With Moisture Absorbent Patents (Class 206/204)
  • Publication number: 20040251161
    Abstract: A laminate useful as a lidstock for poultry packaging generally includes a first film capable of bonding directly to a surface comprising foamed polystyrene at a bond strength ranging from about 0.5 to about 5.0 lbf per inch, a second film bonded to the first film, and a printed image trapped between the first and second films. At least one of the first and second films may have a free shrink at 185° F. in at least one direction of at least about 10%. Further, the laminate may have a gas transmission rate greater than about 3000 cubic centimeters per square meter per day per 1 atmosphere of gas pressure differential measured at 0% relative humidity and 23° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Walter B. Mueller, Eric D. Kragness
  • Patent number: 6821594
    Abstract: The oxygen-absorbing label of the present invention has a laminated structure successively comprising a base layer having a release adhesive layer on its surface, an oxygen-absorbing sheet made from an oxygen-absorbing resin comprising a thermoplastic resin and an oxygen absorbent blended therein, and an air-permeable layer. The air-permeable layer is bonded to the base layer at a position surrounding an outer periphery of the oxygen-absorbing sheet. The air-permeable layer comprises (A) a water-resistant moisture-permeable resin film having a water pressure resistance of 2,000 mmH2O or higher and a moisture permeability of 1,000 g/m2/24 h or higher and (B) a microporous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Watanabe, Takahiro Seki, Masaki Nagata
  • Publication number: 20040226834
    Abstract: An absorbent mat includes top and bottom layers of thermoplastic material with absorbent media disposed therebetween. The top and bottom layers are bonded directly together, or to the absorbent media disposed therebetween, in spaced-apart bond sites. One or more perforations are formed as a result of bonding in the top and/or bottom layers in a peripheral portion of each bond. Each perforation is in communication with the absorbent media and provides a pathway through which liquid can pass. The top and bottom layers may be monolithic thermoplastic film with an aperture formed therethrough at each respective bond by stretching the multi-layer absorbent mat. One or more perforations are formed in the peripheral portion of each bond site thereof as a result of stretching. Each perforation is in communication with the absorbent media and provides a pathway through which liquid can pass into the absorbent media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Alfred Frank Baldwin, Richard James Bliton, Jessica Zingelmann Brown, Kyra Darnella Dorsey
  • Publication number: 20040211682
    Abstract: An edge stackable absorbent display container (10) includes an open-top tray (14) that has an array of liquid receiving cavities (A-I) formed by intermediate longitudinal and laterally extending support ribs (36, 37, 38 and 39). The side cavities (A, B, C and G, H and I) are sloped with respect to the central cavities (D, E and F), forming the tray bottom wall (22) in a spread U-shape that enhances the tilting of the tray. Liquid absorbent material (56) is placed in at least some of the cavities (A-I), and a porous sheet (16) is supported over the cavities on the support ribs and the sheet support rim (60). Liquid from the product, such as raw poultry, can drain through the porous sheet and become absorbed by the absorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: William M. Brander
  • Publication number: 20040195115
    Abstract: A highly absorptive open cell foam having a ratio of cell size to pore size of between about 1 and about 10. A juice absorbing food package comprising a tray having a bottom bounded by an upwardly extending lip around the perimeter of the bottom and a liquid-absorbing pad comprised of polymer foam joined to the bottom of said tray, wherein the polymer foam is a highly absorptive open cell foam having a ratio of cell size to pore size of between about 1 and about 10. The tray of the juice-absorbing package may be overwrapped with gas permeable film, and may be provided with an oxygen absorbing substance therein. Alternatively, the overwrapped tray may be placed in a sealed barrier bag that is subsequently purged with a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Edward A. Colombo
  • Patent number: 6796423
    Abstract: A compact and stackable package for displaying and protecting products including a transparent platform member having a planar portion on which a product may be placed, and a base portion at right angles to the planar portion on which the product is supported and which has a cavity or well therein in which an absorbent material, anti-microbial agent or atmosphere modifying agents may be placed, an overwrap of plastic film unitizing the platform member and product, and a sleeve member at least partially surrounding the periphery of the unitized platform member and product and on which indicia may be printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Miller
  • Publication number: 20040173491
    Abstract: Packages made from multilayer structures useful for packaging bone-in meat or other like products are provided. More specifically, packages made from multilayer structures are provided that have sufficient rigidity and strength to contain bone-in meat or other like products, while also maintaining good oxygen barrier properties. In addition, packages made from multilayer structures are provided for packaging bone-in meat and other like products that can easily seal to themselves or to other structures. Moreover, packages are provided made from multilayer structures that may be biaxially oriented and heat-shrinkable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Duane H. Buelow, Michael J. Douglas, Chad D. Mueller, Robert J. Blemberg, Roberto Castellani
