Abstract: A tamper-resistant air-permeable container includes a cover having a bottom that is formed with a first wall having primary troughs and primary blocks and formed with a retaining engagement portion; and a box including a receiving space and having a second wall that is provided with a first step part lower than the second wall and a second step part lower than the first step part to define forming therebetween a retaining engagement groove. The second wall is formed with secondary troughs, each including a curved section, such that each of the secondary troughs has a curved configuration. When the cover is combined with the box, the retaining engagement portions of the cover are fit into and retained in the retaining engagement groove. The primary troughs and the secondary troughs form passages in communication with the receiving space.

Abstract: A sealing plug (100) for a panel opening, the plug having an axis (132) and including a head portion (110) having a first diameter larger than of the panel opening and a leg portion (120) concentric to the head portion (110) and having a second diameter shorter than the first diameter, the leg includes at least two latches (130) extending radially towards the head portion (110), and wherein the passing of the leg portion (120) and the at least two latches (130) through the panel opening causes resilient deformation of each latch (130), such that each latch (130) deforms and recovers thereby causing the panel to be retained by the at least two latches (130) and between the at least two latches (130) and the head portion (110) of the plug (100).

Abstract: A fastening clip is provided for fastening to one or more support structures. The fastening clip includes a clip body and a seal. The seal is disposed around a peripheral edge of the clip body and includes a first end and a sealing foot, the first end engaging the clip body, the sealing foot projecting from the first end to a second end such that the second end is disposed radially outwardly from the first end, and the second end being radially aligned with or disposed radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the collar in an uninstalled configuration. In an installed configuration, the circumferential seal is configured to flex against a support structure in response to applied pressure between the seal and the support structure so that the second end is disposed radially outwardly from the peripheral edge of the collar.

Abstract: A can comprises a can body (10) and a lid (4). The can body is manufactured using only a single homogeneous piece of material and has an edge that defines a top opening into the can. The can body also has an inwardly directed bead (23), which extends around the body, is adjacent to the can body edge, and defines an inwardly facing sealing surface (24) of substantially constant transverse cross-sectional dimension along an axial extent. The lid defines an outwardly directed sealing surface which abuts the inwardly facing sealing surface presented by the inwardly directed bead in order to seal the lid to the can body. An alternative can body has an inwardly directed pinched or collapsed bead which defines an upwardly facing sealing surface (34) for engagement with a downwardly facing sealing surface of a can lid. The alternative can body additionally has an inwardly directed bead (35) between the can body edge and the pinched or collapsed bead.

Abstract: A cap for a screw-threaded container closure or closure plug includes a cap top and an attachment ring. The attachment ring is securingly engageable with the container closure or closure plug. The attachment ring comprises a cam surface and an upwardly facing shoulder above the cam surface. The container closure or closure plug comprises a plurality of lugs engageable by a wrench or other drive tool. Each lug includes a radially inwardly facing guide surface comprising a downwardly and radially inwardly sloping portion and a downwardly facing shoulder extending radially outward below the downwardly and radially inwardly sloping portion. A secure and relatively easy engagement between the cap and container closure or closure plug is thereby obtainable.

Abstract: A shaker top for dispensing products in a container, including a top unit having a peelable protective cover affixed upon a dispensing liner having at least one perforation, the top unit affixed to a mouth of a container. A method of manufacturing a shaker top with a peelable protective cover, including the steps of affixing a peelable protective cover upon a dispensing liner, assembling a top unit including the peelable protective cover and the dispensing liner, affixing the top unit to a mouth of a container, and covering the container with a cap. A shaker top with a peelable protective cover attached to a container, manufactured by the method of manufacture. A method of using a container having a shaker top with a freshness seal.

Abstract: A closure cap (1) having a flange (2) for connecting to a flange of an infusion solution container, wherein the cap (1) has at least one integrated stopper (3a, 3b) in order for liquids to be removed from, or introduced into, the container and for re-sealing purposes once liquid has been removed or introduced.

