Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mechanism for releasably securing components of a spacecraft together during launch until such time as the mechanism is commanded to release those components. Upon command, the components are then released with extremely low shock forces being transmitted to the previously secured components due to the release.

Abstract: A payload interposer (PIP) system and its control software provide an interface between a space vehicle and a payload. The PIP board facilitates power and communications between a command and data handler (CDH) of the space vehicle and the payload. A microcontroller of the PIP board may control operation of the payload, format messages between the space vehicle and the payload, and extract data from the payload for downlink via the space vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for settling a product in a partially formed package. In one aspect, the invention comprises the steps: providing a partially formed package; filling the partially formed package with a product; and settling the product in the partially formed package. The settling step comprises rotating a paddle wheel comprising at least one paddle against the partially formed package. In a second aspect, the invention comprises an improved product settler for settling product in a partially formed package. The improved product settler comprises a paddle wheel. The paddle wheel comprises at least one paddle that is positioned to cause an impact against the partially formed package. The impact agitates the partially formed package and thereby settles the product.

Abstract: A food product gathering and dispensing system is disclosed. The food product is generally a flat disc shaped article dispensed onto a consumable strip of food product conveyer material. The food product is fed to single, or series related, spools that wind up the consumable conveyer material and food product into a removable roll. The roll is placed into a dispenser pack, optionally subject to further environmental treatment, and refrigeration. The pack is then installed within a refrigerated dispenser system where the food product and consumable material are collectively unwound and separated, as the food product is fed into a processing system, i.e., a cooking device. The consumable conveyer material is collected and separately discarded.

Abstract: Apparatus for winding, folding and stretching a film about a cosmetics container, includes a winding station, in which a film is wound about longitudinal walls of the container so as to form a tubular winding of the film, a sliding plane wound in the tubular winding of film, and a pushing device of a series of spaced paddles for pushing the enveloped container into the tubular winding of film along the sliding plane. A pair of wings are mounted and predisposed rotatably on a corresponding end of a paddle. The wings are rotated with respect to the paddle, so that the wings can first abut a backward portion of the ends of the tubular winding of film and, continuing in rotation with respect to the paddle, can fold and extend the backward portion against the heads of the container during the translation of the paddle above the sliding plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for faulting a carton containing a group of articles and a method of forming a carton. The apparatus comprises an article positioning system for positioning articles into a plurality of groups of articles and moving the groups of articles along a processing path, a blank handling apparatus for conveying a plurality of carton blanks towards the plurality of groups of articles, and a folding mechanism that is downstream of the blank handling apparatus for folding a portion of the ends of each respective carton blank downwardly around the respective group of articles.

Abstract: A conveyor and packaging system includes an upstream conveyor that transports stacks biscuits in a plurality of lanes into buckets of a bucket conveyor. The bucket conveyor transports the buckets in a direction perpendicular to the length of the buckets to a packaging area, where transfer devices transfer the biscuit stacks to an input of a packaging machine. The transfer device can transfer the stacks without use of an intermediary conveyor.

Abstract: A method of filling a hand held spray device is disclosed. The spray device includes a body having a reservoir. The method includes filling the reservoir with a first composition having a non-volatile silicone fluid, an antiperspirant active, an organoclay material, and at least one liquid activation enhancer having a Hansen Solubility Parameter for Hydrogen Bonding, ?h between about 2 and about 6 and a light transmittance value greater than 90%. The method further includes filling the reservoir with a liquid fragrance material after the reservoir is filled with the first composition to form an antiperspirant composition, attaching a valve to the body; and filling the reservoir with a propellant, wherein the hand held spray device has a propellant concentration after filling from about 30% to about 90% by weight of the total fill of materials within the reservoir and the non-volatile silicone fluid has a concentration from about 30% to about 70% by weight of the antiperspirant composition.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for charging an aerosol can with a compressed gas charge includes a base that is adapted for receiving a can that (i) houses a product and (ii) includes a means for injecting gas, such as a grommet or valve on the bottom of the container, and includes a compressed gas source, such as a pre-charged canister of compressed air, and air compressor, and/or an automatic or manual air pump. The can may be filled with at atmospheric pressure and then shipped while the can contains approximately atmospheric pressure. Upon receipt of the can, a user may charge the can with a compressed gas and repeat charging if needed after some of the product has been dispensed.

