Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of container includes a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers. At least one end flap is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel. The at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

Abstract: Embodiments of caseless container trays are disclosed. In an embodiment, a caseless container tray comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is configured to contact and receive base portions of a first plurality of containers. The top surface comprises a plurality of top projections configured to divide the first plurality of containers into a plurality of rows. The bottom surface is configured to contact and receive spouts of a second plurality of containers. Furthermore, the bottom surface comprises a plurality of bottom projections extending from the bottom surface, wherein a bottom surface of each bottom projection is configured to contact a shoulder portion of a container of the second plurality of containers and wherein each projection surrounds a center portion configured to contact and receive a spout.

Abstract: A sealed break-open package; the sealed package has: a first sheet of semi-rigid plastic material; a second sheet of flexible plastic material superimposed on and sealed to the first sheet to define a sealed pocket that contains a dose of a product; and a pre-weakened area that is created in a central area of the first sheet for guiding, following bending of the sealed package, controlled breakage of the first sheet at the pre-weakened area so as to form an outlet opening for the product through the first sheet. The first sheet has a U-shaped protuberance that extends from a side of the first sheet outside of the pocket and is arranged at the pre-weakened area.

Abstract: A package containing a plurality of disposable absorbent articles, the package being formed of flexible polymeric film, and having a path 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 no-drip frozen dessert package is provided, wherein a sealed containment envelope made of a flexible, lightweight material, has first and second lengthwise sections that are engaged at an interface disposed along a circumference of the package. A release actuator disposed along the interface disengages the first section from the second section to allow access to the frozen dessert for consumption, while the second section remains engaged with and disposed around a portion of the frozen dessert. A retainer integral to the second section is configured to catch drops of melted ice cream by maintaining a lateral separation distance between the ice cream itself and an aperture periphery defined by the circumference of the second section's open end.

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: The present invention relates to a closure device (10) for closing a liquid pouch, comprising: a base body (12) formed as a one-piece element, comprising a flat flange edge (14) for connecting the base body to the liquid pouch, and a portal structure (16) with a main section (18), a first valve section (20) and a second valve section (22), wherein the first valve section comprises a first opening (24) that is accessible from the outside and that is designed for inserting and withdrawing a fluid, and the second valve section comprises a second opening (26) that is accessible from the outside and that is designed for inserting and withdrawing a fluid; a first valve element (28) that is arranged within the first valve section for reversibly closing the first opening, and a second valve element (44) that is arranged within the second valve section for reversibly closing the second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are arranged parallel to the flange edge.

Abstract: A container, preferably a pallet container with a liner bag, includes a base, at least one side wall, and an exchangeable valve assembly that can be mounted in an insertion direction into a valve socket in the container. The container includes at least one locking element for locking engagement of a locking structure of the valve assembly and which is movably mounted in or on the container and can be moved between an open position, in which the valve assembly can be inserted into or removed from the valve socket, and a closed position, in which the locking element engages the locking structure of the valve assembly to secure it inside of the valve socket.

Abstract: Cartridges configured for use in a hair treatment device include a pouch having an outlet, a capsule located within the pouch, and a fitment sealed within the outlet of the pouch. The pouch contains a first product and the capsule contains a second product.

Abstract: An assembly including a container having a first end and an opposing second end. The assembly also includes a housing for removably receiving a cartridge of the type including a substance storage compartment for storing a substance therein. The housing is connectable to the second end of the container. When connected to the container, the housing is movable relative to the container. A rupturing device is provided for rupturing the storage compartment upon relative movement between the housing and container, so as to combine any storage compartment contents with any container contents. The rupturing device is mounted within the container. A container opening is provided in the first end of the container; and a closure provided for sealing the container opening. The closure is movable between a closed position, and an open position for providing access to the container.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder dispensing container. When a button is pressed, a piston formed in close contact with the inner wall of an external housing is lowered so that air in the external housing is moved to an inner housing and discharges powder flowing into the internal housing, thus it is possible to always dispense the powder consistently regardless of the amount of the powder stored in a container body.