Abstract: A hole plug includes a plug main body including a head portion, a leg portion, and a flange portion; and a meltable member annularly covering a periphery of an opening portion, disposed between the flange portion and a panel, and melting when heated to seal between the opening portion and the flange portion. The meltable member includes an annular convex portion at a periphery thereof, which annularly projects in a thickness direction of the meltable member, and abuts against a tip portion of the flange portion when the meltable member thermally shrinks in such a way as to reduce a diameter toward a center of the opening portion.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a brim forming an opening into a liquid reservoir chamber formed in the cup. A lid is coupled to the brim to form more than one seal with the container.

Abstract: A container that is a cup portion having a maximum gauge of less than 35 mils provided with a bottom panel, a sidewall and a sealing brim which defines an annular cup sealing surface; and a lid having a maximum gauge of less than 35 mils with a sealing rim defining an annular lid sealing surface; wherein the cup portion and lid portion are thermoformed such that the annular cup sealing surface and the annular lid sealing surface cooperate to form a seal extending around the assembled container and wherein the container does not leak when tested using the Leak Test Method 1.

Abstract: A clamshell food tray. In some embodiments, the clamshell food tray can comprise a window such that a viewer can see into the interior of the clamshell food tray when the clamshell food tray is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the clamshell food tray can have apertures configured to accept a beverage container.

Abstract: A novel and unique container of a general clamshell configuration is provided. The hinge of the container of the present invention is particularly unique in that it not only provides a hinged connection between the lid and the base of the container for ease of use by the contents manufacturer during filling but is also breakable in different ways to provide a tamper-evident function without creating small parts that must be disposed of separately from the lid.

Abstract: Provided is a container stopper containing a foam-molded article which has an expansion ratio of 1.1 to 2.5 times and is obtained by foaming a mixture containing: a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing 100 parts by mass of (a) a hydrogenated block copolymer containing (A) a polymer block containing a structural unit derived from an aromatic vinyl compound and (B) a polymer block containing a structural unit derived from isoprene or a mixture of isoprene and butadiene, 5 to 150 parts by mass of (b) a softening agent, and from 5 to 150 parts by mass of (c) a polyolefin resin; and (d) 0.1 to 3% by mass of a foaming agent.

Abstract: Foreign material exclusion devices especially adapted to be positioned in a construction, for example a tube or pipe to temporarily seal off a potentially sensitive area of the construction from foreign materials or debris. In one embodiment the device includes a specifically defined, fixed-size eyelet to assist with insertion and/or removal of the device from a construction. Still other embodiments of the device include cavities that retain a trackable coating applied to the device. Further embodiments include identification elements embedded and thus protected within the frame of the device.

Abstract: Vessel including a unitary or two-part vessel base having an intermediate wall portion, upper and lower wall portions on opposite sides of the intermediate wall portion, and upper and lower rims adjacent the respective upper and lower wall portions. The upper and intermediate wall portions define an upper chamber space including at least one upper chamber. The lower and intermediate wall portions define a lower chamber space including at least one lower chamber. Inner lids engage with upper and lower lid-receiving portions, respectively, defined by the vessel base to selectively close the upper or lower chamber space. The two-part vessel base has a mating structure to facilitate selective attachment and separation. Outer lids engaged the upper and lower rims independent of the engagement of the inner lids with the vessel base.

Abstract: A bowl liner for a mixing bowl of a stand mixer includes a shell and a rim secured an upper end of the shell. The shell is sized to be received in the mixing bowl, and is formed from an elastomeric material. The shell has a mixing chamber defined therein. The rim includes an outer perimeter surface that has a keyed surface section to locate the liner relative to the stand mixer.

Abstract: A grip device has an element that can be moved in relation to fixed element between an open position and a closed position in which the two elements are adapted in such a way as to grip a wall, a displacement device which enables the displacement of the mobile element and the adjustment of the distance separating the two elements in a closed position to the thickness of the gripped wall, and a blocking device, which are adapted in such a way as to immobilize the mobile element in the adjusted closed position. The blocking device can be moved between a release position and a blocking position in which they immobilize the mobile element by friction in the adjusted closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal closure device (1) for openings (2) of sample containers (3) having different cross-sections (4). The closure device (1) comprises a shaft part (6) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (5) and a plurality of sealing elements (12, 16), which are disposed in the region of an outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6) and are intended for applying to an inner lateral surface (11) of the sample container (3) to be closed, wherein said lateral surface faces the longitudinal axis (5). The sealing elements (12, 16) arranged on the shaft part (6) are arranged in succession in a circumferential plane and in the circumferential direction of the shaft part (6). At least one supporting element (31, 33) is arranged and extends between the sealing element (12, 16) and the outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6).

