Abstract: A robot includes a base plate rotatable around a rotation axis, a first arm connected to the base plate at a first axis which is perpendicular to the rotation axis and around which the first arm is rotatable, a second arm connected to the first arm at a second axis which is parallel to the first axis and around which the second arm is rotatable, a third arm connected to the second arm at a third axis which is parallel to the first axis and around which the third arm is rotatable, a turnable link connected to the third arm at a fourth axis which is perpendicular to the third axis and around which the turnable link is rotatable, a distal-end swingable portion connected to the turnable link at a fifth axis which is perpendicular to the fourth axis and around which the distal-end swingable portion is rotatable, a distal end connected to the distal-end swingable portion at a sixth axis which is perpendicular to the fifth axis and around which the distal end is rotatable, and a welder connected to the distal end.

Abstract: A conveyance robot system according to the present disclosure includes a conveyance robot, and a robot control unit configured to control an operation of picking up an object performed by the conveyance robot, wherein the robot control unit determines that a movable range area, which is an area outside a safety cover where a robot arm is operated, satisfies a safety ensuring condition that can regard safety of the movable range area as equivalent to the safety inside the safety cover and allow the robot arm to perform a work while projecting toward the shelf.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for providing automated robotic process automation design generation are provided. Aspects include receiving a set of stored automated sub-processes. Aspects also include receiving a process description document that describes a desired computer automated task (CAT) process. Aspects also include identifying a plurality of candidate sub-processes based on the process description document. Aspects also include identifying at least one matching sub-process based on a comparison of each of the plurality of candidate sub-processes to the set of stored automated sub-processes. The at least one matching sub-process is a stored automated sub-process that exceeds a threshold level of similarity to a candidate sub-process. Aspects also include generating a recommendation to automatically populate a portion of a CAT design file for the desired CAT process based on the at least one matching sub-process.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for a database construction and control of a robotic manipulator is provided. The electronic apparatus stores information associated with a task of a robotic manipulator. The electronic apparatus further receives a first plurality of signals from a first plurality of sensors associated with a wearable device. The electronic apparatus further applies a predefined model on a first set of signals of the first plurality of signals. The electronic apparatus further determines arrow direction information based on the application of the predefined model on the first set of signals. The electronic apparatus further aggregates the determined arrow direction information with information about the first set of signals to generate output information. The electronic apparatus further stores the generated output information for each of a first plurality of poses performed for the task using the wearable device.

Abstract: A method is described for collision-free motion planning of a first manipulator with closed kinematics. The method includes defining a dynamic optimization problem, solving the optimization problem using a numerical approach, and determining a first movement path for the first manipulator based on the solution of the optimization problem. The dynamic optimization problem includes a cost function that weights states and control variables of the first manipulator, a dynamic that defines states and control variables of the first manipulator as a function of time, and at least one inequality constraint for a distance to collisions. Furthermore, the optimization problem includes at least one equality constraint for the closed kinematics.

Abstract: A humanoid robot and its balance control method and computer readable storage medium are provided. Expected accelerations of each of a sole and centroid of a humanoid robot corresponding to a current expected balance trajectory and an expected angular acceleration of the waist corresponding to the current expected balance trajectory are obtained based on current motion data of the sole, the centroid, and the waist, respectively first, then an expected angular acceleration of each joint meeting control requirements of the sole, the centroid, and the waist while the robot corresponds to the current expected balance trajectory is calculated based on an angular velocity of the joint, the expected accelerations of the waist, the sole, and the centroid, respectively, and then each joint of the robot is controlled to move at the obtained expected angular acceleration of the joint based on the angular displacement of the joint.

