Abstract: Packaging for elongated articles comprises a plurality of modular plastics units capable of assembling together to form an elongated packaging. Each unit has a lower portion engageable with an upper portion to close the unit and form therebetween a bore and a bore opening in at least one end of the modular unit. An elongated article is supported through the bore and bore opening and spans across at least two modular units.

Abstract: An ergonomic organizer device having enhanced organizational functionality comprising a clip integrally formed on the card which is configured to retain paper, the clip formed by a tongue disposed in a cut shape opening, and at least one indicator such as a flag or category wheel that is movably mounted on a surface of the card, wherein the indicator is coded for a designated purpose to facilitate organization and coordination.

Abstract: Panel packaging includes a wrapper, comprising at least one panel received by the wrapper and at least one indicator for displaying at least one stress. The indicator alters its appearance at least once depending on the at least one stress. The panel packaging provides improved handling of the panel by including at least one indicator for displaying at least one stress.

Abstract: A countdown timer contact lens case is provided for removably receiving a receptacle and providing independent timing functions for displaying the useful remaining life of a contact lens and for the receptacle for receiving the contact lens when not worn. The countdown timer contact lens case includes a receptacle carried by a main body. The main body includes a timing circuit and a display with first and second indicators corresponding to the respective remaining time for desired use of the lens and for the receptacle. The timer for the lens displays a maximum value which is less than the displayed maximum value of the timer for the receptacle. The timer corresponding to each of the lens and the receptacle can be independent set and reset, and a warning feature is provided to signal the user when the corresponding displayed lens or receptacle value diminishes below a minimum, or decreases to zero.

Abstract: An inventory control process includes the association of an inventory item with a reusable container at an origination point. The container is inclusive of a passive or active identification tag. The container is transported within the range of a transponder able to share information with the identification tag. Upon reaching a destination point, the inventory item is unpacked from the container and the container recycled for association with a new inventory item. An inventory delivery device includes a reusable container labeled with an active identification tag. An inventory item is inserted within the container. A disposable tamper-evident seal retaining the inventory item with the container is provided. The device is particularly well suited for transportation for timely and high clinical value items within a medical care setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package that can be used with products of a variety of size and/or shape products. The invention further relates to the use of a package that comprises purchase inducements to increase the sales of the product. The package for displaying a product comprises a strip of substantially rigid material, having a first end and a second end and an inner surface and an outer surface, configured to form a shape to encircle the product and to frictionally engage an outer surface thereof with the inner surface of the strip at two or more points of contact, wherein the first end and second ends of the strip are configured to link continuously.

Abstract: A dosage reminder cap provides an easy, effective way to track consumption of medication. A rotating disk provides a tool for marking the either last dose taken or the next dose due to be taken of a prescribed medication in order to facilitate proper consumption of the medication.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are given for a novel way to overcome the difficulty of achieving absolutely certainty that the contents of a cargo container have not been accessed between the time it is packed and sealed at its point of origin and the time it is reopened at its destination. The concept is rather than to try to make the container impregnable, is to make certain that if the integrity of a container is violated, then than fact will be recorded without fail. The method consists of placing the cargo inside a secure enveloping structure, the physical continuity of which cannot be cut, or interrupted however briefly, without authorities being alerted. To achieve this the enveloping structure is made of semiconducting material. Immediately prior to sealing the contents at the point of origin a monitoring device housed inside the envelope is switched on.

Abstract: The present is directed to an apparatus and method to monitor water treated with the SODIS process and comprises a container and an indicator element which is either affixed, applied or embedded to the container or the container's cap. The, indicator element comprise of at least one thermochromic indicator and at least one photochromic indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.

Abstract: A prescription dispensing system including a dispensing vault for storing for storing and dispensing prescriptions, with the vault further including RFID, bar code, and other means for verifying the content and internal location of pre-filled prescriptions; a customer interface that uses customer biometrics to ID a customer to ensure that prescriptions are only dispensed to the correct person; a patient registration system in communication with the central computer system for collecting insurance, doctor, biometric, and other information to facilitate transactions; transport container that integrates into the dispensing vault and provides secure transportation from a pharmaceutical manufacturer to the dispensing vault.

