Abstract: A terminally sterilized medical procedure kit includes a recovered item and a new item packaged together as a single stock keeping unit. A method for processing at least a portion of a first medical procedure kit includes the steps of receiving a recoverable item of the first kit, performing a processing operation on the recoverable item, providing a new item, combining the recoverable item and the new item in a second kit, and terminally sterilizing the second kit. A method for recovering at least a portion of a terminally sterilized medical procedure kit includes the steps of purchasing a recoverable item of the first kit from an owner and receiving the recoverable item by the purchaser.

Abstract: A method of sealing a hole in a wall of a hollow structure comprises providing a sealed chamber that is external to the structure and that is in fluid communication with an internal space of the structure via the hole. The structure may be a pipe-in-pipe structure and the internal space may be an annulus between outer and inner pipes. Fluid flows through the hole into or out of the chamber as the pressure and/or composition of fluid in the internal space is adjusted. Then, a plug is spun and friction-welded into the hole. The plug is inserted into the hole from within the chamber.

Abstract: A drinking device for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance comprises a storage container for drinking liquid, at least one aroma container, through which air can flow, and a transporting channel for drinking liquid. The transporting channel runs from the storage container to a mouth end of the drinking device. The drinking device also comprises an air channel for transporting aromatized air. The air channel running runs from at least one of the at least one aroma containers to the transporting channel for drinking liquid or to the mouth end.

Abstract: A container for storing a pharmaceutical composition includes a body portion having an elastomeric material, and an inner lining having a thermoplastic material covering at least a portion of an inner surface of the body portion. The container forms an internal chamber for storing the pharmaceutical composition, where the internal chamber is bounded by the inner surface of the body portion. The inner lining provides a barrier between the elastomeric material and the pharmaceutical composition, thus protecting the pharmaceutical composition. Associated methods of storing the pharmaceutical composition within the container, as well as manufacturing the container, are also described.

Abstract: A child resistant pill container includes a base having individual compartments. A lid rotatably fits over the base and has a closed cover defining one open section. A releasable lock arrangement is between the base and the lid. The lid can be rotated relative to the base to position the open section in the lid over one of the individual compartments in the base.

Abstract: An actuator unit that drives a switching mechanism for a shift range of an automatic transmission is provided. The actuator unit includes a motor that generates a drive force for driving the switching mechanism, a control substrate that controls the motor, a connector that connects a wire to the control substrate, a housing that includes an opening, a cover that covers the opening, and a shock absorption material that includes a first shock absorption material and a second shock absorption material. The motor and the control substrate are positioned in a housing space defined by the housing and the cover. The control substrate is fixed to the housing. The first shock absorption material and the second shock absorption material are positioned between the control substrate and the cover, and contacts both the control substrate and the cover.

Abstract: A scanning microscope object stage comprising a retainer plate and a movable plate. The retainer plate has a primary light transmission channel, around which there are spacing bosses, and the movable plate has a secondary light transmission channel, which snaps right to the outer side of the spacing bosses. Along the top edge of the two opposing sides of the secondary light transmission channel is a slide stage for carrying the object slide. The height of the first height side wall is larger than or equals to the thickness of the movable plate. The second height side wall stands opposite to the slide stage and is of the same height. With the help of the spacing bossed on the retainer, the movable plate is easily positioned onto the retainer plate, and can be rapidly placed and replaced, and therefore, simultaneous placement and replacement for multiple object slides can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for super-cooling a contained fluid by exposing a portion of the contained fluid to a temperature below a freezing point of the liquid while exposing a second portion of the contained fluid to a warmer temperature. The present invention establishes a temperature differential between the ambient air or fluid temperature within the cooler and a portion of a receiving element which receives a beveraged container. By creating a temperature differential, convection flow of the beverage within the packaged beverage occurs allowing the liquid beverage to achieve a temperature below its freezing point while being maintained in a liquid state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for super-cooling a contained fluid by exposing a portion of the contained fluid to a temperature below a freezing point of the liquid while exposing a second portion of the contained fluid to a warmer temperature. The present invention establishes a temperature differential between the ambient air or fluid temperature within the cooler and a portion of a receiving element which receives a beveraged container. By creating a temperature differential, convection flow of the beverage within the packaged beverage occurs allowing the liquid beverage to achieve a temperature below its freezing point while being maintained in a liquid state.

