Abstract: A product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of the product by ionizing radiation sterilization methods is provided. The method includes providing a package that includes a layer having an oxygen transmission rate equal to or less than about 10 cubic centimeters of oxygen per 100 inches squared per 24 hours; providing a product in the package's interior; applying a vacuum to the exterior of the package in a controlled atmosphere until a vacuum pressure equal to or less than about 250 millibars is achieved; flushing the interior of the package with an inert gas until an inert gas flush pressure equal to or less than about 750 millibars is achieved; sealing the package; releasing the vacuum applied in the controlled atmosphere; and sterilizing the package/product with radiation. The resulting product has a reduction in its tensile strength of less than about 18.5% after sterilization.

Abstract: Multi-layer web and mechanical scoring process for forming lidding film for push through blister packages. The web is configured to resist the tensile forces encountered during manufacturing processes, including slitting, rewinding and heat sealing processes. A simplified web conversion process for creating mechanically scored lidding film for blister packages is provided at reduced investment and operational costs compared to prior art systems.

Abstract: A method of making a component includes applying a clamping force to the component, the component coupled to a carrier strip of a panel via a polymeric tab and separating a portion of the polymeric tab from a substrate of the component, thereby causing the component to be detached from the panel.

Abstract: Leaflets are stacked horizontally in a stacker tray after folding, with the leaflets themselves aligned in a vertical orientation. A tray transport platform supports a plurality of tray sleeves and a plurality of corresponding trays located adjacent to the stacker tray. The trays can slide into the tray sleeves as each tray is filled with leaflets. A robot gripper is adapted to be selectively placed inside the stacking tray. The gripper captures a batch of the leaflets as they are stacked, and places them in a selected tray. A sleeve holder is selectively placed in and removed from the selected tray to control entry of the leaflets into a corresponding tray sleeve, and a stuffer pushes each batch of leaflets inside of the sleeve. A controller operates the components of the apparatus so that the leaflets are transferred from the stacker machine to trays without human labor.

Abstract: An elongated object label applicator has a driver operably connected to a wrapping mechanism. The wrapping mechanism has a plurality of guide rollers spaced about a central portion. A belt is tensioned around the guide rollers and across an opening in the central portion through which an object to labeled is received. The belt is deflectable against an elastic force such that the belt can be recessed with the central portion by a force provided by the object to be labeled. The wrapping mechanism is driven by the driver to rotate the guide rollers about an axis of rotation of the wrapping mechanism passing through the central portion. The wrapping mechanism orbits the object to be labeled located within the central portion.

Abstract: A device is provided for arranging folds in a strip of flattened tubular shrink foil material in a container sleeving system for applying tubular shrink foil material around containers. The device includes a guiding element having an upstream guiding element part formed by a first flat plate extending in a first plane, a downstream guiding element part formed by a second flat plate extending in a second plane rotated with respect to the first plane, and an intermediate guiding element connected to or integrally formed with the upstream and downstream guiding elements and shaped so as to smoothly guide the flattened tubular shrink foil material moving over the first flat plate towards the second flat plate. The device also includes pressure rollers arranged to press at least one additional fold into the tubular shrink foil material.

Abstract: Disclosed are preforms which incorporate improvements in the region of the neck and upper segment of the body to allow the production of lightweight containers, such as bottles suitable for containing water or other beverages. In accordance with certain embodiments, the improvements include a thinner neck finish area than conventional bottles, where the thinner area is extended into the upper segment of the body portion below the support ring. Reducing the thickness in these areas of the bottle allows for less resin to be used in forming the preform and bottle.

Abstract: Provided is a storage unit for welding wire including an outer case in which an outer bottom supporting part is formed in a lower end thereof and a wire accommodation part configured to store a wound welding wire is formed therein, a bottom part seated on and coupled to the outer bottom supporting part, and an inner case configured to come into close contact with an inner surface of the outer case and having an inner bottom supporting part seated on the bottom part, formed in a lower portion thereof, wherein the outer case includes a strength reinforcement part and a shock absorption part formed at an inner side of the strength reinforcement part to absorb a shock from the outside.

Abstract: A container (10) for consumer goods comprising: an outer housing (12) comprising a box (14) and a lid (16), the lid (16) being hinged to the box (14) along a hinge line extending across a back wall of the outer housing (12); and a package (18) of consumer goods within the box (14). A reclosable sealing cover member(100) occludes an access opening (20) in the package. The reclosable sealing cover member (100) comprises: a base layer (102) comprising a fibrous cellulosic material; a metal-containing layer (104) provided on an outer side of the base layer (102); and a first polymeric layer (106) provided on an inner side of the base layer (102).