Abstract: A propellant filling apparatus (10) comprising a filling booth (11) for receiving within it one or more containers for filling with a propellant; a propellant inlet (12) to the filling booth (11) that is capable of supplying propellant into one or more containers within the filling booth (11) from a propellant supply; an inert gas inlet (13) supplying inert gas from an inert gas supply (14) into the filling booth (11), a discharge outlet (16) from the filling booth (11); an extraction fan (17) that is capable of adjusting its fan speed to maintain the pressure of gas in the filling booth (11) to be lower than atmospheric pressure; and an oxygen detector (27) that is capable of detecting levels of oxygen in the filling booth (11) and triggering circulation of inert gas in the filling booth (11) when the level of oxygen in the filling booth (11) falls below an oxygen threshold level.

Abstract: A vacuum device according to the present invention may comprise: a vacuum unit for suctioning air from inside a packaging back through a check valve of the packaging back, thereby generating a vacuum therein; and a clamping unit provided on the vacuum unit so as to clamp the packaging back such that the check valve of the packaging back airtightly communicates with an air suction portion of the vacuum unit.

Abstract: A packaging device for packaging products in batches, during which the products travel along a conveying direction in order to be packaged and related method. The batches include at least two products, arranged transversely to the conveying direction. The device includes a feeder for receiving products travelling in single file through an upstream pick-up area and conveying same to a set-down area for later packaging. The feeder includes: in the pick-up area, a transfer unit for transferring products arriving in single file to the unit; and at least one position-controlled movable collector for receiving and then moving at least one product in a controlled manner from the transfer unit to the set-down area. The device also includes a conveyor in the set-down area, on which the collector deposits the product collected from the pick-up area.

Abstract: Treating packaging as a pick item. Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a container size of a container for packaging one or more items. An identity of one or more items that are to be packaged into a container is received. Corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items are identified. A container size of the container is calculated based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items. The calculated container size is configured to accommodate all of the one or more items within the container. The container is produced, the container having at least the calculated size. In some embodiments, the container can then be sent to a pack station as a pick item.

Abstract: A carrier element for use in a packaging device is provided wherein the carrier element is connectable with at least one transport device of the packaging device. The carrier element comprises at least one receiving surface for receiving at least one package. The receiving surface comprises at least one suction opening for fixing the package by suction. The carrier element further comprises at least one pressure reservoir connected to the suction opening. The carrier element further comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure inside the pressure reservoir. A packaging device for packaging at least one product into at least one package is also disclosed. The packaging device comprises at least one carrier element and at least one transport device, wherein the carrier element is connected to the transport device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of introducing a sterilized product into a controlled environment. The sterilized product is enclosed in a substantially hermetically sealed first layer, which is enclosed in a substantially hermetically sealed second layer, which is enclosed in a substantially hermetically sealed third layer, which is enclosed in a substantially hermetically sealed fourth layer. The method includes removing the fourth layer in a first environment (having a first sterility), removing the third layer in a controlled second environment (having a predetermined second sterility that is higher than the first sterility), removing the second layer in a controlled third environment (having a predetermined third sterility that is higher than the second sterility), and removing the first layer in a controlled fourth environment (with a predetermined fourth sterility that is higher than the third sterility) to expose the sterilized product.

