Abstract: A method for preparing a package that can effectively suppress surface alteration even in a sputtering target whose surface is likely to be altered by moisture such as a sputtering target comprising an oxide of boron is provided. A method for preparing a package of sputtering target, including a step 1 of housing a sputtering target in a first packaging bag made of a film having a water vapor permeability of 1 g/(m2·24 h) or less, and then vacuum sealing an opening of the first packaging bag; and a step 2 of housing the first packaging bag which has been vacuum sealed in the step 1, in a second packaging bag made of a film having a water vapor permeability of 1 g/(m2·24 h) or less, and then enclosing one or more cushion gases selected from a group consisting of air and inert gas in the second packaging bag, and sealing an opening of the second packaging bag.

Abstract: The volume, content, and void volume of a box are determined. Using those determinations, a fill ratio calculation is used to establish the packing element requirement of the box.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for a firearm is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.

Abstract: An assembly for receiving fluid pharmaceutical waste into a fluid waste receiver includes a fluid receiver body coupled to a fluid receiver cap, and receiving solid pharmaceutical waste into a solid waste receiver includes a solid receiver body coupled to a solid receiver cap. The assembly comprises a receiver housing and a receiver lid coupled to the receiver housing. The receiver housing comprises a retainer base, sidewalls extending from the retainer base, and dividers extending from the sidewalls to divide an interior of the receiver housing into a receiver compartment configured to receive the fluid receiver body and the solid receiver body, and a cap compartment. A first of the dividers divides the receiver compartment from a first of the cap compartments configured to receive the fluid receiver cap, and a second one of the dividers divides the receiver compartment from a second of the cap compartments configured to receive the solid receiver cap.

Abstract: An automated container fill line system comprises a container fill line configured to transport a plurality of containers at a fill line speed, and a filler configured to dispense a material into each of the containers individually and sequentially. An Expert System is configured to control the container fill line speed using a set of hierarchical rules and one or more machine learning models associated with equipment of the container fill line.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for configuring and producing packaging for orders of variable configurations of perishable items includes an automatic case erector-sealer; a packing liner dispenser; a cold pack dispenser; a control system; a point of sale ecommerce platform; and a data processor to capture order configuration, order destination, and available order points of origin. The control system captures and uses the order configuration, destination, and delivery date, to generate a time in transit (TNT), total volume, cold volume, and ambient volume, of items in the order. The total volume and cold volume are used to generate a product cube category (PCC). The TNT and the PCC are used to generate a packaging configuration for the order. The system uses the packaging configuration to generate and send operational directives to one or more of the automatic case erector-sealer, the packing liner dispenser, and the cold pack dispenser.

Abstract: An optimal package structure and an amount of refrigerant to insert into the package structure are determined based upon product information, consumer preference information, and weather information. The optimal package structure and the amount of refrigerant are an optimized combination that is effective to both protect the product from damage and preserve the product from spoilage. A package is constructed to contain the product according to the optimal package structure and the amount of refrigerant is inserted into the structure.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for an object is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.

Abstract: A deposition mask package according to the present embodiment includes a receiving portion, a lid portion that faces the receiving portion, a deposition mask that is arranged between the receiving portion and the lid portion and has an effective region in which a plurality of through-holes is formed. The receiving portion has a first opposing surface facing the lid portion and a concave portion provided on the first opposing surface. The concave portion is covered by a first flexible film. The effective region of the deposition mask is arranged on the concave portion with the first flexible film interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for eliminating oxygen in the filling of a flexible bag with a beverage utilizing sources of inert gas, vacuum, and beverage. A filling head regulates the injection of inert gas and applies a vacuum to the flexible bag the bag spout. The bag spout is separately rinsed of oxygen prior to recapping the same on the flexible bag.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for cold-chain compliant item selection. A set of perishable items are selected for retrieval by a user based on item data, cold-chain compliance score(s), and/or cold-chain compliance restrictions associated with each user. The selected set of items are assigned to the user for retrieval in accordance with a set of cold-chain compliance parameters, including a per-item maximum dwell-time specifying a maximum time interval between removal of a perishable item from a temperature-controlled display area and receipt of the perishable item at an intake area. A dwell-time is calculated for an item received at an intake area. The item is accepted if the per-item maximum dwell-time exceeds the calculated dwell-time and the item is rejected if the calculated dwell-time exceeds the per-item maximum dwell-time. An incentive is provided to the identified user based on a cold-chain compliance score for the user.

