Abstract: Meat products are provided to an automated bagging system in a controlled and managed manner. Packaging systems in accordance with the present invention preferably include one or more buffering systems capable controlling the flow of meat products to a bagging system. Buffering systems are positioned along a meat product packaging line to provide such flow control. Plural buffering systems may be used as arranged in one or both of in series and in parallel.

Abstract: Mixed alcohol formulas can be used as a fuel additive in petroleum-based hydrocarbon liquid fuels, synthetic or bio-derived gasoline, diesel fuels, jet fuel, aviation gasoline, heating oil, bunker oil, coal, petroleum coke, heavy crude oil, bitumen, or as a neat fuel in and of itself. The mixed alcohol formulations can be blended with ground petroleum coke, coal, heavy crude oil, or bitumen to form a thixotropic slurry for ease of transportation. The mixed alcohol formulations can also be used to shurry transport ground biomass. The mixed alcohol formulations can contain a blend of C1-C5 alcohols, or C1-C8 alcohols or higher C1-C10 alcohols in order to further boost energy content.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of reservoir interrogation. A tracer is encapsulating in a receptacle. The receptacle containing the tracer is injected into the reservoir. The tracer is analyzed for reservoir interrogation.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.

Abstract: A bottle holder includes a case assembly and at least one padding assembly. The case assembly includes a body defining at least one compartment and having an open end giving access to the at least one compartment dimensioned to fully accommodate a bottle inserted axially, and a lid attached to the body and selectively closeable to cover the open end of the body and enclose the bottle in the at least one compartment. The at least one padding assembly is arranged in the at least one compartment and is dimensioned to be partially compressed between the bottle and walls of the at least one compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed are microfluidic devices and kits for containing radioisotopes. The devices and kits comprises at least one confining geometry having a cross-section dimension below the beta(+) or beta(?) range of a radioisotope, when containing the radioisotope configured in such a way that that neighboring segments of the confining geometries are isolated from its nearest neighbor such that no measurable kinetic positron energy transfer occurs between the segments when containing the radioisotope. Methods of storage and synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals are also disclosed. In another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of storing radiotracers and synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals, using the aforementioned device. The radiotracers and radiopharmaceuticals comprises 18F, 11C, 14C, 99mTc, 123I, 125I, 131I, 68Ga, 67Ga, 15O, 13N, 82Rb, 62Cu, 32P, 89Sr, 153Sm, 186Re, 201Tl, 111In, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A cover for a pair of glasses comprising: a sleeve, the sleeve comprising: a main body portion, the main body portion sized to generally be able to enclose the lens portion of a pair of glasses; a first stem portion, the first stem portion configured to generally enclose at least a portion of the glasses' first stem; a second stem portion, the second stem portion configured to generally enclose at least a portion of the glasses' second stem; an opening located generally in the main body portion and configured to allow entry and exit of the glasses with respect to the cover. A method of using an eyeglass cover and glasses as a headband, the method comprising: inserting glasses into an eyeglass cover; placing the glasses and eyeglass cover on a user's head, generally above the forehead, with the stems of the glasses over the user's ears, such that the cover and glasses look and act as a headband.

Abstract: Device for providing pipette tips comprising a refill pack which comprises a perforated plate with a plurality of holes, pipette tips inserted into the holes, a container covering the pipette tips at the bottom with a stiffness of up to 300 N/mm and a removable cover, covering the pipette tips from the top and a holder with a receiver for inserting the refill pack, means being present between the refill pack and holder for supporting the refill pack when said refill pack is inserted into the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cell tray for transporting a plurality of containers in a diagonal loading pattern and a method for handling containers. The cell tray includes a rectangular frame and a loading surface which is defined by the frame and is configured to support container bottoms in a number of bottle positions such that a number of bottle positions is arranged to accommodate a different number of containers on the tray in a loading pattern. The number of bottle positions is at least twice as large as the number of containers in the loading pattern. The bottle positions are also arranged in a matrix-like pattern, whereby a diagonal pattern can be loaded onto the tray without a specific orientation thereof.

Abstract: A method for packaging bags includes providing a plurality of bags arranged in a stack; moving the stack of bags to a tube; rotating the stack of bags to form a rolled set of bags; and moving the rolled set of bags into a packaging container. A system for carrying out the method includes a plate having an open gap sized to support the stack of bags over the open gap; a tube having a longitudinal slot oriented to receive the stack of bags; a finger arrangement to move the stack of bags into the tube and then rotate the stack into a rolled set; and a push member to move the rolled set of bags into a packaging container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.