Abstract: A method for generating a trajectory of a robot from a first configuration to a second configuration within an environment while steering away from obstacles may include obtaining physical workspace information associated with the environment in which the robot is configured to operate; obtaining, using a first neural network, a set of weights of a second neural network that is configured to generate a set of values associated with a set of configurations of the robot with respect to the second configuration; obtaining, by applying the set of weights to the second neural network, the set of values associated with the set of configurations of the robot with respect to the second configuration; and generating the trajectory of the robot from the first configuration to the second configuration within the environment, based on the set of values.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and fixing robotic process automation failures, including collecting tasks from at least one client computerized device, processing the tasks via robotic process automation, collecting tasks that failed to complete per task type, recording successful execution steps per each of the failed tasks, evaluating the recorded successful execution steps with respect to the failed task types, and providing selected execution steps that best fix the failed tasks, thereby fixing the robotic process automation failures.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, disclosed is an automatic calibration method for a calibration device connected to a camera that is disposed the end effector of a robot and to a robot controller for controlling the robot. The method comprises the steps of: acquiring, from the camera and the robot controller, a robot-based coordinate system and an image of a marker marked in the work area of the robot (wherein the acquired image and robot-based coordinate system are recorded while the end effector is moved to a plurality of sample coordinates); and estimating the position of a robot coordinate system-based marker by using the acquired image and robot-based coordinate system.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot includes a first arithmetic unit configured to calculate a course direction based on an own position, a moving-object position, and a moving-object velocity vector, the course direction being a direction in which the autonomous mobile robot should travel, a second arithmetic unit configured to input the own position, the moving-object position, the moving-object velocity vector, and the course direction into a trained model and thereby calculate an estimated position, the trained model being a model that has been trained, the estimated position being a position at which the autonomous mobile robot is estimated to arrive a predetermined time later without colliding with the moving object, a generating unit configured to generate a remaining route from the estimated position to a destination, and a movement control unit configured to control a movement to the destination based on the course direction and the remaining route.

Abstract: In embodiments, a holding device includes a suction pad, a first link, a second link, a base, and a tube member. The first link supports the suction pad so that the suction pad can rotate around a first rotation axis. The second link supports the first link so that the first link can rotate around a second rotation axis. The base supports the second link so that the second link can rotate around a third rotation axis. The tube member communicates the suction pad with the base and can be bent. The second rotation axis and the third rotation axis are not parallel to each other.

Abstract: Aspects described herein include an end effector having an interface system that includes a body member attached to a mounting plate, and a plurality of strength-varying features at a plurality of regions of the interface system. The plurality of strength-varying features encourage the body member to repeatably deform into a deformed configuration. The end effector further comprises a vacuum port in fluid communication with an inner recess of the body member, and a plurality of actuators that apply a force to the mounting plate to pivot a portion of the mounting plate and deform the body member into the deformed configuration.

Abstract: A suction device that holds a member by suction in a stable manner is provided. The suction device includes a columnar main body, a flat end face formed on the main body, a concave part formed in the end face, a fluid flow-forming supply paths for forming a fluid swirl flow in the concave part by discharging fluid into the concave part, the fluid swirl flow generating negative pressure that applies suction to a member, and a linear guide groove formed on the end surface along a direction in which the fluid discharged into the concave part flows out of the concave part.

Abstract: An example apparatus of the present disclosure may include an end effector. The end effector may include a pair of actuator-driven fingers that each include a compliant tip. The compliant tips may be used to scoop underneath items as part of item manipulation.

Abstract: A human-like tactile perception apparatus for providing enhanced tactile information (feedback data) from an end-effector/gripper to the control circuit of an arm-type robotic system. The apparatus's base structure is attached to the gripper's finger and includes a flat/planar support plate that presses a pressure sensor array against a target object during operable interactions. The pressure sensor array generates pressure sensor data that indicates portions of the array contacted by surface features of the target object. A sensor data processing circuit generates tactile information in response to the pressure sensor data, and then transmits the tactile information to the robotic system's control circuit. An optional mezzanine connector extends through an opening in the support plate to pass pressure sensor data to the processing circuit. An encapsulating layer covers the pressure sensor array and transmits pressure waves generated by slipping objects to enhance the tactile information.