Abstract: A whole-egg replacement or imitation egg product may be provided. The whole-egg replacement may have an extended shelf life and may be available in a variety of commercial markets. The imitation egg product may be formulated to be vegan and/or allergy friendly based on the specific ingredients chosen. The imitation egg product may also provide a sensory experience similar to that of a natural egg, by being of the approximate size and shape of a chicken egg and being able to be cracked open in a similar manner.

Abstract: A blow-molded plastic panel 23 is for a flat-packable storage container 10. At least a portion 236 of the panel 23 has a substantially planar extent. The panel portion 236 has first and second outer wall surfaces substantially aligned with the substantially planar extent of the panel portion 236. One or more cavities 233 lies between the first and second outer wall surfaces. The panel portion 236 is provided with a plurality of recesses 237 in the first outer wall surface which are recessed in the direction of the second outer wall surface. The recesses 237 are spaced longitudinally and transversely relative to the substantially planar extent of the panel portion.

Abstract: A box pallet (1) comprising at least one base (4) and an articulated belt (5), the box pallet (1) being convertible between a loading configuration in which the belt (5) is unfolded and erected on the base (4) so as to form a storage volume and an empty transport configuration in which the belt (5) is folded and laid flat on the base (4); characterised in that it comprises at least one articulated bottom panel (10) that bears on the base (4) and is capable of forming a wedge for a bulky object, such as a motor vehicle seat, that needs to be loaded into the storage volume.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bin riser positionable between different types of shipping bins to enable these shipping bins to stably stack atop one another in a way that inhibits an adjacent stack of shipping bins from toppling over during transit.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base and a plurality of walls pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base. A first wall includes an opening therethrough. A first door selectively covers the opening through the first wall. In one embodiment, the first door is slidable between an open, retracted position away from the opening and a closed position covering the opening.

Abstract: A corner support assembly for supporting a stack of containers includes a bar defining a corner and having a first end, a second end, an interior surface. A bracket is operatively coupled to the bar. The bracket includes a front end spaced away from the bar and a back end facing the interior surface of the bar. The bracket is disposed between the first end and the second end of the bar and oriented substantially perpendicular to the bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stackable ring replacement (known as the bucket stacking ring) for commercially purchased buckets. The bucket stacking ring facilitates stacking of buckets in a stable and structured manner The bucket stacking ring may be designed for a circular bucket and is comprised of entirely plastic materials. Through an effective seal, the bucket (with the ring placed atop) has its contents contained with the assistance of a bucket stacking ring insert. Further, a bucket (which is concurrently stacked atop the bucket maintaining the bucket stacking ring) is approximately two inches down into the lower bucket. Thus, the upper bucket is locked into place and supported by the walls of the lower bucket. The interior walls of the upper portion of the lower bucket surround the outer bottom portion of the upper bucket which is lowered into the lower bucket through the facilitation of the stacking ring.

Abstract: A container holder including a body portion having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein an interior region of the body portion is defined as a generally axial opening between the first end and the second end, and at least one retaining element disposed along the inner surface of the body portion, wherein a container is received within the generally axially opening of the body portion, and the at least one retaining element exerts a force against the container to retain the container within the generally axial opening. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A container system includes a container having a body with a lower surface a first opening extending from the lower surface; a first footing having a contouring of the opening and the first footing is pivotally attached to the container.

Abstract: A retractable spout device for a flowable substance container comprising a first section 1 adapted to be secured to an interior of the container, and a second section 2 displaceable relative to the first section in order to facilitate the movement of the second section from a retracted position wherein the second section is at least partially collapsed, to a deployed position wherein the second section extends outwards to form a spout.

Abstract: A bag is disclosed which comprises a body; a lid; a first locking member attached to the lid; a second locking member whose two ends are attached to the body; characterized in that the first locking member is attached to the lid by welding, gluing, sewing, buttoning, thereby, to close the lid, the first locking member is firmly interlocked with the second locking member to prevent the lid from moving out.

Abstract: A packaging device has a principle body with a receptacle having interior space and a neck and orifice, and an expulsion device fixed to the neck, the expulsion device having an upper portion and a lower portion of the expulsion device, the upper and lower portions being separated from one another by a shoulder, the shoulder bearing on the end of the neck, a cap designed to be positioned above the receptacle in a stable closed position, the cap having a housing for receiving an end of the upper portion, and a magnetic closure system having a first magnetic device borne by the cap and a second magnetic device borne by the principle body, the second magnetic device is located around the upper portion and above the shoulder, and, in the stable closed position, the first magnetic device is located around the upper portion and above the second magnetic device.

