Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a print head, a first cutter and a processor. The print head performs printing on a printing medium. The first cutter cuts the printing medium on which the print head has performed the printing. The first cutter trims away a corner at an end in a width direction of the printing medium. The processor controls the print head and the first cutter based on cutting information on an area to be trimmed by the first cutter so that a printing area of the printing medium is not cut by the first cutter.

Abstract: A vessel is configured to hold a product in an interior region formed in the vessel. In illustrative embodiments, the vessel includes a floor and a sidewall coupled to the floor to extend away from the floor. Together the floor and sidewall cooperate to define the interior region.

Abstract: A fastener assembly can include a latch of a first flap and a hole of a second flap. The latch and hole can be configured to be mated together to releasably fasten the first and second flaps to one another when the first and second flaps are in an overlapping configuration. The latch can be inwardly spaced apart from each outer peripheral edge of the first flap, and the hole can be inwardly spaced apart from each outer peripheral edge of the second flap. The fastener assembly can be a variable fastener assembly configured to be in a variety of predetermined fastened configurations for securing the first and second flaps to one another in a variety of predetermined overlapping configurations.

Abstract: A paperboard carton is formed by folding and interconnecting an even number of body pieces to establish at least a bottom wall, first and second spaced main face walls, opposing side walls and a top wall, which collectively define an interior cavity for containing edible products, with the first and second main face walls and the opposing side walls being spaced by each of the bottom wall and the top wall, each of said body pieces being formed of paperboard, and at least two of the body pieces having predominate fiber orientations which are directionally distinct from one another, thereby establishing a compression strength for each carton which enables similarly configured cartons to be directly stacked upon each other for shipping purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-cased box that can be used to transport and then display the goods being transported. The box can be formed from a single blank of material that is folded and glued into a box shape. The box includes a frangible line that—when broken—allows for removal of a portion of the box. The box also includes divider panels that form two or more compartments in the interior of the box.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a sheet to form a lid to substantially close a container. The sheet comprises a rectangular base having opposing side edges, opposing end edges, an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one notch is included on each of the side edges, where the notches correspond to a protrusion on an upper surface of two side walls of the container. A portion of the lower surface of the sheet at the side edges are configured to engage with the upper surface of the two side walls of the container. A foldable flap extends outwardly from each of the two end edges. The foldable flaps are configured to fold downwardly and engage against end walls of the container. The rectangular base has a thickness of at least 0.125 inches to support weight of items placed on the upper surface of the rectangular base without collapsing.

Abstract: A leg assembly capable of easy attachment to a container, having an elongated leg and a bracket, where the bracket contains a mounting pocket, two slots, substantially parallel to one another, and wherein at one end of the bracket there is disposed an L-shaped flange, and wherein the elongated leg contains a pin on each side of an end of the leg, and mounted so that the leg may rotate in the mounting pocket of the bracket, and wherein the leg has an outward protruding pin sized and shaped to fit into the two parallel recesses, and wherein the pin is formed on a flexible arm on the leg capable of being depressed to move the pin inward.

Abstract: A plastic container used for holding fluid material with an attachable handle is provided. The container includes a body, a plurality of walls, a spout, an attachable handle and a sliding structure. The spout is a hollow, cylindrical portion that extends from an opening in one of the walls. The cylindrical portion is configured to insert or remove the fluid material from the container. The attachable handle includes a rail structure that further includes a pair of non-parallel offset rails and a latch. The latch has a latching surface that is located at the ends of the offset rails farthest from each other. The slide structure includes a generally rectangular projection. The projection further includes a pair of non-parallel offset grooves and a latching surface. The latching surface is located where the grooves are farthest from each other. The offset grooves are adapted to mate with the offset rails and are fully engaged by the offset rails when the latch is engaged with the latching surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a paper bag for bulk material such as cement, gypsum, granular material, animal feed or the like, with a bottom and with an upper part opposite the bottom, wherein bottom and/or upper part are folded and glued by closing up the side parts around side fold lines, in particular in the form of a cross or block bottom, wherein for gluing the side parts at least one gluing or bonding agent activatable after the application is provided, which is applied continuously at least from a side fold line up to at least the opposite side fold line of the side parts.