Abstract: A dosage reminder device is disclosed. The device is comprised of a front plate, a set of slides inserted into the front plate and a back plate connected to the front plate. Each slide indicates a first position for a dosage not taken, a second position to indicate a dosage taken, or to a third position to indicate no dosage. The rear of the back plate has a removable adhesive cover that once removed, facilitates adhering the dosage reminder device to a medicine vial.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided. The article comprises one or more disposable absorbent articles having a configuration corresponding to a wearer's stage of development, the disposable absorbent articles being enclosed in a package; a brand indicator disposed on the package; a line-up indicator disposed on the package, the line-up indicator including visual indicia and narrative indicia; and a stage specific indicator disposed on the package. The line-up indicator and stage specific indicator associate the absorbent article configuration with a corresponding stage of development, the association enabling a consumer to identify the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a wearer. An array of disposable absorbent article configurations is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for tracking a medical device, including tracking medical devices in a set or tray. Systems configured for such tracking may include the capability to either or both detect tampering with the medical device and to effectively expose one or more medical devices to sterilization substances.

Abstract: A merchandise system for disposable absorbent articles is provided. The merchandise display system includes a first line-up and second line-up of disposable absorbent articles designed to match a wearer's stage of development. The system also includes various color schemes associated with the first and second line-ups in order to facilitate consumers' identification and selection of the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer. A merchandise system for baby care articles is also provided.

Abstract: A medication managing apparatus includes a medicine package case and a main body unit removably storing the medicine package case. The medicine package case includes blocks each storing a medicine package, openings provided at walls of each block and formed at positions facing each other such that the medicine package stored in the block is sandwiched therebetween, and an openable/closable cover. The main body unit includes a sensor portion (a medicine package sensor) disposed corresponding to each opening at the opposing walls of each block, to sense a medicine package based on that the medicine package stored in the block blocks a gap between a pair of openings, and a switch lever and a micro-switch (a medicine package case sensor) sensing attachment/removal of the medicine package case to/from the main body unit.

Abstract: A measuring cup includes a wall structure surrounding a holding space to hold contents, an opening exposing the holding space, and a surface pattern provided on the wall structure. The surface pattern includes a plurality of concave patterns superposed on each other. Each concave pattern is vertically concave such that edges therebetween are protruded to form a plurality of first visually observable lines indicative of a first set of predetermined volumes within the holding space.

Abstract: An oral care implement demonstration assembly includes a powered oral care implement, a package housing and a plurality of demonstration elements. The oral care implement demonstration assembly is configured to produce a visual demonstration effect when relative movement is provided between a first demonstration element and a second demonstration element. Among the visual effects that may be utilized is a Moiré effect. Additionally, an associated method for demonstrating features of an oral care implement though one or more visual effects is described herein.

Abstract: A bowl having one or more grooves defined around the interior perimeter thereof, the grooves representing a specific measure of a material placed into the bowl when the bowl is filled to the level of one of the grooves. Each of the grooves have an indicia locate nearby that indicates the quantity associated with each groove.

Abstract: A pocket sized case for storing and dispensing condoms wherein a plurality of packaged condoms can be stored and dispensed without risk of breakage.

Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having a different sports logo, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members.

Abstract: A medicine apparatus for storing medicine pill vials; indicator for indicating day, segment of day and time; seven days with four segments per day medicine dispensers; area for sorting medicines; and weekly communications sheets which will be stored as medical records. All the above mentioned elements are embodied within one housing so as to be available in one convenient location. The apparatus has been designated for medical patients who may be experiencing dementia as well as patients who may be losing dexterity in their hands. The apparatus is molded from inert materials such as plastics thus allowing for the said apparatus to be lightweight yet durable and inexpensive.

