Abstract: A container (210) for holding granular/powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the powder controlling features to prevent and minimize spills, and which include a substantially domed central section (344) positioned inwardly of the sealing wall (340). The substantially domed central section (344) is formed as part of the lid (D) and connected thereto by the sealing wall (34) and or an angled tapered wall (346).

Abstract: A container (210) for holding granular or powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A rotatably removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is pivotally hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket 330 to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates powder control features, a container wall junction (50) preferred geometry and congruent scoop (32) enabling convenient access to the contents, a tolerance variation accommodating and strength improving, J-shaped collar (300) and interlocking indentations (290) and flex clips (310), and a pressure controlling portion (350) that prevents unwanted deformation due to pressure differentials.

Abstract: A closure (1) for a container carrying a liquid comprises a first body (2) and a second body (3) mounted rotatably onto said first body, and a valve. The valve opens and closes by the action of tabs slidingly rotating over apertures provided in a member arranged transversely in a substantially cylindrical opening.

Abstract: Various packages for food products are provided herein. In one embodiment, a food package comprises a rectangular substantially planar rigid bottom wall; two slanted side/side walls extending angularly upwardly from the bottom wall, each forming an angle of from about 55 to about 75 degrees from vertical axes extending orthogonally from a plane formed by the bottom wall; and a rectangular opening opposite the bottom wall, the opening larger in area than the rectangular rigid bottom wall. A top side wall and a bottom side wall extend upwardly from the bottom wall; and a flexible film extends over the opening and seals the opening. The side walls are configured to engage and hold the food product, each side wall being angularly ramped and extending downward and inward toward the bottom wall, and having at least one well which extends downwardly from the angularly upward extending side wall.

Abstract: A constructional unit has a frame and a cover. The frame and the cover are formed of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. A plurality of spacers is arranged between the frame and the cover and defines a gap therebetween. An adhesive is provided in the gap to attach the frame to the cover and simultaneously seal the gap.

Abstract: A welding structure for a fuel tank including a resin inner shell and a resin outer shell interposed by a fuel permeation prevention layer such that they are laminated, and a resin component attached to the fuel tank. The resin component includes a body formed from a resin having low permeability to hydrocarbon gases, a packing material having low permeability to hydrocarbon gases which is fixed to the body, and a resin which is insert molded to at least a connecting portion of the body that connects with a connecting portion of the fuel tank, and which can be welded to the fuel tank.

Abstract: An improved pressure vessel comprises a tubular casing having an internal cavity and a first and second opening at each end. The internal cavity is divided into a first and second cylindrical plug region extending inward from the first and second opening and a hollow interior region. An optical component in the hollow interior has at least a plurality of optical fiber pigtails extending therefrom. A first and second cylindrical plug is force fit into the plug regions. At least one plug has a through-hole for receiving optical fiber pigtails. At least one plug has a ceramic adhesive plug formed by inserting adhesive into the through-hole and preferably filing the void space therein. The adhesive encapsulates the optical fibers passing through the through-hole. The plug has a channel machined into its outer circumference to receive an O-ring. A cap covers over and beyond the outer surface of the plug.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A closed container comprising a valve provided on a container body, through which valve a hand, or an article enters and exits an inner space of the container body, the closed container capable of maintaining an adequate sealing performance and preventing air leakage while eliminating generation of a gap due to bending and wrinkles caused on the valve in a wound state when the valve in a wound state is received in the inner space in case of non-use.

