents inside. The multi-positional lid can also include a removable tamper resistant sealing layer for keeping the top of the can clean and providing a tamper resistant mechanism.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a primary pour opening and an extended or secondary score which is opened with a secondary tool to form a secondary pour opening. The fact that a secondary tool is required allows the secondary score to be shallower, and thus more secure than deeper scores that are openable by finger pressure alone. Once the secondary tool is used to fracture the secondary score, a secondary pour opening is produced adjacent to the primary pour opening to form a larger opening. A user may insert materials such as ice or oranges through the enlarged pour opening.

Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck having an upper panel portion from which a plurality of ribs extend downward. A plurality of channels are formed in an underside of the upper deck. The pallet assembly includes a plurality of columns below the upper deck. A plurality of reinforcement assemblies, including an inner reinforcement member, are each received within an outer case. The inner reinforcement members are received in the channels in the upper deck.

Abstract: A bulk material shipping container including a pallet, a compartment mounted on the pallet, a material unloading assembly, and a material loading assembly.

Abstract: A casted corner and bottom for a multi-purpose carrier having top, bottom, and vertical rails includes (a) a casted corner with a top face and at least three hollow faces with openings for mounting with the top and vertical rails from three directions; (b) a padeye arranged diagonally on the top face, the padeye provided with an aperture allowing the multi-purpose carrier to be craned or lifted; and (c) a casted bottom with at least three openings for mounting with the bottom and vertical rails or a transport case. The bottom face of the casted bottom is hollow with a diagonally arranged slot. The casted corner and casted bottom are mounted respectively onto the top and bottom corners of the multi-purpose carrier and/or transport case, which are securely liftable and stackable with the padeye of the casted corner inserted into the slot of the casted bottom.

Abstract: Novel lockable safe containers for dispensing valuable, dangerous and potentially dangerous goods via a main opening that is easy for adults (including the elderly or frail) to open, but difficult for children to open, using a finger pressure on a sliding closure with a deflectable extension operable by finger pressure to enable. The novel safe containers have many additional advantages including human factors, ergonomics, manufacturing, supply chain and distribution, warehousing, retail, tamper resistance advantages, and labeling. The slidable closure exits the main opening zone via an auxiliary opening but wholly without exiting the container in normal usage.

Abstract: A plastic molded body has a surface including a non-fluororesin and a rough surface formed on the surface, in which a fluorine atom is incorporated into the molecular chain of a non-fluororesin forming the rough surface. The molded body maintains excellent liquid repellency for a long period of time and exhibits the same levels of drainage and liquid drop-off properties as the initial levels even when it is brought into contact with a liquid repeatedly.

Abstract: A packaged food material includes a first container, a second container, and a food material. In the packaged food material, the opening portion of the first container is not closed. The packaged food material is such that when two or more packaged food materials are stacked, a bottom portion of the first container of one of the packaged food materials is located in the first container of another packaged food material.

Abstract: A bucket handle retainer with a substantially flat rectilinear resilient plate. The plate has an upper tip that corresponds to the inside dimension of the internal cavity of the handle holding portion of a standard five gallon bucket. The plate includes a spring biased finger capable of frictionally engaging the inside wall of the handle holding portion. The plate also includes a holding portion capable of being grasped by a user's fingers to insert or remove the plate from the handle holding portion of the bucket. A preferred embodiment includes the handle retainer is injection molded from nylon plastic.

Abstract: A zipper-tape bag includes a bag body and tabs each provided to an outside of the bag body at a position closer to a housing space than a zipper tape. The bag body can be easily unsealed upon disengagement of a male portion and a female portion simply by pinching and pulling the tabs in mutually separating directions. The tabs are spaced away from an opening, which is formed after a top seal is cut off, in order that the content can be taken out or put in. The content can thus be put in and taken out without problems such as adhesion of the content to the hand and contamination of the content by touching the content by hand.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic drawstring trash bag wherein the thermoplastic drawstring trash bag has an enhanced thickness region in one or more panels of the drawstring trash bag. The enhanced thickness region has an average thickness that is greater than the thickness of the remaining portions of the panels forming the drawstring trash bag. The enhanced thickness region is generally in the area of the hems and traverses the hem seals.

Abstract: A closure includes a top panel and a corner section connecting an outer periphery of the top panel with a downwardly extending annular skirt. A plurality of gently curved ridges are spaced about the outer perimeter of the closure. The ridges generally extend from a lower portion of the skirt and around the corner section, with the upper ends of the ridges terminating proximate the top panel outer periphery. A plurality of knurls extend radially outwards from the midpoints of the ridges along the skirt of the closure. The configuration, arrangement, and spacing of the ridges and knurls about the closure provide an enhanced grip and feel, allowing for easier twist-off of the closure from a container. The closure may be used interchangeably with existing capping chucks used to apply conventional closures without requiring any modification to the capping chucks to apply the closures to containers during a capping process.