Abstract: An inflatable packaging element is disclosed herein. The inflatable packaging element includes a first film ply and second film ply overlayed on the first ply, and a seal pattern. The seal pattern has a plurality of seals sealing the first and second plies to each other to define an inflation chamber between the first and second plies. The inflation chamber is inflatable with and configured to contain a fluid. An aperture extends through at least one of the first or second ply, and the seal pattern separates opposite side of the aperture from the inflation chamber.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a container made of glass or hard plastic having a container neck (52) with a plurality of external thread elements (53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58), which are offset circumferentially relative to one another, as thread segments. The container can be closed by means of the thread segments by a closure cap made of metal sheet, wherein the closure cap (1, 2) has a circumferential plastic layer (30;30h,30v) on the inside of the cap and on the rim of the cap which has a sealing and retaining action. The closure cap can be pressed onto the container neck (52) and over the thread elements (53, 54, 55, . . . ) during closure and a vertical portion (30v) of the plastic layer can be opened with a rotary movement relative to the thread segments (53, 54, 55, . . . ). The container neck (52) has an upper horizontal end face (52a) as an annular surface which is adapted and suitable to be pressed into a horizontal portion (30 h) of the plastic layer (30;30h,30v) of the closure cap (1.

Abstract: A pour spout device including a lid and a vented pour spout for improving the sealing of an opening of a wide-mouthed jar or container. The lid has a cover and a threaded outer wall, and a seal ring track on the inner side of the cover, having an inner boundary defined by a plurality of retaining ribs spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall of the lid. An annular seal is removably secured within the seal ring track and is retained by the plurality of retaining ribs. Each quadrant of the inner side of the lid has at least one of the arcuate-shaped retaining ribs, each having an outer-facing surface that retains the inside edge of all four quadrants of the annular seal from being biased laterally out of the seal ring track when the annular seal is squeezed between the lid and the upper rim of the container.

Abstract: A child resistant closure for a container including an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion includes internal threads, a plurality of ramped springs, and a plurality of inner drive teeth. The plurality of ramped springs are spaced apart circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the closure. The plurality of inner drive teeth are spaced apart circumferentially about the longitudinal axis outboard of the plurality of ramped springs. The outer portion is seated over the inner portion and includes a plurality of protrusions spaced apart circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and configured to contact the plurality of ramped springs. The outer portion also includes a plurality of outer drive teeth spaced apart circumferentially about the longitudinal axis outboard of the plurality of protrusions and configured to contact the plurality of inner drive teeth.

Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to an internal cover/vent handle arrangement, in association with a container, such as a 5 gallon bucket with a slanted sidewall for evacuating air volume above stored material. The disclosure relates to a squeeze-actuated vent valve arrangement arranged and configured to be easily operated even while deeply recessed in the bucket. The disclosure also relates to a deflectable outer seal arrangement configured to seal against a slanted sidewall of a bucket.

Abstract: An administration unit for a composition comprising a container intended for accommodating the composition and having an opening and a cap for closing the opening. The cap has a projecting separating region to separate off a part of the composition. Mutually corresponding connection means are provided on the container and cap and allow the cap to be connectable to the container in a first storage position and a second separating position, wherein the cap is connectable to the container in the first storage position in such a manner that the opening is closed thereby and the separating region extends essentially along a container outer wall and wherein the cap is connectable to the container in the second separating position in such a manner that the separating region projects from the container, in order to allow a user to guide the separating region by means of the container.

Abstract: A combination cap and work support system includes a lower section configured to connect to a container and an upper section configured to provide a desired support to an object. The upper section includes multiple apices and at least one ridge. The system may be included as part of a kit that includes a container and may include applicators and other accessories. The system may be manufactured with various molding processes, including multi-shot molding and multi-cavity molds. The system may be utilized by placement upon a work surface and then placing an object upon an apex or ridge thereof, to support the object above the work surface.

Abstract: A disposable food container is configured with a lid that enables similar containers to be securely stacked and enables easy verification that loaded and stacked containers contain utensils and/or condiments.

