Abstract: A compressed gas cylinder assembly is disclosed which includes a metallic cylinder body having an upper end portion with handles and a flow control valve, and a lower end portion with a convex surface from which depends a lower support ring. A non-conductive annular collar surrounds the lower support ring of the cylinder body, and a conductive foot ring connects the annular collar to the lower support ring of the cylinder body, providing a conductive path to ground for the metallic cylinder body.

Abstract: A container system is provided with a container having a door mounted for pivotal reciprocation about a door pivot axis between opened and closed positions. The container system also has a carrier with a body receiving the container and an arm coupled to the body for pivotal reciprocation about an arm pivot axis that is oriented substantially parallel to the door pivot axis. The arm engages the door of the container, and the pivotal reciprocation of the arm reciprocates the door of the container between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.

Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids, having an inner container, an outer casing and an underframe with a bottom for supporting the inner container, and electrically non-conductive support legs. At least one support leg has a shaped sheet metal part to dissipate an electrostatic charge from the inner container. The end of the shaped part closest to the inner container has a container contact section for conductive connection with the bottom or the outer casing, and a standing contact section for conductive connection with the standing surface. The contact conductor section of the shaped part extends inside a cavity in the support leg and the standing contact section has a ground contact surface and a stack contact surface. These contact surfaces are connected by an offset element in the standing contact section and the stack contact surface is arranged above the ground contact surface in a vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell supply for a fuel cell having an outer casing, a liner member containing methanol, and a valve component comprising a valve body member and a slidable body member disposed inside the valve body member. The slidable body member is normally biased toward a valve seat surface to seal the valve component and the slidable body member can be moved away from the valve seat surface to open the valve component. The liner member, the valve body member and the slidable body member are made from at least two different materials and wherein at least one of the members compatible with methanol. Hence, each component can be selected from material(s) that is substantially optimal for its function in the fuel supply.

Abstract: A vase in one embodiment includes an outer shell comprising open top and bottom ends and at least one opening on the surface; a base comprising a projecting member on the top with the bottom end of the outer shell being securely put thereon, an annular flange on the top of the projecting member, and an annular bearing releasably fastened in the flange; and an inner container disposed in the outer shell and comprising an upper member projecting out of the top end of the outer shell, a central shaft projecting downward from the underside to be rotatably disposed in the bearing, and at least one pattern on the outer surface. The inner container is adapted to rotate about the outer shell by rotating the upper member.

Abstract: A vessel includes a containing body, an upper cover, a thing holding member, and a bottom cover; the containing body has an upper opening; the upper cover is threadedly joined on the containing body to cover the opening; the upper cover has a drink outlet, and a moving cap is pivoted on the upper cover to seal the drink outlet; the upper cover further has several bores so that drinks can flow out of the containing body through the drink outlet easily; the thing holding member is securely joined on the containing body, and has several hollow holding portions on an inner circumferential side to contain drink materials such as tea bags and sugar bags; the bottom cover is joined on a lower end of the thing holding member to close the hollow holding portions.

Abstract: Three-dimensional, sports-related cover assemblies (34, 84, 94, 108, 126, 144) for propane tanks (32) are provided in order to permit sport- or team-related decoration of the tanks (32). The cover assemblies (34, 84, 94, 108, 126, 144) may be separable from the tanks (32) or may be integrated and unitized with the tanks (32). The assemblies (34, 84, 94, 108, 126, 144) have substantially rigid, contoured or concavo-convex outer walls presenting surfaces (70, 86, 104, 112, 130, 150), which are configured to give the three-dimensional likeness or appearance of a sports-related item, such as athletic head gear, footwear, balls, or other equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) comprising a transparent cylindrical container wall (2) and an envelope (8) covering the entire container wall. Such containers are used in the form of a vial, an ampulla or a syringe, for example, in clinical tests of medicaments or remedies. According to the invention, the envelope is embodied in an opaque manner such that it can be determined whether undissolved particles are still present in the liquid, but the actual color of the content cannot be determined.

Abstract: A divot mix dispenser having an annular body sized to mate with a holder mounted to a golf cart. The body includes a spout located at the upper end of the body with the spout having an opening offset from a centerline of the container through which the divot mix flows out of the dispenser. The lower end of the body defines an inlet for removable attachment with a cap so that the cap can be removed to fill the dispenser with divot mix and attached to secure the divot mix within the dispenser.