Abstract: Provided is a system, method, and computer program product for predicting product temperatures. The system includes at least one processor programmed or configured to collect, from temperature probes, temperature data of the plurality of different perishable products during a time period, collect, from at least one environmental sensor, environmental data of the at least one environment during the time period, generate a machine-learning model based on the temperature data and the environmental data, collect second environmental data from the at least one environmental sensor and/or from a separate data source while at least one package of at least one perishable product is in the at least one environment, and generate a predicted temperature of the at least one perishable product based on inputting the second environmental data into the machine-learning model.

Abstract: A pallet wrap system and manufacture for repair of wood pallets that extends the service life of wood pallets to reduce associated costs, environmental concerns, and workplace injuries. The wrap or wrap component comprises a plurality of portions hingedly attached to one another and configured to surround or cover a portion of a pallet. The wrap component may be manufactured using recycled material, such as paper, aluminum, or plastic, and may further include a chemical for properties such as elasticity, adhesion, and bonding grip. The wrap component may further be folded to such that it can be erected from a flattened state to form a display unit for products. The wrap may include printed information content such as advertising/marketing content, or manufacturer's or shipper's information, identification or logo to make sure that only that business' product is shipped or used with the identified pallet.

Abstract: A device includes a first sealing member, a second sealing member, a first circuit member and a second circuit member. The first sealing member basically includes a first film formed with an opening and includes a frame film. At least one of the first circuit member and the second circuit member includes an exposed portion and a seal portion which surrounds the exposed portion. The frame film has a film-seal portion and a circuit-seal portion. The film-seal portion is bonded to the first film to surround the opening. The circuit-seal portion is bonded to the seal portion to surround the exposes portion. The device is formed with a closed space which is enclosed by the first sealing member and the second sealing member. The exposed portion is exposed to the outer space located outside the device.

Abstract: A pouch or pocket may act as a container and may be used to securely hold objects (e.g., cell phone, keys, wallet, etc.) during athletic activity (e.g., running). The pouch may be a standalone item or integrally formed as part of other items. The pouch may hold the object to be stored in place within the pouch or pocket. The pouch may provide some cushioning or impact force attenuation to protect the object being held within the pouch or pocket. Additionally, the pouch may be attached to a garment, such as running clothes. The pouch includes an outer envelope sealable by a closure and a one-way valve with foam layers located inside the pouch. After the object is placed in the pouch, the closure is closed, and the air within the pouch is expelled via the one-way valve by compressing the foam layers from the outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cushioning at least one object (12a-c) in a container (10a-c), comprising a cushioning material provisioning system (19) for the provision of cushioning material (28a-c) and a request means (25) which is coupled to the cushioning material provisioning system (19) and which outputs a signal to the cushioning material provisioning system (19) in order to request cushioning material (28a-c), the request means (25) allowing acoustic signals, in particular voice signals, to be converted.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable device includes a pocket configured to be located in a cavity of the inflatable device. The pocket includes an entrance opening to receive air from an air output. The pocket further includes a first layer of material having at least a first aperture, wherein the first aperture is positioned entirely within the first layer of material, a second layer of material having at least a second aperture in fluid communication with the first aperture, wherein the second aperture is positioned entirely within the second layer of material. The first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with the entrance opening and the cavity such that airflow passes through the valve by flowing from the entrance opening into the pocket, and out of the pocket and into the cavity through at least one of the first aperture or the second aperture.

