Abstract: A drinking cup lid, comprising: a center cover portion; a rib ring formed at the external circumferential edge of the center cover portion, the rib ring having a drinking recess, the external edge of the drinking recess being open while an insertion opening is disposed at the internal edge thereof, the bottom surface of the drinking recess being provided with a drinking opening; a vent hole formed in the center cover portion or in the rib ring; a snap ring portion formed at the external circumferential edge of the rib ring for a snap fit to the drinking cup; and a plug connected by a flexible strip in a hanging way to the external circumferential edge of the snap ring portion, the plug having a plug portion, a hand-held portion and an insert portion. Before use, the insert portion of the plug is fitted first into the insertion opening. Thereafter, the plug portion is fitted to the drinking opening. In this way, the laborious plug-and-pull problem of the conventional splash proof plug is resolved.

Abstract: A sealing lid. The sealing lid includes a lid top portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. An outer concentric ring protrudes from the lower surface of the lid top portion. An inner concentric ring protrudes from the lower surface of the lid top portion. A channel is defined between the outer concentric ring and the inner concentric ring. The sealing lid is configured to releasably secure to a top rim of a beverage can by the top rim friction fitting within the channel.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant containment package is described, including a container; a cover configured to engage with the container so that the container and cover form an enclosed volume; and at least one tamper-resistant mechanical fastener that is cooperative with the cover and container to render the containment package tamper-resistant when the container and cover are engaged in a sealed state isolating the enclosed volume from an ambient environment surrounding the containment package. Such containment package is usefully employed for storage and transport of chemical reagents that pose a health, safety, and/or environmental risk if released to an exterior environment of the containment package.

Abstract: A bottle includes a bottle body having a bottle opening and a bottle lid. The bottle lid has a lid body adapted to be covered on the bottle opening of the bottle body, an opening portion provided on the lid body and an opening cap, wherein the opening portion of the bottle lid forms a drinking opening and the opening cap is adapted to be covered on the opening portion so as to seal the drinking opening formed by the opening portion.

Abstract: A tamper evident closure and spout are provided. The closure includes a tamper-indicating band extending from a central wall. Formed about the tamper band are one or more spout engagement structures. Also provided about the tamper band may be one or more knuckles that assist in distorting the tamper band upon initial removal of the closure from a spout so as to increase the ease with which the tamper band can be identified as having been broken upon visual inspection by a user. The spout includes a wall portion and a central channel extending through the wall portion between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. Located about an outer portion of the spout are one or more tamper band engagement structures configured to engage a tamper band and which assist in breaking and distorting a tamper band upon initial removal of a closure from the spout.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a lid adapted for leak-proof sealing state with a base. Mating surfaces of the lid and base rims form one or more proximal seal zones when the lid rim and base rim are in an initially sealed state. Hinge-forming structure extends from a first hinge-joining section of the lid rim to a second hinge-joining section on the base rim. In the initially sealed state the first hinge-joining section superposes over all or part of the second hinge-joining section, the area at which the first hinge-joining-section superposes the second hinge-joining section defines an overlapping portion of the first and second hinge-joining sections. One or more vent channels are formed in either of the lid rim or base rim and located within the radially overlapping portion. The one or more channels form a complete discontinuity in the one or more proximal seal zones. Because the channels are within the overlapping portion, they are protected from tampering access.

Abstract: A secure dispensing device uses biofeedback to control release of a controlled substance. The secure dispensing device includes a housing with an access compartment that holds a controlled substance, the controlled substance including a first amount of the controlled substance to be dispensed according to one or more initial dispensation parameters; a controller that receives prescription bioinformation about a user and processes the prescription bioinformation to determine an adjusted dispensation parameter for the controlled substance to be dispensed, the initial dispensation parameter and the adjusted dispensation parameter of the controlled substance to be dispensed being different; a regulator that releases the controlled substance from within the housing; and an exit path with an opening that is sized for the controlled substance to be released outside of the access compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing cap and a container having the sealing cap. By means of an opposite screw direction, when a cap body is screwed at a mouth of the container, an inner cover is moved toward a chamber of a container body relative to a lower extension tube of the cap body until an aperture of the lower extension tube is communicated with at least one release hole of the inner cover, such that an additive drops from the release hole to be mixed with the liquid in the container. The operation is simple and clear. When the cap body is rotated to disengage from the mouth, the release hole is closed again to prevent the remaining additive from dripping out of the cap body.