Abstract: A multiple-compartment container includes an upper rim defining an upper plane, a lower rim defining a lower plane, a perimeter wall connecting the upper rim to the lower rim. The perimeter wall forms an outer surface of the container. The container further includes at least one internal wall dividing the container into multiple compartments. An upper edge of the internal wall is an uppermost feature of the container. The upper edge of the internal wall is deformable to present a widened sealing surface during a sealing operation.

Abstract: The present invention features a novel portable bathroom cabinet system for providing storage close to a toilet for personal hygiene products, accessories, cleaning supplies, and refuse. The cabinet system has a first cavity for storing toilet cleaning and maintenance supplies that has a drip tray, a toilet brush with a folding handle, and a plunger with a folding handle. The cabinet system also has a second cavity for storing rolls of toilet tissue. The cabinet system further has a third cavity with a drawer for storing personal hygiene products and accessories. The third cavity further has one or more plastic shopping bag securing projections sized to engage a handle opening on a top of a standard plastic shopping bag for storing debris in the standard plastic shopping bag.

Abstract: An embodiment of a container may comprise a cap and a body. The cap may include a top portion, cap walls that form an outer perimeter, and a protruding end that forms an inner perimeter sized smaller than the outer perimeter. The body may include a bottom portion and body walls with distal outermost ends that form a cavity and a body perimeter. The body perimeter may be substantially the same as the outer perimeter. The body may also include upper outer and inner rims disposed around the entire distal outermost ends and having a channel between them. The channel may be sized to receive the protruding end in a friction seal when the container is in a closed position. No portion of the cap may be configured to extend into the cavity or beyond the body perimeter in the closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle pressure vessel and manufacturing method which uses a vessel main part, an arched base, an arched cover, and one or more cross-webs connecting opposite walls of the vessel main part. The vessel main part is open at its top and bottom over which the cover and base respectively fit to close the vessel main part in a pressure-tight manner. A groove is embossed in the cross-webs where they connect to the opposite walls of the vessel main part. The cover and base each have an attachment rim that fits into the grooves when the cover and base are connected to the vessel main part.

Abstract: An indexing cap assembly indexes visual cues or indicia during an open and close cycle so as to help users more easily track container entry as for example with regard to medications so as to ensure proper dosage. The indexing cap assembly basically incorporates six components, including a cover construction, an indexing plate or wheel, a compression coil or spring, a push plate construction, a gear tray or swing plate construction, and an assembly ring. The cover construction and assembly ring are joined together to essentially form or close the cap assembly with the other parts coaxially aligned and operable therebetween. The indexing wheel is rotatively received within the cover construction such that axial displacements of the push plate advance the indexing wheel and indicia upon its upper surface are sequentially revealed by way of the window formed in the cover construction.

Abstract: A materials tray for holding materials for a production line includes a main body, a plurality of receiving grooves located on the main body, and a plurality of spacing portions. Each spacing portion is between two adjacent receiving grooves to separate materials respectively received in the two adjacent receiving grooves, and each spacing portion defines at least one gap creating intercommunication between the two adjacent receiving grooves to ease extraction of the materials by the user.

Abstract: A food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein at least the first surface or each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope; an adapter for a conventional food plate comprising a graduated, optionally flexible, rim, which, upon attachment to the food plate, causes the food-bearing side of the food plate to have a slope; a method of making a food plate; and a method of making an adapter for a conventional food plate.

Abstract: A double bucket cleaning system for use with microfiber mat mops. One bucket contains clean water; the second holds dirty water. The second bucket has a slide press for extracting dirty water from the mop. The system can use a connector to connect the two buckets together, or a single bucket with two compartments can be used. Both designs use a footpad upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the sliding. Finally, once the dirty water has been extracted from the mop, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water, instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water.

Abstract: The invention provides environmental packages, instruments, and methods for sealing, protecting, and providing analysis chips for processing and analysis. The analysis chips are bonded directly or indirectly to chip carriers which are held within the chambers of an environmental packaging strip. The chambers are sealed with a sealing film such that the chip carriers can be extracted using a piercing tool and an extraction tool.