Abstract: A protection system and method for cargos in a compartment and a robotic equipment thereof, applied in the field of robotics, are disclosed. The system includes an inflatable mechanism and an airbag. The airbag is used for filling the space between the cargos and/or between the cargos and an inner wall of the compartment. The airbag includes an inlet. The inflatable mechanism is defined on a robot for inflating or deflating the airbag via the inlet. The protection system and method for cargos in a compartment and a robotic equipment thereof can improve the stability of the stacked cargos during the process of the loading and unloading of the cargos, and the stability of the cargos during transportation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shock-absorbing buffer for a base station antenna. The base station antenna includes a first end portion having a first end surface, a second end portion having a second end surface, and a protruding element which is at least provided on the first end surface and protrudes outward. The shock-absorbing buffer includes an inner buffer member and an outer buffer member. The inner buffer member is configured to at least partially cover the protruding element, the first end portion, and the second end portion, and the outer buffer member is configured to sleeve the inner buffer member and at least partially cover the first end portion and the second end portion. The inner buffer member and the outer buffer member are respectively made into a pre-formed structure from an inflatable air bag, and the inflatable air bag can form a plurality of air columns after being inflated.

Abstract: A pouch or pocket may act as a container and may be used to securely hold objects (e.g., cell phone, keys, wallet, etc.) during athletic activity (e.g., running). The pouch may be a standalone item or integrally formed as part of other items. The pouch may hold the object to be stored in place within the pouch or pocket. The pouch may provide some cushioning or impact force attenuation to protect the object being held within the pouch or pocket. Additionally, the pouch may be attached to a garment, such as running clothes. The pouch includes an outer envelope sealable by a closure and a one-way valve with foam layers located inside the pouch. After the object is placed in the pouch, the closure is closed, and the air within the pouch is expelled via the one-way valve by compressing the foam layers from the outside.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material. The conversion machine includes a conversion assembly that draws the sheet stock material therethrough and randomly crumples at least a portion of the sheet stock material. Before severing a discrete dunnage product of a desired length from the substantially continuous length of sheet stock material, the conversion assembly temporarily advances the sheet stock material therethrough while minimizing or eliminating the random crumpling of the sheet stock material in a reduced-crumpling zone, and then cuts the sheet stock material in the reduced-cutting zone to reduce or eliminate the production of scrap shards of sheet stock material.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for cold-chain compliance of items on a smart storage cart. The smart storage cart includes a plurality of bins, a memory, a processor, and a data storage device storing a perpetual inventory (PI) of items on the cart. The cart automatically updates the PI in response to removal of items from the cart or addition of items to the cart. The smart storage cart activates bin restock indicators to identify bins for removal of items or addition of items to the cart. The cart monitors entrance into or exiting from geofence areas. A cold-chain compliance component calculates the smart storage cart's dwell-time outside temperature-controlled areas. The cart outputs an alert recommending return of the smart storage cart to a temperature-controlled area if the cart's dwell time approaches the maximum dwell-time and/or outputs an alert if the smart storage cart's dwell-time exceeds the maximum dwell-time.

Abstract: One variation of a method for controlling dissemination of instructional content to operators performing procedures at equipment within a facility includes: at a computing device, accessing a digital procedure containing a first instructional block comprising a first instruction in a set of formats including a text format corresponding to a first degree of guidance, an audio format corresponding to a second degree of guidance different from the first degree, and a visual format corresponding to a third degree of guidance greater than the first and second degrees; accessing a minimum instruction guidance specification for a current instance of the digital procedure; and, in response to initiation of the first instructional block in the digital procedure, presenting the first instruction in a particular format, in the set of formats, corresponding to a particular degree of guidance approximating the minimum instruction guidance specification.

