Abstract: A cup lid may comprise a main body having a cup edge at an outer periphery thereof. An upper surface of the main body has a cover comprising a concave upper surface, and a first end and a second end are respectively formed at two opposed edges of the concave upper surface at corresponding positions. A concave sip portion formed adjacent to the first end, and a plane surface is formed at a bottom portion of the sip portion. A flippable sealing member extends from the plane surface, and a sip-through opening is formed overlapped with the sealing member. A month-contact portion is formed adjacent to the first end, and a height difference formed between the month-contact portion and the sip-through opening is configured to prevent the overflow of beverage when drinking.

Abstract: A closure for a container is provided with a top portion and a skirt depending from an outer periphery of the top portion. A generally circular rim extends downwards from the lower surface of the top portion. A liner is attached to the closure between an outer surface of the rim and an inner surface of the skirt. The liner is configured to provide a fluid tight seal for containers having varied neck dimensions and/or profiles. One or more projections extend into a space formed between the lower surface of the top portion, an inner surface of the skirt, and an outer surface of the rim, with the liner enveloping and being supported in the closure by the one or more projections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a container closure that prevents accidental initial opening of a container. The closure mechanism includes at least one temporary interlocking mechanism having a two part fastener that engages the moveable part of the closure with the fixed part of the closure. The temporary interlocking mechanism is invisible when the container is closed. It is positioned in a location different from the location of the orifice of the closure or from the path that the liquid follows during dispensing. This temporary interlocking mechanism includes at least one element that breaks or irreversibly deforms during the initial opening of the container. The additional force required to break or to irreversibly deform the breakable or irreversibly deformable element of the temporary interlocking mechanism during the first opening mitigates the risk of accidental opening during manufacturing, shipment or storage of the goods.

Abstract: A packaging container that can be easily disassembled is provided at low cost. The packaging container is formed by a laminate including a base layer being folded into a box shape and each end thereof being overlapped to be sealed with each other, the laminate having a fragile part formed thereon. The laminate further has, for example, a film layer, and includes, as a fragile part, a first scored part formed on a base layer and a second scored part formed on a film in a 2.0-mm-wide band area with the first scored part being a widthwise center.

Abstract: A multilayer pouch with heat-shrinkable layer is described. The pouch comprises a first wall; a second wall; a perimeter comprising a first edge and a second edge opposing the first edge; and a product space positioned between the first wall, the second wall, and the perimeter. The pouch is configured to fully enclose the product space. The first wall comprises a first wall first layer having a machine direction shrinkage value of greater than 5% shrink at 90° C., a first wall second layer having a machine direction Gurley stiffness force of at least 800 mgf and a machine direction shrinkage value at 90° C. of less than the machine direction shrinkage value of the first wall first layer at 90° C., a first wall pattern connection, and a first wall air inlet. The first wall first layer is interior the first wall second layer. Various embodiments of the pouch are also described.

Abstract: A pull tab assembly is described for condiment dispensers such that one or more pull tabs are disposed on a dispenser. An alternative teaches opposing pull tab assemblies placed on either end of a condiment dispenser. A slanted edge associated with the pull tab facilitates the opening of the dispenser. Another embodiment teaches acute angle dispensing devices and alternatively having a flap about the acute angle dispensing devices.

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 package containing a plurality of disposable absorbent articles, the package being formed of flexible polymeric film, and having a path of perforations or scoring defining a hood opening structure is disclosed. The hood may be configured so as to serve as an effective package reclosure device whereby the package may be used to store the unused supply of articles following opening.

Abstract: A flexible laminate suitable for forming a package (10) having a reclosable flap (12) is provided that includes pressure sensitive adhesive (34) extending in a periphery region past a reseal margin (42) for the flap (12) and on an opposite side therefrom for joining an outer and inner layer (30, 36) of the laminate together, whether directly or indirectly. The pressure sensitive adhesive (34) can overlie a permanent adhesive (32) in the periphery region, or directly join the outer and inner layers of the laminate together. The use of pressure sensitive adhesive (34) in the region can reduce the tight registration needed for cutting the outer layer (30) to define an outward layer of the flap (12), thereby reducing the chances for cutting into a portion of the outer layer (30) joined only by permanent adhesive (32) to the inner layer (36).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal fitment, method of assembling the universal fitment, and method of dispensing liquids using such universal fitment. The universal fitment of the present invention has features to engage a quick-connect-disconnect dispensing connector or a screw-on connector dispensing connector for the dispensing of liquids and semi-liquids from a collapsible bag.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for restraining an object includes a base plate, an attachment plate, and a securing element. The base plate may include guides into which protrusions of the attachment plate slide to alter the positioning apparatus from an open position to a closed position. The base plate also includes receivers to receive tubular members, which have their movement restrained by the receivers and the securing elements in the closed position. The positioning apparatus may also include a latch to help maintain the closed position during operation.