Abstract: An inspection device (1) includes a light source (10) projecting excitation light to an inner surface of a container (20); an imager (11) capturing a fluorescence image of fluorescence emitted from a foreign substance in response to the excitation light projected; and a detector (13) detecting the foreign substance adhering to the inner surface of the container from the fluorescence image captured by the imager. The foreign substance contains a material emitting fluorescence in response to the excitation light projected to the material. The detector includes a calculator (14) calculating an average brightness value in an inspection target region, and an adjuster (15) adjusting an image-capturing condition where the fluorescence image is captured such that the average brightness value falls within a preset range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine, comprising a controller and a film punch, which includes a lever mechanism, a tool, upper part and a tool lower part. At least one of the tool upper part and the tool lower part are movable by means of the lever mechanism such that the tool upper part and the tool lower part approach each other.

Abstract: A film wrapping apparatus includes a shaft member having two holding portions coaxially aligned with each other, a roll locker for releasably locking two film rolls at the holding portions respectively in a free-rotating manner, and a dispensing handle transversely extended from the shaft member at a position between the holding portions thereof, wherein the dispensing handle provides a holding point for being held by an operator to unroll the film rolls in a concurrent and controllable manner so as to wrap stretch films of the film rolls around the load.

Abstract: A sandbagging attachment to a tiltable dolly for filling bags with scoopable materials such as sand without use of shovels and for subsequent transportation of the filled bags to the destination by using the same dolly. The attachment contains a connection member for connecting the attachment to the dolly and a scoop with a through passage for a material to be scooped. The connection member rotationally supports a scoop that can be turned between a scooping position for filling a bag and a transportation position, at which the filled bag can be transported by the dolly to the destination. The attachment eliminates a need for a special sandbagging equipment. All aforementioned operations are accomplished without the use of manual labor, except for transporting the dolly and removing the filled bag from the dolly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a label peeling device includes a tray, a pressing unit, and a control unit. The tray is configured to support a label sheet thereon. The pressing unit is configured to be driven in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the label sheet. The control unit is configured to drive the pressing unit toward a central portion of the label sheet supported on the tray. The control unit performs peeling control to peel a liner sheet and a label body of the label sheet from each other by pressing an edge of the label sheet and thereby curving the label sheet.

Abstract: A container (10) comprising one or more walls (12, 14, 16) and a base (18) defining an enclosure for storing and displaying one or more items (90). A locking tab (22) is defined in each side wall (16) and corresponding locking slots (26) are defined in the base (18). The locking tabs (22) each define an undercut (22c). The container (10) can be mounted on top of a further container (10) to form a modular display device by inserting the locking tabs (22) of the further container into the locking slots (26) and sliding the container forwardly to engage the base (18) in the undercuts. The modular display device (34, FIG. 3) may also include a stand for supporting one or more containers at an angle on a horizontal surface and a header.

Abstract: Disclosed is a box assembly including an exterior piece comprising a middle portion, and an upper portion joined to the middle portion; and an interior piece positioned within the exterior piece, the interior piece defining a cavity and comprising a side panel, the side panel comprising a top interior portion, the side panel and the middle portion of the exterior piece defining a space therebetween, the upper portion of the exterior piece covering the space and the top interior portion of the side panel, and a bottom panel joined to the side panel.

Abstract: A foldable box having a first, substantially flat and unfolded configuration which can be easily and conveniently transformed into a second, three-dimensional configuration capable of retaining one or more items.

Abstract: A storage assembly comprises a sleeve and a container. The sleeve defines an interior void operable to receive a foodstuff. The container defines an interior cavity operable to receive the sleeve. The container includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. A first flap is attached to the first sidewall and a second flap is attached to the second sidewall. The second flap includes at least one clip removably attached to the second sidewall. The clip comprises an aperture for receiving a portion of the sleeve therein.

Abstract: A divider for dividing at least two layers of articles in a package. The divider comprises a central panel, and at least one article attachment flap foldably connected to the central panel. The at least one article attachment flap is for attaching the divider to at least one of the articles as the divider and the articles are formed into the package.