Abstract: A buffer member includes: a resin sheet welded in a bag-like shape; and a medium sealed in the resin sheet, wherein the resin sheet includes a plurality of buffer areas each having a shape extending longitudinally in a first direction and arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, each buffer area of the plurality of buffer areas includes a first buffer chamber having a shape extending in the first direction, a second buffer chamber having a shape extending in the first direction and formed at a position separated from the first buffer chamber in the first direction, and a connecting flow passage connecting the first buffer chamber and the second buffer chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for making a shoe using a stand-alone mouldable nonwoven fabric which has the ability of self-sustaining and shape maintenance and which is heated to become softened till molten. In the process of the invention, the shoe parts are moulded by a compression moulding process and the moulded parts are then heated and welded together by a plastic welding method.

Abstract: A computer-implemented wardrobe packing method, system, and a computer program product, include selecting a plurality of items stored in a memory to pack into a container, generating a packing order of the plurality of items based on packing preference data and item data stored in the memory, creating and displaying a video of step-by-step packing instructions for the plurality of items in the packing order, monitoring and comparing an actual packing process to a generated packing order, and controlling the displaying of a step of the step-by-step packing instructions, in response to the monitoring and comparing.

Abstract: A method of forming a shipping container includes mixing paper fibers with a binder fiber to form a mixture; disposing the mixture onto a surface to form a layer of the mixture; applying heat to form a paper fiber batt from the mixture having a fixed width and fixed length; and inserting the paper fiber batt within an interior of a corrugated box.

Abstract: Simulated software conversion offers advance warning of possible issues that may arise during a full conversion process. An engine interposed between a planner and an upgrade module interacts with the planner and an upgrade module to simulate compliance checks, and to reference a data model to simulate conversion tasks (e.g., simplification items, add-ons, custom code). The engine instructs the planner to continue (rather than halt/suspend) iterative interrogation of the existing production landscape to create an un-truncated stack.xml file, even when the planner encounters an unknown/unfamiliar software element. The upgrade module expects an incoming modified stack.xml file as input, that modified stack.xml file including additional information (such as a flag) referenced by the upgrade module to perform conversion compliance checks and other conversion tasks. The engine enriches the full stack.xml file received from the planner, creating the modified stack.

Abstract: A shipping container, particularly suited for shipping wine bottles within a shipping box, having a pair of container halves. Each container half includes an outer tray that is shaped to fit the shipping box, and an inner tray that is configured for securely holding one or more wine bottles. Both the outer tray and inner tray are made of readily recyclable pulp material, and have a void therebetween. A starch based biodegradable insulation material fills the void therebetween, such that the shipping container is made entirely of biodegradable material, yet is sturdy and has insulative properties.

Abstract: A system is provided, including one or more servers in communication with a robotic system. The one or more servers may be configured to receive operational data from the robotic system, and determine one or more operational performance metrics based on the received operational data. The system may also include a first computing device in communication with the robotic system including a workstation authoring software application configured to program the given task to be completed by the robotic system, and determine one or more subtasks required for the robotic system to perform the given task. The system may also include a second computing device in communication with the robotic system including an operational dashboard software application configured to control various operations of the robotic system, and provide for display a visual representation of the operational data and the operational performance metrics on an interface of the second computing device.

Abstract: A system is provided, including one or more servers in communication with a robotic system. The one or more servers may be configured to receive operational data from the robotic system, and determine one or more operational performance metrics based on the received operational data. The system may also include a first computing device in communication with the robotic system including a workstation authoring software application configured to program the given task to be completed by the robotic system, and determine one or more subtasks required for the robotic system to perform the given task. The system may also include a second computing device in communication with the robotic system including an operational dashboard software application configured to control various operations of the robotic system, and provide for display a visual representation of the operational data and the operational performance metrics on an interface of the second computing device.