Abstract: The multiple compartmented and condiment dispensing apparatus includes a housing into which a plurality of packet compartments are arranged. The packet compartments open to enable a refill packet to be inserted and loaded for use in dispensing a condiment therefrom. The packet compartments are each in fluid communication with a spout provided on a distal end of the housing. The spout includes a plurality of channels that each connects via ductwork to the packet compartments where the refill packets connect. The refill packets dispense a condiment through the respective ductwork and out a channel of the spout. Each packet compartment includes a loader door that is pivotally engaged with respect to the housing, and which can open outwardly to enable the refill packets to be inserted and removed from the respective packet compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a base, a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment is enclosed at the base and has a first opening, and the second compartment is enclosed at the base has a second opening. The first compartment is adjoined to and positioned on the base, and has a wall that is substantially perpendicular to the base. The second compartment is adjoined to and positioned on the base and shares at least a portion of the wall. The second opening is smaller than the first opening.

Abstract: A container for operating media of motor vehicles which is chemically stable both in respect of the fuel carried and in respect of additives.

Abstract: Pliable thermal containers interchangeably serve for containing cold or hot items, and are manufactured in polyurethane or EVA foamed materials, are struck resistant, and maintain a structure that allows them to remain upright and resist certain loads. The containers solve durability issues, A foamed material is used, and comprises unicellular air bubbles that provide thermal isolation properties and at the same time, during molding, this material attaches to a plasticized textile inner coating located at a mold piston for forming an interference zone. The lid may be directly hinged to the cavity using a textile hinge submerged in the material or independent thereof, with the lid being capable of being locked with embedded fasteners. with The pliable thermal containers solve brittleness problems of current containers shaped monolithic containers, are also provided.

Abstract: An insert for a receptacle intended to contain a concentrated product in solid or liquid form includes a main part (1) formed by a base (2) extended on the edge by a wall (3) perpendicular to the base, with an opening (4) formed in the base. A receptacle with such an insert is also provided. In order to enable emptying the receptacle entirely without leaving dead spaces in which the products to be solubilized may accumulate, the face of the base (2) intended to be in the receptacle after assembly is concave at the opening, so that the opening is at the bottom of a trough (6). This avoids corners in which the liquid would not circulate sufficiently, and prevents solid product from accumulating elsewhere than in the trough, so that it is always subjected to the flow of liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spectral analysis of immiscible phases are disclosed. A flow cell for online absorption measurements of immiscible process phases can comprise: a body containing an inlet window and an outlet window in operable communication with a measurement instrument; and a series of partitions that divide the inside of the flow cell into three (3) or more vessels that have an inlet and an outlet, wherein the vessels are connected in series with one another. Optionally, the first vessel is equipped with a porous membrane to facilitate the separation of immiscible process phases.

Abstract: A container is described and which includes a first, substantially transparent base portion, and a second substantially transparent base portion, which is hingedly mounted to the first base portion, and wherein the first base portion defines an internal cavity for enclosing individual objects of interest, and wherein the container is fabricated in a manner whereby the objects of interest may be visually inspected from their opposite sides, and wherein the container further has a thickness dimension which permits the container be accepted and delivered by the Postal Service.

Abstract: A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for separately containing fuel and an exhaust gas treatment fluid on a vehicle, such as an SCR reductant, includes a fuel tank having a perimeter wall and at least one end wall defining an internal space for containing fuel, a portion of the perimeter wall extending beyond the at least one end wall to form a rim defining with the at least one end wall a recess, and, a second vessel for containing the reductant or other treatment fluid having a shape conforming to the recess, the second vessel being supported in the recess.

Abstract: An improved spill-proof cup, such as a “sippy cup.” The sippy cup has an internal partition that is angled toward the mouth of the sippy cup to decrease the amount of tilt required to dispense the entirety of the liquid from the sippy cup, thus improving comfort for the infant using the sippy cup while also teaching good drinking habits that can be applied to an adult type cup.

Abstract: This invention relates to containers that include at least one sub-container and to methods and/or systems for mixing first and second substances responsive to opening of the containers and the at least one sub-container that is included therein. The invention advantageously provides methods, systems, containers, sub-containers, seals and/or tethers that may be used in storing first and second substances in an unmixed state, until it is desired to mix the first and second substances just before utilization thereof.

Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting bottles includes a plurality of spaced apart base walls each for supporting a bottle thereon. A plurality of interior columns extend upwardly between the base walls. Longitudinal dividers connect the interior columns. Lateral dividers connect the interior columns to side columns along side edges of the tray. The side columns have tapered mid-portions, such that upwardly-opening windows between side columns are contoured convexly.