  • Patent number: 6782675
    Abstract: A method of packaging a plastic balloon preferably includes steps of sealing the plastic balloon within a substantially airtight package and maintaining the environment within the package in such a condition as to maintain the plastic balloon in a hydrated state that will optimize the performance characteristics of the plastic balloon when it is inflated. Antifungal and antibacterial agents are preferably also provided within the package to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: Emily M. Banks, Christopher Hill, Akira Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040163973
    Abstract: A receptacle (110, 112) suitable for food packaging which comprises a bottom or base portion (111, 121) defining a storage compartment or zone and a flange (113,123) circumferentially extending all around the receptacle contour providing an area for the closing lid to be sealed, said receptacle being made of a multi-layer thermoplastic structure comprising at least i) an upper liquid absorbent layer (1) that is devised to be either in direct contact with the food product to be packaged in the receptacle or separated therefrom by one or more liquid pervious layers (5,6) allowing passage of liquids from the receptacle inner surface into the absorbent layer, and ii) a non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2), and being characterized in that the surface exposed along a closed line in the circumferential flange (113,123) is of the lower non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Eugenio Longo
  • Patent number: 6776602
    Abstract: Disclosed are a filament cassette and a filament loading assembly for supplying filament in a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine. The filament cassette contains a rotatable spool of filament, and has an exit orifice through which a filament strand may exit the cassette. The filament loading assembly is mounted on the modeling machine and receives the filament cassette. The filament loading assembly has conduit for receiving a strand of filament from the cassette and a drive means for advancing the filament strand through the conduit. The filament cassette and loading assembly of the present invention provide a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament from the modeling machine. The filament cassette and the conduit may be made airtight so that the filament is protected from moisture in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Swanson, Minea A. Popa, Patrick W. Turley, William R. Priedeman, Jr., Paul E. Hopkins, Steve Brose, Daniel I. Kimm, David L. Pollard, Andrew M. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20040154205
    Abstract: An encasement system for a display article comprising a transparent top section, a bottom section, a side section disposed directly adjacent the transparent top section and bottom section, the side section having an extending arm, the extending arm having a top segment and a bottom segment and a channel defined there between, whereby a cavity is defined between the transparent top section, bottom section and side section for receiving the display article and whereby the channel is in communication with the cavity, an inert gas injected into the cavity through the channel; and a means for attaching the transparent top section to the side section and to the bottom section such that the inert gas is sealed inside the cavity between the transparent top section and bottom section and adjacent the side section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Georg A. Vihos
  • Patent number: 6753306
    Abstract: A germicide and disinfectant composition contains detergent and at least two enzymes adapted to cause lysis in glycoprotein in infectious agents. These germicidal and disinfectant compositions are used in conjunction with prepackaged wipes and kits that allows the user to remove liquid or dried contaminated material without coming into direct contact with the contaminated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6745894
    Abstract: A waste removal device for collecting waste material is disclosed. The waste removal device comprises a first sheet having an inner surface and a second sheet attached to the first sheet and overlying the inner surface to define an envelope for storing the waste material. The waste removal device also includes a third sheet made from an absorbent material that overlies the inner surface of the first sheet adjacent to the second sheet. The third sheet is intended to contact the waste material while the waste removal device is being used and the first sheet is intended to provide added protection to a user by protecting the user from the waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jesse Max Dean
  • Patent number: 6740145
    Abstract: An effective desiccant for use in a package which has a material including at least in part solid particles of one or more materials, at least one of such materials having an average particle size range 0.001 to 0.1 micrometers to provide a high rate of water absorption and to provide an equilibrium minimum humidity level lower than a humidity level to which a highly moisture sensitive electronic device is sensitive within a sealed enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Boroson, Jeffrey P. Serbicki, Peter G. Bessey, Glen C. Irvin, Lawrence A. Rowley, Cheryl J. Kaminsky
  • Publication number: 20040094436
    Abstract: A desiccant container is positioned within a box for delivering a pizza to absorb moisture and resist the crust from getting soggy, or the box from getting soaked with moisture, in order to deliver the pizza with a delicious taste and texture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Louis F. Potenza, Lisa A. Pieroni