Abstract: A container is provided having corresponding shells that mate together about a joint to create an enclosed airtight container. A valve seat is formed on the exterior of a shell adjacent the joint. The valve seat has an opening in communication with the container interior. A latch assembly is used to secure the shells in a closed position. The assembly includes a latch body which is attached to a shell by a hinge fastener close to said joint. The inside face of the latch body is provided with a valve gasket having a curved outer face that is aligned and sealingly engageable with the valve seat. When the latch is closed, the gasket will seal against the valve seat. When the latch is dislodged from its connection to the other shell, the gasket will be simultaneously removed from the valve seat and allow air to flow through the opening. This action permits equalization of any pressure differentials between ambient pressure and the pressure in the container interior.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastics lid of a container with a plastics closure fitted in an aperture of the lid, in particular a combination of the plastics lid (1) of a container and a plastics closure (2, 20) which is composed of a lower closure portion (2) with a closure foot (3), which can be fitted in an aperture of the lid (1), and a screw cap (20) which can be screwed on a pouring spout (17) of the lower closure portion (2), wherein the edge of the lid aperture is provided with an annular circumferential web (4) facing towards the outside of the lid, which is in engagement with the closure foot (3) fitted in the lid aperture, and closure foot (3) is configured U-shaped in cross-section, and grips around the web (4) with both U-arms (5, 6).

Abstract: The vessel (1) includes a container (2), a top (3) and a flexible hinge (4) connecting the container (2) with the top (3), the flexible hinge (4) being made of the same material as the container and top. The container may hold cosmetic, flagrance or pharmaceutical products, and/or to contain a cream and/or a sample quantity of a product.

Abstract: A lid for a container having an opening is configured to close the opening. The lid includes a base adapted to fit the container opening and an actuator configured to engage the base. The base includes a deformable portion which, when deformed, will pass the contents of the container therethrough. The actuator is moveable between a closing position and an opening position and is operable to deform the deformable portion such that, when the actuator is in its closing position, the contents of the container are blocked from passing through the deformable portion and, when the actuator is in its opening position, the contents of the container will pass through the deformable portion.

Abstract: A window assembly for transmitting light into and from a vessel containing a high pressure, high temperature, highly reactive environment includes a truncated conical window which is substantially transparent to radiation, a truncated conical metal seal which circumferentially engages the window, and a case to which the window and the seal are secured. To facilitate automatic cleaning of the window, the surface of the window which is exposed to the high-pressure environment is seated substantially flush with the high-pressure surface of the case. By initially seating the window assembly by means of mechanical pressing, then subjecting the window assembly to a series of successively higher transient combustion pressures, a window assembly can be fabricated which can withstand prolonged service in a harsh environment such as that encountered in a large caliber artillery cannon or equivalent scientific and industrial applications.

Abstract: A breather assembly having an outer housing, an insert in the upper portion of the housing, a porous metal disc adjacent the insert, a plurality of glass beads adjacent the disc, a spacer cup adjacent the beads and a washer acting as a plug adjacent the spacer cup. The housing has an upper closed end and a lower open end, the washer being press fitted into the open end to retain the cup, beads, disc and insert. There are two oppositely disposed openings in the housing which directly communicate to abutting converging openings in the spacer. The junction of the narrow end of the converging openings communicate with a central vertical opening, a space between the insert and the housing, a recess in the insert, another vertical opening in the insert which is spaced from the first vertical opening. The bottom end of the spaced vertical opening communicates with the porous metal disc.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A package is capable of enclosing a food product in two different gaseous atmospheres at different times. Initially, the food product may be packaged in a low oxygen atmosphere in order to prolong the shelf life of the product. When it is time to sell the product for example, it may be desirable to supply oxygen to the food product. In the case of red meats, the oxygenation process causes the meat to turn a bright red color. The package includes a tray covered by a film with a plurality of apertures formed in the tray. The package may be maintained at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. The apertures are covered by a bacterial barrier layer covered by resealable tape which can be removed to allow air ingress and then resealed to protect the integrity of the tray contents.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction machine including a movable photoconductive member having an image bearing surface; devices for forming a latent image electrostatically on the image bearing surface; a development unit including toner particles for developing the latent image to be transferred onto a sheet; a moving device for moving waste toner particles from the image bearing surface and from the development unit; and a waste developer material cartridge having a housing defining a surface area, a waste developer material chamber, and a waste developer material receiving opening for receiving waste developer material from the moving device, wherein the waste developer material cartridge housing has an accessible sealing device mounted over the receiving opening; and a label assembly reuseable as a sealing device for effectively resealing the accessibly-sealed waste developer material receiving opening during shipping of the cartridge.