Abstract: A zip tie operable with one hand comprising a head having a channel defined by a first top wall, a second top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second sidewall, a front wall and an end wall. The first top wall and the second top wall are configured to cooperate to provide a top access to the channel. Teeth are disposed on an inner wall of the channel transverse to a longitudinal axis of the channel and an elongated member extends from the head. The elongated member has a distal section having a serrated section, a starter cord and a pull tab. The starter cord is insertable into the channel typically through the top access and the pull tag enables pulling of the elongated member through the channel while the one or more teeth engage with the serrated section to prevent the zip tie from getting undone.

Abstract: A package includes an outer sleeve and a slider for holding a blister pack slidably mounted within the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a locking edge. The slider has a locking flap extending in a direction away from the closed end of the outer sleeve for engagement with the wall of the outer sleeve. The flap has a free edge which provides a pair of locking edges for engagement with the locking edge of the outer sleeve wall. The outer sleeve has a release button which may be pressed to deflect the slider flap away from the wall of the outer sleeve and enable the free edge of the slider flap to slide past the locking edge to allow the slider to be withdrawn from the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A present application relates to a dispensing component for use with an urn liner. The dispensing component includes a spout formed of a polyethylene material and a flexible tube formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material. The spout and tube are formed together as a single component in a mold by co-injection of the polyethylene material and the thermoplastic elastomer material.

Abstract: The application relates to a pouch assembly (100) containing a liquid being an aqueous urea solution for use in a selective catalytic reduction system for treating the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle and for transferring the liquid to a liquid tank of the vehicle from the outside of the liquid tank, the pouch assembly (100) comprising a flexible pouch (1) and a spout (2) attached thereto having a base (21) extending axially through an opening (111) provided in a wall of the pouch (1) and being attached to the opening (111), a top end (22) being configured for insertion in the inside passage of the filling neck (3) of the liquid tank during the filling of the liquid tank, and a body (23) that extends between the base (21) and the top end (22) of the spout (2), the body (23) having an elongated shape, and the body (23) at least partially extending in the inside passage of the filling neck (3) of the liquid tank during the filling of the liquid tank, the base (21), the top end (22) an

Abstract: Provided is a novel bag-in-box having a small load on the environment. A bag-in-box includes a box body including a corrugated cardboard as a forming material, and a flexible inner bag that is accommodated in the interior of the box body, in which the inner bag is formed of a material containing a biomass-derived polyolefin resin.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a box including one or more side walls, each of which defines an inside surface. A bag is disposed in an internal region defined by the box. Drinking water is contained in the bag, the water being non-alcoholic. The bag is adapted to protect the water from contaminants, tastes, and odors, each of which originates from either the bag itself or a source external to the bag. A water-resistant coating may be applied to the respective inside surfaces. When condensate forms on the bag, the water-resistant coating at least resists absorption of the condensate into the one or more side walls. The apparatus may include a spout, which permits the water to be dispensed from the bag for human consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, the water is treated with a sanitizing additive such as, for example, ozone. The apparatus mitigates the environmental impacts of drinking water packaging.

Abstract: A disposable drink container includes sealed apertures at or near opposite ends of the container. Liquid contained within the interior portion of the container may be rapidly consumed by positioning one of the first and second the apertures above the other. The lower one of the apertures is unsealed and at placed by the user's mouth. The upper one of the apertures is subsequently unsealed so that the liquid contained within the interior portion of the container is rapidly discharged into the user's mouth.