  • Publication number: 20040089561
    Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Craig Steven Herman
  • Publication number: 20040084333
    Abstract: A method and closure and container combination for packaging and sealing a commodity in a container that reduces headspace gases, in particular oxygen, allowing the packaged commodity to have a longer shelf life. The method is also useful for reducing stresses on containers that undergo filling at an elevated temperature and/or require in-container pasteurization or retort processes after fill and seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy J. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6730494
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an alcohol concentration assay test system, including compositions and methods for storing multiple alcohol concentration assay tests and compositions and methods for measuring the concentration of alcohol in an assay test sample. In particular, the present invention provides an alcohol assay test for use by individuals to monitor alcohol levels and a delivery system for alcohol assay tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Guardian Angel Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Toranto, Evan Singer, Brett Miller
  • Patent number: 6720054
    Abstract: A desiccant system and a method for producing the same wherein a container is provided with a desiccant sheet that is trapped within the container and a water vapor impermeable cover for the container making a water impermeable seal thereto. The sheet may have a first substrate, and optionally, a second substrate, and desiccant particles adhered to the first substrate or trapped between the first substrate and the second substrate. A binder material may fuse the desiccant particles to one another and to the substrates. The sheet may be trapped within the bottle due to its tendency to unfurl to a flat condition, or it may be adhered to an inner surface of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Koslow Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Evan E. Koslow
  • Patent number: 6715604
    Abstract: A liquid absorbent base for a liquid beverage container used in the Food and Beverage Industry. A liquid absorbent wafer is provided that is secured onto the base of the container. The liquid-absorbent base and beverage container are used in combination as a liquid-absorbent substrate for cleaning up spillage and liquid condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: IPX Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Taylor
  • Patent number: 6709724
    Abstract: An oxygen scavenging composition of a carrier, such as a polymer, which is permeable to both oxygen and water or water vapor and an oxygen scavenging compound of an organic compound or salt thereof dispersed relatively uniformly throughout the polymer in an amount effective to act as an oxygen scavenger. The oxygen scavenging compound is activated for scavenging oxygen by contact with water or water vapor which permeates into or through the carrier. Also, a catalyzing agent is included in an amount sufficient to increase the rate of oxygen scavenging by the organic compound. The organic compound and catalyzing agent are preferably maintained in a dry state by freeze drying or microencapsulation until the organic compound is activated for oxygen scavenging by contact with water or water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Fred N. Teumac, Bruce D. Zenner, Bert A. Ross, Larrie A. Deardurff, Mahmood R. Rassouli
  • Patent number: 6702116
    Abstract: A container and a method of assembling a container which cleanly and conveniently disposes of used feminine products. The container is manufactured from a sheet, normally of paper treated to be water resistant. It is folded and sealed about itself to form a triangular container, with a wide opening along one side. The opening is sealed with a releasable sealing agent. Once used, the container can then be folded into a small, convenient package which can easily be carried in a purse, and disposed of at the user's convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Emily K. Hummel
  • Patent number: 6695138
    Abstract: A juice absorbing food package comprising a tray having a bottom bounded by an upwardly extending lip around the perimeter of the bottom and a liquid-absorbing pad comprised of polymer foam joined to the bottom of said tray, wherein the polymer foam is open cell foam. The tray of the juice absorbing package is overwrapped with gas permeable film, and may be provided with an oxygen absorbing substance therein. Alternatively, the overwrapped tray may be placed in a sealed barrier bag that is subsequently purged with a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Commodaic Machine Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Colombo, Jeffrey J. Braddon
  • Patent number: 6688030
    Abstract: An encasement system for a display article comprising a transparent top section, a bottom section, a side section disposed directly adjacent the transparent top section and bottom section, the side section having an extending arm, the extending arm having a top segment and a bottom segment and a channel defined there between, whereby a cavity is defined between the transparent top section, bottom section and side section for receiving the display article and whereby the channel is in communication with the cavity, an inert gas injected into the cavity through the channel; and a means for attaching the transparent top section to the side section and to the bottom section such that the inert gas is sealed inside the cavity between the transparent top section and bottom section and adjacent the side section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Georg A. Vihos
