Abstract: The invention provides an end effector, comprising a mounting portion and an execution portion, and the execution portion including at least a package placement platform configured to movably coupled to the mounting portion. With the help of the package placement platform, the end effector of the invention can receive the packages of different types or different sizes or different material so as to sort and transport all kinds of packages.

Abstract: An electric linear actuator has a housing, an electric motor, a speed reduction mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism has a nut and a screw shaft. Both include a helical screw groove. The nut is supported by rolling bearings mounted on the housing. The screw shaft is coaxially integrated with the drive shaft. The screw shaft is inserted into the nut, via a large number of balls. The housing has a first housing and a second housing. The electric motor is mounted on the first housing. The second housing abuts against an end face of the first housing. At least one of the first and second housings is formed with ribs. The ribs extend from each of securing portions to a containing portion that contains the screw shaft. The securing portions are arranged on the periphery of the housing to receive fastening bolts.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a collection tank having an internal chamber and a header connected to the collection tank and receiving a number of flat tubes through apertures in the header. A reinforcing member received within the collection tank and/or the header functions to reinforce the header and/or the collection tank in applications where these elements are subject to internal pressures that would otherwise deform the header and/or collection tank to an unacceptable extent. The heat exchanger may include a curved gasket on each flat tube to match the shape of the flat tubes and a curved header. Also, another gasket can be located between a metal or plastic collection tank and a plastic or metal header, respectively, to prevent leakage therebetween.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.

Abstract: A solid thermoformed plastic tray (10) provided with a base (11), a plurality of sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15) extending upwardly and slightly outwardly from said base (11), a primary flange (20) integrally joined to the upper edges of the sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15) and extending outwardly all around the upper periphery of the sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15), a rim (21), i.e., a downward flap extending downwardly and tapering slightly outwardly from the outer periphery of the primary flange (20), and a secondary flange (22), i.e., an overhanging portion extending outwardly from the lower edge of the rim (21), said tray being characterized in that a plurality of strengthening ribs (23) extend substantially vertically along the rim (21) and outwardly with respect to the tray body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an adapter suitable for use with cups and lids. In some embodiments, the adapter is designed so that a single lid with a predetermined diameter fits, by way of the adapter, with paper cups of different diameters. In some embodiments, an adapter including an inner diameter that corresponds to the upper diameter of the paper cup cooperates with the upper portion of the cup. The adapter also includes an outer diameter that corresponds to the predetermined diameter of the lid to ensure a secure fit between that particular sized cup and the plastic lid having a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: Snapable narrow width rectangular dust pan that can clip about a flat side outer edge of the open end of a refuse container having curved or flat side open rim edges. The dust pan can be used for converting a refuse container into a dust pan refuse container. The receptacle can include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacle can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris into the D-shaped opening. At least one handle located on the apex of the D-shaped opening allows the container to be lifted to a vertical standing position, and curved interior wall surfaces allow debris to slide toward the bottom of the container.

Abstract: An animal-resistant system for inhibiting access to refuse containers by animals is disclosed. The system comprises at least one latch mechanism, at least one actuation member, at least one shroud member, and a cover defining an opening which permits access to the actuation member. The actuation member communicates with the latch mechanism so as to move the latch mechanism between the latched and unlatched positions. In the latched position, the latch mechanism secures the container lid to the container base, substantially inhibiting access to the container. The access hole and actuation member are dimensioned and positioned on the container in a selected manner so as allow human hands access to the actuation member and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals. The shrouds are further configured to inhibit forcible entry into the container when the system is latched.

Abstract: A structure is injection molded onto a group of panels to form a container. The container has a tray and an injection-molded feature. The tray has a plurality of side panels that extend at least partially around, and at least partially define, a cavity of the container. The tray has a plurality of multi-part flanges with at least one of the multi-part flanges including a lower flange portion and an upper flange portion. The injection-molded feature has band that is injected molded onto the lower flange portion and the upper flange portion. An injection-molded strip extends along and at least partially defines the corner of the container. The strip extends downward from the inner portion of the band in the elongate corner of the container. A tool is also disclosed for forming the container.

Abstract: An assembled container has a body and an upper collar. The body has an open top, an annular lip, an annular wall and multiple combining blocks. The annular wall is formed on and protrudes from the annular lip and has at least one engaging recess. The combining blocks are formed on and protrude from the annular lip and each have a combining hole and at least one engaging hole. The upper collar is connected to the open top of the body and has an annular recess, at least one engaging block and multiple combining inserts. The at least one engaging block is formed in the annular recess and respectively engages the at least one engaging recess. The combining inserts are formed in the annular recess and are respectively inserted into and combined with the combining holes.