Abstract: An improved package for core-less rolls of bags provides a shrink-wrap film around the bag having differential shrinkage to better accommodate the roll form

Abstract: A kit can be used to construct a shower enclosure within a plurality of walls and above a floor. Each wall has a plurality of vertical studs. The kit comprises a prefabricated shower base having a drain hole, a plurality of attachment pieces, and a plurality of prefabricated shower wall panels. The prefabricated base is configured to be positioned on the floor so that its drain hole is positioned over the floor's drain outlet. Each attachment piece has a front planar portion and is configured to attach to a stud of a wall so that the front planar portions of the attachment pieces on the same wall frame are essentially co-planar and plumb regardless of whether the front-facing surfaces of the studs are co-planar, plumb, and straight. Each prefabricated wall panel has a backside configured to attach to the front planar portions of a plurality of the attachment sleeves.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising epoxidized vegetable oil, an amine terminated polyamide and a silicone resin is disclosed. Substrates coated at least in part with such coatings are also disclosed.

Abstract: Example aspects of bicycle packaging and a method of assembling bicycle packaging are disclosed. The method of assembling bicycle packaging can comprise providing a first packaging body, the first packaging body comprising a first side panel, a first top panel connected to the first side panel at a first bend line, and a primary tab extending from an outward edge of the first top panel distal to the first bend line; providing a second packaging body, the second packaging body comprising a second side panel, a second top panel connected to the second side panel at a second bend line, and a secondary tab connected to the second side panel; engaging the primary tab with a primary slot formed at the second bend line; and engaging the secondary tab with a secondary slot formed at the outward edge of the first top panel.

Abstract: Described is a system for roasting, grinding, brewing and dispensing coffee comprising a grinding and infusion assembly comprising a tubular extraction sleeve, infuser head and blade grinder, wherein the system further comprises a first seal, being a linear shaft seal for preventing a flow of coffee brew between the infuser head and inner surface of the extraction sleeve during extraction of the coffee grounds; a second seal, being a static seal for preventing a flow of coffee brew between the infuser head and grinder spindle when the grinder is not rotating and in the retracted position; and a third seal, being a rotary shaft seal for preventing the movement of coffee grounds between the infuser head and grinder spindle when the grinder is rotating in the extended position.

Abstract: A system (typically on a bulk liquid transport vehicle) includes a liquid storage tank, one or more liquid storage compartments inside the liquid storage tank, an inflatable bladder inside each of the liquid storage compartments, a compressed air system to provide compressed air to inflate each one of the inflatable bladders, and one or more valves. Each of the valves is configured to control air flow between the compressed air system and a corresponding one of the inflatable bladders and/or to control air flow between the corresponding inflatable bladder and atmosphere.

Abstract: Combination Dustpan and Trash Can/Bucket, functions as a trash can or bucket that allows the user to sweep directly into its own container. It has multiple functions for any user, and it also provides an ease of use for all age groups, including those with physical limitations. The materials of this product will be (but not limited to), in the form of a hard plastic and/or stainless steel.

Abstract: A diaper pail incorporating a refrigerated compartment is described herein, wherein the interior of the compartment can be cooled to low temperatures, typically less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, to hinder and/or substantially slow the generation of noxious odors. Additionally, the diaper pail freezer includes a double lid with a bag retaining system to help ensure a good seal is maintained between the lid and the top of the pail to help contain any residual odors within the compartment.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a container collection arm with a telescoping boom coupled with a refuse stowage unit of the vehicle. A grasping mechanism is coupled with an end of the boom. A rotary actuator couples the grasping mechanism with the boom to enable a waste container to be moved between a pick up position and a dump position.