Abstract: A woven laminated plastic bag having features that further prevent leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag is provided. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container of storing packets of edible items. The container comprises a plurality of compartments for storing one kind of packet in each compartment, the compartments having an opening configured thereon; a lid having a handle, the lid being configured to selectively facilitate a ejection of at least one packet when the handle is operated by a user; and a biasing means configured at an operative bottom edge of the plurality of compartments, the biasing means configured to provide an upward push to the packets, thereby facilitating the ejection of the packets from the opening when the handle is operated by the user.

Abstract: An envelope generally comprises a sandwich of layers comprising an outer layer, outer plastic film layers affixed to the outer layer, a ceramic fiber layer, a radiant barrier layer, and one or more plastic film layers affixed to an obverse or reverse side of the radiant barrier layer. The sandwich of layers is folded over unto itself at the bottom and sealed at the sides so as to form an envelope, and the top closure being formed by folding the top downward over the folded lower portion. In other embodiments, the sandwich of layers comprises an outer radiant barrier layer and an inner radiant barrier layer, first, second, and third plastic film layers, and a ceramic fiber layer. In some embodiments, the envelope comprises a mesh layer.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting and storing post-harvest fruits, vegetables and other perishable commodities under controlled atmospheric conditions is provided. One or more transportable vacuum containers are packed with the perishable commodity. Thereafter, the controlled atmospheric condition is created within the container. The atmospheric condition is maintained while the container is transported from one location to another. Part of the controlled atmospheric condition includes the formation of a vacuum within the container. Internal structure is provided within the container to resist collapse of the container when the vacuum is formed therein. A plurality of containers can be provided. A central control, coupled to each of the containers can be provided to maintain the desired atmospheric condition within each of the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (100) for the storage of products sensitive to the degree of humidity (5), in which are arranged at least two adjacent inner spaces (2, 3) having atmospheres (20, 30) in them that are connected via a plurality of atmosphere connection and exchange elements, particularly bridges, in order to have a unified overall atmosphere (230), having only a defined degree of humidity without local humidity gradients, and that cannot be influenced by the outside atmosphere (Aa), whereby one (2) of the two inner spaces (2, 3), namely that provided for the long term reception and storage of the products sensitive to the degree of humidity (5) whose quality is to be preserved in full, preferably has a substantially cubic shape with flat inner walls (201 to 204) or with a substantially cylindrical concave shape in order to form a substantially self-contained complete wall (200), against the outside atmosphere and having a substantially higher volume, than the at least one other flat inner s

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a portable paste dispenser having a container for storing paste, the container having a cylindrical part and a conical part, a nozzle at the end of the conical part, a piston, disposed inside the cylindrical part of the container, and a shaft connected to the piston, the shaft having a limited foldability so that when the shaft is pushed towards the piston, it still is able to move the piston along the cylindrical part, where the piston includes foldable bellows walls, thereby upon applying force on the piston, the piston straightens up, resulting in a conical form correspondingly to the conical part, thereby allowing fully emptying the container.

Abstract: An example container includes a plurality of package segments, each having a respective conductive lead that is interrupted when its package segment is opened. The container includes a signaling source configured to provide two signals that are distinguishable from each other. A presence of one or both of the signals on a shared return line indicates whether one of the package segments has been opened.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a container sized to fit multiple high voltage light emitting diode (LED) lightbulbs, adding multiple loose high voltage LED lightbulbs to the container to fill the container, and sealing the container, such that the container contains a higher density of high voltage LED light bulbs than a same sized container can hold protective packaged equivalent watt incandescent bulbs.

Abstract: Disclosed are display containers (e.g., for packaging food items). Certain embodiments of the container are stackable and include a cover portion of the container having a non-flat presentation surface, and one or more stacking recesses defined between the non-flat presentation surface and at least one of the one or more cover body sides. A base portion of the container can include a mating surface shaped to mate with a portion of the non-flat presentation surface when stacked on a corresponding bottom container such that an inside of the corresponding bottom container can be viewed through the non-flat presentation surface of the bottom container. The base body can include one or more stacking feet extending from the base body and configured to insert into the one or more stacking recesses when stacked on the cover portion of the corresponding bottom container such that the one or more stacking feet engage the cover portion.