Abstract: A pre-filled disposable container has a rigid tubular body, a flexible bag positioned within the rigid tubular body, a cap, and a base sealing element. The rigid tubular body has an open-ended top and an open-ended bottom. The flexible bag has a top portion with a dispensing aperture, a bottom portion, and an outwardly extending annular flange. An annular retaining ring is adapted to lock the outwardly extending annular flange of the flexible bag against a top rim of the rigid tubular body. The cap is adapted to fit over the top portion of the flexible bag. A tear strip removably connects the cap and the annular retaining ring. The base sealing element is adapted to engage the open-ended bottom of the rigid tubular body to seal a vacuum aperture.

Abstract: The child-resistant medication container includes: a housing having an open end, a support slidably mounted in the housing for supporting medication, first locking element for locking the support in the housing and for unlocking the support so that the support may be slid to the outside of the housing through the open end, the first locking element including a first locking member coupled to the housing and a second locking member coupled to the support, the first and second locking members being engageable with each other, and at least one button operable to act on the first locking element, the at least one button including a first button operable to disengage the first and second locking members, second locking element for maintaining engagement between the first and second locking members, and a second button operable to act on the second locking element to permit disengaging the first and second locking members by operating the first button.

Abstract: A double walled container is provided for insulating a beverage. An outer insulating shell or container is secured to the inner container that holds the beverage. A gap exists between the outer container and inner container and the air in the gap acts as an insulating barrier. The inner container is preferably a standard aluminum container. The outer container is preferably made from aluminum or a plastic polymer.

Abstract: A tubular rivet connection is provided for assembling a transport and storage container that has a support frame, an inner plastic container with a filling socket and a discharge socket, and an exterior jacket. The support frame for the inner container has corner and center legs mounted on a base frame. The top of the support frame and the exterior jacket are attached to the corner legs and center legs by the tubular rivet connection that has a tubular rivet stem connected to a first component; the tubular rivet stem is formed as a monolithic part of the first component or is a separate part welded to the first component. A second component to be riveted to the first component has a rivet hole. A free end of the tubular rivet stem that projects past the second component after insertion into the rivet hole is deformed to a driven head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transportation frame for an oversize container or the like and a method of installing the frame onto the container or the like. The transportation frame includes a top frame body comprising two top corner fittings each provided with a top corner fitting hole, a bottom frame body comprising two bottom corner fittings each provided with a bottom corner fitting hole, and a plurality of posts each having two ends connected to the top frame body and the bottom frame body respectively. The orientations of the two top corner fitting holes and the distance therebetween, and the orientations of the two bottom corner fitting holes and the distance therebetween satisfy the requirements for coupling with corner fittings of neighboring stacked containers. With the invention, non-standard containers may be easily hoisted, stacked and transported. Moreover, the transportation frame can be easily operated and stored while being reusable.

Abstract: The teachings provided herein are directed to an impact-resistant casing for breakable containers, and a system comprising the impact-resistant casing and a breakable container, such as a glass container. Very useful systems incorporating these components could include, of course, a glass baby bottle, a toddler sippy-cup, or an adult drinking glass, for example. These and other embodiments will be apparent to one of skill upon a review of the teachings provided herein.

Abstract: Improvements in blood collection and testing. In one aspect, an improved method of manufacturing a blood collection tube, particularly illustrated for use in sedimentation rate testing, including providing an elongated glass tube with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, formed with a closed end opposite the first end; and applying to a substantial portion of the receptacle a containment barrier. The improvements also pertain to resulting blood collection tubes, additives for blood collection tubes that permit reliable sedimentation test data after 8 hours from the blood draw, and methods of administering health care using the aforenoted tubes, additives or both.

Abstract: A garbage bin in which, when the opening of a container in which garbage is placed is closed by a lid, odor emanating from the garbage does not leak to the outside from a gap between the container and the lid. The garbage bin includes an outer container, an inner container placed inside the outer container and in which garbage is placed, an openable/closable outer lid pivotally attached to the outer container and closing the opening of the outer container, and an inner lid attached to the lower surface of the outer lid and moving together with the outer lid. The lower surface of the inner lid is in intimate contact with the upper end of the inner container when the opening of the outer container is closed by the outer lid.

Abstract: A packing that includes a bottle and/or a bottle and box combination wherein the container may have a first handle portion, a second handle portion, and a bottom grip portion. The first handle portion can extend in a front to back direction and the second handle portion can extend in a transverse direction to the first handle portion. The bottom grip may include a protrusion and recess on the bottom of the container. The box can be configured to have openings to provide access to the first and second handle portions such that the container need not be removed from the box to utilize the contents contained therein. The box may also include a bottom opening and a push-up portion to provide access to the bottom grip portion.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.