Abstract: The present utility model related to a structural arrangement applied to a bottle cap, belonging to the technical sector of general packaging accessories, and specifically to a cap for bottles containing beverages, such as beer, water, soft drinks or any other beverage that is packaged in a bottle, that provides very advantageous practical, safe and functional results. The present utility model patent comprises a metal cap (1) provided with an L-shaped lever/handle (2) in which the smaller segment (21) and the extremity of the larger segment (22), which is close to the vertex, are attached to the upper face and to the peripheral wall of the cap (1) by welding, gluing, pinning or any other attachment means, the lightly grooved vertical larger segment (22) forming the “handle” having a ring-pull (23) at the extremity of same. Optionally, according to FIGS. 1.6 and 1.

Abstract: A lid for a beverage container is provided. The lid comprises a top side (3), an underside (5) and a flange portion (7) for connecting the lid to the container. The lid further comprises at least one drinking aperture (17) which permits liquid to pass through the lid, and at least one baffle (19) which is attached to a perimeter of the at least one drinking aperture and extends downwards from the underside of the lid so as to prevent liquid flow through the aperture from one or more flow directions.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container and method is disclosed. The tamper-evident container includes a base portion and a lid (or cover). In an untampered with state, one edge of the lid is removably connected to one edge of the base portion. Namely, the lid includes a tamper-evident tab, wherein the tamper-evident tab includes a grasping overhanging portion that is flanked by at least one breakable joint and wherein the lid is removably connected to the base portion via the breakable joint of the tamper-evident tab. Further, the tamper-evident container comprises an interlocking interface between the base portion and the lid. A method of using the tamper-evident container is provided.

Abstract: A dispenser container includes a retractable button, more particularly, the dispenser container includes a retractable button in which a button part is configured to ascend/descend in a state of a container body being fixed when the button part moves up and down by the rotation of a rotating body, such that it is possible to enhance the stability of the products, and also to reduce the production cost by composing the container body of a single container.

Abstract: Child resistant packaging for storing medicine or medicinal compositions that frustrates or prevents a child's attempts to access the contents while permitting an adult to easily open the packaging through a series of movements or steps in coordination or combination to readily access the contents. The child resistant packaging includes a housing component and an insert component that is configured to slideably interact with an interior space of the housing component between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.

Abstract: An airflow cooling lid for hot beverage containers enables the user to cool down the beverage in the container by blowing outside air across the surface of the beverage without removal of the lid. The airflow cooling lid includes a circular cover snuggly placed over a hot beverage container having a mounting rim, a surface portion, a sipping portal in form of an opening for consuming the beverage, an airflow opening to be used as either the intake or exhaust portal for the air drawn over the surface of the beverage, and a pinhole vent opening for allowing outside air into the container and pressure release in the event both portals are plugged. The airflow portal is angled outward to allow the exhaust air to flow away from the face when blowing through either portal.

Abstract: A solar jar lid having a solar unit and having a support housing that supports the solar unit, and wherein the solar unit has a light emitting diode. The support housing has an internal thread such that it can be threaded to ajar and defines an opening for receiving a straw. The support housing is capable of being threaded to a jar. When the light emitting diode is turned on a beverage in the jar is illuminated. In another embodiment the support housing is replaced with a tabbed support housing, and in another embodiment the support housing is replaced with a clamp arm support housing. The solar unit includes a solar panel and rechargeable battery and may include an on and off switch. The user fills the jar with a beverage and the light emitting diode illuminates the beverage as the user drinks the beverage through the straw.

Abstract: A container assembly configured to maintain a predetermined humidity for storing a product therein. The container assembly includes a container having a body with a body wall and a mouth opening into a storage cavity and a cap having a top wall. The cap is selectively mountable over the mouth of the container to substantially enclose the storage cavity in a mounted configuration. A sidewall extends substantially perpendicularly from one of the body wall and the top wall. The sidewall defines an opening and a compartment and has an opening edge adjacent the opening. A moisture control material is positioned within the compartment. A sealing membrane has a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is secured to the sidewall proximate the opening edge. The sealing membrane is configured to allow moisture flow therethrough to maintain the predetermined humidity in the storage cavity.

Abstract: A head stand container closure is provided. The closure comprises a base, and a lid having a top plate upon which the closure rests in use. The base is attachable to a container and the lid is attached or attachable to the base. The closure comprises an internal tamper-evident member comprising a part which is initially spaced from the lid top plate and upon first opening of the closure the part moves to or towards the top plate when the head is in a head down orientation.