  • Publication number: 20040011675
    Abstract: A compact and stackable package for displaying and protecting products including a transparent platform member having a planar portion on which a product may be placed, and a base portion at right angles to the planar portion on which the product is supported and which has a cavity or well therein in which an absorbent material, anti-microbial agent or atmosphere modifying agents may be placed, an overwrap of plastic film unitizing the platform member and product, and a sleeve member at least partially surrounding the periphery of the unitized platform member and product and on which indicia may be printed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Miller
  • Patent number: 6679374
    Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Smith Kline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Andrew Garrill, Richard J. Haan, Craig Steven Herman, Richard Ian Walker
  • Patent number: 6666988
    Abstract: An oxygen scavenging packet containing an iron-based oxygen scavenger and an electrolyte is set forth in which the rate of uptake of oxygen is increased by virtue of the introduction into the packet of an oxygen uptake accelerator containing water. Methods of increasing the rate of oxygen absorption by use of the iron-based oxygen scavenging packet are also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Gary R. DelDuca, Alan E. Deyo, Vinod K. Luthra, Wen P. Wu
  • Patent number: 6662941
    Abstract: A shipping package for protecting a fragile item such as a sample vial comprises a crush-resistant inner container comprising a tube formed from spirally wound fibrous plies adhered together, and an outer container surrounding the inner container. The outer container comprises a semi-rigid can formed of fluid-impervious, flexible polymer and having a receptacle portion and a closure portion releasably fastenable to the receptacle portion so as to render the outer container substantially impervious to fluid outside the outer container. The inner container preferably has a liner of absorbent material. The outer container preferably is formed of polyethylene teraphthalate. The receptacle and closure portions of the outer container preferably are threaded so that the closure portion is screwed onto the receptacle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sonoco Absorbent Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Lowry, Graeme Stuart Durban Boyd-Moss, Francisco P. Olano
  • Publication number: 20030226773
    Abstract: The present invention includes a garbage collection device including a garbage bag or a garbage can or both. The garbage bag has a garbage bag bottom portion and garbage bag side wall portions and the garbage can having a garbage can bottom portion and garbage can side wall portions. A disposable layer of liquid absorbing material is juxtaposed adjacent to at least one of the garbage bag bottom portion and the garbage can bottom portion to collect the liquid which drips from the garbage in the bag or can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas R. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6649086
    Abstract: A water vapor adsorption and water retaining composition containing particulate calcium chloride and particulate vermiculite in a flexible container having a side of spun-bonded polyethylene heat sealed to a side of extrusion coated polyethylene on polyester. The foregoing composition can also contain clay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Payne, Thomas H. Powers
  • Publication number: 20030209453
    Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Craig Steven Herman
  • Patent number: 6640825
    Abstract: A leak identification and containment device (10, 48, 64) is provided which is designed for application to a valve assembly (12) including a conduit (16) and a valve (18) having an operating handle (20) and an outlet (22). The device (10, 48, 64) includes a flexible bag (24, 50, 66) formed of synthetic resin material which is at least translucent (and preferably substantially transparent) with a valve-receiving opening (30, 52) and an absorbent lining (34) on the inner surfaces of the bag (24, 50, 66). In use, the bag (24, 50, 66) is disposed over the valve assembly (12) including handle (20) and outlet (22) and a cinch strap (34, 54) is used to tighten the bag (24, 50, 66) about the conduit (16). The absorbent lining (34) is of a color which contrasts with that of material which may leak from the valve assembly (12), so that the device (10, 48, 64) gives a visual indication of leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Andax Environmental Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick F. McAtarian
  • Publication number: 20030192789
    Abstract: A sports equipment bag includes a flexible elongated body defining an equipment storage region. The body includes at least one recloseable opening and an outwardly facing reflective barrier layer having a reflectivity of at least 80 percent. At least a portion of the barrier layer is viewable from outside of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: William D. Severa, Ronald R. Rocchi
  • Patent number: 6631801
    Abstract: A transport package for containing sample tubes and similar materials prone to leakage comprises a rigid, crush resistant tube e.g. wound from cardboard and having an integrally formed super-absorbent lining, the ends of the tube being closed by end caps. The transport package may be placed into a protective envelope comprising a closely fitting pouch for the package and a further pouch for accompanying documentation. Several such packages or packages in envelopes may be placed in a tertiary container comprising a tube forming a main body of the tertiary container. This tube may be divided into two sections, held together by a shrink fit band or outer covering. One end of the tube is formed with a permanent closure and the other end is closable by a lid having an inner rim with a lip that engages between the two sections of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Inspiral, LLC