Abstract: A modular potted plant shipping box is an apparatus that protects a potted plant throughout a shipment process while preserving the structure of the plant. The apparatus includes an outer box, a stopper frame, a stabilizing frame, and a receptacle. The outer box contains and protects the stopper frame, the stabilizing frame, the receptacle, and a plant housed within the receptacle. The stopper frame maintains a desired position of the stabilizing frame, and consequently the receptacle, within the outer box. The stabilizing frame maintains the desired position of the receptacle within the outer box. The receptacle houses the plant. The apparatus may further include a removable compartment that houses a variety of items that may compliment the plant housed by the receptacle. The receptacle is positioned within the stabilizing frame, and the stopper frame is positioned in between the stabilizing frame and a main opening of the outer box.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a chemical container and a method for manufacturing the same. The chemical container comprises a head portion having a top wall and a head sidewall extending from an edge of the top wall, as well as a body portion jointed with the head portion and defining a chamber together with the head portion. The top wall has a mouth structure configured for one or more pipelines to pass through and connect with the chamber. The manufacturing method is simple and of low cost, and the resulted chemical container is able to withstand a greater internal pressure and is configured to collect any leaking liquid chemicals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a base (2) and a door (20), said device having a closed door position in which a circuit (8) of the device comprises a bag comprising two flexible films and connectors of the conveying network, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on a front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); and a hinge system hinging said door (20) relative to said base (2), and disposed only on one side of said door (20) so as to form lateral clearances between said door (20) and said base (2) over the rest of a perimeter of said door (20).

Abstract: A woven laminated plastic bag having an easy open feature is provided. The easy open feature is generally defined by a weakened portion in the bag. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from a woven polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a polyethylene 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: A dried food fresh-keeping packaging bag structure is provided. When the user wants to pack a dried food, a pull portion of a fresh-keeping exhaust valve is pulled outwardly toward the outside of the mouth of the packaging bag to tear a first sealing film to open a filling chamber. Then, the dried food is placed into the packaging bag, and the mouth of the packaging bag is closed. The exhaust valve blocks the outside air from returning to the interior of the packaging bag to provide a non-return exhaust effect. A preservative in the filling chamber communicates with the interior of the packaging bag to dehumidify or deoxidize the air remaining in the packaging bag.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a plastic or polymeric container (100) with reclosable zippers or reclosures (10) which make the package child-resistant. In one typical embodiment, this is achieved by a zipper or reclosure (10) including a first profile (12) with a first lower interlocking element (28) and a first upper interlocking element (29), wherein the first profile (12) is severed through the first upper interlocking element (29) to form a lower first profile (12?) and an upper first profile (12?). This severing forms at least one tab (18) extending from an upper edge of the lower first profile (12?) and including a portion of the first upper interlocking element (29?). The second profile (14) includes a second web portion (30) with a second lower interlocking element (44) and a second upper interlocking element (46).

Abstract: A cover includes a bistable flap mechanism made of a plastic with at least two material components. The cover can be produced in one piece in a multi-component injection molding technique. At a transitional area between a front wall and an edge portion, the plastic is sufficiently stiff (preferably due to greater material thickness) to ensure that an angle ? enclosed in the transitional area from the side wall to the edge portion remains constant in both bistable states. Expansion portions provided in the edge portion ensure that the outer circumference of the edge portion can increase/decrease from one bistable state to the other bistable state. A closing system including the cover is also provided.

Abstract: Lid assembly for a container includes a frame having a frame latching member extending therefrom, the frame latching member including a frame projection, an inner panel hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, the inner panel including a panel latching member extending therefrom, the inner panel defining an orifice extending between the bottom surface and the top surface, the panel latching member including a biasing member having a panel projection, the frame projection and the panel projection being lockable when the inner panel is in the closed position and the frame projection is disposed between a base of the biasing member and the panel projection when the inner panel is in the closed position, and a cover panel hingedly coupled to the frame along a second longitudinal side thereof opposite the first longitudinal side.