Abstract: A resilient unitary beverage container comprises a body portion, a ring portion, and a lid portion. In one embodiment, the body portion comprises a fluid reception cavity and has a first thickness. The ring portion is integrated to the body portion and comprises a second thickness. The lid portion comprises a spout and an opening, with the lid portion having a third thickness and also being integrated to the ring portion.

Abstract: Snapable narrow width rectangular dust pans that can easily clip about a flat side outer edge of the open end of a refuse containers having curved or flat side open rim edges. The dust pans can be used as adapters, systems, devices, apparatus, and include novel methods of converting refuse containers into dust pans refuse containers. The receptacles and the dust pans can be formed from molded plastic. The receptacles include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacles can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris fully into the D-shaped opening with ease.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

Abstract: An improved gardening waste receptacle has an open top and presents an opening with square corners. The receptacle opening has an arced strip along one side of the rim on the interior for retaining scooped material, and a non-deformable strip extending along the same side of the rim on the exterior, and extending along the adjacent sides of the rim of the receptacle to prevent the opening from deforming when heated and put under pressure. Two handle means are disposed on the side of the receptacle opposite the strips; one handle, a recessed handle disposed into the lower portion of the wall of the receptacle, and another handle extending outward from the top of the wall. The outward extending handle presents a dowel that turns in position for ease of lifting and carrying.

Abstract: The baking tin comprises a hollow part (1a) made of a flexible material having a side wall (3) whose upper end defines an opening (5), and a rigid reinforcement (7). Another annular or disk-shaped reinforcement (11?) is linked to the bottom (2), close to the join with the side wall (3).

Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can is described. The can end has a center panel positioned about a vertical center axis. The center panel has a stay-on tab opening assembly located on a public side. A reinforcing bead surrounds the center panel. The reinforcing bead has an inner curved portion having a radius of curvature located radially inwardly from an outer curved portion having a radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the outer curved portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the inner curved portion.

Abstract: A container has a base panel, at least one side panel extending upwardly from the base panel, and at least one end panel extending upwardly from the base panel. At least one corner is formed at a junction between the side panel and end panel. A flange extends laterally outward from the upper edges of at least one of the side panel, end panel, and corner. An injection-molded structure extends along at least a portion of the flange, the injection-molded structure includes a base portion adjacent the upper edges of the side wall and the end wall, a distal portion extending laterally outward from the base portion, and an indentation in the distal portion extending along at least a portion of the flange of the container. An apparatus for forming the container and a method of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomeric dispensing container for a fluid includes an elastomeric receptacle defining a chamber therein and having an integrally formed gasket extending radially from an opening formed on a lower end and a receptacle neck providing communications between the chamber and the opening, a relatively rigid sleeve disposed concentrically about the receptacle neck having a sleeve neck with a lower face adjacent to the integral gasket, a cap having a lid covering the receptacle opening and the integral gasket with a dispensing orifice formed therein and a cap neck extending from the lid disposed concentrically about the sleeve neck, and engaging means formed on the sleeve neck and the cap neck providing removable attachment therebetween wherein the engaging means secures the integral gasket in a compressed and substantially fluid-tight state between the lid and the sleeve lower face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container which is made of plastic and has side walls which rise up from a bottom part and are reinforced on their outwardly facing surface by vertical and/or horizontal ribs which protrude from the walls and are characterized in that plates made of plastic filled with stiffness-increasing additives are applied to the outer side of at least two opposing side walls.

Abstract: A plant pot has a container and a ring cover. The container has a top, a sidewall and multiple fixing posts. The sidewall has an annular collar. Each fixing post protrudes out from the collar. The ring cover is mounted over the collar of the sidewall of the container and has an inner edge, an outer edge and multiple fixing barrels. The inner edge and the outer edge are attached to the sidewall of the container. Each fixing barrel is formed on and protrudes out from the inner surface of the ring cover and has a corresponding fixing post. Engagement of the fixing posts to the fixing barrels prevents the ring cover from being rotated relative to and detached from the container.

Abstract: An elastomeric dispensing container for a fluid includes an elastomeric receptacle defining a chamber therein and having an integrally formed gasket extending radially from an opening formed on a lower end and a receptacle neck providing communications between the chamber and the opening, a relatively rigid sleeve disposed concentrically about the receptacle neck having a sleeve neck with a lower face adjacent to the integral gasket, a cap having a lid covering the receptacle opening and the integral gasket with a dispensing orifice formed therein and a cap neck extending from the lid disposed concentrically about the sleeve neck, and engaging means formed on the sleeve neck and the cap neck providing removable attachment therebetween wherein the engaging means secures the integral gasket in a compressed and substantially fluid-tight state between the lid and the sleeve lower face.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a reusable shipping container. The container may comprise six multi-layered walls of a plastic material. Further, the container may comprise a rail fastened to a top edge of the container with a plurality of first fasteners, wherein the fasteners penetrate on the rail, a first layer and a second layer of the container. Moreover, the container may comprise an insulation layer of vacuum insulation material and an inner layer corresponding to each wall of the container. Methods are also described for packing a parcel for shipment. The insulation layer and the inner layer are inserted into the container, wherein the inner layer encloses the parcel. Thereafter, an insulation layer corresponding to a top wall is inserted and the top wall is closed.