Abstract: An apparatus, and the methods therefore, that automatically detects, elaborates and interprets the geometry of a container (2) and of one or more of the contained articles (3), and supplies and inserts, automatically, packaging material into the container in a suitable manner and amount. The apparatus comprises one or more sensors (6) for measuring the geometric profile of the container (2) and of the contained articles (3). The apparatus comprises in addition processing means (14) that acquire the measurement data of the geometric profile and elaborates packaging instructions. The apparatus comprises also devices for the dispensing (42) and insertion (43) of packaging material into the container (2). The apparatus can be equipped with a conveying device (4) for transporting the containers to the measuring sensor (6) and to the dispensing device (42) and insertion means (43) of the packaging material.

Abstract: Multi-stage gas packaging systems and methods are provided that may be implemented in a first bulk packaging stage for bulk shipping of multiple items and then converted to a second single pack stage for single item shipment in an environment that is totally different from the bulk shipment environment.

Abstract: A container for housing optical instruments is described. The container includes a case having an interior surface shaped to define a container cavity for holding an optical instrument. The interior surface is further shaped to define a plurality of ball-receiving concavities which open into the container cavity. Each ball-receiving concavity is shaped to have an opening at its edge and an interior region. The container also includes a plurality of elastically deformable balls, each ball located in a corresponding ball-receiving concavity and projecting from the interior region of the corresponding ball-receiving concavity through the opening and into the container cavity such that the balls are deformed to accommodate the optical instrument in the container cavity.

Abstract: A package assembly for thin wafer shipping using force distribution plates and a method of use are disclosed. The package assembly includes a container and upper and lower force distribution plates provided within the container. The upper and lower force distribution plates are positioned respectively on a top side and bottom side of the container.

Abstract: Packaging materials are disclosed, along with packages formed therefrom and methods for forming the packages.

Abstract: An inflatable box and method of use thereof. The inflatable box may be designed in any shape or size and be made up of any rigid material. The box is uniquely designed to allow for a simple one-step process using a box with an integrated inflating tube and bottom liner to expand internally by inflation with a gaseous fluid, thereby three-dimensionally cushioning an article to be shipped. This completely protects the article and removes the need for peanuts, paper or other fillers in boxes used for shipping goods once the box is closed. The box may further include a bleed valve that releases the gaseous fluid if the inflating tube and/or bottom liner are over-inflated.

Abstract: Delivering bags, for example, for delivering items and products purchased bye-commerce in so-called “grocery” tote bags to the respective purchasing customers is described. In one embodiment, a system includes a box and a plurality of bag protectors, each made of material having sufficient rigidity to protect a bag contained therein. In one embodiment, the bag protector has a bottom panel configured to support a bottom of the bag, and two side panels that are configured to extend from two opposing edges of the boom panel away from the bottom panel to form a generally tapering profile so as to meet each other adjacent an opening portion of the bag. The box is configured to receive a plurality of bag protectors, each protectively containing a bag therein. For example, given the generally tapering profile of the bag protectors, they may be placed alternately facing opposite directions in the box.

Abstract: An improved edge protector and packaging system comprises a generally right angle member having a plurality of right angle bands joined by a plurality of intermediate arms. The edge protector and packaging system allow for the protection of corners typically exposed to damages during transportation and storage. The edge protector and packaging system may be of different sizes to accommodate for a wide variety of shapes and structures having angles exposed to damages that require some kind of protection.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for securing a product within a shipping container includes providing a shipping container appropriately sized for the product, attaching at least a first shock absorption member to the shipping container for serving as a locator for the product and for positioning the product on the shipping container. Attaching at least a second shock absorption member to the shipping container for, together with the at least a first shock absorption member, securing the product on the shipping container. The shipping container is closed about the product, which is itself suspended by the at least a first shock absorption member and the at least a second shock absorption member.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for securing a product within a shipping container includes providing a shipping container appropriately sized for the product, attaching at least a first shock absorption member to the shipping container for serving as a locator for the product and for positioning the product on the shipping container. Attaching at least a second shock absorption member to the shipping container for, together with the at least a first shock absorption member, securing the product on the shipping container. The shipping container is closed about the product, which is itself suspended by the at least a first shock absorption member and the at least a second shock absorption member.