Abstract: The disclosed technology can include, in some embodiments, a packaging and display system comprising a box, a flap connected to the box, a pop-up portion hingedly connected to the box, a connector member hingedly connected to both the flap and the pop-up portion, and a drawer configured to at least partially insert into the box. In certain embodiments, the packaging and display system can comprise an object, and in some embodiments, the drawer can include a cutout configured to at least partially receive the object.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a hot-fill container for use with a hot-filling process. The container includes vacuum absorption sections that resist partial collapse and uncontrolled deformation of the container's walls during the hot-filling process. The vacuum absorption sections are asymmetrically-formed and include respective edge portions and panel portions configured to deform and pivot about a linear part of the edge portions when a vacuum is created inside the container. The edge portions have a curvilinear part that is adapted to comfortably receive and engage a user's fingers during use of the container, making the container more user friendly. The vacuum absorption sections are arranged about the container's central longitudinal axis such that their respective panel portions substantially form the sides of a polygon when viewed in top plan view. The polygon appears to be inscribed within an otherwise circular container periphery.

Abstract: A packaging liner, protecting covers using the packaging liner and packaging containers using the protecting covers are disclosed. The packaging liner includes a first resisting section, a second resisting section disposed opposite the first resisting section and a deformable section connected between the first resisting section and the second resisting section. The deformable section comprises a plurality of elastic members such that when at least one of the first resisting section and the second resisting section is stressed, the deforming section is able to deform to match the outline and dimensions of a packageable object.

Abstract: a vacuum container and a system which includes a complementary base, including a three-part airway, a sealing lid, and a lid release button. The three-part airway features an internal air chamber, an extraction airway, and a one-way check-valve preventing ambient air from penetrating the internal air chamber through the extraction airway when vacuum sealed. The extraction airway extends between the top and the bottom of the container and includes an internal air extraction outlet, disposed at the top of and within the internal air chamber, and an external air extraction outlet outside the container, disposed at the bottom of the container, and configured to be coupled to an external air pump. A complementary method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bottom part intended to receive food thereon, and a container part where the said bottom part and the container part are intended to enclose the said food. The package is provided with means to hold the bottom part and the container part together in a detachable fashion and means to separate the said bottom part from the container part fully or partially. Separating takes the form of removing the said bottom part with the bottom part of the package standing in an essentially horizontal position on a serving surface so that the food is so arranged as to come into contact with the serving surface, as a consequence of which the said container part is essentially retained in its position enclosing the said food. The invention also relates to a method for transferring food from a package to a serving surface.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid has a container having a solar panel, a battery, a lid for opening the container, a middle portion enclosing the container, and a bottom portion; wherein the solar panel charges the battery, which may be used for providing LED lighting or for charging electronic devices.

Abstract: A system for holding multiple beverage containers may include a cooler or carrier with toting handles, closing tabs, and base. The base may be formed from a molded plastic, rubber or synthetic rubber material. The base may also include feet that hold the base a sufficient height from the ground. The base may have a generally conic tapering drain floor that makes up its top surface. The tapering drain floor may make draining the carrier easier by directing water toward a drain hole located in the base. Extending up from the base may be a multi-layer soft-sided wall where different layers perform different desired functions. For example, an inside layer closest to the internal cavity may be a waterproof layer, a middle layer may be an insulating layer, and an external layer may be a decorative layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides generally for a fluid-dispensing device. More specifically, the present disclosure provides for a precision fluid-dispensing device that may deliver a predefined volume of fluid quickly and reliably. In some aspects, the precision fluid-dispensing device may be used to deliver a fluid to a receiving container, such as in a manufacturing line, as a non-limiting example. In some embodiments, the precision fluid-dispensing device may dispense very accurate volumes of fluid using the head pressure of the fluid from an elevated reservoir or pressurized fluid supply. In some implementations, the precision fluid-dispensing device may dispense fluid gently and quickly, which may allow for handling of fluids that may be sensitive to agitation or mixing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrapped bundle (27) of smoking articles which comprises wrapping material (28) extending about a bundle of smoking articles comprising a barrier layer having a section defined by a line of closure (65); a cover flap (36) extending over said section and having a peripheral region that extends beyond the line of closure, the peripheral region (38) of the cover flap being adhered to the barrier layer using releasable adhesive (44) to enable the cover flap to be peeled back so that the barrier layer separates along the line of closure to form a smoking article extraction aperture (35) in the barrier layer. The wrapped bundle further comprises a pouch (49) containing an organoleptic substance which is configured so that it ruptures as the cover flap is peeled back to release said organoleptic substance.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a packaging unit with a label for products like eggs, and a method there for. The packaging unit according to the present specification comprises a bottom part made of moulded pulp provided with compartments for individual products and comprising a first locking element; a cover part made of moulded pulp comprising top, front, side and rear surfaces with the front surface comprising a second locking element configured for defining a lock with the first locking element in a closed state of the packaging unit; and a label provided on the packaging unit with the label comprising an embossing, with the embossing further comprising a counter-embossing.