Abstract: A flexible mold for a smoking device having a cup-shaped outer wall, a cup-shaped inner wall, and a third cup-shaped wall. The outer wall has a continuous sidewall connected to a bottom wall containing a central opening. The sidewall of the outer wall extends from the bottom wall of the outer wall to an open end and contains an opening in the sidewall spaced between the bottom end and the open end. The inner wall has a continuous sidewall, a cover closing one end. The sidewall of the inner wall is attached to the bottom wall of the outer wall surrounding the central opening. The third wall has a continuous sidewall and a closed end. The sidewall of the third wall is connected to the sidewall of the outer wall surrounding the opening in the outer wall. The closed end abuts a surface of the inner wall.

Abstract: A bottle including a body portion having a dividing wall extending from a base portion to a connection region; a first chamber for holding a first liquid, the first chamber configured to connect to a first orifice; and a second chamber for holding a second liquid, the second chamber configured to connect to a second orifice; wherein a height of the dividing wall is less than an overall height of the body portion and the connection region is configured to be a maximum height of the dividing wall.

Abstract: A partitioning plate, that is positioned between a jet pump and a main suction, is set within a reserve cup of a fuel tank, so as to separate an interior of the reserve cup into a fuel feed-out chamber in which the main suction is disposed, and a fuel introducing chamber in which the jet pump is disposed. The partitioning plate is disposed at an incline with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction. In cases in which acceleration in any of a forward direction, a rearward direction, a leftward direction and a rightward direction of a vehicle acts on fuel within the reserve cup, some of fuel within the fuel introducing chamber flows into the fuel feed-out chamber. A fuel tank structure is provided that can reliably ensure fuel within the fuel feed-out chamber in a case in which acceleration arises at fuel within a fuel accommodating portion.

Abstract: A bottle for dispensing fluids, semi-solid, ointments, gels, paste, creams, powder, and the like. The substances in the container are naturally fed by gravity to a dispensing portion without the need for the dispenser to be placed in a vertical position, upside down position, or inclined position in order to allow the substances to move to the tip of the dispensing portion, all the while maintaining the container in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A lightweight, ergonomically beneficial, hydrodynamic, and volumetrically efficient hybrid pressure vessel having at least two longitudinally extending, semi-cylindrical sections with flattened rib portions at a common interface between the sections. Additional longitudinally extending sections may be employed to provide additional internal volume. One or more apertures extend through the ribs to provide communication between sections. The pressure vessel comprises a cast metal material, optionally including exterior reinforcing structure for containing internal pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides environmental packages, instruments, and methods for sealing, protecting, and providing analysis chips for processing and analysis. The analysis chips are bonded directly or indirectly to chip carriers which are held within the chambers of an environmental packaging strip. The chambers are sealed with a sealing film such that the chip carriers can be extracted using a piercing tool and an extraction tool.

Abstract: A package (10) includes a one-piece molded plastic container having a base (14), an outer wall (16), and at least one dividing wall extending across the outer wall to divide the container into at least first and second chambers that are separated from each other by the dividing wall. The container has an open end remote from the base, and a molded plastic lid (12) is provided for receipt over the open end of the container in sealing engagement with the outer wall and the dividing wall. The lid is constructed to seal the chambers from each other and from ambient surrounding the package. In at least one of the chambers, the dividing wall preferably has ribs for engagement by a coating application roller.

Abstract: A bathroom organizer with dual toilet paper storage holder includes a housing having a generally rectangular configuration with an open top and divided into two lid and lidless compartments, wherein the first compartment holds up to two rolls of toilet paper, while the second lidless compartment holds up to three bathroom products, such as anti-bacterial sprays, air fresheners and deodorizing wipes.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly for retaining a fluid includes a body having a base and external side walls defining a cavity. A baffle has a top surface spanning the cavity and includes a peripheral wall substantially conforming to the external side walls and extending to the base. A lid is connected to the body. The cavity is divided into a first, second and third compartment by a cooperation between the top surface of the baffle, a plurality of walls of the baffle, the base of the body and the external side walls of the body. The first and second compartments are in fluid communication with each other through the third compartment. An inlet port and an outlet port for allowing fluid to enter and exit the cavity are fluidly connected to the body and are fluidly connected to each other by the first compartment to direct a flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A slider package is illustrated which includes a lid which can be linearly translated and selectively pivoted relative to a container. A slide assembly is provided between the lid and container which may include tracks and at least one follower such as one or more projecting cylindrical tabs which slide against and can be rotated relative to the tracks. Partition spacers may also be employed to separate and space individual units of consumable products. This feature may also be employed in a non-slider package such as a container having a lid which is permanently connected to the container by a living hinge. The packages are preferably formed through plastic molding.