Abstract: A container assembly for keeping food stored therein fresh. The container assembly includes a plurality of nested members each having a bowl-shaped configuration comprising exterior and interior surfaces, a base and a perimeter side wall extending upwardly around the base. The perimeter side wall terminating at an upper edge. The nested members include an outer bowl, a filter, and an inner bowl. The filter is rested inside the outer bowl. The inner bowl is rested inside the filter such that the filter is interposed between the inner and outer bowls. The inner bowl having a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. A lid assembly is provided for substantially covering upper opening of the outer bowl.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: An electrostatographic reproduction machine including a movable photoconductive member having an image bearing surface; devices for forming a latent image electrostatically on the image bearing surface; a developing assembly including toner particles for developing the latent image to be transferred onto a sheet; a moving device for moving waste toner particles from the image bearing surface and from the developing assembly; a toner particle cartridge having a waste toner receiving opening for receiving waste toner particles from the moving device; and a non-interfering dual-use cartridge sealing device for accessibly presealing the receiving opening for receiving waste toner particles, and for effectively resealing the receiving opening during shipping of the toner cartridge to a recycling location.

Abstract: A sealed bag for microwave heating composed of a film having a fusing layer inside, said bag being sealed by fusing both sides of said film longitudinally with each other and both ends thereof laterally, wherein both sides of the film are turned outside to form two rows or turned-up faces, a turned-up line formed by said two rows of turned-up faces is covered with an easily openable fusing tape having an easily openable film inside and reinforced with a base material outside, said tape being fused with the turned-up faces of the film, and at least one end of the fusing tape not fused by a length which can be taken with fingers is left as a pick-up flap in the laterally fused area. When cooked food for a few people is hermetically packaged in this sealed bag and heated with a microwave oven, the bag is not broken until the internal temperature thereof approaches 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A package is capable of enclosing a food product in two different gaseous atmospheres at different times. Initially the food product may be packaged in a low oxygen atmosphere in order to prolong the shelf life of the product. When it is time to sell the product for example, it may be desirable to supply oxygen to the food product. In the case of red meats, the oxygenation process causes the meat to turn a bright red color. The package includes a tray covered by a film with a plurality of apertures formed in the tray. The apertures are covered by a resealable gas impermiable tape which can be removed to allow air ingress and then resealed to protect the integrity of the tray contents.

Abstract: A lightweight, insulated chest and method are provided for transportation and storage of perishable and other items which require a temperature-controlled environment. The chest includes insulated side walls, bottom and a hinged cover which is pneumatically sealed to prevent tampering and for thermal security. The chest includes a fluid conduit within the cover for air evacuation and depressurization of the interior and also includes a conduit to provide a vacuum between the walls of the sides and bottom which contain a rigid polymeric foam insulation.

Abstract: A container for Kimchi includes a receptacle body and a detachable cap for the body. An underside of the cap carries a filter for removing Kimchi odors, an air vent extending from the filter to the exterior of the cap, and a microporous membrane extending across an outlet of the vent.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved heat seal structure for electronic devices. A heat seal structure comprises a base of synthetic resin formed integrally with an outwardly extending projection, with a gas vent running through the base and projection, the gas vent being sealed off by melting the projection, the improvement that the gas vent is configured generally in the shape of the letter V or Y bifurcating in the outward direction. In another embodiment, the projection has an annular extension disposed on the outward side of the base and adapted to be melted for a double seal effect. In another version of the structure, heat-sealing is performed with a sealing member or composition interposed in the gas vent. In still further embodiments, heat sealing is performed using a sealing member melting at a temperature below the melting point of the resin forming the base.

Abstract: A child resistant lid is disclosed for use in conjunction with the standard build bucket for containment of materials. There is provided a threaded capped access opening of sufficiently small dimension to prevent the passage of a child's head, yet of sufficiently great dimension to allow for access to the material contained within the bucket. In addition, there is provided a handle grasp member and tool grip to aid the user in opening the threaded capped access opening. When it is desired by the user to pour the material directly from the bucket, there is provided a pour spout formed on an outermost peripheral edge of the lid and an air inlet opening formed on the cap member. The lid member of the present invention has provided a permanent locking mechanism to aid the user in permanently attaching the lid member to the lipped edge found on buckets of the type to be used in conjunction with the lid and to further serve as a safety feature.