Abstract: A granulated nutritional supplement dispensing machine extracts single-serving doses from a multi-serving supplements cartridge for delivery as a drinkable solution. A lead serving chamber is pierced so that its powered contents drain into a mixing cup together with a metered quantity of water from an integrated water tank. A vibrator unit assists drainage of the granulated materials from the lead serving chamber. The mixing cup is rotated at high speed to blend the water and supplements into a slurry. The supplements cartridge is indexed after (or before) use so that an unopened serving chamber is presented each time for extracting its supplements. This enables partially-used supplements cartridges to be used in the machine, as is conducive in multiple-user households. The supplements cartridge is configured with read-write data capability to indicate whether or not the contents of each serving chamber have been emptied.

Abstract: A barrel is capable of vacuum loading and unloading, gravity unloading and loading, and pneumatic unloading. A roll-off skid is coupled to the barrel.

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 front frame is attached to the base, the side walls and the top. Left and right swing out doors are pivotally attached to the left and right sides of the front frame. A roll up door is attached to a top of the front frame, in between the left and right swing out doors. The container may be loaded and unloaded with the swing out doors and the roll up door open, providing a maximum size front opening, or with the swing out doors closed and the roll up door open, providing a reduced size front opening equal to the width of the roll up door.

Abstract: A robotic picking device for picking items from a containerised storage system is described. The items are stored in storage bins in stacks within a framework having a grid system disposed above the stacks of bins. Robotic picking devices are disposed on the grid, the devices acting to pick containers from the stacks of bins. The storage system is provided with at least one picking device for picking items from bins and depositing them directly in delivery containers DT.

Abstract: A self-contained guide track is formed by first guide tracks and second guide tracks of a rack level and each track section of the closed guide track is determined from an intersection point of one of the first guide tracks with one of the second guide tracks to the next intersection point of one of the first guide tracks with one of the second guide tracks and the at least one rail vehicle is configured to be controlled on the track sections of the closed guide track during storing and removing the items in a main direction in the form of a roundabout such that the track section of the closed guide track, on which more than one rail vehicle is located, is used by the rail vehicles only in the main direction.

Abstract: An example system includes a robotic device deployed in a warehouse environment including a plurality of inventory items. The system also includes a camera coupled to the robotic device, configured to capture image data. The system also includes a computing system configured to receive the captured image data. The computing system is configured to, based on the received image data, generate a navigation instruction for navigation of the robotic device. The computing system is also configured to analyze the received image data to detect one or more on-item visual identifiers corresponding to one or more inventory items. The computing system is further configured to, for each detected visual identifier, (i) determine a warehouse location of the corresponding inventory item, (ii) compare the determined warehouse location to an expected location, and (iii) initiate an action based on the comparison.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle for transferring case units to and from predefined storage areas in an automated case unit storage system, the automated case unit storage system including an array of multilevel storage racks with picking aisles passing therebetween and at least one multilevel vertical conveyor having movable shelves, the autonomous transport vehicle including a frame configured to traverse the picking aisles and a transfer deck connecting the picking aisles to the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor for transferring case units between the predefined storage areas and the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor, and a controller connected to the frame, the controller being configured to effect movement of the autonomous transport vehicle through the picking aisles for accessing each storage area within a respective level of the array of multilevel storage racks and each shelf of the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor.

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 pick device and a picking system for picking a plurality of packages, the pick device including a rotatable housing and gripper arms extending radially from the housing. The picking system includes a plurality of storage tubes adjacent the pick device and a nest moveable with pick device from one tube to another tube.

Abstract: A system for pickup of assembled grocery orders is described herein. The system includes a plurality of color-coded drive-through lanes, a plurality of check-in units with each check-in unit being associated with a corresponding color-coded drive through lane and including a computer check-in device, a plurality of color-coded cashier workstations, an assembly line system configured to deliver grocery items to each of the plurality of color-coded cashier workstations, and a computing system. The computer system includes a processor programmed to receive a check-in notification from a computer check-in device, identify a color-coded drive through lane associated with the computer check-in device, identify a grocery order associated with the check-in notification, and operate the assembly line system to deliver grocery items included in the identified grocery order to a corresponding color-coded cashier workstation associated with the identified color-coded drive through lane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for guiding and pivoting bodies via sliding the bodies through the device. The device is produced using a generative manufacturing method. A system includes at least two of the devices arranged in parallel, a conveyor device, and a control device. The control device controls the conveyor device responsive to receiving a control command and feeds bodies selectively to one of the devices. A treatment line for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers includes a process path, a preform storage unit, a preform oven of a stretch blow-molding machine, and the device arranged between the preform storage unit and the preform oven. A treatment line for PET containers includes a process path, a container closure storage unit, a closing unit for closing the PET containers, and the device arranged between the container closure storage unit and the closing unit.