Abstract: A robotic picking device for picking items 28 from a containerised storage system is described. The items 28 are stored in storage bins 10 in stacks 12 within a framework 14 comprising a grid system 22 disposed above the stacks 12 of bins 10. Robotic picking devices are disposed on the grid 22, the devices acting so as to pick containers from the stacks 12 of bins 10. The storage system is provided with at least one picking device for picking items 28 from bins 10 and depositing them directly in delivery containers DT.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a self-service express cabinet and a package delivery method. The self-service express cabinet may include: a cabinet body including a sending window and a chamber, wherein the sending window may be connected with the chamber, and the sending window may be disposed on a surface of the cabinet body; a human-machine interaction device disposed on the cabinet body for information interaction with a user; an inspection device disposed in the chamber and capable of performing security inspection on a package dropped into the chamber for delivery, wherein the inspection device may have a receiving end and an output end, and at least part of the receiving end may be located within a scope of a forward projection of the sending window; and at least one storage component disposed in the chamber and corresponding to the output end.

Abstract: A conveyor belt monitoring system may utilize one or more ultrasonic sensors to identify variations in the position of the conveyor belt. These variations may be minor variations in belt position, which can be identified by the belt monitoring system well before they would be readily perceptible by a user. The monitoring system may be operated in conjunction with one or more belt adjustment mechanisms which can be used to correct the path of the conveyor belt based on information gathered by the monitoring system.

Abstract: A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: Conveyor elevation apparatus, systems and methods are provided. Some embodiments include a stmt having three frame sections. In some embodiments at least two of the frame sections comprise longitudinal supports joined by bracing.

Abstract: A direct drive spiral conveyor belt system that includes a drum configured to rotate about a drum axis and define a drive member, a belt configured to engage the drum and define a belt drive feature, and an engagement control ramp configured to rotate with the drum and selectively engage the belt. The engagement control ramp includes a first portion defining a first radial distance from the drum axis and a second portion defining a second radial distance from the drum axis, with the first radial distance being greater than the second radial distance. The second portion of the engagement control ramp is configured to selectively engage the belt and allow the belt drive feature to transition into engagement with the drive member as the drum rotates about the drum axis and the belt moves along the drum.

Abstract: An automatic belt biasing device is provided for biasing a drive belt into frictional contact with rollers of a conveyor. The belt biasing device maintains a drive belt in contact with rollers of a live roller conveyor to provide drive for the rollers to propel items or packages along the conveyor. A spring attached to a pivot arm or pair of scissoring pivot arms adjusts a biasing force applied by guide wheels of the belt biasing device to the drive belt due to changes in drive belt tension. The belt biasing device may be selectively adjustable based on required roller pitch distances. The belt biasing device is pivotably coupled to the roller conveyor allowing the guide wheels to apply equal pressure to the drive belt while allowing the pivot arms to actuate and increase or decrease the biasing force provided by the belt biasing device.

Abstract: An agricultural seed or grain transferring device includes a transport tube supported at an inclined angle to define a closed, lower end and an upper end. An auger extends between the closed, lower end and the upper end of the transport tube. A motorized drive unit rotates the auger. An inlet opening in the transport tube is located proximate the closed, lower end and an outlet opening in the transport tube is located proximate the upper end. The auger includes a first end portion including at least a portion of an auger blade extending between the inlet opening and the closed, lower end of the transport tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a plurality of bars having an axial direction is disclosed. The apparatus includes a storage device and a conveying device. The storage device includes an accommodating area configured to accommodate the plurality of bars side by side along a first direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction; a first ramp having a front end and a rear end, wherein the front end is adjacent to the accommodating area and receives the plurality of bars sequentially, and the received plurality of bars roll from the front end to the rear end on the first ramp in a second direction; and a counting device adjacent to the rear end and operable to allow a predetermined quantity of the plurality of bars to exit the storage device in the second direction. The conveying device includes a receiving end, an output end and a second ramp.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus (1) can include a control mechanism to permit automatic monitoring of a conveyor belt (7) and automatically actuate adjustment of the belt (7). In some embodiments, at least two sensors (31) can be utilized to detect an operational condition of the belt (7) indicating an undesirable alignment of the belt as the belt moves to convey material. Upon such a detected operational condition, a control mechanism can automatically actuate adjustment of at least one belt support device to adjust motion of the belt (7) in response to the detected operational condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for aligning box-shaped articles of various sizes on a conveyor belt, as well as a printing station, a reading station, and a labelling station including said apparatus. The apparatus comprises an input conveyor belt operable to move transversally with respect to an output conveyor belt conveying direction, to adapt to a transverse size of a transported box-shaped article, and feed said output conveyor belt with corresponding aligned article.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a load assist module for transferring articles onto a downstream conveyor. The load assist module may include a roller conveyor having one or more rollers that together define a conveyor plane, such that the one or more rollers may be actuatable to convey the article along the conveyor plane in a direction of a downstream conveyor. The load assist module may further include a pusher assembly positioned adjacent the conveyor plane. The pusher assembly may include a track-guided vertical popup with a base and a pop-up. The pop-up may be actuatable such that the pop-up extends through the conveyor plane to contact the article. The pusher assembly may drive the track-guided vertical popup toward the direction of the downstream conveyor such that the track-guided vertical popup pushes the article.