Abstract: Object manipulation in warehouses and logistics facilities is a challenging task because of the unstructured environment. The unstructured environment can have items/objects with different form factors, weight, shape, and size. Traditionally, multiple robots have been used to handle for specific task to be performed by an individual robot which requires high floor. This leads to higher cost and infrastructure. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gripper apparatus that addresses a single gripper design handling multiple parcels, wherein the apparatus consists of ‘m’ fingers parallel to each other and can be independently controlled through actuators, each finger has a force sensors feedback and also actuators which are controlled with force. Each finger comprises a linear slider for actuation for gripping objects and wherein bottom fingers are moved to provide enough gravity support.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for charging a robot. A method for charging a robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes monitoring a battery level of a first robot which is providing a service, determining a charging robot for charging the first robot, from a plurality of second robots, when a battery level of the first robot falls below a first threshold level, and transmitting an instruction to move to a target position to the determined charging robot, in which determining the charging robot comprises determining the charging robot based at least partly on distances between the first robot and the second robots and battery levels of the second robots. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by executing an artificial intelligence algorithm and/or a machine learning algorithm in a 5G environment connected for Internet of Things.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to protective covers, for example, suitable for protecting parts of a robot. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a protective wrap for a robot component. The protective wrap includes a continuous strip of a material sheet configured to wrap around the robot component in a plurality of loops so as to form a tubular body that surrounds a portion of the robot component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating or teaching a robot, the apparatus includes a reflective photoelectric sensor arranged on a gripper of the robot and a controller. The controller is configured to: cause the reflective photoelectric sensor to scan over a target object; monitor changes in an output signal from the reflective photoelectric sensor; for each detected change exceeding a threshold, determine a coordinate of a gripping component on the gripper in a robot coordinate system, to obtain a set of coordinates; determine a position of the target object in the robot coordinate system based on the set of coordinates and a predefined offset value (PO) between the reflective photoelectric sensor and the gripping component; and store the position of target object for future use in assembling objects.

Abstract: A utility blade includes a first blade retention feature positioned on a proximal edge of a tang of the utility blade. The proximal edge is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the utility blade. The first blade retention feature is associated with an engagement axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the utility blade. The utility blade is configured to translate along the engagement axis to cause the first blade retention feature to engage with a first blade engagement component of a blade holder. The utility blade further includes a second blade retention feature positioned on a second edge of the tang of the utility blade. The second blade retention feature is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the utility blade and between the first blade retention feature and a distal tip of a cutting portion of the utility blade.

Abstract: A cutter system for an electric shaver and/or trimmer, having a pair of cooperating cutting elements with two rows of comb-like cutting teeth at opposite edges thereof and at least one field of cutting perforations between the rows of comb-like cutting teeth. The cutting elements are movably supported relative to each other by a support structure with an inner one of the cutting elements being sandwiched between an outer one the cutting element and the support structure. The support structure includes a pair of outer frame portions and a pair of inner frame portions supporting the inner cutting element. The inner frame portions form rigid support ribs extending from a base portion of the support structure at a steeper angle than the outer frame portions and forming rigid support edges supporting the inner cutting element along the outer edge of the field of cutting perforations.

Abstract: There are many trimmer models with 2 main parts, the static comb blade and the side moving cutter blade driven by electric motor/vibrator. These blades differ in many ways, shapes, sizes . . . which require fine adjustments and tenth of millimeter clearance at the end of the blades. Some models come with an adjuster that fits its model only with a fixed clearance that cannot be modified and does not fit other models. The proposed inventions are universal trimmer blades adjusters that fit most trimmer blades models and the clearance can be varied to meet the users' requirements. First invention design has one moving part with non-linear smooth adjustments and second invention design has two moving parts with linear fine adjustments.

Abstract: Shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and a return element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. The return element serves as interface piece, connector and pivot all in one. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems.

Abstract: One embodiment of a dual sided razor comprises a handle and a cartridge attached to the handle, the cartridge further comprising a first shaving side and a second shaving side, the cartridge being switchable relative to the handle between the first and second shaving sides.