Abstract: A group lock box includes a box body and a door in which the door is shaped to have a recess that extends into an internal volume of the box body. The recess permits unique user locks that secure the door to the body to be partially received in the recess, which can make the locks not project as much from the outside of the box, thereby placing the locks closer to the center of gravity of the box. Among other things, this can make carrying the box with locks attached less unwieldy and can slim the overall profile of the group lock box with locks attached.

Abstract: Disclosed is an airtight container having a deformable cover unit or a deformable container unit, which ensures easy maintenance of the cover unit and allows the cover unit to be easily used with a large-capacity fixed container unit, or which includes an expandable accommodating space or an expandable inlet to accommodate various sizes of storage items therein in an airtight manner. The airtight container includes a deformable cover unit for useable with a fixed container unit. Alternatively, the airtight container includes first and second frames pivotably connected to each other so as to be selectively coupled to or come into contact with each other in order to seal a contact or coupling portion therebetween, and a deformable container unit disposed over the frames and configured to provide an accommodating space for a storage item therein. The first and second frames are disposed along the inlet rim of the container unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminate for retort packaging that can be applied to a retort packaging container having excellent bag drop strength at low temperature, and a container that uses this laminate for retort packaging. A laminate for retort packaging (10), wherein a sealant layer (21) is formed of a resin that is composed mainly of a polyethylene resin composition composed of at least 30% by mass but not more than 50% by mass of a high-density polyethylene, at least 40% by mass but not more than 50% by mass of a linear low-density polyethylene, and at least 10% by mass but not more than 20% by mass of a high-pressure low-density polyethylene.

Abstract: A flat cardboard blank forms tubular envelope type packaging for a pack of jars. The blank extends substantially along a plane formed by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, where the plane further defines a packaging axis substantially perpendicular to the plane. The blank includes: tubular-blank panels including at least one top panel, two lateral panels, a base panel, a unit for securely attaching for closing the expanded blank on itself; cut lines, slot lines and score lines between the tubular-blank panels for folding the tubular-blank panels, expanding the blank and shaping the packaging of the pack; and a spacing/bracing part connected to the tubular-blank panels by cut lines, detachable from the tubular-blank panels when the packaging of the pack is shaped for being arranged and expanded into the bracing spacer and forming bracing walls of the braced jars on the lateral walls.

Abstract: A packaging comprising a plastic foil molded part and a cover foil, wherein the plastic foil molded part defines the front side of the packaging and the cover foil defines the back side of the packaging and the cover foil is based on a carrier substrate provided with a semitransparent function layer, wherein the semitransparent function layer is constituted such that the cover foil has a first, visually recognizable color upon viewing in incident light and has a second, visually recognizable color upon viewing in transmitted light.

Abstract: An air cushioning material includes: a belt-like part between a first and second air cells into which air is sealed, wherein side edges of the first and second air cells are connected to each other via the belt-like part; and an air flow passage that is formed in the belt-like part and communicates the first and second air cells, wherein at least a part including the air flow passage in the belt-like part is in a shape folded in a way from the first air cell to the second air cell.

Abstract: An angle protector for preventing damage to goods during transport and methods of use are provided. The angle protector includes a top end, base end, corner portion, top portion, and base portion. The corner portion includes an inside surface and an outside surface. The corner portion is positioned between the top end and the base end. The top portion extends between the corner portion and the top end. The top portion includes an arch and at least one fin. The arch includes a generally convex outside surface and a generally concave inside surface. The arch extends between the top end and the corner portion. The at least one fin extends at an angle toward the top end from the generally concave inside surface of the arch. The base portion includes an inside surface and an outside surface. The base portion extends between the corner portion and the base end.

Abstract: A transport container for radioactive and other dangerous materials and comprising an outer impact protective steel container in which an inner container is mounted, and in which an impact absorbing cradle is positioned, wherein the cradle is structured to carry a materials containment vessel and comprises a supporting band structure formed around a vertical axis of the cradle, wherein the cradle further has a plurality of wire loops each of which is configured with an inner vertical leg, and outer vertical leg spaced radially outwardly from said inner vertical leg, a top span connecting the legs at their upper ends, and a bottom span connecting the legs at their lower ends, wherein the inner vertical legs are affixed to an outer surface of the band structure within which a containment vessel is mounted, wherein each inner and outer leg pair and an axis of the cradle lie in a common radial plane and whereby the loops are spaced peripherally around the band structure.