Abstract: A device for supplying containers to a container handling device, for example to a container filling device for filling containers with a liquid filling product, includes a guide which is arranged at a predetermined guide height level for guiding a container on the container base thereof. The guide has a transfer portion for transferring the container to a receiving device of the container handling device, and the transfer portion is height-adjustable. A filling system including such a device is also described.

Abstract: Roller conveyors can only safely convey articles up to a certain width to downstream conveyors without jamming The present invention utilizes at least one and preferably a plurality of jam prevention diverter wheels disposed at a selected angle between adjacent rollers of a conveyor with a portion of the diverter wheels extending above the surface of the conveyor rollers to contact items and limit the width of items that can pass through without jamming the conveyor. The diverter wheels are rotated with power mechanically derived from the main powered conveyor rollers. A portion of diverter wheels extend above the skewed roller conveyor surface a selected distance and at a selected angle to contact conveyed articles and only allow items up to a certain size to pass diverting wide items or misaligned items having a width wider than desired for passing through to a downstream conveyor. Jam prevention is the point.

Abstract: A robot control unit for a substrate conveying robot raises a hand from a first lower position below a first target position at which the hand picks up a substrate to a first upper position above the first target position, and displaces at least one of a plurality of joints in one direction, in a first interval from the first lower position to a first intermediate position between the first lower position and the first target position.

Abstract: A conveying and sorting apparatus has tilting motors which switch tilting conveyor units which are supported so as to be able to swing about a support shaft that is parallel with the conveying direction, between a horizontal conveying orientation and a tilted orientation; and a conveyor driving motor which drives the conveying conveyors and that are provided to the tilting conveyor units. The support shaft has a single interlocking transmission shaft having a length which covers the entire area of the plurality of tilting conveyor units. The conveying conveyors of each tilting conveyor unit are interconnected by the interlocking transmission shaft. One conveyor driving motor is provided for the plurality of tilting conveyor units supported by the interlocking transmission shaft. This single conveyor driving motor drives the conveying conveyors via the interlocking transmission shaft.

Abstract: A conveying and sorting apparatus has a plurality of tilting conveyor units in a row in the conveying direction. Each tilting conveyor unit is able to switch between a horizontal conveying orientation and a tilted orientation for ejecting the object being conveyed, by means of gravity, laterally with respect to the conveying direction and has a belt conveyor with a plurality of ridge portions which extend in the width direction on the inside surface, and on the outside surface the ridge portions which extend in the width direction are provided an equivalent intervals in the length direction of the belt. A plurality of recessed grooves which engage with each of the ridge portions on the inside surface of the belt are provided to the peripheral surfaces of a front pulley and a rear pulley of the belt.

Abstract: A conveying and sorting apparatus has a plurality of tilting conveyor units in a row in a conveying direction, and reflective photoelectric sensors. The tilting conveyor units are supported above a frame so as to be able to swing to the left and right about a support shaft which is parallel with the conveying direction, between a horizontal conveying orientation and a tilted orientation for ejecting the object being conveyed, by means of gravity, in the lateral direction with respect to the conveying direction. The reflecting photoelectric sensors detect objects being conveyed which pass between the tilting conveyor units by means of light beams which pass, in the vertical direction, between tilting conveyor units which adjoin one another in the conveying direction. The reflecting photoelectric sensors are attached to a support member which surrounds the periphery of the support shaft and which is supported by the frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for conveying particulate material are described. A particulate material conveying apparatus may comprise a slide duct having a slide duct axis. The slide duct may comprise an interior region, and the interior region may have a top third interior region, a middle third interior region, and a bottom third interior region. The top third interior region is disposed above the middle third interior region and the middle third interior region is disposed above the bottom third interior region. The duct further defines an opening. An air movement mechanism may be connected to the duct an configured to move air through the opening into the slide duct in a direction of the slide duct axis such that a greater amount of air exits through the bottom third interior region than either of the top third interior region or the middle third interior region.