Abstract: A vessel includes a containing body, an upper cover, a thing holding member, and a bottom cover; the containing body has an upper opening; the upper cover is threadedly joined on the containing body to cover the opening; the upper cover has a drink outlet, and a moving cap is pivoted on the upper cover to seal the drink outlet; the upper cover further has several bores so that drinks can flow out of the containing body through the drink outlet easily; the thing holding member is securely joined on the containing body, and has several hollow holding portions on an inner circumferential side to contain drink materials such as tea bags and sugar bags; the bottom cover is joined on a lower end of the thing holding member to close the hollow holding portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barrel and its applications. The barrel includes an external cylinder and an internal vessel. The external cylinder has a cylinder body, an open top and an open bottom. The internal vessel has an inner space and a top flange. The top flange of internal vessel and open top of external cylinder are positioned together. The external cylinder and internal vessel are combined by metal and plastic materials. The barrel can be applied to a toilet brush assembly, helping to reduce the manufacturing cost, prevent the corrosion and facilitate the cleaning work with better industrial efficiency and improved practicability.

Abstract: A bottle assembly is provided. The bottle has inner and outer bodies that are selectively engageable and form a space therebetween for insulation by air. The inner and outer bottles can be selectively secured by a deformable collar. The bottle assembly may have a vented nipple that promotes latch-on to an areola region of the nipple.

Abstract: A clothes hamper assembly consisting of an outer case (60), an inner basket (70), a lid (80), and a divider (90). Inner basket (70) is suspended inside outer case (60) by upper rim (38). Lid (80) is pivotally attached to outer case (60) and covers the top of the hamper assembly when in the closed position. Ventilation holes (40) throughout inner basket (70) allow for air to circulate within the hamper assembly. Outer case (60) and lid (80) prevent odors from escaping into the surrounding air. Divider (90) is used to divide the inner basket as the owner sees fit. The use of an air-freshening device along with a moisture-absorbing product inside the hamper assembly further reduces the odor buildup inside the hamper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bucket and toilet brush. The bucket includes an external cylinder and an internal container. The external cylinder includes a cylinder body, a top opening and a bottom opening. The internal container includes an accommodation space and a top periphery. The top periphery of the internal container is mated with the top opening of the external cylinder. The external cylinder and internal container are made of metals and plastics. The bucket can be applied to toilet brush products, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost, prevent corrosion and clean up more easily with better economic efficiency and applicability.

Abstract: A portable receptacle is provided comprising a body and a cover. The cover is removable form the body. The body is collapsible into a position suitable for stacking and/or shipping. The cover can be folded. A plurality of covers can be created for a single body. Each cover can include a message.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pallet container assembly with a thin-walled rigid inner container of thermoplastic material for the storage and transport of liquid or flowable contents, including a cage-like bar frame closely surrounding as support jacket the inner plastic container, and a bottom pallet for placement of the inner plastic container and secure attachment of the support jacket, wherein there are provided, within the support area of the inner plastic container on the surface of the bottom pallet optionally on the surface of an intermediate plate, respective means (form-fitting means/frictional connection means) which—as viewed in the direction of the horizontal plane—result in a substantial increase of the slip resistance between the downwardly pointing outer surface of the bottom pallet or the intermediate plate.

Abstract: Improvements in blood collection and testing. In one aspect, an improved method of manufacturing a blood collection tube, particularly illustrated for use in sedimentation rate testing, including providing an elongated glass tube with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, formed with a closed end opposite the first end; and applying to a substantial portion of the receptacle a containment barrier.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a materials safety cage and associated methods. A safety cage assembly for storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods includes a cage having vertical sides connected rectangularly and a base configured to receive a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably engaged and secured. The safety cage assembly includes a multiplicity frame rails to support the cage. The safety cage assembly also includes metal plates having a handle grip and pin slot and disposed on the cage and connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal plate configured for attachability to a base pin on the base. The safety cage assembly also includes a loop opening to receive a hook. The safety cage assembly is configured for transport by both a crane and a forklift.

Abstract: A trash receptacle is disclosed having a housing defining a cavity and having a lid openable to create an orifice to access the cavity, with a bin disposed in the cavity and removable there-from through the orifice. The bin has a bottom surface and an upstanding peripheral wall, the wall having two pivotably engaged portions that are relatively separable to ease the removal of a filled liner bag. The peripheral wall terminates at its top in an annular rim, and the bin is adapted to receive the liner bag lining the interior of the peripheral wall and draped outwardly over the annular rim. The lid has downwardly extending annular wall adapted to engage the bin's annular rim to secure the draped-over portion of the liner bag to the annular rim when the lid is in its closed state. The receptacle has a seven-day timer and an indicator associated therewith for alerting when it is the day for disposing of trash.