Abstract: A closure includes an overcap having an annular skirt, and an annular wall extending inwardly from the skirt. A lid is carried by the overcap radially within the annular skirt, and includes a hub, and an annular margin extending radially outwardly with respect to the hub, and having upper and lower surfaces. An annular container seal extends circumferentially continuously around the annular margin. One or more vents may extend through the annular margin between the upper and lower surfaces thereof at one or more discrete circumferential locations radially inward with respect to the container seal. One or more vent seals may be disposed at the one or more vents between the lid and the overcap.

Abstract: A nested insulated packaging assembly comprising an outer box and a thermal liner. The outer box includes an outer top side wall, an outer bottom side wall, and a plurality of outer lateral side walls. The thermal liner includes a terminal top end, a bend line, a top fold defined between the terminal top end and the bend line, and a back fold. The top fold is foldable relative to the back fold at the bend line. The back fold contacts one of the outer lateral side walls of the outer box. The thermal liner includes a thermal control material extending across the bend line.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a food container assembly having a removable internal dispensing bag or enclosure. Food product(s) such as baby food, liquids or other product(s) or material can be loaded and/or stored in the internal enclosure, which is then enclosed within an external protective enclosure, with an opening for access to product(s) stored in the internal enclosure. Straws, spoons, or other utensils can be used. The external enclosure can include snap fits or other connections to enclose the external enclosure around the internal enclosure, so that the internal enclosure can be accessed and removed for washing, reloading of food, or other handling. The external enclosure or other bag or enclosure can include a pocket for an ice pack or insulation. The external enclosure can protect against mold, fungus, or other spoilage or contamination, and can be used repeatedly to enclose bags storing various food products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an invention related to a gas cylinder safety valve. The disclosed gas cylinder safety valve includes a valve part configured to discharge gas with which a main body is filled and a gas blocking part disposed in the valve part and configured to block a gas flow path in accordance with a pressure inside the main body, wherein the gas blocking part includes a blocking operation part disposed in the valve part, a blocking pin member disposed to be slidable in the blocking operation part and configured to selectively block the gas flow path, and a separation preventing cap coupled to the blocking operation part and configured to prevent separation of the blocking pin member.

Abstract: A pressurized dispensing system includes a plastic bottle. The plastic bottle includes a crimp ring extending outwardly from a finish of the bottle, with first and second sealing projections extending from an upper surface of the crimp ring. A slot extends inwardly from an outer surface of the crimp ring, with the slot including a first section adjacent to the upper surface that is a further distance from an axis of the bottle than the second sealing projection is positioned from the axis of the bottle. The slot forms a passageway for gas to be released from the bottle when the system is heated. A valve is crimped to the crimp ring and a gasket is positioned between the upper surface and the valve such that a seal is formed between the bottle and valve.

Abstract: A cigarette pack with an outer pack (10) in the embodiment as a hinge lid box and with an inner pack (11) as a sealed block is provided with an opening tab (21) for the inner pack (11) and with a closure label (23) for actuating the opening tab (21). The closure label (23) is fixed on the inner side of a lid front wall (34) by means of an actuating tab (28) and is movable with the lid (30) into the opening position. Pressure members (45, 46) cause the closure label (23) to be pressed with regions of glue onto the inner side of the lid front wall (34).

Abstract: A container comprises a housing 12 that comprises a box 14 and a lid 20 that is hingedly attached to the box. The lid 20 comprises a front wall 24 that has an inner surface 22, an outer surface 26 and a bottom edge. The box comprises a front wall 16 that has an upper edge 21 and an access region 62. At least some portion of the upper edge 21 of the box is formed by at least some portion of the access region 62. The container also comprises an inner package 30 disposed at least partially within the housing and at least partially defining an interior volume for housing consumer goods. The inner package 30 comprises a first layer 40 and a second layer 50. The first layer 40 comprises a flap 44 which is attached to the inner surface of the lid and is configured to be releasably attached to a sealing region 72 of the second layer 50 to open and close the inner package by opening and closing the lid of the container.