Abstract: A joint compound container including a body having a generally trough shape formed from two opposing planar side walls separated from one another by a planar floor, and opposing end walls. The container also includes a reinforcing band attached to the body and configured for reinforcing each of the side walls and the end walls where the reinforcing band is displaced from an upper edge of the body only by a distance sufficient to define a scraping edge extending upwardly beyond an upper edge of the reinforcing band and where the scraping edge is formed by the upper edge of the body and supported by the band.

Abstract: A food container in the form of a paper cup having a top edge and a plastic rim structure which is injection molded to the edge so as to firmly be adhered thereto. The rim structure exhibits a flat annular upper surface to which a heat sealable closure made of metal foil with heat sealable plastic underlayer can be attached after filling the container with a suitable food product. The mechanical attachment between the rim and cup is enhanced either by rolling the top edge prior to the molding steps, or forming holes in the cup just below the top edge in the paper blank.

Abstract: A reusable plastic container for delivery products, such as a dairy crate, a bakery tray, a beverage crate or a produce tray, is formed of a composition including a plastic resin and an electrically conductive or magnetic material distributed substantially uniformly throughout the plastic resin. The electrically conductive or magnetic material can be carbonyl iron powder in an amount between about 0.25% and about 2.0% of the composition by weight. The powder is distributed throughout the container and is detectable by an electromagnetic detection apparatus for screening plastic materials for regrinding. The container has a notice affixed to it, which indicates that the container includes the electrically conductive or magnetic material and that discourages regrinding of the container.

Abstract: A food container in the form of a paper cup having a top edge and a plastic rim structure which is injection molded to the edge so as to seal the edge and be firmly be adhered thereto. The rim structure exhibits a flat annular upper surface to which a heat sealable closure made of metal foil with heat sealable plastic underlayer can be attached after filling the container with a suitable food product.

Abstract: A package (10) has blisters (11) each having an embossed hollow (12) with an open end, for containing a tablet (15), and a flange (13) extending around the open end of the embossed hollow (12). The flanges (13) of the blisters (11) are bonded to a covering sheet 20. The blisters (11) are formed separately, and the flange (13) of each blister (11) has a circular shape.

Abstract: A stackable case has a base wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a back wall which are molded together to form a unitary crate structure with an open top and an open front. The open top and open front are designed to provide access to the articles to be accommodated in the crate structure. The base wall is arranged so that its upper surface provides a low friction, article-carrying floor inclined downwardly toward the open front. Partitions are provided to divide the floor area into two or more parallel tracks for receiving articles in rows. The tracks extend forward from the back wall so that the articles in each track are carried by the floor and are allowed to gravity feed toward the open front. A front stopper is provided at the open front for engagement with the leading article in each track to prevent the leading article from falling out of the crate structure.

Abstract: A dual bucket assembly (10) comprises a dual bucket (20) including first and second containers (30, 50) adapted for holding liquid. Each container includes a peripheral wall (31, 51) having a proximal portion (34, 54) adjacent the other container and a non-proximal portion (37, 57). Connecting member (70) rigidly connects in a spaced apart relationship peripheral wall (31, 51) upper ends (32, 52). Peripheral walls (31, 51) are downwardly inwardly sloping such that a plurality of dual buckets (20) are nestable. Peripheral wall (31) proximal portion (34) is convex and peripheral wall (51) proximal portion (54) is concave and substantially parallel to proximal portion (34). Circumferential reinforcing member (94) connected to upper ends (32, 52) of non-proximal portions (37, 57) of peripheral walls (31, 51) resists bending and adds stiffness to the structure of dual bucket (20).

Abstract: A plating basket (10) wherein a sidewall (12) is connected to a bottom (14) by a rim (24). The basket (10) includes a support structure (38) having a hub (40) that is jointed to spokes (60) such that the structure is compatible with the rotary mechanism of commercially available dryers.

Abstract: A receptacle for particulate matter to be supplied to an apparatus. The receptacle includes a container, adapted to store particulate matter. The container has an opening defined therein. A substantially rigid, relatively nondeformable flange has a portion permanently connected to the container within the defined opening so as to facilitate placement and removal of the receptacle with the apparatus.