Abstract: A small sample cup rack adapter having a spring biased plunger moveably disposed within a generally cylindrical outer body, with the plunger adapted to support a small sample cup within the outer body. After initial contact between an aspiration probe and the bottom of the small sample cup, the probe may be lowered an additional distance, minimizing the “dead volume” of sample.

Abstract: A convex stripe 231 is disposed on the side surface of a coupler 20 and a step portion 53 of the cylinder member 50 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the convex stripe 231, to thereby engage the cylinder member 50 with the coupler 20 and also to fit a fitting projection 312 formed on a rising portion 31 into a fitting hole 51 of the cylinder member 50, thereby allowing the cylinder member 50 to be stretched over and installed on the coupler 20 and the side surfaces of rising portion 31, making difficult to dismount the coupler 20.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a plastic container for liquids, the container is blow-molded to have a securing segment on an outer side of the recess of the front wall for centering and securing the finish-blowmolded container in a welding machine and to have a round depression in the outer side of the recess that has a diameter matching a nominal width of the dispensing valve. The bottom of the round depression is cut by a cutting tool that is centered in the round depression for producing the discharge opening of the container. A fastening flange of the intake socket of the dispensing valve is fused to an outer edge of the discharge opening. Alternatively, a dispensing socket of plastic material having an outer thread is fused to the outer edge of the discharge opening and the dispensing valve is secured on the dispensing socket by a union nut.

Abstract: A modular tank unit for utilizing vessels of opportunity to serve as carriers for transportation and handling of specialty liquids or flowable particulate products or to serve as a terminal ashore receiving and dispensing to truck, rail, barge or other receiving facilities. The modular tank unit has a rectangular intermodal framework of predetermined dimension and tare weight permitting its transportation by cargo vessel, hopper barge and by rail for positioning inland or at shore facilities. A tank may be adapted for other modes of transportation and may be removably secured within the rectangular framework. The modular tank unit in its smaller dimension can be transported empty by rail and can be positioned in the field by portable crane. The modular tank unit defines a pump compartment having a pumping and draining manifold and portable pump and valve assembly for fluid handling, enabling the modular tank unit to be “active” for power energized pumping or “passive” for gravity discharge.

Abstract: A partially flexible recloseable bag including a flexible cylindrical body, a rigid cylindrical base with a bottom at the bottom of the body, a pair of opposed trapezoidal panels within the top of the body, each panel having a seamless interface with the body, a reusable seal across the opening between the top of the panels, loop handles with extended bonds on each panel proximal to the seal.

Abstract: Improvements in blood collection and testing. In one aspect, an improved method of manufacturing a blood collection tube, particularly illustrated for use in sedimentation rate testing, including providing an elongated glass tube with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, formed with a closed end opposite the first end; and applying to a substantial portion of the receptacle a containment barrier. The improvements also pertain to resulting blood collection tubes, additives for blood collection tubes that permit reliable sedimentation test data after 8 hours from the blood draw, and methods of administering health care using the aforenoted tubes, additives or both.

Abstract: A yellow jacket trap is enclosed in a decorative sleeve. The sleeve is made of plastic or a like material and is in the form of a cylinder. The decorative sleeve lends itself readily to changes in graphics. Thus, the sleeve covers the traps contents while providing a pleasing exterior. The exterior graphics are adaptable to any variety of outdoor settings.

Abstract: Connectable containers provide a vessel with a cavity formed by walls with interconnecting structures whereby multiple containers can be connected in series or chains in different arrangements. A cap to each container with an operable cover enables holding and dispensing of items or product of size appropriate to the container cavity.

Abstract: To produce can bodies, a continuous can jacket is disclosed, that is sealed by way of a first joint is produced from a flat metal material. At least one sealing element is mounted on the continuous can jacket by way of an additional joint. At least one of the additional joints is configured as a laser welding seam, which forms an annular continuous sealing seam between the continuous can jacket and the sealing element(s). Before the sealing seam is welded, complementary seam contact surfaces of the can jacket and the sealing element are configured as annular continuous edge regions that flare out of narrow towards the can axis. To weld the sealing seam, the can jacket and the sealing element(s) are pushed together until the edge regions make contact, one of the end faces of the two edge regions lying on the interior of the can body and the other lying on the exterior of the body.

Abstract: A trash can assembly generally having an inner container, an outer cover and a locking mechanism for securing the two-piece design together is disclosed. The inner container has a wall including a first open end, a base at a second end, and a rim about a periphery of the first open end. The locking mechanism comprises at least one locking tab affixed to the inner container, with at least one locking slot defined within the outer cover and positioned to align with and engage the locking tab when the two pieces are joined. It is preferable that the locking mechanism of the assembly be capable of being unlocked or released by the user from an exterior surface of the outer cover. The outer cover includes a wall defining a hollow, a rim defining a first opening, and a base defining a second opening.