Abstract: A novel cutting-edge structure and method and apparatus for manufacturing the cutting-edge structure is provided. The cutting-edge structure is comprised of naturally derived or renewable material at greater than 50% by volume fraction. In one embodiment, the naturally derived material is a cellulose nanostructure such as a cellulose nanocrystal. The cellulose nanocrystal is processed using a base or mold structure to provide a cutting edge of any shape such as linear or circular edge structures. The process includes dual cure steps to produce an optimal cutting-edge structure without shrinkage. The formed cutting-edge structure can be utilized as a razor blade as it is formed with very sharp tip and edge suitable for cutting hair. The base structure can form one or more cutting-edge structures simultaneously.

Abstract: A support for enabling cutting of a linear product, such as an eavestrough debris guard, is disclosed. The eavestrough debris guard has a top, two sides, a bottom, and a non-linear profile. The support includes a contoured top complementary to a bottom portion of the non-linear profile. The support includes a plurality of surfaces extending from the contoured top positioned to engage with the two sides of the linear product. The support includes a plurality of contoured portions each coupled to one of the surfaces positioned to engage with the top of the linear product. The support includes a gap passing through the contoured top and the plurality of surfaces shaped and dimensioned to allow passage of at least a portion of a cutting tool.

Abstract: A drink container piercing device for preparing a drink container with a cap to accept a drinking straw, the device having a device body adapted to be held in a user's hand, and a piercing assembly with a central projection and an arcuate blade. The piercing assembly is adapted to pierce the cap and create circular aperture via rotational cutting by the arcuate blade centered around the central projection. The arcuate blade produces a circular cut portion from the cap, which is removed to reveal a circular aperture for accepting the drinking straw. The cut portion is retained by the central projection, preventing the cut portion from falling into the container. The piercing assembly is retractable to prevent accidental contact with the arcuate blade, and the device body has finger projections to allow the user to stabilize the device when in use.

Abstract: A track square and a method of use thereof. The track square is adjustable to change an angle at which a guide rail is engaged therewith. A user is able to make a cut with a track saw that is oriented at right angles to the edge of the wood but is also able to make cuts at angles of less than ninety degrees relative thereto. The guide rail is secured to a rotatable turntable on the track square by an engagement mechanism. The turntable is rotated to the desired angle utilizing an angle setting mechanism and is then locked at the selected angle by a locking mechanism. The engaged guide rail and track square are positioned on the piece of wood to be cut and the track saw is moved along the guide rail to cut the wood at the set angle.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a table saw fence includes an elongate track for connecting to a table saw. A carriage is supported by and movable longitudinally on the track for carrying the fence such that the fence extends across a tabletop of the table saw. An incremental adjustment wheel mechanism is rotatably supported by the carriage and interengages the track. The adjustment wheel mechanism is rotated a selected amount to adjust the position of the carriage on the track. The track carries an electronic sensor strip and a digital readout attached to the carriage movably cooperates with the electronic sensor strip for measuring and displaying the longitudinal position of the carriage on the track and the position of the fence relative to the saw blade.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an environment-friendly mildew prevention method for bamboo. The mildew prevention method for bamboo includes the following steps: soaking the bamboo in an acid solution to obtain a reaction system; subjecting the reaction system to a hydrolysis reaction to obtain a hydrolyzed product; and washing and drying the hydrolyzed product in sequence to obtain mildew-proof bamboo, where the acid solution is an inorganic acid solution or an organic acid solution; the inorganic acid solution has a mass concentration of 0.5-8%; the organic acid solution has a mass concentration of 2-40%. The present disclosure uses an inorganic acid solution or an organic acid solution to treat the bamboo, and reduces the content of starch in the bamboo through a hydrolysis reaction, thereby reducing a carbon source with starch as the main nutrient on which a mildew fungus depends and achieving the purpose of preventing the bamboo from mildewing.

Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.