Abstract: A tank has a pair of elongated, generally parallel, and hollow plastic chambers having longitudinally extending side walls and closed ends, and a transverse plastic connector tube having one end connected to and opening into one of the elongated chambers and an opposite end connected to and opening into the other of the elongated chambers.

Abstract: A bucket apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening into an interior of the housing. A dividing wall is positioned in the housing and divides the interior into a first section and a second section. The dividing wall is attached to the bottom wall. At least one handle is pivotally coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A mop bucket system includes a liquid-retaining portion and an energy-dissipation device. The liquid-retaining portion is configured to retain liquid. It has a bottom wall portion, a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion facing the first sidewall portion, a third sidewall portion, and a fourth sidewall portion facing the third sidewall portion. The liquid-retaining portion permits retained liquid to move in a liquid-movement direction extending from the first sidewall portion toward the second sidewall portion within a higher-momentum region having a width that is approximately 70% of a distance between the third sidewall portion and the fourth sidewall portion. The energy-dissipation device is disposed within the liquid-retaining portion and extends into the higher-momentum region.

Abstract: A tank for storing urea solution and a tank assembly for storing disparate fluids, such as diesel fluid and urea solution, are disclosed. The tank may further include a filler assembly and/or a sensor assembly, either of which are adapted to be connected to the tank without the use of separate fasteners, The tank assembly may include a reservoir and a sensor for automatically diverting non-conforming urea solution to the reservoir. A recess may be defined in the tank body in order to accommodate a strap for securing the tank to the frame of vehicle. The tank may include parallel sidewalls that include a projection on one and a corresponding indentation on the other in order to allow the tanks to be easily stacked during assembly.

Abstract: A package (10) includes a one-piece molded plastic container having a base (14), an outer wall (16), and at least one dividing wall extending across the outer wall to divide the container into at least first and second chambers that are separated from each other by the dividing wall. The container has an open end remote from the base, and a molded plastic lid (12) is provided for receipt over the open end of the container in sealing engagement with the outer wall and the dividing wall. The lid is constructed to seal the chambers from each other and from ambient surrounding the package. In at least one of the chambers, the dividing wall preferably has ribs for engagement by a coating application roller.

Abstract: A fluid drinking system utilizes a straw member with a central, tubular straw element with a flexible mouthpiece, connected to multiple tubular straw elements which extend and branch out from the central straw element. Upon application of a suction force, i.e. sucking action, to any of the distal open ends of the straw elements, fluid flows through the open passages of the elements which are interconnecting and open to each other. The drinking system also includes a container with partitioned, compartmentalized sections, with each section being configured to hold a different consumable fluid or pureed food. The straw elements of the straw member are inserted into and positioned within different compartments of the container. When so positioned, there may be simultaneous, multi-fluid consumption. When the central straw element of the straw member is inserted into any fluid carrying container, multiple users may drink fluid from the container simultaneously.

Abstract: A container to contain fluid products, installed in a dispensing machine for fluid products, which is provided with a pair of delivery stations which have respective axes of delivery (X1) arranged at a determinate distance (D1) from each other. The container comprises an outer wall shaped so as to define an inner compartment consisting of two cylindrical zones connected by an intermediate zone. The distance (D2) between the longitudinal axes (X2) of the two cylindrical zones is substantially equal to the determinate distance (D1) between the axes of delivery (X1).

Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.

Abstract: An accessory case includes a pair of molded matable sections with each defining a peripheral ridge about a body region for mating with the other section of the pair. One of the matable sections defines an interior pocket for releasably retaining an optional accessory magnet. The magnet may be disc shaped or formed as an elongate ruler. A reusable writing surface is optionally retained by a body region of one of the pair of molded matable sections. The writing surface and instrument may be a dry erase board and marker, a chalk board and chalk, or a note pad and pen or pencil.

Abstract: A tray for use in baking bread, baguettes, crusty rolls, or the like comprising a contoured baking sheet fabricated from a single piece of material and at least one support member attached to the baking sheet. The support member includes a plurality of protrusions that correspond to a series of fastening apertures formed in the baking sheet. Pressure applied to the protrusions deforms the top portion thereof and creates a series of permanent connectors that connect the support member to the baking sheet to form a baking tray.