Abstract: A blind spacer assembly may comprise an outer sleeve and a pin located through the outer sleeve. A first and second pawl may be configured to rotate about the pin. A collar may be coupled to the outer sleeve and located over the pin. A nut may be located in the outer sleeve. A screw may be in threaded engagement with the nut.

Abstract: A modular conveyor, comprising a plurality of modules successive in transport direction, each comprising a body part with a transport surface for transporting products thereon, which body part during use is hingedly coupled via a hinge pin to the body part of a successive module. The successive modules are adjustable from an assembly position to an operative position. In the working position the hinge pin can be introduced from outside of the body parts into a receiving space formed by the successive modules or can be taken out of that receiving space to outside of the body parts due to that the hinge pin is released by the body parts to move in longitudinal direction and/or transverse direction of its longitudinal axis. In the operative position the hinge pin is retained in the receiving space formed by the body parts of the successive modules due to that the movement of the hinge pin both in longitudinal direction and in transverse direction of its longitudinal axis is limited by the body parts.

Abstract: A linear conveyor includes a plurality of modules constituting a conveyance path and a slider that travels along the conveyance path. The linear conveyor includes at least one relay unit disposed across adjacent modules. The modules are configured such that each of the modules has first and second module-side connection sections provided at both ends in a direction along the conveyance path, the modules being connected in a row along the conveyance path. The relay unit includes a first unit-side connection section that is connected to the second module-side connection section of one of a set of the adjacent modules, a second unit-side connection section that is connected to the first module-side connection section of the other of the set of the adjacent modules, and a first circuit that electrically connects the first and second unit-side connection sections to each other.

Abstract: A separating apparatus (10) for separating crossed hooks (21a-d) of overhead conveyor units (2a-d) includes a conveying cylinder (1) having a recess (11) which forms a helical thread (12) with helix base (121) and helix flanks (122, 123) for the conveyance of the hooks (21a-d). The conveying cylinder (1) includes at least, one wing-shaped separating element (13), which extends over a partial circumference of the conveying cylinder (1) and protrudes in the radial direction from the peripheral surface of the conveying cylinder (1), wherein the separating element (13), by rotation of the conveying cylinder (1), is insertable between two hooks (21a-d) resting on the conveying cylinder (1).

Abstract: A screw conveyor to convey powdery material, in particular cement. The screw conveyor comprises: a transfer screw; and a trough containing the transfer screw; the trough being provided with an inlet section and an outlet section of the powdery material. The screw conveyor is characterized in that the screw comprises: at least a first screw portion having a first law of continuous variation of the pitches of the screw, which can be graphically represented by means of a first function having in at least one stretch a first derivative other than zero; and at least a second screw portion having a second law of continuous variation of the pitches of the screw, which can be graphically represented by a second function having in at least one stretch a first derivative other than zero. The first law of continuous variation of the pitches is different from the second law of continuous variation of the pitches.