Abstract: An insulating container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching devices, in the closed configuration. In some examples, the insulating container further includes a pressure regulation device. In other examples, the latching devices further include an elastomeric latch upper and a semi-rigid latch lower configured to engage an insulating container keeper when the when the lid is in a closed and a secured position. In still other examples, the latch upper and the latch lower are configured in a recessed position, and flush with a front side of the insulating container lid and flush with a front side of a bottom portion of the insulating container when the latch device secures the lid in a closed position.

Abstract: A portable beverage container is provided. The portable beverage container may include a glass vessel having a neck; a metal outer shell configured to surround a first portion of the glass vessel; a cap configured to engage with the metal outer shell to surround a second portion of the glass vessel; and an amorphous thermoplastic spout having a neck configured to be inserted through an opening in the cap and into the neck of the glass vessel. The spout may be configured to securely engage with the cap. The cap may include a lid with an elastomeric sealing member having a knob configured to extend into a recess in the spout and a recess configured to wrap around and over a lip of the spout. The spout may be removable from the cap while the cap is engaged with the outer shell.

Abstract: A cannabis storage assembly includes a cap assembly comprised of a cap and a base, as well as a container upon which the cap assembly is mounted. Upon proper alignment of the cap into the base and further manipulation of the cap relative to the base once inserted, the user of the cannabis storage assembly can fully secure the container's contents.

Abstract: Provided is a container assembly including a storage container and a catalyst container. The catalyst container includes a reservoir for holding a second material, such as a reactive hardener or activator as used in 2K coating systems, or a catalyst, the reservoir having a spacer extending therefrom, and a top member removably secured to the reservoir. The top member is secured to a spout of the storage container and is movable with the spout. The spout of the storage container is movable from a closed position to an open position thereby moving the top member away from the reservoir and separating the reservoir from the top member, which causes the reservoir to drop into the storage container to mix the catalyst with a material in the storage container.

Abstract: A product includes a use indicator carried by a container so that, upon removal of a closure from the container or upon removal of flowable product from within the container, a coloration of the product changes irreversibly to indicate to a user that the package has been used, wherein the container includes a wall recess and the use indicator is carried in the wall recess.

Abstract: A tamper-evident attachment for a cable tie includes a ratchet head cover configured to couple to a ratchet head of the cable tie such that the ratchet head cover covers at least a portion of a head opening of the ratchet head to inhibit access a pawl in the ratchet head. The ratchet head cover defines at least one slot-shaped opening configured to align with the head opening of the ratchet head when the ratchet head cover is coupled to the ratchet head. The at least one slot-shaped opening is sized and shaped to receive a strap of the cable tie therethrough.

Abstract: A cable tie includes a belt, a head connected to the belt and having a passageway for receiving the belt, and a lock disposed in the head. The lock is displaceable parallel to a plane of the passageway along a stroke and has a protrusion configured to lock the belt.

Abstract: A multi-layer film structure for use in forming blister packaging. The multi-layer structure includes a first polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first polymeric layer comprising a metalized polyethylene teraphthalate, a second polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second polymeric layer disposed adjacent the second surface of the first polymeric layer, the second polymeric layer comprising a cyclic olefin or a homopolymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene, and a third polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the third polymeric layer disposed adjacent the second surface of the second polymeric layer, the third polymeric layer comprising polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride. A method of making a multi-layer film structure and a packaging structure are also provided.

Abstract: A carrier for holding at least one container includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, the plurality of panels includes a front panel, a back panel, at least one central panel, at least one side panel, and at least one bottom panel. At least one divider flap is foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap folded away from the one of the front panel and the back panel to form at least one opening in the one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap extends through the interior of the carrier to the at least one central panel.