Abstract: A hygienic case for protecting a mat. The hygienic case includes a flat material and a cover. The flat material includes a liner portion and a cover portion. The liner portion has a hygienic surface and an outer surface. The hygienic surface is positionable against a user side of the mat and shaped to receive the user side of the mat thereon. The liner portion has flexibility to rollingly fold with the mat into a tubular roll. The cover portion is connected at an end of the liner portion, and is shaped to protectively encircle the tubular roll. The cover fastener is positionable about the cover portion to closingly secure the cover portion about the tubular roll whereby the user side of the mat is isolated from contaminants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch (also called a flexible container) for holding fluid, the pouch including: (a) a first polymeric sheet including a first inner body and a first outer surface, the first inner body including a first inner surface and inner microstructure extending from the first inner surface, the first inner body defining an aerial microstructure surface area density (AMSAD) between 5% and 15%; (b) a second polymeric sheet including a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second polymeric sheet may be joined with the first polymeric sheet such that the first inner body and the second inner surface form an air-tight fluid chamber therebetween. The second polymeric sheet may lack microstructure extending from the second inner surface. The first inner surface, the first outer surface, the second inner surface, and the second outer surface may be smooth and non-recessed.

Abstract: In the present invention, a pouch container is provided with a first wall surface sheet and a second wall surface sheet disposed facing the first wall surface sheet and has a sealed section in which the back surfaces of the respective wall surface sheets are bonded to each other. The first wall surface sheet and the second wall surface sheet each have a base film, a sealant layer provided on the back surface of the base film, and a platelessly printed layer formed between the base film and the sealant layer. Moreover, the edges of the platelessly printed layer are provided at positions that are at a distance from the container end faces.

Abstract: A flexible container incorporating flexible front and rear sheets with a perimeter seal in which at least one length or section of the perimeter seal can include a seal weld that has both a permanent seal section and a pressure absorbing seal section. The pressure absorbing seal section is configured to peel, fail, or split when the flexible container, filled with a solution or liquid, is dropped onto a hard surface to thereby absorb the impact of the drop. The flexible container can be provided with one or more dispensing and/or additive ports or without any port. The flexible container may include more than one compartments with a peelable seal separating two adjoining compartments of the flexible container.

Abstract: Flexible containers with graphics illustrating rigid containers.

Abstract: A fold open face seal package is provided. The package may comprise a one or two-piece thermoformed blister adhered to a backing card. In the one piece embodiment upper and lower portions of the blister are connected by one or more hinges. In the two-piece embodiment the blister is cut into upper and lower pieces which are adhered to the backing card. The package may be opened by folding the backing card back along a bend line and then reclosed for later use.

Abstract: A peelable foil closure includes a base extending longitudinally along a first, longitudinal axis and laterally along a second, lateral axis, and a skirt extending from the base. The skirt includes a first portion including a circular edge having a predominant portion located on a first side of the second axis. The skirt also includes a second portion including a wavy edge, and a pull tab located on a second side of the second axis.

Abstract: In a package having a dosing spoon for removing a filling material from the package, a container of the package is sealed with a peel-off lid that has a peel-off lid ring and a peel-off film. A leveling bar is provided that may be attached to the edge of the peel-off lid ring after the peel-off film has been removed. The leveling bar may be present in the package especially in combination with the dosing spoon, so that after the package is opened the leveling bar may be detached from the dosing spoon and may be attached to the edge of the peel-off lid ring.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a screen protector to a portable handheld electronic device or cell phone with a user facing surface comprises a mold having an outer surface matching a user facing surface. A stack of layers including the screen protector is disposed over the outer surface of the mold. A vacuum bag receives and surrounds the stack of layers disposed over the mold. The vacuum bag is sealed and evacuated of air. The screen protector is heated and/or cured while in the vacuum bag to shape the screen protector over the mold to have curved lateral edges matching curved lateral edges of the outer surface of the mold and the user facing surface of the display screen of the cell phone. The vacuum bag maintains the curved lateral edges of the screen protector against the curved lateral edges of the outer surface of the mold.

Abstract: A closure element for liquid containers, in particular bottles, includes a stopper engaging the opening of the liquid container (e.g., a neck of a bottle) and a cap (5) covering the edge of the neck opening, the stopper including an inlet channel passing therethrough and optionally an outlet channel, the inlet channel and optionally the outlet channel (42) are respectively provided with an inlet valve or outlet valve, which may be a pressure relief valve (21).

Abstract: A laminate includes the following substantially coextensive layers in the following order: (a) a non-sealable, self-supporting, thermoformable copolyester film layer having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface constituting an outermost, exposed surface of the laminate; (b) a laminating adhesive layer on the first surface of the thermoformable copolyester film layer; and (c) a self-supporting, thermoformable structural film layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface contacting the laminating adhesive layer.