Abstract: A method and extrusion die to form a laminar integral skin of a honeycomb structure is provided. The method includes extruding a ceramic precursor batch through a die with feedholes in entry side and slots in exit face of the die to form the honeycomb structure. In a region on the periphery of the die configured to form the cell matrix, a series of concentric slots around the matrix in the exit face of the die are configured to feed skin onto the matrix. Ring sections between concentric slots are angled away from the center and a mask is disposed on top of the periphery producing a channel for extruded skin to meet and bond to extruded matrix. Optionally, slots in the skin-forming ring sections enhance knitting between laminar skin layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preform for producing a plastic container in a blow moulding method, comprising an elongated, preform body, which is formed so as to be closed at the one longitudinal end thereof and, at the other longitudinal end thereof, has a neck section having a pouring opening. The preform is produced from recycled PET and aliphatic furanoate, wherein the recycled PET has a maximum of 2.5 wt % of isophthalic acid and diethylene glycol, wherein the proportion of isophthalic acid is no higher than 2.0 wt %, and the proportion of diethylene glycol is no higher than 2.0 wt %, wherein all the percentages by weight are based on the total weight of the preform. Turbidity of the preform, measured in accordance with ASTM D I 003-00, is less than 5%, as a result of the admixture of the aliphatic furanoate.

Abstract: A process for forming a mat containing a fiber filler including providing one or more sources of extended length fiber; feeding the one or more sources of extended length fiber simultaneously to an automated cutting machine to produce chopped tow fibers; separating the chopped fiber tow into individual chopped fibers that form a fiber filler; coating the fiber filler with a binder; depositing the fiber filler on a first sheet of thermoplastic; covering the fiber filler with a second sheet of thermoplastic to form a stack; and moving the stack to a treatment chamber to form a fiber mat.

Abstract: A multi-layer elastomeric tooling for the manufacturing of composite structures is disclosed. The tooling comprises an elastomeric base material with an outer layer of fluoroelastomer. The base material can, in certain embodiments, be selected for its mechanical or thermal performance or low cost without the limitation of being a contact material. The outer material can, in various embodiments, have inferior mechanical properties, or durometers different than the base material or can be a contact or barrier material.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a master model for the production of a mold, comprising: (a) a first part, a second part comprising a textured surface; wherein the first part and the second part are connected.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic device includes molding either one of the base member and the valve part with a first mold; and molding the other one of the base member and the valve part with a second mold with respect to the molded base member or the molded valve part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite component according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes disposing a fiber preform in a mold. The fiber preform includes a first portion having a first edge and a second portion having a second edge. The first edge and the second edge cooperate to at least partially define a gap. One of the first portion or the second portion includes a first ferromagnetic material and the other of the first portion or the second portion includes a first magnetic or magnetizable component. The method further includes closing the gap by generating a magnetic field from the first magnetic or magnetizable component. The method further includes injecting a polymer precursor into the mold. The method further includes forming the composite component by solidifying the polymer precursor to form a polymer. The composite component includes the fiber preform and the polymer.

Abstract: Tool for plastic injection molding consisting of at least one metallic mold and at least one plastic carrier, wherein the metallic mold and the plastic carrier are connected to one another by an adhesive layer.

Abstract: Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.

Abstract: Systems and approaches for determining design of experiment parameters using largest empty area rectangle optimization for an injection molding system. The systems and methods include obtaining pressure versus time data sets indicative of fill step pressures and corresponding fill step times for a plurality of mold cycles and defining a low and high pressure versus time curves from the data sets, with the low and high pressure versus time curves being two surfaces of a geometric shape. The systems and methods further include identifying a top surface and a bottom surface of the geometric shape; identifying a rectangle having the largest area of all rectangles contained within the first geometric shape; and generating design of experiment parameters from the largest area rectangle.

Abstract: Systems and approaches for controlling an injection molding machine and a mold forming a mold cavity and being controlled according to an injection cycle. The systems and methods include analyzing a model of at least one of the injection molding machine, the mold, and a molten material to determine initial values for one or more control parameters of the injection molding machine, and executing a run of injection cycles at the injection molding machine; measuring operation of the injection molding machine during a particular injection cycle of the run of injection cycles; determining one or more operational parameters exceed a threshold; and upon determining that the one or more operational parameters exceed the threshold, adjusting the one or more control parameters for subsequent injection cycles of the run of injection cycles.