Abstract: A device for storing and/or for transporting preferably substantially vertically oriented, panel-shaped objects, in particular insulating glass elements, having support planes and having compartment delimiters which delimit compartments, wherein the support planes delimit a support region. At least parts of compartment delimiters can be moved into an operative position in which parts engage through the support planes and project into the support region, with the result that compartment delimiters form compartments for panel-shaped objects in the support region with their parts which project into the support region. Compartment delimiters can be moved out of the operative position into a standby position in which compartment delimiters are arranged outside of the support region. Compartment delimiters are arranged adjustably on positioning bars and can be fixed in a form- and/or force-fitting manner on positioning bars against adjustment.

Abstract: A system for producing beverages comprising a capsule fixed to a reinforcement element, for example a reinforcement ring or a container that encloses the capsule, and a method for producing such a system for obtaining beverages. The reinforcement element comprises an upper annular edge to which the lid of the capsule is fixed. There is no filtering thermoformable material of the capsule between the upper annular edge and the lid of the capsule.

Abstract: Fitment assembly (10) for a container comprising in its inside volume a coffee ingredient, the fitment assembly (10) comprising: an inlet chamber (120) to accommodate an inflow of fluid for flowing through the coffee ingredient to extract a coffee beverage; a tertiary active chamber (231) on one of the sides of the fitment assembly (10) to where extracted coffee fluid together with the coffee ingredient particles is conveyed and a tertiary passive chamber (232) on the reverse side of the fitment assembly (10) to where the extracted coffee fluid after having been filtered is conveyed; a primary filter element (11) filtering the extracted coffee fluid coming from the tertiary active chamber (231) and flowing into the tertiary passive chamber (232) in such a way that only the fluid can go through and into the tertiary passive chamber (232) while the particles of coffee ingredient are retained in the tertiary active chamber (231); and an outlet duct (12) arranged in such a way that the extracted coffee beverage f

Abstract: A mobile oilfield material transfer unit includes a chassis having a gooseneck and support base, the support base including a first portion and second portion, and the chassis further comprising a rear axle suspension system coupled with at least two wheels for movably supporting the chassis. The mobile oilfield material transfer unit further includes an erecting mast assembly having a mast movably connected with the chassis proximate to the second portion, and an actuator system coupled with the mast and with the chassis for moving the mast between a horizontal position and a vertical position. At least two vertical conveyor assemblies may be coupled with the erecting mast and moveable between the horizontal position and the vertical position, and at least two horizontal conveyor systems may be coupled with the support frame and engageable with the at least two vertical conveyor assemblies.

Abstract: A cargo container includes a base, side walls and a rear wall on the base and a top attached to the side walls and the rear wall. A door frame is attached to the base, the side walls and the top. A fabric panel is provided on or in the door frame. Left and right cable rings are provided at left and right lower corners of the fabric panel. Left and right door posts are positioned at left and right lower corners of the door frame. A cable in or on the fabric panel is attached to or extends around the left and right cable rings. A cable tensioner tensions the cable to secure the fabric panel in closed position in the door frame.

Abstract: A containment basin comprising a plurality of interlocking modular panels, wherein said modular panel are free-standing. The interlocking modular panel for use in a containment basin, comprise: a base section; and a side section; wherein said base section panel and side section panel being fixedly connected to one another at an edge and comprising a plurality of rib elements bridging the side section and base section.

Abstract: A device for manually compacting waste, including a support plate and left-hand and right-hand lateral uprights secured to the support plate and delimiting a central space to accept a waste container. The device also includes a left-hand lever fixed pivotingly to the left-hand lateral upright about a pivot axis, and a right-hand lever fixed pivotingly to the right-hand lateral upright about a pivot axis, with the pivot axes arranged parallel to one another. The device further includes a thrust bar having a lower end fixed to a compression plate and connected to the left-hand and/or right-hand lever by a connector capable of sliding along the left-hand and/or right-hand lever to act on the thrust bar under lever action so as to move toward/away from the ground to allow the compression plate to be brought closer to and respectively further away from the support plate from a position of equilibrium.