Abstract: A container for packaging a particulate product under pressure or vacuum conditions with an easy opening closure structure which allows venting prior to uncovering of the product opening. In one form, an easy peel flexible lid covers a shelf area and a product opening in the top of the can. Peeling back the lid first uncovers the vent opening, permitting the flow of gases but preventing the flow of particulate product, and then uncovers the product opening. Alternatively, the closure structure may be formed by multiple layers of a flexible material, the lower layer of which has the vent opening which is uncovered by peeling back the top layer, after which the product opening is uncovered.

Abstract: A unitary storage structures for the fluid components of a inflator of a vehicular airbag passive restraint system. The unitary storage structures facilitate the storage, testing, transportation and assembly of such components in the inflator. Advantageous methods of filling the storage chambers and of testing the filled structures for leaks prior to their transportation and assembly into the inflator housing are also disclosed.

Abstract: The sealing apparatus of the present invention is a sample cuvette cap having a hole for inserting the nozzle of an auto-sampler therethrough. Located within the lumen of the hole is a small detent ball that can be positioned to block the lumen. The detent ball, which can be spring-operated or gravity-operated, blocks the fluid flow in the hole in its normal, closed position. When the auto-sampler nozzle hits the ball, the ball becomes deflected to one side into a recess, due to a difference in the nozzle axis relative to the center of the ball. By the dislocating the detent ball, the nozzle can be inserted into the cuvette smoothly as the air goes in and out through the space around the nozzle. This allows the pressure in the cuvette to be kept constant. After the nozzle is removed, the ball returns to its original position by gravity or by the force of a spring, resealing the cuvette. All of the parts for the sealing apparatus are solid parts which can be easily cleaned and reused.

Abstract: A drinking mug includes a mug body having an outer wall, an inner wall and a mouth defined by an upper edge. The mug includes a lid provided integral with the inner wall and substantially covering the mouth, the lid having an outer edge, a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings are adapted to pass liquid and other substances therethrough, with the first opening provided along the outer edge of the lid for drinking purposes. A third opening is provided along the outer edge of the lid substantially opposite the first opening. A cover is provided for covering the second opening.

Abstract: A closure for providing selective access to and for closing a cell culture vessel includes an open cylindrical first portion for attaching the closure to the cell culture vessel. The first portion includes a passageway for access to the vessel. The closure includes a second portion attached to the first portion by a hinge for closing the access passageway. The second portion additionally includes a vent which has a porous membrane covering it to prevent passage of microorganisms through the vent. The closure includes a third portion which is attached by a hinge to the second portion for closing the vent. Either the vent or the access passageway may be opened with one hand providing easy access and selective closure of the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: A bung plug venting device having a threaded slot configuration for use such as in relieving internal pressure in a container for liquids is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of slots are spaced at equal intervals around the threaded neck portion of the bung plug, with the upper end of the slots being positioned below the upper threads of the neck portion. The number and width of the slots will depend on the capacity of the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sealing valve for apertures in containers, the valve comprising a cover element and, running round the edge of the cover element and integral with it, a wall element. In one application of the valve as a gas-release valve for accumulators, the valve (20) is shaped like a cap and has a beading (24) with a sharply projecting sealing edge running round the inside of the cap wall. On the inside of the cap are control channels (25, 25', 25") which extend from the top of the cap to the beading (24) and allow the pressure at which gas is released from the accumulator to be set within a given range.

Abstract: An improved drinking lid for a disposable coffee cup having an open top comprising a dome shaped cover having an air vent hole and conforming to the open top of the coffee cup. A peripheral rim is on the cover to engage in a seating manner, a lip on the open top of the coffee cup. A flexible drinking spout is formed in the cover, to allow coffee in the coffee cup to exit therefrom into a mouth of a person. A structure is for shielding the air vent hole in the cover, when the flexible drinking spout is not being used. An element is for coupling the flexible drinking spout to the shielding structure. When the flexible drinking spout is bent over to be used, the shielding structure will open to expose the air vent hole, to enable the coffee in the cup to better exit the flexible drinking spout.