Abstract: A thin walled, plastic bottle or other container having a high rupture strength comprises a length L having a top and a bottom, and width W. The integrity of the bottle or container is compromised by a post manufacture, complete transverse cut made parallel to the width W. The top is completely severed from the bottom at a point along the length L. The top may be discarded. The bottom is comprised of, in part, collapsible side walls. A generally annular insert rim is pressure fitted onto the top-cut member of the bottom, which is formed at the cut line, thus rigidly securing the side walls and preventing any collapse thereby. A cap or closure means is matably engagable with the insert rim to seal the container.

Abstract: A truck cargo bed utility box blow molded of high density polyethylene which complements the styling of many truck bedliners. The utility box incorporates a mounting system for a central pneumatic spring which holds the lid of the box open. The mounting system consists of a bracket mounted to a wall forming part of the storage bin and a bracket on the bin lid. The lid bracket and the bin bracket extend to and engage with a hinge pin which joins the lid to the storage bin. The brackets are constructed of sheet metal and are mechanically joined by the hinge pin. The loads imposed on the lid and bin wall by the air spring are distributed through the hinge pin. The bin bracket is also attached to a metal rim which surrounds the opening into the box to provide load distribution. The metal rim provides a distortion resistant structure to which locking hasps can reliably latch. By distributing the loads imposed on the plastic lid and plastic bin distortion of the plastic is prevented.

Abstract: A bath in which articles are processed by immersion in hot liquid chemicals has a chemical receptacle seated in a casing. Wetting of internal components in the casing, such as heating elements and thermal insulation, is prevented by a seal between the receptacle and the rim of the casing. The otherwise exposed seal is isolated from the external environment of the bath by a barrier of flowing water. The water flow shields the sealing material from corrosive chemical drips and fumes and also has a cooling effect which decreases thermal expansion of components in the region of the seal and thereby reduces structural stresses.

Abstract: A laundry basket and a handle assembly therefor are disclosed. The laundry basket includes a walled container having a peripheral rim about a substantial portion thereof, a pair of opposing hand openings adjacent the peripheral rim, and a pair of handle members extending, respectively, about the rim and through the hand openings, each of the handle members including a bottom portion positioned below the rim, the bottom portion defining an upper boundary of one of the hand openings and a top portion, the top portion being connected to the bottom portion, wherein one of the top or bottom portions of each of the handle members is integral to the peripheral rim. Each portion of the handle members preferably includes a curved exterior surface to facilitate the lifting and carrying of the basket.

Abstract: A laundry basket and a handle assembly therefor are disclosed. The laundry basket includes a walled container including a peripheral rim and a hand opening adjacent the rim. A handle extends about the rim and through the hand opening. The handle is preferably constructed from two pieces which are snapped together above and below the rim. Each piece includes a curved exterior surface to facilitate lifting and carrying the basket. The rim of the basket preferably includes an opening above the hand opening to facilitate the interlocking of the upper and lower pieces forming the handle.

Abstract: A chemical bath for immersing articles such as integrated circuit wafers in a hot flow of etchant or other liquid includes a liquid receptacle with a first compartment for receiving the articles and a second compartment which acts as sump and further includes a trough which channels overflow from the first compartment into the sump. A pump recirculates liquid from the sump back to the first compartment. The receptacle is supported by a casing in which the lower region of the receptacle is situated. The casing in which the lower region of the receptacle is situated. The casing is sealed by a flange on the receptacle which overlays a rim member on the casing and by sealing material situated between the rim member and the underside of the flange. The flange is located below the trough in vertically spaced apart relationship with the trough. This inhibits direct heat transfer from the trough to the seal and thereby enhances seal durability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible package made of plastic and capable of standing by itself, comprising a generally cylindrically-shaped body, comprised of a flexible plastic film; a first cover part at one end of the cylindrically-shaped body; and a second cover part at the opposite end of the cylindrically-shaped body, wherein the cover parts are bonded to the plastic film by heat-sealing. Also disclosed is a packaged liquid product, in particular a product under gas pressure, and a method for producing the packaged product.

Abstract: A thermoplastic case which has an interlocking bottom peripheral edging (20) with a lobe (26) on the outside surface to which a vacuum formed bottom (28) has been conformed completely enveloping the lobe creating a structural bond for fastening the two parts together. A lid edging (30) and case lid (38) are formed in the same manner completing the case. A resilient cord (46) may be added to assure the seal between the edgings and a bonding agent in the form of cement (50) or tape (52) may be employed to complete a hermetic seal for the case. Webbing (56) may optionally be added formed integrally with the edging for suspending articles within the case.