Abstract: A food storage container is provided that may be used to increase shelf life of produce stored therein. The food storage container is preferably used to contain produce that is often not refrigerated, and thus subject to increased humidity levels when stored inside a sealed container. The container preferably includes each of a container portion and a lid member and a container portion, wherein the lid member may be attached and removed to the container portion. The lid member may include upper and lower lid members that are also selectively engageable with one another. A water vapor permeable membrane layer is preferably secured between the upper and lower lid members to help control humidity levels within the container portion. In some embodiments, a gas permeable membrane layer may be present between the upper and lower lid members for controlling gas flow into and out of the container portion as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation capsule for the delivery of a solubilisate, a beverage dispensing system configured for the use of such a beverage preparation capsule and a method for preparing a beverage by means of such a beverage dispensing system. Poorly water-soluble dietary supplements or pharmaceutical active agents can be delivered in this new dosage form in order to increase the bioavailability of these substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable capsule for the preparation of infused beverages. The capsule has a body having a main cavity or chamber in turn having a first dispensing opening adapted to put the main cavity or chamber in fluid communication with the external environment, wherein the main cavity or chamber contains a measured dose of a first food product (FP1) in a granular form. An inner cavity or chamber is formed in the main cavity having a second dispensing opening and containing a measured dose of a second food product (FP2) in granular form. The main cavity or chamber and the inner cavity or chamber are arranged in fluid communication with one another. The disposable capsule also has closing means between the first and second dispensing openings, configured to be selectively activated upon emptying of the first or of the second food product (FP1, FP2).

Abstract: An improved plastic container including a bottom strengthening formation. The strengthening formation assists in reducing deformation of the bottom of the container when the container is pierced during the beverage brewing process. In a preferred embodiment, the strengthening formation includes a generally gear-shaped path to evenly distribute dynamic forces from a piercing needle or stylus to the spokes or gear teeth of the strengthening formation. The gear-shaped path includes the features of gear design and includes an outer diameter, and inner diameter, and a pitch diameter. In some embodiments, a depression defining and encircling the piercable area further enhances the even distribution of dynamic forces.

Abstract: An article storage and dispensing apparatus and method in which articles made by series production are distributed from an article supplier into a storage compartment of predetermined dimensions for storage of articles in front and rear rows of article storage positions. An article distributor in the storage compartment has a carriage, a carriage drive which is configured to drive the carriage in a reversible horizontal carriage drive direction across at least part of the width of the storage compartment, and an article support mounted on the carriage and configured to receive articles from the article supplier above the support when the carriage is in a start position. An article dispenser is associated with the article support to dispense articles selectively in opposite horizontal dispensing directions transverse to the carriage drive direction off the front and rear ends of the support to drop into front and rear article rows.

Abstract: A storage frame structure for an automatic depot includes: several space limiting units, each having a plug-in surface formed with vertical slots and two opposite ends, at least one of the opposite ends being formed with an insert hole; several fixing rods abutting with the limiting units respectively; two side plates connected to the fixing rods in such a manner that the fixing rods extend parallel to one another between the side plates; and two positioning plates, each having two opposite insert ends extending into the vertical slots of an adjacent pair of the limiting units, thereby defining a reception chamber therebetween to retain a material tray stably in the chamber. The storage frame structure has simple construction and is applicable in automation industry (like SMT electronic industry) for material storing and sorting.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes: an article detection device; a gripping device with base portion and palm portion, a suction portion, fingers, and a driving mechanism; a negative pressure supplying device; a moving device; a recognition device that measures the shape, the posture, and the size of the article; an operation plan generation device that selects a suction surface of the article, and plans a gripping posture; and a control device that controls an operation of the gripping device and an operation of the moving device to obtain a gripping posture planned by the operation plan generation device.