Abstract: A container includes a top-open container body having a tapered top-flange around the top opening thereof, and a top cover having a tapered bottom flange fitted around the top flange of the container body, wherein the top cover has a stepped air hole and a push-button plug assembly mounted within the stepped air hole and pressed to control the passage; the top cover has a recessed retaining portion moved to engage with a raised retaining portion on the container body for letting air pass through air guide grooves on the top cover and container body into the inside space of the container body.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the surface of contents of a container comprises a disc-like member having a central portion and a flexible perimeter and having a centrally located upstanding hollow handle having a purge valve at the upper end thereof. The purge valve has a closed position for preventing egress of air upwardly through said hollow handle and an open position to permit free passage of air therethrough. The disc-like member is contoured to correspond with the shape of the interior plan of the container.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: An integral beverage can closure embodiment (50) having a sealed position for sealing the contents of an opened beverage can (30) and a dispensing position for dispensing the contents is disclosed. A resilient cap (52) with a skirt (54) closely fits over the can rim. The cap defines a tongue (56) that folds over a hinge (82) and is inserted in a slot (60) of the skirt. Both the tongue and the cap have dispensing apertures (64, 68) and vents (66, 70). When the apertures and vents align, the beverage may be dispensed. The can is sealed when the apertures and vents are displaced. The tongue is caused to move between the sealed and dispensing positions by pressing down, with a finger or thumb of the hand holding the can, on a knurled portion (86) of the tongue. In an embodiment (250), the tongue defines a lever (282) configured to be spaced from the beverage can to facilitate gripping the can and lever together. Applying force to the lever moves the tongue between sealed and dispensing positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to laboratory apparatus and more particularly to disposable suspended magnetic stirrers. An apparatus having a stirring vessel closure and a stirring vessel is disclosed. The stirring vessel closure includes a suspended magnetic impeller, the elevation of which is adjustable by a moveable bearing. The invention is particularly suitable for applications in which solids must be suspended in a liquid medium with a minimum of shear forces, such as in the suspension of tissue cell cultures in a growing medium. The disclosed stirring vessel closure has inclined access ports to allow improved pipette accessibility to the interior of the stirring vessel while also providing improved close packing of stirring vessels during usage or storage.

Abstract: A method of securing a two piece plastic nozzle and overlying screw cap closure assembly to a plastic pail cover wherein the nozzle has a cylindrical body portion which is inserted into a cover opening to form a friction fit therewith. The overlying screw cap is then rigidly supported as a sonic welding horn is brought into axial engagement with the protruding nozzle body portion. Energization of the sonic welding horn causes the nozzle body portion to soften and deform radially outwardly into a circumferentially enlarged rivet connection. Continued axial displacement of the sonic welding horn creates a plastic bond about the periphery of the rivet connection so as to close off any leakage path therearound. At the same time any radial dispersion of plastic material resulting from the bonding process is locally contained about the rivet connection periphery.

Abstract: A self-closing cap for the filler neck of an oil pan is provided which allows the oil pan of an engine to be filled without the necessity of removing the cap. The cap comprises a lower body having a flat inner bottom surface with a passage in it, and a spring-loaded closing plate that likewise includes an opening. The closing plate is slidably movable over the flat inner bottom surface o the lower body against the force of the spring by means of a handle such that its opening is alignable with the opening in the bottom surface of the lower body to form an oil receiving passage.

Abstract: A boiler having an improved plastic closure having a plastic and/or plastic-glass joint for connecting laboratory ware made of a material having different thermal expansion. The plastic joint includes a tubular plastic section having a compression ring secured at its end which recesses the labware of lower thermal expansion. The plastic-glass joint further includes a shorter standard tapered glass joint.