Abstract: A misalignment sensing system for a molding structure and a method for using same. The molding structure includes a first component and a second component, at least one of the components being selectively repositionable between a closed configuration of the mold structure and an open configuration of the mold structure. The misalignment sensing system includes an alignment member including a male portion coupled to and extending from the first component of the molding structure, and a female portion defined in the second component of the molding structure, the female portion being configured to receive the male portion when the molding structure is in a closed configuration; and at least one sensor connected to one of the male and female portions and being configured to detect a deformation of any one of the male portion and the female portion, the deformation being induced by a misalignment of the molding structure.

Abstract: A polyester-based film having excellent scratch resistance, durability, transparency, and visibility and a process for preparing the same. The polyester-based film comprises a base layer and a coating layer on at least one side of the base layer. The light passage according to Relationship 1 is 91% or more, or the total transmittance for light of 380 nm to 780 nm is 92% or more, it has excellent optical properties, durability, visibility, and reliability. Thus, it can be applied to display devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops. In addition, in the polyester-based film according to an embodiment, the strain with respect to tensile load satisfies a specific range, whereby it is possible to achieve the flexibility that hardly causes deformation even when a certain load is maintained for a long period of time. Thus, it can be applied to flexible display devices, particularly, foldable display devices.

Abstract: A lamella block is provided for a calibrating device for calibrating an extruded profile, wherein the lamella block includes a carrier structure and a lamella structure, and wherein the lamella structure has a plurality of lamellae, which are spaced apart from each other by grooves and arranged in a longitudinal direction (L) of the carrier structure. Neighboring lamellae of the lamella block are arranged laterally offset to each other in the longitudinal direction (L). Also provided is a method for manufacturing the lamella block mentioned above, as well as a calibrating device, which includes a plurality of the lamella blocks mentioned above. Further provided is a system for additively manufacturing the lamella block mentioned above, a corresponding computer program and a corresponding dataset.

Abstract: An extrusion device comprises at least one supply station suitable for containing a material to be extruded; a plurality of propellers operatively connected to at least one supply station for receiving the material to be extruded and at least one extrusion head connected to at least one propeller. Each propeller can also be selectively activated to modulate an extrusion speed and/or a quantity of material to be extruded as an output from the extrusion head.

Abstract: Provided is a device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, having a feed device for feeding the plastic preforms to the device, at least one first preform store, a multiplicity of plastic preforms being arranged unsorted in the preform store, and having an alignment device for bringing the plastic preforms into a predetermined position before feeding them to the device. The device includes at least a second preform store, wherein a plurality of plastic preforms of exactly one production batch can be accommodated in each preform store.

Abstract: A molding device suitable for performing at least one of injection molding of preforms and blow molding of the preforms includes a pitch changing device including: N holding units capable of holding the preforms and arranged at a predetermined pitch in a predetermined direction, N being inter equal to or larger than 2; a coupling unit coupling the holding units adjacent to each other such that the pitch is changeable; a drive unit configured to generate a predetermined drive force; and a drive force transmission unit configured to transmit the drive force to each of one end-side and the other end-side, in the predetermined direction, of the coupled N holding units. The one end-side and the other end-side are configured to be moved in the predetermined direction by the drive force to change the pitch.

Abstract: Provided is a novel container sterilization method in which no liquid agent is used. A container sterilization method is a method of performing sterilization by supplying a sterilization component to a container that is continuously conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path, the container sterilization method including supplying a humid ozone gas to a sterilization area, the humid ozone gas being an ozone gas that has humidity, the sterilization area being partitioned by a sterilization chamber that contains the conveyance path. The humidity of the humid ozone gas to be supplied to the sterilization region is regulated, depending on a temperature of the containers to be conveyed to the sterilization region.

Abstract: Method of forming a plate including providing a sheet of polyethylene terephthalate foam and thermoforming the polyethylene terephthalate foam into a plate. The plate comprising a bottom wall having an outer perimeter, an upper surface, and a lower support surface defining a horizontal reference plane. The plate further comprising a sidewall extending upwardly and outwardly from the outer perimeter at an angle “a” of between about 30° to about 35° relative to a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane. The plate further including a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper edge of the sidewall and a turndown flange extending downwardly from an outer edge of the rim and terminating at a free end.