    Inventors: Graeme Boyd-Moss, Roderick I. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20030178328
    Abstract: Packaging 1 for use in the transport of an item through the mail, the packaging comprising first 3 and second 5 components that can be assembled to define a storage cavity for the item to be transported and an opener 11, 13 operable to open the packaging 1, wherein said components 3, 5 cannot be reassembled once said opener 11, 13 has been operated to open the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Alistair J. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6598740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tray for packaging portions of meat or similar foods that are stored and presented in refrigerated conditions. Said tray is deep-drawn from polystyrene or a similar foam material, and has a base and a peripheral side wall. Said base and said side wall have a liquid-impermeable skin on the inside and the outside. This skin has recesses on the inside of the base and the foam layer that is located between the inner and outer skin is at least partially open-celled and has the effect of absorbing liquid. At least one channel is molded in the inside of the base, said channel essentially completely surrounding a section of the surface of the base and having flanks and a channel floor which also have a liquid-impermeable skin. The flank which is oriented towards said section of the surface has at least one recess which allows the passage of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: J & T Company
    Inventor: Wilfried Wiegers
  • Publication number: 20030139105
    Abstract: A sized demonstration kit distributable or mailable to customers for marketing purposes is illustrated with reference to a moisture control material and system for wicking away and dissipating body moisture. The kit has a relatively small holder in the shape of a container or foldable device having, an exterior surface for at least a printed address and postage, an interior surface defining a storage space, with access to the storage space. Optionally the holder is transparent or with a viewing window. Samples of the moisture control material and associated items for testing purposes are removably offered to the interior surface of, a first space for printed information on the nature and operation of the moisture control material and system, and a second space for printed instructions on how to test at least one of the samples of the moisture control material are disposed in the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: H.H. Brown Shoes Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Celia
  • Patent number: 6595365
    Abstract: A pillbox for holding medications to be dispensed having top lid and lower section; and having removable cups arranged in rows for holding the medications. The removable cups are constructed with thick lips on the top to facilitate handling. The lid has an undercover which snaps onto the lid to form a compartment, and the undercover has openings to facilitate air circulation within the pillbox. A desiccant can be inserted into the compartment for keeping the medications dry. The interior of the lower section of the pillbox can be molded to receive and hold the removable cups or be mounted with a platform to receive and hold the removable cups. The bottom outside of the pillbox is mounted with rubber feet to keep the pillbox from sliding while being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Mary Wigmore
  • Publication number: 20030127343
    Abstract: A container and a method of assembling a container which cleanly and conveniently disposes of used feminine products. The container is manufactured from a sheet, normally of paper treated to be water resistant. It is folded and sealed about itself to form a triangular container, with a wide opening along one side. The opening is sealed with a releasable sealing agent. Once used, the container can then be folded into a small, convenient package which can easily be carried in a purse, and disposed of at the user's convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Emily K. Hummel
  • Patent number: 6588586
    Abstract: A mailer for shipping cells contained in a cell culture device, wherein the mailer comprises a containment system that can absorb and contain within the mailer a fluid that may leak from the cell culture device. The containment system comprises a gas-permeable absorbent material adapted to surround the cell culture apparatus; and a liquid impermeable layer which seals the absorbent material so as to contain any fluid released within the mailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Biocrystal LTD
    Inventors: Nora Abasolo, Rick D. Lucas, Betsey Krause
  • Patent number: 6588345
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for improving the flowability of hygroscopic materials from a hopper wherein a desiccant containment device containing a desiccant material is located within a hopper that is used for transporting or storing granular or powdered bulk materials. The desiccant material captures moisture from the hopper atmosphere in order to promote the flowability of the bulk material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: United States Sugar Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar L. Aguirre, Donald H. Griffin, William A. Raiola, Derek Duplooy
  • Publication number: 20030121802