Abstract: A type of frame utilized in transporting a container. The frame includes top and bottom frames which each have two corner fittings and four corner posts, The four corner posts are connected to the four corners of the top and bottom frames respectively through a first detachable fastener combination whereby the hole distance of the two corner fittings falls in an approximate range of 2260 mm. A method is also providing for installing a container into the frame. The frame and method of installation are utilized for special containers utilized as trailers in marine transportation. The transporting frames are used for both hoisting and stacking containers, which are easy to recycle and operate.

Abstract: A standard 20 ft or 40 ft sea-freight shipping container is configured as a septic tank, or as an aerobic trickle filter station. The shipping-container is lined with a watertight shell or liner. The liner may be a preferabricated separate structure inserted into the container, and supported from the container walls. Or, the liner may be actually constructed inside the container, again taking mechanical support from the container walls. The openable doors at the end of the standard container are retained, a wall being added to the shipping-container a foot or two inside the doors to form the tank, leaving a utility room for pipework, valves, pumps, etc.

Abstract: A protective membrane is disclosed for an electronic device that has a touch screen. The touch screen is protected with a membrane adapted to the specific contour and profile of the electronic device and allows the user to use the touch screen interface with no shortcomings. The protective case is further adapted to allow infrared and other communication signals while the device is secured inside the case. Further, electrical connections can be made through the case without affecting the protection afforded the electronic device inside.

Abstract: A container for shipping items in an aircraft includes a shipping compartment and an expandable chamber for receiving gas from the shipping compartment. At least one conduit connects the expandable chamber to the shipping department so as to permit the flow of gas therebetween. A method for shipping items in an aircraft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport cage (“cage”) and enclosed case combination, wherein the cage is adapted to attach to a vehicle rack where the cage functions simultaneously as a transport container and as a supplemental rack. The cage comprises a first and second tubular framework respectively defining an open box (“box”) and a lid. The lid can move between an open and closed position with respect to the box. In the preferred embodiment the cage is designed to accommodate a rifle case. At least one connector enables the cage to be connected to a vehicle rack. The first or second tubular framework enable additional items to be attached to the cage such that the cage acts as a supplemental rack. The cage and case combination is particularly suited to carrying additional items on an ATV rack thereby extending the carrying capacity of an ATV rack.

Abstract: A protective membrane is disclosed for an electronic device that has a touch screen. The touch screen is protected with a membrane adapted to the specific contour and profile of the electronic device and allows the user to use the touch screen interface with no shortcomings. The protective case is further adapted to allow infrared and other communication signals while the device is secured inside the case. Further, electrical connections can be made through the case without affecting the protection afforded the electronic device inside.

Abstract: A pallet container includes a bottle, an enclosure for the bottle as well as a plastic pallet. The enclosure is a grid connected to a plastic pallet by having a lower horizontal circumferential rod received in a laterally opening circumferential groove in the plastic pallet. The rod can be locked through the use of a side plate.

Abstract: A portable rapidly deploying hazardous material containment device is disclosed, which is adapted to receive and retain hazardous materials. The containment device includes a framework may be easily and rapidly manipulated between an erect open configuration and a collapsed compact configuration. The framework of the containment device includes rods, hubs, and a canopy. Each rod pivotally joins to another rod by a scissors-type connection intermediate the rod ends. In addition, the end portion of each rod pivotally joins to a hub, where each hub may receive a plurality of rods. As configured, each rod enjoys pivotal movement in relation to the hub along a single axis of revolution. The rods rotate about this single axis of revolution from the collapsed compact configuration, where the rods are substantially parallel to one another, to the erect open configuration, where the rods radiate outwardly from one another and the framework of the containment device includes four side walls.

Abstract: A container (9) for cosmetic products in general constituted by an extractable cartridge (1), by an outer body (3), and by a cap (5) includes removable locking elements (8) provided between the cartridge and the outer body.

Abstract: An assembly for packaging a product such as a cosmetic product in the form of a cream or a gel. The assembly includes a flexible container or pot containing the product, with the container having a first end closed by a bottom and a second end, opposite the first, forming a neck delimiting an opening. The flexible container is removably disposed in a rigid structure with the rigid structure preferably extending substantially over the entire height of the container lying under the neck. The flexible container is configured so that, once it is extracted from the rigid structure, pressure exerted on the flexible container causes deformation of the container to displace the product towards the opening for use. The container can return to its undeformed shape by elastic return forces when the pressure ceases.