Abstract: A tamper evident cap assembly includes an outer cap having an outer cap end wall and an outer cap skirt, and an inner cap having an inner cap end wall and an inner cap skirt. The inner cap skirt has a thread on an inner surface for selectively fastening the cap assembly on a portion of a container. The thread has separations therein. The first and second vertical ratchet teeth of the outer cap and the inner cap, respectively, abut when the outer cap is turned in an application direction to rotate the inner cap and the outer cap together to fasten the inner cap onto the container. When a downward force is applied on the outer cap, the second end teeth on the inner cap engage with the first end teeth on the outer cap applying torque on the outer cap in the removal direction turning the inner cap to release the cap assembly from the container and rupture the tamper evident band.

Abstract: A pull-off closure for containers having an opening whose end portion defines an annular collar projecting externally; the closure including: an upper portion shaped in the form of a shell having an upper face from which extends a collar, which can be turned over to abut on the annular collar of the container, during capping of the container, the upper face and the collar forming, at their connection, an annular edge; lines of weakness formed on the upper face and on the collar forming an opening strip which extends in a tab extending beyond the collar; a gripping element which can be associated with the tab, wherein the lines of weakness extend on the collar outside the annular edge.

Abstract: A concave lid including a depression, such as a notch compatible with a user's finger or thumb to apply pressure on the concave lid toward a glass. The depression may include anti-slip ridges to keep the user's fingertip from slipping when pressure is applied by the user. The concave lid has a portion for indicia that is readable from the outer surface of the concave lid. The concave lid may include a textured portion on its lower surface, such as a band of texture, to create friction and prevent the concave lid from slipping with respect to the glass. The concave lids are preferably stackable and made of clear plastic or glass.

Abstract: A bottle closure includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion. The body upper portion is formed with a cavity, and a drink spout is disposed in the cavity. The drink spout is in fluid communication with a straw which includes a biasing portion extending from the drink spout and an extension portion insertable in a bottle. The drink spout is moveable between an open position in which the drink spout extends out of the cavity and a closed position in which the drink spout is contained in the cavity. The body also has a drink spout cover movable between a closed position in which the drink spout cover extends over the cavity and an open position in which the drink spout cover enables access to the cavity. The straw biasing portion biases the drink spout and the drink spout cover toward the respective open positions.

Abstract: A protected tumbler lid with a protective cap for use with a beverage tumbler. The protected tumbler lid includes a tumbler lid with an upper portion and a lower portion that includes a sealing gasket that can be pressed into the mouth of a tumbler to fit snugly and prevent leakage past the sealing gasket. It also includes a protective cap that covers the upper portion of the tumbler lid when the protective cap is in a closed position. A spring-biased hinge is connected to both the protective cap and to the tumbler lid. The spring-biased hinge enables pivoting of the protective cap between the closed position and an open position. The protective cap of the protected tumbler lid substantially protects the top and side of the tumbler lid from accumulating dust, grass clippings, and/or insects that ordinarily would find their way onto the top surface of the tumbler lid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preserving oxidizable substances such as liquids or foodstuffs are disclosed. These systems incorporate a sealing device and an oxygen scavenging chemical or agent coupleable to the system. The oxygen scavenging agent can remove the oxygen from the headspace of a container such as a bottle of wine without reducing the pressure in the headspace to the extent that the flavor of the wine is adversely affected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a container system comprising a flat package, which has walls that define an interior space, and at least one fibrous water-soluble unit dose article in the interior space, where the fibrous water-soluble unit dose article comprises household care active agents.

Abstract: A device to extract potato chips from a canister, the device including a body to slide into and out from the canister in a sliding direction, a first wall disposed at a first end of the body to be perpendicular with respect to the sliding direction, and a second wall disposed at a first end of the body to be perpendicular with respect to the sliding direction.

Abstract: A container is provided with a body portion. The body portion includes a first vacuum panel, a second vacuum panel, a third vacuum panel, a first diagonal column between the first vacuum panel and the second vacuum panel, and a second diagonal column between the second vacuum panel and the third vacuum panel. The second vacuum panel and the third vacuum panel are oriented in opposite directions. In response to a change in an internal container pressure, the body portion flexes at the first vacuum panel such that a surface of the first vacuum panel increases in concavity in response to an increasing pressure change.

Abstract: A storage vessel assembly for storing chemical includes a storage vessel, a frame for housing the storage vessel, an agitation device disposed in the storage vessel, a temperature control system coupled to the storage vessel, and a controller configured to operate the agitation device and the temperature control system.