    Abstract: A method for disposing of cooking oil comprises selecting a container with a biodegradable absorbent, such as peat moss or coconut coir, and pouring the cooking oil into the absorbent, or the absorbent into the cooking oil. The oil containing absorbent may then be safely disposed in a landfill or by burning the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Malcolm MacQuoid
  • Publication number: 20030116450
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging member adapted to support a foodstuff in use. The packaging member includes a container or tray formed from an open celled material. The container or tray has an interior for contacting the foodstuff in use and an outside. The tray containing a foodstuff is wrapped in plastic and then placed in an oxygen barrier bag for evacuation, charging and sealing in a chamber to decrease the oxygen content in the barrier bag to prolong the shelf life of the foodstuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Grant Hoddinott
  • Patent number: 6579595
    Abstract: A liquid absorbing sheet for absorbing liquids exuding from a food product disposed in a container of the type having a bottom wall provided with a furrow extending along a side wall of the container. The absorbing sheet comprises a first absorbing zone centrally located on the sheet and comprising a permeable top layer made of a liquid permeable material, an impermeable bottom layer made of a liquid impermeable layer and an absorbing mat between the top layer and the bottom layer, made of a liquid absorbing material. The sheet further comprises a second absorbing zone having an elongated and narrow configuration adapted to fit over the furrow, and comprising an impermeable top layer made of a liquid impermeable material, a permeable bottom layer made of a liquid permeable material and an absorbing mat between the top and the bottom layer, made of a liquid absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Fempro Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvie Lemaire
  • Patent number: 6571942
    Abstract: A container including a body, a top portion and a bottom portion on the body, a first wall on the body, a material-treating container, a second wall on the material-treating container, a material-treating substance in the material-treating container, a permeable cover on the material-treating container, and the second wall being positioned coextensively within the first wall with the material-treating container in hermetic sealing relationship with the bottom portion of the first wall and with the permeable cover within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Riemenschneider, James V. Renda
  • Publication number: 20030089624
    Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which endoses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Karl Andrew Garrill, Richard J. Haan, Craig Steven Herman, Richard Ian Walker
  • Publication number: 20030089625
    Abstract: This invention provides a container (10) in the form of a sachet having a body (11) defining a reservoir (12). The body (11) includes a flexible first wall (13) having a line of weakness (14), and a relatively more flexible second wall (15) sealingly joined to the first wall (13), along its periphery. The line of weakness (14) is configured to open up to form an opening in the first wall (13) when the first wall (13) is folded about the line of weakness (14). The invention is characterised in that the line of weakness (14) is bent, resulting in the advantages that the first wall (13) opens in a controlled fashion and the container (10) is able to withstand relatively rough handling and a substantial amount of bending, without the first wall (13) opening accidentally along the line of weakness (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Malcolm Melsetter Moodie
  • Patent number: 6539817
    Abstract: The invention provides a biological sampling and storage container which is easy and sanitary to use, may be shipped through regular mail, and includes a drying material or desiccant for drying feces samples that are stored therein. The sampling and storage container consists of a body having a sampling chamber and a drying chamber which are in gaseous communication with each other. Preferably, a sampling wand is frictionally retained in the sampling chamber and the drying material is disposed in the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth James Kozak, Ching Sui Arthur Yi
  • Publication number: 20030057113
    Abstract: In surface packaging of thin resin packages such as resin molded memory ICs or the like, cracks of the package occur frequently at a solder reflow step where thermal impact is applied to the package because the resin has absorbed moisture before packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Wahei Kitamura, Gen Murakami, Kunihiko Nishi
  • Publication number: 20030057114
    Abstract: A tray for storing and displaying products that exude liquid includes a base with side walls and end walls. The base has a side rib spaced from and parallel to a side wall for forming a side liquid collection cavity at the side wall. The base has other interior ribs to support the product. The tray is designed to be tilted at an angle so that the side liquid collection cavity is lowermost and allows any liquid to move downwardly into the side cavity. An absorbent material is located in the side liquid collection cavity, and the cavity is covered by a porous sheet so that the liquid passes through the porous sheet and is absorbed below the sheet and is hidden from view. The liquid may form a gel with the absorbent material. The preferred absorbent material is a non-crosslinked gel forming polymer and at least one clay and preferably including a trivalent cation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: William M. Brander