Abstract: An improved synthetic resin spout stopper to be combined with a discharge port of a container is provided. The spout stopper does not pose difficulty in breaking an annular score formed in an annular flange wall, when discarding the container. Damage to the annular score is avoided even if a considerably great impact is applied to the spout stopper owing to a fall of the container. Damage to the annular score is also avoided even when ultrasonic welding is adopted for welding the container and the spout stopper together. In an inner peripheral edge part of the annular flange wall, an annular additional score is disposed adjacent to the annular score radially outwardly of and/or radially inwardly of the annular score.

Abstract: A concrete washout container with leakproof sealing lid. The device has a lid portion with a base and lip structures extending around the base, each lip structure having a first contour, which first contour extends from an upper end of a generally vertical lid portion wall, which generally vertical lid portion wall extends from the base, wherein the lip structures are flexible along the generally vertical lid portion wall. The device also includes a bin portion, the bin portion having an open mouth, the mouth defined by a rim structure located around a perimeter of the open mouth, the rim structure having a second contour which second contour extends above a top end of a generally vertical bin portion wall section, which generally vertical bin portion wall section connects at a bottom end to a generally horizontal bin portion wall section, and which generally horizontal bin portion wall section connects to sides walls of the bin portion, which side walls extend upwardly from a bottom of the bin portion.

Abstract: A lid of a disposable beverage cup, which has at least one drinking hole provided for a consumer to drink the beverage stored in the beverage cup, and at least one vent hole provided for maintaining the pressure equivalence between an inner side and an outer side of the beverage cup, includes at least one drinking hole plug arranged for detachably coupling with the drinking hole to seal and close the drinking hole so as to prevent the beverage from leaking out of the beverage cup.

Abstract: A sealing device which is used to seal a leak test aperture in an ECU. The sealing device is selectively disposed in the leak test aperture, and an inner surface is formed as part of the leak test aperture. The sealing device has a first portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion. The sealing device is press-fitted into the leak aperture such that the first portion is in contact with the inner surface, securing the position of the sealing device in the leak test aperture, and the second portion is also in contact with the inner surface to prevent moisture and debris from passing through the leak test aperture. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter such that the second diameter of the second portion applies a pressure to the inner surface of the leak test aperture, forming a seal.

Abstract: An environmentally-friendly hose plug may include an insertion section having a size selected for plugging a hose. The insertion section may be attached to a knob at a distal end of the hose plug through a gripping section. The gripping section provides a number of ridges to improve a technician's ability to handle the hose plug. The insertion section reduces the exertion of force by fluids in the hose against the hose plug. Thus, the hose plug is less likely to be forced from the hose by fluids in the hose. The insertion section may include one or more sealing rings for further reducing the leakage of fluids from the hose.

Abstract: A container which includes a base (12) that can hold food and a lid (14) that closes on the base, which clearly indicates if the lid has been opened after a clerk loaded food into the base and closed the lid. The base and lid each have trapping portions (20, 22) and pull-open portions (24, 32) with a tear-tab, or tear-open barrier (80). To close the lid, a clerk projects a tab (30) on the pull-open portion of the lid through a slot (26) in the pull-open portion of the base, and then presses down the entire trapping portion of the lid into the trapping portion of the base. The lid cannot be lifted up because the tear-open barrier (80) forming the top wall of the slot lies over the tab. To open the container, a person must tear the barrier so he/she can pull up the tab 30 and open the lid. The fact that the barrier has been torn is obvious.

Abstract: Lid assemblies for processing chamber and processing chambers including the lid assemblies are described. The lid assemblies include a high temperature lid module and a housing. The high temperature lid module being positioned adjacent a process liner of a processing chamber. The flexible housing positioned around the high temperature lid module and joined to the high temperature lid module with an elastomeric ring.