Abstract: A flexible package for products sensitive to moisture, includes a front flexible sheet having moisture-barrier properties; and a back flexible sheet having moisture-barrier properties bonded along its peripheral edges to the peripheral edges of the front flexible sheet except for one edge to allow for the introduction of the product into the interior of the package and then the sealing of the package by bonding the unbonded edges. At least a section of the front flexible sheet having moisture-barrier properties is optically transparent such as to permit a moisture-indicator to be introduced with the product into the interior of the package before bonding the unbonded edges of the two sheets, and to be optically observed through the transparent section after the package has been sealed. Also described are various multi-layer constructions for the two flexible sheets, and methods of producing such packages to also include anti-static properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage cup that comprises a cup body, and a lid. The lid comprises a hinged plug insert, which covers the drinking port in the lid, a window and a counter means. The counter means comprises a disc that protrudes through the outer circumference of the lid in such a way that the user can rotate the disc. The disc is printed with symbols or numbers, one of which is visible at a time through the window in the lid. Different symbols or numbers on the disc are visible through the window as the disc is rotated.

Abstract: Print sheets 7 stacked up are inserted into a package member 8 so that the sheets 7 in this state can be set in a printer together with the package member 8. The package member 8 is provided with an identification mark 31 while the printer is equipped with a reflective sensor so that the identification mark 31 will be placed in a reading area of the reflective sensor only when the sheet package 9 is loaded in the printer in a correct direction.

Abstract: A reminder device can be attached to the bottom of a medicine container that has a cap. The reminder device has an indicator rotatably mounted on a base in order to rotate and indicate a scheduled event. The base adhesively or frictionally engages the bottom of the container opposite the cap. The base may have an opening for engaging the bottom of the medicine container. Along some transverse plane within the opening, the opening may be shaped to engage the container along most of its periphery. A user can adjust the indicator on the base to indicate a scheduled event when medicine is ingested.

Abstract: A specimen testing device having a folding top having a top inside and a top outside; a back portion having at least one flap opening, the back portion in folding communication with the folding top; a front portion having at least one opening with the folding top covering the front portion when in a folded closed position and the front portion in folding communication with the back portion; a reagent test sheet in communication with at least a portion of the back portion and interposed between the front portion and the back portion; at least one enclosed bubble containing developer attached to the inside of the flap opening of the back portion, wherein a fecal sample is placed on the reagent test sheet, the folding top is in a folded closed position and the enclosed bubble releases the developer to indicate the presence of fecal occult blood.

Abstract: A self-contained portable kit that provides the convenience and ability to easily carry various items of personal value, sentimental value or necessity that bring comfort to the user of the kit, or other items for a variety of uses that are specific and personal to the user. The kit contains a closable, folding wallet having a plurality of sealable containers and a pricking device removably fastened to an inner surface of the wallet for storing a variety of items or substances. A closable pocket is coupled to another inner surface of the wallet for storing a variety of items. A method for producing the self-contained portable kit is also provided.

Abstract: Systems include integrally sealed medicinal storage containers, including one or more segments of an ultra efficient insulation material, the one or more segments having one or more surface regions, the one or more segments principally defining at least one storage region, and one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections between at least one of the one or more surface regions of the one or more segments wherein the one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections and the one or more segments form an integrally thermally sealed medicinal storage region.

Abstract: Systems described herein include integrally sealed containers. An integrally sealed container may include one or more segments of a first ultra efficient insulation material having one or more surface regions, the one or more segments principally defining at least one storage region; and one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections between at least one of the one or more surface regions of the one or more segments wherein the one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections and the one or more segments form an integrally thermally sealed storage region.

Abstract: A container for a product uses a location circuit for determining the location of the container, a storage element for storing a container identification code, a plurality of data acquisition components for acquiring status of at least two characteristics of at least one of the container, the product and a user of the product, and a communication interface for generating and sending a communication signal including (a) the container identification code from the storage element, (b) the location of the container from the location circuit, and (c) the status of the at least two characteristics from the data acquisition components. The container may be an auto-injector for containing a medicament, or a case for containing an item such as an auto-injector. Generally, the location circuit uses the global positioning system (GPS).