Abstract: An improved reusable protective enclosure system, comprising a protective housing (20) and cap member (12) for jars, bottles and similar receptacles of glass (50) or other fragile material. Its main object is the construction of a housing that renders a vial or jar contained therein resistant from breakage if the housing (20) is allowed to fall or suffers a sudden shock. Another object of the reusable protective enclosure system is the construction of an airtight enclosure (20), which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Other advantages of the invention are that the inner receptacle (50) be it made of glass or other fragile material, can be readily and repeatedly accessed, removed for sterilization or recycling and replaced for continued use.

Abstract: Methods of producing a synthetic material part are provided, of which at least sections are lacquered and which include a base body which contains a synthetic material, in particular for a motor vehicle. A first method includes the steps of extruding the synthetic material to produce the base body; lacquering at least sections of the base body; and packaging the base body. The sections that are lacquered can be transported or shipped without being damaged.

Abstract: A system includes a first sterile medical device container. The first sterile medical device container is transparent to radiofrequency (RF) signals in a particular frequency range. The system also includes a sterile medical device within the first sterile medical device container. The sterile medical device is capable of radiofrequency communication through the first sterile medical device container using the particular frequency range. The system further includes a second container fully enclosing the first sterile medical device container and the sterile medical device, the second container including RF shielding material that is substantially opaque to the RF signals in the particular frequency range.

Abstract: A packaging member can include a foldable member deformable between a folded state and an unfolded state and configured to form a deployed configuration in the folded state. The foldable member can include a plurality of foldable sections and a slot forming portion. The foldable sections can be configured to form a plurality of walls in the folded state. The slot forming portion can be configured to form a slot in the folded state. The slot can be configured to receive a portion of an article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package cushioning structure for module, which includes a cushioning bottom board and a cushioning band extending through and interlaced with the cushioning bottom board. The cushioning bottom board forms a plurality of spaced hollow sections. A bar is arranged between every two of the hollow sections. The cushioning band includes a plurality of cushioning air columns mounted thereto at interval. The cushioning air columns are arranged alternately on the bars. To package, modules are each positioned on and born by each of the bars between two of the cushioning air columns. An alternate package cushioning structure includes a cushioning bottom board having a surface forming slots and a cushioning band arranged in the cushioning bottom board through a mounting channel extending through the bottom board from a side surface thereof. Air columns of the cushioning band are located in the slots to support modules.

Abstract: Packaging materials are disclosed, along with packages formed therefrom and methods for forming the packages.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A clamp and method of utilizing a container is provided for improved handling, transportation, and protection of an artist's freshly painted stretched canvas while requiring no contact with the wet paint. A clamp is attached to a stretched canvas prior to painting by holding to the stretcher bars at points located away from the painting surface. A configuration of three clamps attached to the stretcher bars enables the painting to be placed on an easel so as to provide an unobstructed painting surface. By leaving the clamps attached to the stretcher bars when a painting session is finished, an artist can grasp the clamps and easily move the wet painting to a container where the clamps remain attached and prevent the wet paint from contacting any interior surface of the container. While the container is closed, the wet painting is protected from accidental damage and unwanted debris during transport.

Abstract: A dunnage-free product-shipping assembly comprising a support member securable to the product in a substantially fixed position. A shipping container has an interior area sized to removably contain the support member. The shipping container has a base and sidewalls projecting from the base. The sidewalls restrict lateral movement of the support member relative to the base. A closure member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure member is out of engagement with the support member and the product when in the closed position. A retention flap is connected to one of the sidewalls and is movable between engaged and released positions. The retention flap, when in the engaged position, restricts movement of the support member and the product in a direction normal to the base. When the retention flap is in the released position, the support member and product can be moved normally relative to the base for removal from the shipping container.