Abstract: A container unit comprises an integrally formed container component (1) comprising a casing (20) and a closure (10), which includes a lid (11) initially sealed with an original seal (12) . A separate bottom piece (30) for the container is permanently secured to the casing (20) of the container component containing the product, preferably by rotation-friction welding the bottom piece and the casing, both of which consist of polypropene. The component (1) is oriented with the closure (10) facing down and the product is poured in via the open end of the casing. The bottom piece is then placed in the open end of the container casing and rotation-friction welded to the casing. A partition (36) may be inserted in the casing to define a space for the product corresponding to the volume of the product.

Abstract: A pressure vessel arrangement including a lid with shiftable lock arms and a vent combination operating simultaneously. The lock arms passing through openings in the vessel housing sidewall when the lid is in the closed position. As the lock arms are shifted into a locked position a vent shaft into the vessel housing is sealed for pressurization of the vessel. Upon opening, the vent shaft is unsealed prior to disengagement of the lock arms to vent any residual pressure is the vessel safely.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container for surgical instruments comprising a bottom part and a lid sealingly positionable thereon, with a seal made of an elastically deformable material extending around the lid along the outer circumference thereof and being fixed to the lid by means of a profiled strip, in order to effect a simplified attachment of the profiled strip to the lid without changing the lid, it is proposed that the profiled strip consist of a plastic material with a hard rating and be adhesively bonded to the inside of the lid.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a container having a closure therefore. A vacuum or gas pressure is provided within the container during the packaging process. The container also includes an aperture and a sealing member for the aperture, the latter being designed so that an audible puff of air can be noticed by the consumer when the sealing member is removed from the aperture. The system of the present invention may include a separate package sealing lid or a child-proof lid selected from a variety of such lids known to the art. Unlike prior art packaging systems which claim to be "tamper-proof," the system of the present invention provides an audible warning sound which will forewarn the consumer if package tampering or a package manufacturing failure has occurred. Inner liner or double container systems using a similar aperture and sealing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A friction welded part having a sealed flash trap is disclosed, along with a method for producing such parts. The friction welded parts have a hollow cylindrical part and a second part to which the hollow cylindrical part is friction welded. There is an internal flash trap in the region of the weld, and the hollow cylindrical part is pinched inwardly or a conical flange on the flash trap is deformed outwardly so as to seal the flash collecting portions of the flash trap from the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical part remote from the weld. The method involves the conventional steps of rotating the parts with respect to each other under pressure, stopping the rotation, and exerting high pressure to form the weld. In accordance with the invention, the hollow cylindrical part in the region adjacent the flash trap is then forced inwardly or a flange on the flash trap is forced outwardly so as to effect the seal.

Abstract: A tray-type food container for food which is to be heated or re-heated in the container comprises both a flat outer lid heat-sealed to a horizontal flange on the tray and a perforated inner lid of substantially rigid and preferably transparent material which is supported on a step in the wall of the tray and is shaped so as to extend above the level of the step and to provide finger holes whereby it may be grasped and removed after the outer lid has been removed. The inner lid may support the outer lid flush with the flange. The flange may have a peripheral groove to form a guide for a knife for removal of the outer lid. The flange may also carry heating instructions in a machine readable code. A vending machine comprising a microwave oven may be provided with means for selecting a container from a number of stacks and with means for reading the coded heating instructions and regulating the energy supply to the microwave oven accordingly.

Abstract: A free drop container for liquids and especially potable liquids such as water. The container includes a molded impact resistant shell having a generally spherical shape. A port in the shell defines a hole through the shell wall, with the hole having a first diameter extending from the exterior partially through the shell wall and a second smaller diameter extending through the rest of the shell wall to the interior thereof such that the two diameters define a seat in the shell wall. A screw-in cap is removably fitted to close the first diameter hole preferably by cooperative threading with the circumferential surface of the first diameter hole. A pour spout is sized to slidably fit the second diameter hole, and can extend out from the shell for pouring when the cap is removed. A plug is removably fitted in the pour spout, and a resilient impact-resistant lining is provided that does not crack or break on impact and covers the interior of the shell for contact with potable liquids inside the shell.