Abstract: Filling device (1) for filling packagings with counted bulk goods, comprising a dispenser (74) having several dispensing units (33) provided with a counter for counted dispensation of the bulk goods to the packagings and a conveying device (73) for transport of the packagings with respect to the dispensing units, wherein the conveying device is provided with several consecutive transport wheels (5) and a transport wheel drive for mutual opposite rotation of the immediately consecutive transport wheels, wherein the transport wheels each have a first axis of rotation and several packaging holders spread around the circumference, wherein the transport wheels with the axes of rotation parallel to each other and at the location of the packaging holders (51) are positioned in each other's vicinity for the transfer of packagings between packaging holders at a mutual transfer position between the immediately consecutive transport wheels during the opposite rotation for obtaining a meandering conveyance path of the pa

Abstract: An automated system for preparing parcels of products has a storage assembly housing product containers; a pick station; a main conveyor which conveys the product container between the inlet/outlet of the storage assembly and the pick station; and a central management computer system which manages the product order list associated with each parcel. The main conveyor arranges the containers according to an order list, using a first conveyor belt section, a second conveyor belt section adjacent to the pick station and a buffer zone between the outlet of the storage assembly and the first belt section. The containers are moved between the belt sections by transfer members in transfer zones.

Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging information handling systems such as notebook computers. Information handling systems may be configured in a bulk shipping configuration to allow multiple information handling system units to be shipped in a bulk configuration, and then converted to a single pack shipping configuration to allow an individual information handling system to be shipped separately and alone, or vice-versa.

Abstract: A sprayable hydrogel wound dressing composed of an aqueous solution of neutralized Carbopol and silver hydrosol of silver nanoparticles electrolytically formed from silver metal without the use or inclusion of organic materials. The hydrogel is sprayed with a physical barrier sprayer system which separates the hydrogel from the propellant. The hydrogel is thixotropic/shear thinning so that the viscosity of the hydrogel is sufficient reduced in the sprayer to allow spray formation and regains sufficient viscosity to resist running when deposited on a vertical surface.

Abstract: A retail display apparatus includes a front panel, a right side panel extending from the front panel and a left side panel extending from the front panel. A bottom panel extends from the front panel and has at least one opening. A back panel extends from the bottom panel. A first channel has an open top and an open bottom and extends along the back panel. A second channel has an open top and an open bottom and extends along the back panel.

Abstract: A protective tablet computer case for the burgeoning tablet computer market. The protective case has a cradle and a shock absorbing perimeter bumper. The cradle includes a base, a shallow side wall, and an inwardly projecting flexible lip. They form a cavity of a size to hold a tablet computer. The perimeter bumper includes graspable handles. In one form of the invention, the protective case is generally rectangular in shape with one graspable handle per side. The entire protective case may be injection molded from soft EVA foam. Air gaps may be added between the graspable handles and the cradle. The invention is lightweight, flexible, yet strong and can be readily adapted for school, office, home, laboratory, or construction environments.

Abstract: The laundry organization and storing system provides consumers with a simple way to separately store and transport different types of laundry. This system may feature a set of canvas bags labeled to indicate the types of laundry contained therein. Bags marked, “Bag Me, I'm Laundry” may hold garments that can be washed in traditional washing machines, while bags marked, “Bag Me, I'm Dry Cleaning” may hold garments that require special care, such as those requiring dry cleaning (only). Additionally, the bags can be customized with consumers' names, Greek symbols for fraternities or sororities, and other various personalizing embellishments such that they are identifiable as to who the owner is and as to what ‘type’ of clothes are held therein.

Abstract: An erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, as well as methods of shipping, storing and use thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: A flat bag, and method of producing one, filled with a small quantity of a matrix, such that the matrix is evenly spread over the entire bag to maintain a low profile through all foreseeable handling and transport conditions. The matrix contains a functional material that may be a desiccant, volatile organic chemical absorber, odor absorber, odor emitter, oxygen absorber, or a humectant.

Abstract: The invention provides packaging and shipping containers used to store and transport a wide variety of materials at substantially lower cost and with less waste.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing insulated shipping container including an external corrugated cardboard box, receiving a product box therein. Peripheral spaced, and upper and lower spaced between the external box and the product box receive insulating pellets, which are maintained under a compressive force in order to interlock these insulating pellets and prevent their migration during transit of the shipping container. By preventing migration of the insulating pellets, the formation of a void (or voids) in the insulation of the container is prevented, and the formation of a hot spot (or hot spots) within the container which could degrade or damage the product in transit is prevented. A most preferred embodiment utilized insulating pellets made of puffed vegetable starch, so that substantially the entire container can be recycled, is biodegradable, or can be composted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Chinese herb composition for the treatment of macular degeneration and its preparation method. The composition comprises Salviae miltiorrhizae, Chuanxiong rhizoma, Lycii fructus, Chrysanthemi flos, Schisandrae chinensis fructus, Imperatae rhizoma, and Scutellariae radix, where the number of units by weight are: 0.8-3.0 units of Salviae miltiorrhizae, 0.3-2.0 units of Chuanxiong rhizoma, 0.6-2.4 units of Lycii fructus, 0.5-2.0 units of Chrysanthemi flos, 0.2-1.2 units of Schisandrae chinensis fructus, 0.9-6.0 units of Imperatae rhizoma, and 0.5-2.0 units of Scutellariae radix. The preparation method includes taking concentrated powder of each ingredient according to the number of units prescribed and mixing them together. The Chinese herb composition, conveniently delivered orally or parenterally, has been clinically proven to be safe and effective for all types of macular degeneration regardless of wet or dry forms.