Abstract: An intermodal tank container and complementary chassis, and features and methods for use thereof, are disclosed. The intermodal tank container and chassis has an appearance and length substantially similar to a non-intermodal OTR tank trailer, while affording the same capacity as an intermodal tank container. The design of the tank container allows for an improved, lighter design for the chassis and for improved usability of the tank container in intermodal environments such as with rail cars. The reduced weight of the chassis allows for a greater payload while remaining within various applicable legal restrictions for gross vehicle weight, axle weight, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to container and a closure for mounting on the container, the container of the type comprising a container body having a base and a side wall with a top edge defining a container opening opposite the base. The container further comprises a rim and a locking rib which projects from a free end of the rim, and the closure comprises a top wall and a skirt having a closure flange which projects from a free end of the closure wall for snap engagement under the locking rib when the closure is inserted into the container opening. The present invention ensures that a strong seal is maintained between the closure and the container so that the container can be opened and closed frequently without leakages between the container and the closure.

Abstract: A metallic lid for a can of the type which presents an opening defining a seating, said lid comprising, in a single piece, a bottom wall which incorporates, superiorly and peripherally, a side wall provided with a free upper edge and designed to be frictionally seated and axially retained in the interior of the seat. According to the invention, the bottom wall comprises a peripheral annular portion adjacent to the side wall, a median portion and an annular rib portion having the cross section in the approximate form of an inverted ‘U’, with the free edges of is lateral legs being respectively incorporated to the adjacent edges of the peripheral annular portion and median portion of the bottom wall.

Abstract: An all plastic paint container assembly comprising a container, a ring assembly attached to the rim of the container and a pry-off plastic closure having a dual sealing arrangement with the ring member and an undercut lock at a location which provides maximum circumferential area. Containers of this design can be stacked both with and without the ring members attached. Three embodiments are disclosed, providing double and triple closure locks and multiple seals.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container assembly includes an improved means of attachment between lid, base and container which meets paint industry drop test standards and includes tamper evidence, a transparent lid and improved means to prevent leakage between the base, lid and container. The container includes an upper extending tubular wall element extending from the perimeter of a bottom wall to an upper rim, the upper rim including an annular inward facing cavity formed by a reduced thickness area, which includes an annular inward facing upper bead positioned above the inward facing cavity. A base includes an annular portion having an outwardly directed resilient exterior annular wall which engages the inward facing cavity of the rim of the tubular element in snap fit engagement.

Abstract: A hole plug assembly includes a covering base connected to a first lip, at least one extensible member having a first portion connected to one or both of the covering base or the first lip, and a second lip connected to a second portion of the at least one extensible member. The at least one extensible member is configured to expand and contract with respect to a central axis of the covering base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to maximizing advertising space on product packaging. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of increasing advertising space on various product packaging by increasing the graphic space on and apparent volume of the packaging, such as those used for cosmetics and toiletries. Preferred embodiments include a product packaging with a partially or completely recessed container closure. Further preferred embodiments include a container closure that is threaded, fused, or snapped in to the body of the container. Embodiments of the invention can be modified to accommodate existing products or provide a unique package design for emerging products.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a seal between an open body end of a container body and an edge of a lid. The lid is pressable into the open end of the body in a sealing manner. The components may be made from a light gauge sheet metal. The lid can be removable affixed to the body. The seal is configured to securely attach to the body to provide a safe seal of the container to be capable of withstanding impacts, such as from a shock or fall. Accordingly, the embodiments are applicable to containers which contain hazardous materials.

Abstract: A stopper for plugging a developer filling port includes a stopper main body and a lock member engageable with the stopper main body. The stopper main body is configured to be fitted to the filling port and shaped like a tube with a bottom. The lock member has a rigidity greater than that of the stopper main body, the lock member engaged with the stopper main body serves to restrict deformation of the stopper main body. A developing device for use in an image forming apparatus includes the stopper configured as described above to be fitted to its developer filling port.

Abstract: The closure arrangement is applied to a metallic container comprising a peripheral side wall which presents an upper edge surrounding an opening, in which is fitted a lid having a peripheral upper wall externally provided with a circumferential rib to be fitted in an inner circumferential recess of the peripheral side wall; and a circumferential groove located inferiorly to the circumferential rib and housing a sealing ring to be internally seated against the peripheral side wall upon the fitting and axial retention of the circumferential rib in the circumferential recess.