Abstract: A wipe container that includes a cover member that has a cavity, at least one wipe received in the cavity of the cover member, a base member that has a fluid reservoir, and a partition that is disposed between the cover and base members. The cover member, the base member, and the partition are sealed together to create a perimeter seal. The partition creates a barrier between the wipe on one side and cleaner on the other side. The container can be introduced into a clean room. Just prior to use, the partition is split open so that the cleaner mixes with water on the wipes.

Abstract: A ventilated container for produce includes a bottom, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom, and a rim having a flattened top surface. The sidewalls include at least one ventilation opening located proximate the rim of the container thereby permitting the rim of the container to be generally flat and uninterrupted. The location of ventilation opening(s) proximate the rim of the container allows the flow of rising ethylene gas within the container to exit near the top of the container improving ventilation within the container. A plastic film can be applied over the top of the container and is adhered to the container with an adhesive to form a secure and rigid seal between the film and the container. The flattened surface of the rim improves the adherence between a film and the container to enclose and seal the container, aids the rigidity of the container, and lessens the likelihood of the edges of the rim being bent or folded when pressure is exerted to protect produce provided within the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a packaging process and the resultant package produced from the process. The process includes introducing, into a mixing device, pellets composed of ethylene/propylene/diene polymer (EPDM). The EPDM comprises greater than 60 wt % units derived from ethylene. The pellets have a residual moisture content from 500 ppm to 2500 ppm. The process includes adding a silica-based powder to the mixing device and coating at least a portion of the pellets with the silica-based powder. The process includes sealing a bulk amount of the coated pellets in a bag made of a flexible polymeric film. The process includes absorbing, with the silica-based powder, the residual moisture from the pellets, and preventing moisture condensation in the bag interior for a period from 7 days after the sealing step to 1000 days after the sealing step.

Abstract: Microwave foodstuff packages and methods of making and using the same. The microwave foodstuff packages include only a single gusset and/or a Z-fold configuration.

Abstract: A cooler for breast milk or other liquids is disclosed. The cooler comprehends an interior pocket adapted to receive lactation accessories that a user wishes to be cooled. The interior pocket can be adapted to be positioned in a variety of locations within the cooler to enhance or restrict the efficiency of thermal transmission between the contents of the pocket and a cooling element located within the cooler. Also disclosed is a sensor that can be associated with the pocket. The sensor can provide a temperature output to an external device or a display in or on the container delineating a temperature within the cooler.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to an improved fluid dispensing device, particularly a dispensing device which employs at least one hemispherical domed cannister source of reactants and which uses a color-changing dispensing plastic tip to inform the end-user if the reactants are at a proper use temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a strap guide including: a first module including a first base, a strap boss formed on the first base and including a first slot through which a strap passes, and at least one protrusion accommodation part located at an outer circumferential portion of the strap boss and including a bore; and a second module having a second base, a second slot formed in the second base, and at least one coupling protrusion located at an outer circumferential portion of the second slot and configured to form a pair with the protrusion accommodation part, wherein the first module and the second module are coupled to form an opening having a single closed surface.

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet configured to define a receiving space for receiving laundry, the cabinet having an open surface, a door hingedly provided at the cabinet for opening and closing the open surface of the cabinet, a laundry support unit provided in the receiving space for supporting laundry, and a machinery compartment provided in the cabinet for defining a space that is separate from the receiving space, the machinery compartment being provided therein with an air supply unit for dehumidifying or heating air in the receiving space and supplying the dehumidified or heated air into the receiving space. The air supply unit dehumidifies air in a room that communicates with the receiving space in the state in which the door is open.

Abstract: A container includes: an upper container part constituting an upper half of a container body having a horizontally elongate rectangular parallelepiped shape; a lower container part constituting a lower half of the container body; four posts disposed at the four corners of the container body; and hinges 20 rotatably retaining the posts at the four corners of at least one of the upper container part or the lower container part. The container body can be transformed between a first state in which the upper container part is retained at a first height with respect to the lower container part and a second state in which the container body is retained at a second height that is lower than the first height. In the second state, the posts are rotated inward in the lengthwise direction of the container body by the hinges.

Abstract: A waste basket liner bag retaining apparatus including a pair of liner bag retaining apertures formed on opposing sides of a waste basket to receive and secure a waste basket liner bag. Reusable aperture covers can be secured over the apertures to occlude the apertures. In another embodiment, the waste basket liner bag retaining apparatus includes hook inserts secured to either side of a waste basket to provide hooks for retaining an end of a waste basket liner bag. In another embodiment, two sets of magnets, each set formed within, or secured to inner surfaces of, opposing waste basket container walls of a waste basket container that secured magnetized hooks. In a further embodiment, a waste basket liner bag retaining apparatus includes apertures formed on opposing sides of a waste basket container, each with a retractable cover to secure portions of a liner bag in the apertures. The retractable covers may include rotatable bag retaining tabs.

Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run to lift containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or at stations where goods may be removed or alternative functions may be undertaken. The containers can provide the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency. The containers when removed from the stacks are electrically connected to the load handling device, power being supplied by a power supply within the load handling device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for in route mail sorting and packaging are disclosed. One aspect disclosed is a vehicle including a freight bay. The freight bay includes a plurality of item storage bins. The freight bay also includes a robot. The robot includes a means for grasping items and moving them between the item storage bins. For example, the robot may include an item manipulating attachment that in some aspects may include two or more extending portions for grasping items. The robot may assemble item packages from a plurality of individual items based on addresses of the items. The robot may also manipulate shrink wrap around the item package and position the item package within a station that heats the package and causes the shrink wrap to shrink around the items in the package, thereby forming the items into a package that is easy to deliver to a single address.

Abstract: Loading system for palletizing mixed products on a target pallet, having at least two infeed conveyors for the products to be palletized, at least one grab head which is configured to take at least one product from one of the infeed conveyors in a predetermined sequence and to stack it on a loading plate, via which at least one product stack can be transferred to the target pallet, wherein at least two, preferably more product stacks are arranged on the loading plate during stacking and which are arranged at a distance from one another.

Abstract: A multichannel paper feeding system in connection to a vertical storage is disclosed. The multichannel paper feeding system includes a main loop transport device, an internal loop transport device, a plurality of take-out devices, and a plurality of take-out conveyor belts, all of which are disposed between the vertical storage and a cutting machine. The main loop transport device transports a paper roll placed on a main loop rack from the vertical storage to the internal loop transport device, where a main push rod then pushes the paper roll onto an internal loop rack, and the internal loop transport device transports the internal loop rack next to a take-out conveyor belt. The take-out device moves the paper roll from the internal loop rack to the corresponding take-out conveyor belt so that the paper roll can be transported further downstream to a post-processing station for cutting or packaging.

Abstract: A modular eye link conveyor belt and method of assembling a modular eye link conveyor belt includes (a) welding a plurality of eyelets and bar links to a cross wire having a predetermined module width to form at least one first module row; (b) welding a plurality of eyelets and bar links to a cross wire having a predetermined module width to form at least one second module row; connecting the first module row and the second module row with a cross rod extending through the plurality of eyelets and thereby forming a first module; repeating steps (a) and (b) and forming a second module; and connecting the first module and the second module with a cross rod extending through the plurality of eyelets.

Abstract: The flexible reticular structure comprises a movable surface (1) the movement of which is operated by operating means (2), said surface (1) being formed by a plurality of modules (3) linked to one another by means of attachment rods (5), each of said rods (5) being housed in holes (6) provided in at least two of said modules (3) wherein each module (3) comprises at least one wheel (4) assembled in at least one of said rods (5). It enables the flexible reticular structure to be able to be moved easily.

Abstract: A system to sort packages or parcels into chutes includes a package and parcel transporting component with a plurality of zones, each coupled to an electroadhesive material. The package and parcel transporting component is operable to move the plurality of zones. The electroadhesive material includes electrodes to exert an electroadhesive force and dynamically electrically couple to be energized by an applied voltage on demand. The system includes a controller to determine chutes into which to release packages or parcels and determine zones associated with packages or parcels. The controller selects zones associated with the packages or parcels to transport or release packages or parcels. The controller operates the electrodes to alter the electroadhesive material in the zones associated packages or parcels to transport and release the packages or parcels to one or more chutes.

Abstract: A conveyor employs an infeed assembly and outfeed assembly, each comprising a nosebar assembly that may be mounted to a conveyor frame to transition a conveyor belt between a returnway and a carryway, a belt guiding roller, such as a sprocket or brake, a position limiter for ensuring proper engagement between the belt guiding roller and the conveyor belt and a connecting plate that ensures proper placement of the position limiter relative to the guide roller. The infeed assembly and outfeed assembly components may be easily moved into engagement and out of engagement to facilitate replacement, cleaning or maintenance.

Abstract: A goods transport facility for transporting goods along a transportation path including a curved part, and in particular a goods transport facility provided with a plurality of transport carriages that move along a pair of left and right rails, which are provided along the transportation path, so as to transport goods. A rail width adjusting mechanism capable of changing a rail width between the left and right rails and is provided in at least one of a curving region and an S-curve region in the curved part of the transportation path.