Abstract: A sterilizable pouch having both internal and external sterilization record indicators to indicate whether attempted steam sterilization of the pouch and contents was successful or unsuccessful. The pouch preferably has one indicium in each indicator responsive to multi-parameter sterilization by steam, and another indicium in each indicator responsive to gas sterilization, such as using ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight, thermally insulating tray pallet for retaining cargo in place and preventing damage of the cargo loaded on the corners of the pallet. The tray pallet simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the weight of the pallet by requiring stretching only a single thermoplastic sheet over an expanded polymer core. The strength of the tray pallet can be increased by applying a thicker thermoplastic sheet over the expanded polymer core.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods in which humidity is regulated within a housing to reduce over-drying of moisture, sweat, and any other deteriorating liquids introduced into a leather-based product by its use. This over-drying of the leather-based product results in an undesired reduction in the amount of moisture content remaining in the leather which decreases the life span and tactile sensitivity of the leather-based product. A moisture-absorbing chemical, enclosed within a container, is positioned within the housing to stabilize a humidity level within a desired range. This humidity level reduces over-drying of the leather-based product by regulating the amount of moisture that escapes the leather-based product while in the housing. As a result, the life of a leather-based product, such as a sporting glove, is extended by reducing the deleterious effects caused by over-drying of the leather within the product.

Abstract: A packaging system for roast and ground coffee is disclosed. The packaging system can comprise a container, an overcap, and a visual indicator. The visual indicator can indicate a pressure difference between the inside of the packaging system and the outside of the packaging system by moving from a concave outwardly position to a concave inwardly position. The visual indicator can comprise a bubble.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage cup that comprises a cup body, and a lid. The lid comprises a hinged plug insert, which covers the drinking port in the lid, a window and a counter means. The counter means comprises a disc that protrudes through the outer circumference of the lid in such a way that the user can rotate the disc. The disc is printed with symbols or numbers, one of which is visible at a time through the window in the lid. Different symbols or numbers on the disc are visible through the window as the disc is rotated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing removable storage tanks in an appliance having a pedestal are disclosed. The systems include a storage container located in the pedestal and configured to house an additive. In addition, a cover may be positioned within the pedestal to secure the container within the pedestal. The methods include manufacturing the pedestal such that when a storage container is placed in the pedestal, the storage container will fit in a predetermined orientation. The storage container may be manufactured such that when the storage container is placed in the pedestal the storage container can be secured in the pedestal with a cover.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for securing valuable articles wherein the articles are provided within a tamper evident primary container (10) or envelope, the primary container is contained within a secondary container (60) or box, and dispensing means (12) is provided in the secondary container (60) selectively to dispense a staining medium. The invention provides that the primary container (10) is partitioned into first (30) and second (32) portions that communicate with each other through at least one path (34.1); the articles to be secured are inserted into the first portion (30) which is then sealed (26); and the dispensing means (12, 42) is arranged to dispense the staining medium into the second portion (32) when activated. A plurality of spaced flow paths (34.2) may be formed between the first (30) and second (32) portions, the paths being arranged to prevent access to the first portion through the second portion.

Abstract: A light device and packaging assembly having packaging containing a product. The product may be a solar powered light device. The packaging includes a switch that is operable to activate the product while the product is still within the packaging so that a user may observe operation of the product without removing the product from the packaging.

Abstract: A pressure container has an inner shell with a pair of fittings and a reinforcement layer formed around the inner shell, and is configured so that a reinforcement member is attachable to the pair of fittings in a process of forming the reinforcement layer and a functional component which performs a predetermined function is also attachable to the fittings. This can allow the reinforcement member to prevent expanding deformation of the pressure container in production of the pressure container, and can ensure effective use of openings after removal of the reinforcement member.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment is a reservoir for use with a cigarette lighter has a chamber for containing gas and liquid fuel and a lens made of a transparent material and having an internal surface adjacent the chamber. The internal surface allows optical transmission of visible light into and from the liquid fuel when in contact therewith, but denies the transmission of light into the gas when in contact therewith. The internal surface is contoured such that the transmissions are facilitated by optical refraction, and the denial is facilitated by optical reflection. The transmissions facilitate comparisons of the relative amounts of the liquid fuel and the gas in the chamber. The chamber has within a non-transparent object viewable through the lens during the transmissions and non-viewable through the lens during the denial. The object is a planar panel disposed substantially parallel to and displaced from the internal surface.