Abstract: A stopper (10) is provided for a beverage container (12) having a fill opening (14) that is closed by the stopper (10). The stopper (10) includes a main body (18), a lid (22), and a rigid lanyard loop (16). The main body (18) is configured for releasable engagement with the opening (14) of beverage container (12) and includes a drinking port (24) to allow a beverage to flow from the beverage container (12) to the mouth of a user. The lid (22) has an upper surface (26) and is hinge mounted to the main body (18) for movement between a closed position wherein the drinking port (24) is covered and an open position wherein the drinking port (24) is exposed for access by a user. The rigid lanyard loop (16) is hinge mounted for movement relative to the lid (22) between an stowed position wherein the lanyard loop (16) extends adjacent the upper surface (26) of the lid (22) and a deployed position wherein the lanyard loop (16) extends away from the upper surface (26) with the lid (22) in the closed position.

Abstract: A thermoformed article having two or more parts (125, 130) is provided. A first part is formed from a first thermoplastic material and a second part (130) is formed from a second thermoplastic material. The first and second materials are mutually incompatible. One of the parts (130) has one or more projections (131) and the other part (125) has one or more corresponding cavities (126a) into which the projections are formed. In which the mouth of the or each cavity is narrower than at least part of the or each projection such that the shape of the or each projection allows withdrawal from but resists reinsertion into the or each cavity.

Abstract: An exemplary screw protection cover is provided, which includes a cover head, a cover body and a positioning piece. The cover body protrudes outward axially from one end thereof and is coaxially disposed with the cover head. The positioning piece protrudes outward from the peripheral edge of the cover head toward the cover body and is at the same side with the cover body. The positioning piece includes a stop catch disposed at the distal end thereof away from the cover head. The invention also discloses a shell assembly using the screw protection cover.

Abstract: A rubber plug for a vial container containing medicinal chemicals according to the present invention can be smoothly conveyed by a part feeder while preventing each other's adhesion. The top surface of a discoid cap portion 1A has a Shore A hardness of 25-55 and a surface roughness Ra of 2.5-10.5 ?m. Adherence of the top surface of the discoid cap portion 1A is reduced by synergy effect. The rubber plug 1 can be smoothly conveyed by a part feeder in an inverted position which turns the top surface of the discoid cap portion to the conveying surface.

Abstract: A self-cleaning lid for use with a paint container is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a packaging container that simplifies the opening operation. The packaging container includes a front cover member and a back cover member, which are attached to each other to form a housing space for accommodating an article therein. The back cover member is integrally molded from a sheet-shaped plastic. The back cover member includes an opening portion, which is surrounded by an opening assisting line portion formed in a linear form and opened by tearing the opening assisting line portion when the packaging container is opened. The back cover member is formed so that its surface is recessed at the opening assisting line portion.

Abstract: A container includes a wall, a bottom, a top opening with a peripheral rim and a lid adapted to engage the top opening. The peripheral rim is provided with a fluid-collecting lip extending in an upward and radially outward direction. The lid is provided with a locking edge adapted to wipe the fluid-collecting lip during insertion of the lid into the top opening. The fluid-collecting lip is provided with an upper, thin edge at a radially retracted position relative to the outside surface of the wall of the container. A second part of a peripheral flange of the lid substantially covers the radially outwardly-facing surface of the fluid-collecting lip in the closed position of the lid on the container.

Abstract: An obturator for an opening of predetermined outline produced in a metal sheet comprising a cap, at least one stiff wall projecting transversely of said cap and at least one snap-fastening blade having a resting position in the absence of urging in which it extends in a direction parallel to said cap, said snap-fastening blade being moveable parallel to said cap against elastic return forces returning it towards said resting position, said snap-fastening blade having an insertion cant adapted to bear on the surface of said metal sheet delimiting said opening when the obturator is pushed therein, said insertion cant sloping relative to a direction transverse to said cap such that said snap-fastening blade is driven to displace to pass through said opening and that slope progressively increasing between said attachment end and said free end.

Abstract: A storage container for paint roller sleeve includes a lid of a container in which the lid of the container has a hole in its center and a slit that extends radially to the circumferential edge of the lid to permit the roller frame to be remain attached to the roller sleeve while the roller sleeve is housed within the container via this slit. A strap holds at one end a plug for insertion into the hole in the center of the lid and at the other end of the strap a hinge fastens the strap to the lid.