Abstract: A main mover and sub mover are made to run while changing a relative distance of the sub mover with respect to the main mover to change contact positions of cams and cam followers based on a holding position of a sheet member detected by a position detection device to thereby change a position in a horizontal plane of a holder and correct a holding position of the sheet member held at the holder to a preset reference position.

Abstract: A handling device comprises a gripping unit which is movable in three dimensions and which is specified for receiving the stack of products disposed in a receiving region, for moving the stack, and for depositing the stack in a depositing region. The gripping unit comprises at least one upper holding element for holding down an upper side of the received stack, and at least one lower holding element for supporting a lower side, opposite the upper side, of the received stack.

Abstract: An article supplying apparatus includes a retention unit configured to retain an article, a robot hand configured to insert the article retained in the retention unit into a container, and a control unit configured to control operation of the robot hand. The robot hand has a holding portion for holding the article. The control unit executes holding control in which the article is held by the holding portion; and stand-by insertion control in which after the holding portion is temporarily disposed at a stand-by position different from a position immediately above an article insertion port in the container and set on a movement path from a start position of the holding through the holding control to the position immediately thereabove, the holding portion is moved to the position immediately thereabove, and the article is inserted into the container via the article insertion port.

Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.

Abstract: A method for loading an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with multiple items is disclosed. The method includes determining a weight, size, and Center of Gravity of each of the multiple items. The method also includes positioning the multiple items relative to one another such that a combined Center of Gravity of the multiple items will be positioned within a predetermined region. The method further includes loading the multiple items onto the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with the combined Center of Gravity of the multiple items positioned within the predetermined region.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure generally pertain to vehicle inventory management systems. In one exemplary embodiment, a bed of rollers includes a first section located in an enclosed cargo area of a delivery vehicle and a second section located in an alcove that is accessible from outside the delivery vehicle. Various items for delivery are placed upon the bed of rollers in the enclosed cargo area. The rollers, which are coupled to servomotors, can be rotated in various directions under control of a computer. The computer activates the rollers for moving items around inside the delivery vehicle. Upon reaching a delivery destination, an item can be moved into the alcove for pickup by a person outside the delivery vehicle. The alcove is configured to allow access to the item by the person outside the delivery vehicle, but prevents access to other items located in the enclosed cargo area.

Abstract: A bulk tank trailer including an interior storage compartment, at least one straight rear wheel axle supporting a plurality of ground-engaging wheels and a longitudinally aligned discharge pipe in operative communication with the interior storage compartment is disclosed. The entire discharge pipe may be positioned above a transverse plane of the at least one straight rear wheel axle. A method of discharging particulate materials is also disclosed. The method includes filling an interior storage compartment on a bulk tank trailer with the particulate materials, positioning a straight discharge pipe above a straight rear wheel axle on the bulk tank trailer, moving the particulate materials from the interior storage compartment along the straight discharge pipe and discharging the particulate materials from the discharge pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing assembly, a dock and distribution center provided therewith, and a method for sealing a vehicle at a dock. The sealing assembly includes: a frame provided with connectors for connecting the sealing assembly to the dock, a sealing element having an upper edge with the sealing element arranged for moving between a retracted non-sealing position and a sealing position, a drive configured for moving the sealing element between the sealing and retracted positions, a deformable sealing cushion configured for sealing against a vehicle, and a sealing pressure element that is operatively connected to the sealing element and is configured to provide a substantially constant and continuous sealing pressure from the sealing element.

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.