Abstract: A container of consumer goods includes a rigid outer box and a rigid inner box wherein a pull tab is configured to reseal a pre-cut opening in the inner box. The pull tab includes a cover layer larger than the pre-cut opening. The cover layer can be a piece of bundle wrap with a paper layer of the bundle wrap contacting the consumer goods inside the box. The outer box has a hinged lid permanently attached to a connecting tab of the pull tab whereby opening the hinged lid simultaneously opens the pre-cut opening in the inner box by lifting the pull tab. The connecting tab includes adhesive which is partially deadened to decrease adhesion of the connecting tab to the inner box. The pull tab can also include one or more machine readable markings to enhance automated application of the pull tab to an inner box blank during manufacturing of the container.

Abstract: A packaging container for holding contents such as fresh food. The container comprises a tray having a flange, a pre-formed sealing ring and a flexible film for sealing in the contents of the tray. The sealing ring is made from fiber, filament or tape (“FFT”) that is shaped into a shape that matches the shape of the tray flange. The sealing ring is adhered to the tray flange by heat welding or other means and the flexible film is adhered to the sealing ring.

Abstract: Hot-fillable plastic bottle including a finished portion, a body portion with at least one circumferential rib configured to resist radial distortion, and a base portion. The base portion comprises a base sidewall, a bottom support surface extending radially inward from the base sidewall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the bottom support surface, and a diaphragm extending radially inward from the inner support wall. The diaphragm comprises an inner wall having an arcuate shape with a radius r1 and a central conical structure, where the diaphragm is in an initial as-formed position with the conical structure above the reference place. The diaphragm is configured to move from an initial as-formed position toward a second position when an internal pressure relative an external pressure exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A temperature regulating liquid crystal panel packaging box is provided, including a box body and a temperature regulator, the box body includes an accommodating part, the temperature regulator is arranged in the accommodating part to release or absorb heat as an outside temperature changes to keep an internal temperature of the box body balanced. In the liquid crystal panel packaging box, by disposing a temperature regulator on the periphery of the box body, when the outside temperature changes, the temperature regulator may spontaneously absorb heat or release heat to regulate the temperature inside the box body, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the inside and outside the box and preventing the water vapor in the air from condensing inside the box.

Abstract: A box-type transport container has a box-type outer container with a base, four side walls and at least one lid. The lid is hinged on a side wall. Sheet-type vacuum insulation panels are arranged in the outer container to cover the surface of the side walls. At least one carrying opening, which can be gripped by hand in order to carry the transport box, is provided in each of two opposing, side walls. The material of the side wall is weakened above and to the side of the carrying opening, such that the material can be easily separated from the surrounding material of the side wall and together with the carrying opening can be folded out of the side wall. Alternatively, the vacuum insulation panels of the side wall are secured in their relative positions by at least one peripheral tensioning means.

Abstract: A paint dispenser that continuously dispenses paint to a paintbrush is described herein. In one embodiment, the paint dispenser can comprise a body and a fastening device. The body can be capable of containing paint. The body can comprise a paint tube, and a button. The paint tube can be at the front end section of the body. The paint tube can comprise an opening wherein the paint can be dispensed. The button on the body can be capable of controlling the flow of the paint from the container to a paintbrush. The fastening device can be capable of mounting the body to the paintbrush.

Abstract: Disposable wipes packages containing improved opening and closing arrangements are disclosed. The packages are targeted for usage by adult caregivers and can provide reduced waste in comparison to some currently marketed wipe packages. Different forms of the packages disclosed herein include ratios of characteristics of the package closure fitments and those of the package body of wipes contained therein.

Abstract: A cigarette pack in the form of a sealing pack consisting of an inner pack in the form of a foil block and an outer pack in the form of a hinge-lid box. An opening aid of the foil block is provided with a removal opening which is formed as an open recess as a result of punching during the production of a blank for the foil block, in particular in the region of a continuous foil web. Said removal opening, which is free right from the start, is closed by a closure tab which is able to be opened and closed multiple times on account of a corresponding glue connection. The closure tab is preferably connected permanently to the inside of a lid front wall of the outer pack by means of an actuating tab.