Abstract: A rail mounted transport robot with a lifting device, which is disposed in a recess (27) of the transport robot (2) such that it can be raised and lowered vertically and is suitable for receiving a load (6, 7, 7?, 7?), wherein the lifting device is a powered loading platform (10) that can be raised and lowered, with at least one longitudinal conveyor (8, 9; 8a, 9a; 30) disposed thereon.

Abstract: A windrow chute assembly includes a plurality of movable chute sections. A first chute section has a first proximal end for receiving material, and a first distal end opposite the first proximal end. The second chute section has a second proximal end for receiving material, and a second distal end opposite the second proximal end. The first and second proximal ends define a transverse axis therebetween. The first and second chute sections are displaceable toward one another to a closed or partially closed configuration to control the width and placement of each windrow. The first and second chute sections are also displaceable away from one another to an open configuration to provide access to rear areas of the combine.

Abstract: A pop-up wheel device for use in material handling equipment. In one embodiment, the pop-up wheel device includes a housing, which is a can of generally track-shaped transverse cross-section. A nipple is mounted in the housing bottom to permit fluid under pressure to pass to and from the interior of the housing. A cap, which includes a central opening, is positioned over and is secured to the housing. A piston is slidably mounted within the housing between a lower position and an upper position. A seal is fitted around a lower portion of the piston and creates an air-tight chamber between the piston and the housing. A spring biases the piston towards the lower position. A wheel that is freely rotatable in one direction is coupled to the piston using a wheel mount. The wheel may be removed from the wheel mount without removing the cap from the housing.

Abstract: An arrangement for conveying an electronic device includes a conveyor arrangement, a plate configured to move with respect to the conveyor arrangement and to carry an electronic device to a predetermined area, a stopper coupled with the plate, and an elevator configured to shift the conveyor arrangement into first, second and third positions. The first position being for conveying an electronic device on the conveyor arrangement such that the conveying of the electronic device stops at the stopper, the second position being for carrying the electronic device on the plate to the predetermined area and back from the predetermined area, and the third position being for conveying the electronic device on the conveyor arrangement over the stopper.

Abstract: A spiral overlay for a conveyor belt includes a plurality of wire spirals assembled together in intermeshing relationship on connecting rods to provide a conveying surface and an opposing surface with a belt thickness extending in the vertical direction. Each of said wire spirals formed of a single length of wire and forming a helix extending laterally across the belt, said spiral comprising opposed arcuate linking bends at a forward end and a rearward end along the longitudinal axis, and at least one intermediate loop formed between said opposed arcuate linking bends and disposed within the belt thickness, said spirals arranged relative to one another such that said linking bends of one spiral are intermeshed with linking bends of an immediately adjacent one of said spirals and said intermeshed linking bends of adjacent spirals are adapted to receive one of the connecting rods to operatively connect said spirals.

Abstract: A transfer device for introducing and/or removing articles to a process device includes a basic frame and a conveying unit, which is supported by the basic frame and transfers or receives articles to or from the process device. The conveying unit is designed to be movably positionable in order for the transfer device to be reversibly advanced up to the process device. The conveying unit includes an output element of a magnetic coupling and is designed for reversibly coupling the transfer device to a corresponding drive element of the magnetic coupling, the drive element being provided on the process device. When the drive element and the output element are coupled to one another, the magnetic coupling effectuates a force transmission from a drive unit of the process device to the conveying unit.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein generally relate to techniques for conveying articles on a conveyor system of a robotic material handling system in a material handling environment. In accordance with an embodiment, the robotic material handling system includes a front portion and a rearward conveyor. The front portion may be expandable to a first configuration and retractable to a second configuration. On detecting a jam on the front portion, the robotic material handling system may actuate expansion of the front portion to the first configuration, and attempt to dislodge the jammed articles by causing one or more of (i) separating the jammed articles by activating one or more of a plurality of zones of the front portion under the jammed articles, and/or (ii) activating one or more of the plurality of zones under the jammed articles in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A directional discharge wing pulley having a plurality of wings that discharge material in a single direction while properly tracking the conveyor belt. The directional discharge wing pulley may include a plurality of directional discharge wings, which are generally angled in a single or primarily in single direction across the entire face of the pulley. When pulley is operated a reverse rotation direction, the conveyor belt continues to properly track and the material is discharged in the opposite direction. The wings may have bends to create flat sections, or formed in a multiple arc pattern to create smoother changes in geometry or increased wing angle near the ends of the pulley, while generally maintaining a single direction wing through the entire pulley. Strengthening rib bends may be added near the end of a straight wing to add rigidity reducing the likelihood of wing fold over. The wings may include secondary wings, for example, in a Herringbone pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller conveyor jam break tool having a molded head member that is configured to clear a conveyor jam without the risk of the head member falling between two adjacent rollers and becoming lodged between those adjacent rollers. The molded head member is constructed of a lightweight durable, polymeric material, and the molded head member can be integrally fabricated with or selectively attached to a terminal end of an elongate handle.