Abstract: A removable sippy cup lid configured to be placed securely onto an opened beverage can. The removable sippy cup lid includes a drinking spout shaped to correspond to the cavity opening in the beverage can lid. Furthermore, the sippy cup lid includes a groove about its edge sized to receive and snap over a circular outer rim of the beverage can lid to form a seal. The groove includes an arc shaped channel cross section that bends inward leaving an opening at a distal end, where the opening covers the beverage can rim. A width of the opening is less than a thickness of the beverage can rim in a resting position. The groove is made out of flexible material such that the width of the opening widens to the thickness of the beverage can rim as pressure is applied to the sippy cup lid to snap over the rim.

Abstract: An improved synthetic resin spout stopper to be combined with a discharge port of a container is provided. The spout stopper does not pose difficulty in breaking an annular score formed in an annular flange wall, when discarding the container. Damage to the annular score is avoided even if a considerably great impact is applied to the spout stopper owing to a fall of the container. Damage to the annular score is also avoided even when ultrasonic welding is adopted for welding the container and the spout stopper together. In an inner peripheral edge part of the annular flange wall, an annular additional score is disposed adjacent to the annular score radially outwardly of and/or radially inwardly of the annular score.

Abstract: Provided is a container stopper containing a foam-molded article having an expansion ratio of from 1.1 to 2.5 times, the foamed article being obtained by foaming a mixture containing: a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing 100 parts by mass of (a) a hydrogenated block copolymer that is a hydrogenated product of a block copolymer containing (A) a polymer block containing a structural unit derived from an aromatic vinyl compound and (B) a polymer block containing a structural unit derived from isoprene or a mixture of isoprene and butadiene, having a total content of a 3,4-bond unit and a 1,2-bond unit of 45% or more, has a peak top molecular weight (Mp) obtained by gel permeation chromatograph in terms of polystyrene standard of from 250,000 to 500,000, and is in a form of powder having a bulk density of from 0.10 to 0.40 g/mL, from 5 to 150 parts by mass of (b) a softening agent, and from 5 to 150 parts by mass of (c) a polyolefin resin; and (d) a foaming agent added in an amount of from 0.

Abstract: A seal is provided for a hole in a sheet. The clamped hole surface has an articulated line, which divides the hole surface into a first partial surface and a second partial surface inclined relative thereto, exhibiting the following features: a sealing surface for the hole, the geometry of which corresponds to the hole geometry; an elastic element secured to the sealing surface; and the elastic element is incorporated into the hole abuts on one side (e.g., interior) of the sheet, pressing the sealing surface against a second side (e.g., exterior) of the sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure cap (1) comprising a exterior marginal web (5), a shielding section (4) that protrudes past the marginal web (5), and a hot-melt adhesive (11) which is arranged in the area of the shielding section (4) and is deformable in a plastic manner when heated above a softening temperature. A number of gripping abutment elements (7) are embodied on the marginal web (5) while a joint zone (3) having a reduced flexural rigidity is configured between the marginal web (5) and the shielding section (4). The distance between the abutment elements (7) and the bottom side of the hot-melt adhesive, which faces the marginal web (5), is smaller than the thickness of the material of a basic part (13) in the area of the opening such that an initial tension is created in the joint zone (3) when the closure cap (1) is inserted into the opening, resulting in a simple self-acting closing process after heating the hot-melt adhesive (11).

Abstract: A hole plug comprising: a main body part including a cover flange portion for covering an opening, an insertion portion extended from a central portion of a back surface of the cover flange portion to be inserted into the opening, and an engaging portion formed on an outer periphery of the insertion portion to be engaged with a back side peripheral edge of the opening; a thermo-softening resin member mounted on a peripheral edge of the cover flange portion and allowed to flow into a clearance between the cover flange portion and an opening peripheral edge of the plate-shaped member, thereby fixing them together; and an elastic flange portion extended in a skirt-like manner from the back surface of the cover flange portion toward the peripheral edge of the opening and elastically contactable with the peripheral edge of the opening of the plate-shaped member.