Abstract: An in-ground apparatus includes a receptacle and a molded plastic liner into which it is placed. The liner has a tapering body to permit stacking. The lower margin includes a set of seats for anchor fittings in the form of re-bar prongs that, when installed, extend radially outwardly from the liner. The prongs, are located upwardly of the bottom edge of the liner so that they are embedded above and below when concrete is poured around the bottom of the liner. The bottom edge of the liner is folded upwardly and inwardly to form a V-shaped channel. The anchor fittings seats include a cylindrical wall sealed from the inside of the liner. The top of the liner may have a seat for the receptacle, a rim, and an external concrete frost break extending around the rim. The rim has reinforcing blisters.

Abstract: A lid retaining device adapted to secure the lid of a container. The device adapted for receipt on the container and for contact with a mechanical arm of a garbage truck, wherein a grasping force applied to the device will move the device from a closed position to an open position. The device having a lid retaining means with an adjustable height, the height adapted to allow the lid be retained at a position that is not completely closed.

Abstract: A method and device for positively identifying that a dump event of a refuse container has occurred into a refuse hopper of a refuse vehicle are provided. When used with route software, alerts may be generated if a specific refuse container is missed or if an unexpected dump event occurs during the route.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety system for use with a refuse collection vehicle having a refuse storage body and a front cabin, the system operating to detect the presence of an object or person in the vicinity of the vehicle and communicate with a lifting operation system. The vehicle has a lifting mechanism for engagement with a refuse bin, the lifting operation system operable to move the lifting mechanism between a lowered position at which the bin is on the ground in front of the vehicle and a raised position for discharge of the bin contents into the interior of the refuse storage body.

Abstract: A multi-compartment, sweeper-type rear loading refuse packer, in which a single pack blade is pivotally connected to a multi-section sweep blade. Only a single pack blade is needed to move all the sections of the sweep blade toward the compartments. As the type of refuse in each compartment is different and must be offloaded separately, especially in a three-compartment system, two anti-spill plates are provided for selective blocking of the lower portion of the outer two compartments. Seal plates can also be provided for selective blocking of the upper portion of the outer two compartments, whereby an anti-spill plate and paired seal plate confront and close the opening of the associated refuse compartment when the compaction unit is pivoted to the ejection position.

Abstract: A storage and handling system for elongated tubing and bar stocks comprises a storage rack having cantilever arms. A material storage pallet is supported by the cantilever arms. The pallet is formed by a single-layer tubular frame having a pair of inset fork tubes to receive the tines of a forklift and which directly support loads carried on the pallet. A plurality of vertically-oriented receiving holes are disposed in transversely-aligned rows across the length of the pallet to receive a plurality of organizer pins that restrain therebetween elongated raw materials stacked transversely on the pallet. The system may be paired with a roller cart configured to transfer one of the pallets to and from the storage rack.

Abstract: A warehousing system for storing and retrieving goods disposed in containers is provided. The system includes a multilevel storage array including an array of storage shelves for holding containers thereon, at least one substantially continuous lift for transporting containers to and from at least one level of the storage array, at least one transport vehicle located on the at least one level and configured to traverse a transport area transporting containers between the at least one continuous lift and container storage locations so that the at least one continuous lift communicates non-deterministically, via the transport vehicle, with storage locations of each of the storage shelves on the at least one level, an infeed transport system linked to the at least one continuous lift, and an order fulfillment station for generating order containers corresponding to customer orders where the order containers are entered onto the storage shelves of the storage array.

Abstract: A method in an automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse configured to store bins at predetermined positions within said automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse, the method comprising receiving a bin at a port of said automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse and scanning an identity tag attached to said bin to obtain a bin ID.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system includes transferring a first item storage container from an aisle to a first region of a first storage location, positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container, interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between, and applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location.

Abstract: A mesh-like conveyor belt is capable of varying in width and shape as it travels. The conveyor belt comprises a plurality of links, joints, and control elements. The joints connect the links to each other and allow the links to change their orientation within the conveying surface of the conveyor belt. The plurality of links and joints allow the conveyor belt to vary in width, shape, trajectory, and surface speed while in motion. The conveyor belt also includes control elements, built into the structure of the belt that are capable of engaging with external guides. When the conveyor belt is in motion, the control elements engage with and follow the paths determined by external guides thereby controlling the shape of the belt.