Abstract: Method and system (10) for transporting products (2). A conveyor surface (1) is moving at a conveyor velocity (VI). Products (2) are provided on the conveyor surface (1) in a measurement zone (M). The products (2) move through the measurement zone (M) with a product velocity (V2) that is at least initially different than the conveyor velocity (VI). A contact between the products (2) and the relatively moving conveyor surface (1) causes the products (2) to accelerate or decelerate (a) in the measurement zone (M) depending on a kinetic friction coefficient (?k) there between. A control signal (S) is indicative of the acceleration or deceleration (a) of the products (2) in the measurement zone (M). The kinetic friction coefficient (?k) is controlled based on the control signal (S) to keep the acceleration or deceleration (a) within a predetermined threshold range.

Abstract: A moving item may be treated using a treatment member. Data may be obtained that includes a width of the moving item, a maximum speed of movement for a treatment member across the moving item to provide a required level of treatment, a speed of movement of the moving item, and a length of the moving item. An extent of movement of the treatment member across the moving item in each reciprocal movement of the treatment member and a speed of reciprocal movement of the treatment member across the moving item may be calculated based at least on the data to provide a required level of treatment across the moving item. The treatment member is reciprocally moved in a required pattern across the moving item based at least on the calculated extent of movement and the calculated speed of movement to provide a full treatment coverage of the moving item.

Abstract: An automated method and system for distributing prescription vials from upstream locations of a pharmacy to various downstream destinations using a stacked configuration of outbound lanes so that vials will enter the first outbound lane that is not blocked. The distribution table of the present invention has a lower portion having outbound lanes and an upper portion having outbound lanes and where the table is adapted to move vials in a loop pattern around the lower and upper portions.

Abstract: A system for diverting objects traveling along a conveyor includes an upstream conveyor segment having an inlet end and an outlet end and a downstream conveyor segment having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment is located to receive items from the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment. A conveyor shift mechanism is linked to both the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment and the inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment for carrying out lateral movement of the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment in one lateral direction while simultaneously carrying out lateral movement of the inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment in an opposite lateral direction.

Abstract: A container handling machine for handling containers, such as beverage bottles or cans. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: To provide a substrate holder and a plating apparatus that can easily position a substrate. A substrate holder includes a substrate holding body for holding a substrate, and a first holding member and a second holding member that interpose and hold the substrate holding body therebetween, and the first holding member includes an opening portion through which the plating target surface of the substrate is exposed, and a power supply member configured to be in contact with a plating target surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A conveying pad, a conveying apparatus and a conveying method using the conveying pad, capable of exactly attracting and fixing an object placed on a part of a conveying surface or levitating the object, by virtue of an attracting force or levitating force of the conveying pad. The conveying pad is made of a porous substrate communicated with a large number of pores, and by depressurizing or pressurizing the back surface of the conveying pad, an object W placed on the front surface of the conveying pad is attracted or levitated, thus satisfying a relational equation between an area ratio a of the object covering the surface of the conveying pad and a conductance ratio ?.

Abstract: A gravimetric blender includes a plurality of receivers, each receiver having a single tube therewithin extending from a resin material/vacuum drawn stream inlet to a receiver outlet.

Abstract: A method for feeding granular material into a hopper using a vacuum pump having a suction inlet communicating with the interior of a conduit to feed by vacuum a plurality of receivers connected to the conduit and vertically supported thereby.