Abstract: A bulk material shipping conveyor including a support assembly, a housing connected to the support assembly, a conveyor belt assembly partially positioned in the housing, a motor assembly coupled to the conveyor belt assembly, a hopper assembly including a receiving assembly including a plurality of walls and at least one movable flap extending above at least one of the plurality of walls, a gate assembly including a door movable between an open position and a closed position, and a transition assembly including a plurality of spaced apart conveyor supports, wherein at least one of the spaced apart conveyor supports is rotated relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: An orienting apparatus configured to reorient an inventory item supplied to a packaging machine includes an inlet, an outlet having an aspect ratio less than one, a translation device, a vertically oriented guide, and an orienting guide. The translation guide drives the inventory item from the inlet towards the outlet. The vertically oriented guide is positioned between a first lateral side of the inlet and a first lateral side of the outlet. The orienting guide is positioned between a second lateral side of the inlet and a second lateral side the outlet. The vertically oriented guide and the orienting guide define a channel through which the inventory item is conveyed. The orienting guide interfaces with the inventory item to progressively reorient the inventory item as the inventory item is conveyed through the channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pneumatic distribution system configured to distribute a granular product to an agricultural implement includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a controller. The first pressure sensor is configured to be fluidly coupled to a storage tank configured to store the granular product and positioned upstream of the meter roller. The first pressure sensor is configured to output a first signal indicative of a first static pressure in the storage tank. The second pressure sensor is configured to be fluidly coupled to a component of the pneumatic distribution system, downstream of the meter roller. The second pressure sensor is configured to output a second signal indicative of a second static pressure downstream of the meter roller. The controller is communicatively coupled to the first pressure sensor and to the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: A transport system includes a transport track with a long stator of a linear motor and a plurality of transport elements for transporting containers. The transport elements are disposed movably on the transport track and have respectively a secondary part for magnetic interaction with the long stator. At least one sequence of magnets is arranged on the secondary part such that the respective transport element can be moved through magnetic interaction of the magnets with the long stator along the transport direction. An extension of at least the first and the last magnet in each sequence is reduced in a way that, and an arrangement of at least the first and the last magnet is chosen in a way that, the magnets of adjacent sequence ends of two successive transport elements occupy overlap-free areas in a direction that is perpendicular to the transport direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotary dumping of rail cars, including a material receiving pit. A rotary rail car dumper includes a rotational frame supporting at least one baffle. The rotational frame is configured to dump a load from a rail car during rotational motion of the rotational frame between an upright position wherein the entire load is in the rail car and a dumping position wherein the load can exit the rail car. A backside airflow diverter is located beneath the rotational frame and includes a curved upper surface. A lower margin of the at least one baffle contacts the curved upper surface during at least part of the rotational motion of the rotational frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that reduce release of dust generated during rotary dumping of rail cars in a dumping facility. The method includes removing dust laden air from a space bounded by a backside airflow diverter, a rotational frame, a first baffle and a second baffle while the rotational frame is rotating with a rail car by drawing the dust laden air through a secondary air intake that passes through the backside airflow diverter into a backside hood. A dust control apparatus includes a diverter, overlying a backside hood having a concave curved upper surface; and at least one secondary air intake positioned to pass through the diverter being located approximately where pressure in the backside hood remains neutral or negative relative to a pressure even there is a transient increase in air pressure in a lower portion of the backside hood.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dispensing sheets of material (e.g. tissues, wipes, towels, etc.) from a container or other suitable receptacle for storing the sheets of material for dispensing therefrom. The dispenser systems are integrated with storage and/or organizer, which are configured to be above, below, behind, or in front of a dispenser without affecting the dispensing function of the system. The dispensers can be used in a vertical position, capable of dispensing a sheet in a downward or upward direction when mounted on a wall, for example, or in a horizontal position, capable of dispensing a sheet sideways and/or popup direction. One of the advantages of these dispensers is that it allows a prior art flat top tissue box for use in a vertical position, i.e., standing up on its end, thereby taking even less horizontal space than the cubic tissue box.

Abstract: A sheet feed portion feeds a sheet by performing a pickup operation in a cycle in which a pickup rotary member is switched from a released state to a contact state and then switched to the released state. A detection unit detects the sheet at a position downstream of the sheet feed portion in the sheet feeding direction. A control unit is capable of executing a first feed mode in which a first feed process of carrying out a pickup operation is executed, or a second feed mode in which the first feed process is executed and then a second feed process of carrying out an additional pickup operation is executed. The mode to be executed is determined based on a time when the sheet is detected by the detection unit and a length of the sheet.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus including: a locking member having an abutment surface abutting a sheet to correct skew feed of the sheet; a holding member configured to hold the locking member to rotate from a waiting position when the locking member is pushed by the sheet; a roller pair configured to nip the sheet abutting the abutment surface; a first urging portion configured to urge the holding member to the waiting position; a movable support portion configured to support the locking member in a manner that the locking member is located a retracted position where the locking member contacts a surface of the sheet and allows the sheet to pass; and a second urging portion configured to urge the locking member to a position where the abutment surface abuts a succeeding sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet fed from a container; a trailing edge regulating plate, which is movable in a feeding direction inside the container, and is configured to regulate a trailing edge position of the sheet; a detector configured to automatically detect a sheet size based on the position of the trailing edge regulating plate; and a receiver configured to receive a size of the sheet to be set for the container as a user set size.

Abstract: Tape feeder holding device includes slide section on which a tape feeder can be slid, the tape feeder supplying electronic components by feeding tape housing the electronic components in a tape feeding direction; and sliding device configured to slide the tape feeder held in the slide section in the tape feeding direction, the sliding device being capable of sliding the tape feeder to a supply position at which the electronic components can be supplied from the tape feeder. That is, with the tape feeder holding device, a tape feeder is automatically attached to the tape feeder holding device.

Abstract: A paper rewinding machine includes a rewinding assembly operable to produce coreless retail paper rolls.

Abstract: A paper rewinding machine includes a rewinding assembly operable to produce coreless retail paper rolls.

Abstract: A paper rewinding machine includes a rewinding assembly operable to produce coreless retail paper rolls.