Abstract: This invention discloses a device for reminding a user about when to change his toothbrush. In a first embodiment, the present invention is a storage device for four toothbrushes to be disposed of, one at a time, on a regular basis, such as every three months. The storage device has at least four compartments intended to hold one toothbrush each. As the top is rotated the next compartment is opened, thus exposing the next toothbrush in sequence. The top also rotates to show the name of the month or the date on which the toothbrush is to be disposed of, or the date on which the toothbrush was first used. In this manner, the user is reminded as to when to change the toothbrush. A second embodiment of the present invention is a molded elastic form that adds a soft grip texture to the toothbrush handle and includes a date or the name of a month and is also intended to remind the user when it is time to dispose/change his toothbrush.

Abstract: A portable food delivery container includes a food storage compartment, a control compartment, and a temperature control source. A control compartment lies adjacent to and in thermal conductivity with the food storage compartment. A modular removable temperature control source is disposed within the control compartment, where the temperature control source effects transfer of thermal energy between the food storage compartment and the control compartment to maintain the food storage compartment at a temperature other than the ambient temperature.

Abstract: An odor-containment system for use with a flexible bag and a receptacle for holding waste items includes a body configured to be connected to the receptacle for holding waste items, the body providing a passageway through the body, and a plurality of sealing members attached, directly or indirectly, to the body and disposed across the passageway, the sealing members being disposed adjacent to each other in a static, closed position of the system such that a flexible bag inserted between the sealing members will be forced closed, where the body is configured to cover an opening of the receptacle for receiving the waste items, where the sealing members are attached to the body such that the sealing members can separate from each other to permit one of the waste items to be inserted between the sealing members, and where the sealing members are biased toward the static, closed position with the sealing members adjacent to each other such that when a waste moves out from between the sealing members, the sealing m

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-compartment packaging comprising a base part provided with at least two cups (11,12) which are used to receive the components, and a cover film which is connected to the base part. The components can be mixed together by exerting pressure on the connection area between the at least two cups which, as a result, becomes detached. The cover film is made of at least two films (20,30) having different structures. One section or one surface arranged above at least one cup (11) is covered by only one of the two films (20). Due to said selective covering of the base part and/or the components located in the two cups by the films adapted to the user profile of the compartments, the desired physical properties can be adjusted in a separate manner in relation to the density and/or light-impermability for the two cups.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for marketing and using products such as liquid materials, especially liquid reagents for use in microbiological and cellular biological laboratory settings include the use of unique color and simple numeric or alphanumeric identifiers to quickly and easily identify any product from a catalog list of products. Methods of marketing, advertising and producing such products are also disclosed. Particular embodiments include products, product packaging and product labeling. The invention also relates to collars and sleeves for containers, as well as related methods of use.

Abstract: A container is provided that includes a consumption tracker. The consumption tracker is moveable among multiple positions. The consumption tracker includes an indicator that points to characters on the container. The characters correspond to the positions of the consumption tracker and indicate a number of portions of a substance consumed from the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator that includes a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants. As a result of contact with hydrogen peroxide, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a mold includes at least one plate and a storage device supported at the at least one plate. The storage device stores electronic information associated with the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved disposable emesis containment system comprising an expandable bag constituted of a non-porous, flexible polymeric material, such bag having a metal or plastic frame e.g., in the shape of a spring that permits expansion of the bag into a desired shape e.g. spherical, the bag having a large opening or aperture at the top upon expansion which opening is sealable by use of an associated draw- or pull-string and which expandable bag is stored in an easily opened, preferably resealable storage container in unexpanded form prior to usage. This system provides an improved means of storing and disposal of emesis and other noxious biological materials.