Abstract: A packaging system for pharmaceuticals is provided. The system includes a box having an opening, a pouch strip positioned within the box. The pouch strip includes a continuous series of sealed pouches rolled into a spiral with a first end and a second end. The opening in the box is of a shape configured to accommodate the cross section of the sealed pouches such that the pouch strip may be pulled through the opening outwardly from the box.

Abstract: A cushioning structure is provided for transporting large fragile goods, comprising a main frame with contiguous bearing surface, carrier foil attached to the main frame fully covering the bearing surfaces and area enclosed by the bearing surface as a carrying surface for the goods main frame comprises multiple foldable inner and outer side flaps to be folded into multiple supporting elements of connected inner and outer side flaps to support the bearing surface of the main frame with a height defined by the dimensions of the outer side flaps and having a profile to increase resilience of the main frame for carrying goods with weights of more than 25 kg and collapsible into a two-dimensional structure. A container is also provided that is reducible in size comprising the cushioning structure, a method to load the goods into the container and a method to collapse the empty container.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for delivering and affixing tissue replacements. In one embodiment, a tissue scaffold can be delivered into a patient through a cannula to a cavity formed at a defect site in tissue, e.g., cartilage. A delivery shaft can be used to deliver the scaffold through the cannula, and a loading device can help load the scaffold onto the delivery shaft. A delivery guide device can position and temporarily hold the scaffold within the cavity. The delivery guide device can guide one or more surgical instruments to the scaffold to affix the scaffold within the cavity, e.g., to bone underlying the scaffold, using at least one securing mechanism.

Abstract: A filling assembly for filling of a tube of packaging material having a seal starting at a first level, comprises a conduit arranged to lead liquid into the tube of packaging material below said first level and a passage arranged to eject gas through openings into the tube of packaging material below said first level. The filling assembly is characterized in that a gasket is arranged to provide a seal between said filling assembly and said tube of packaging material upstream said openings such that the overpressure P1 downstream the gasket may exceed an ambient pressure Pa upstream the gasket.

Abstract: Provided is a cover for a yoga mat. The cover has a top surface for contacting a user and a bottom surface for contacting a floor. The top and bottom surface enclose a piece of yoga equipment. The yoga mat cover may be designed to absorb sweat, prevent the spread of germs, and be machine washable.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a lower portion and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a pot. The floral sleeve has a lower end having an angular arcuate portion for improving the conformation of the sleeve to the shape of a pot.

Abstract: “Shipping container systems are provided for shipping a temperature sensitive product or payload. The systems include at least one heat transfer element and a payload container configured to hold payload therein and configured to be positioned within a shipping container; the payload container being spaced from sidewalls of the shipping container. Also included are spacers that may for example, space the payload container from one or more of the heat transfer elements. The spacers are configured to allow air to flow over surfaces of the payload container and heat transfer elements. Also included are kits that include components of the system and methods. Further provided are products that include any one or more of the described elements; and fully assembled shipping containers.

Abstract: A wagon includes a wagon pan including a wagon pan sidewall and a footwell including a footwell sidewall and a bottom. The wagon pan and footwell are adapted to be shipped in a nesting configuration and fastened together with the wagon pan on top of the footwell to form a body of the wagon. A handle and a number of are wheels adapted to be connected to the body of the wagon. The handle and wheels may also be shipped in a nested configuration with respect to the footwell.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a mixture that can facilitate preservation of animal scent, such as, e.g., doe pee; as well as to an apparatus and method for creating the mixture.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material includes a first thermally-reflective layer and a second thermally-reflective layer spaced from the first thermally-reflective layer. At least one of the first or second thermally-reflective layers includes bandgap material that is reflective to infrared electromagnetic radiation. A region between the first and second thermally-reflective layers impedes heat conduction between the first and second thermally-reflective layers. Other embodiments include a storage container including a container structure that may be at least partially formed from such MLI composite materials, and methods of using such MLI composite materials.

Abstract: A cosmetic dispenser includes a translucent reservoir sandwiched in-between a shelled wall and a solid wall of an opaque housing. The shelled wall provides exposure to a portion of the translucent reservoir, the exposed portion of the translucent reservoir defines a flexible wall. The translucent reservoir being formed of a substantially more supple material than the opaque housing, thereby providing the flexible wall to displace a portion of product stored in the translucent reservoir.

Abstract: A dust extraction system and method are provided to collect some of the dust generated during handling of tablets during a tablet packaging process. For example, a tablet packaging system may be provided that includes a vibrating tray configured to feed a plurality of tablets to respective packages. The tablet packaging system may also include a first gas nozzle configured to direct a first flow of gas across the vibrating tray with the first flow of gas having a spaced relationship from the vibrating tray. The tablet packaging system may also include a second gas nozzle configured to direct a second flow of gas toward the vibrating tray. Further, the tablet packaging system may include a receiving hood configured to collect at least a portion of the gas provided by the first and second gas nozzles and to collect dust from the plurality of tablets.

Abstract: A method for verifying a multiple prescription order having a plurality of different medications is described. The method comprises receiving a prescription order that includes a first medication that is different from a second medication. Additionally, the prescription order indicates that the first medication and second medication are to be taken at regular intervals. After entering the prescription order into a graphical user interface, the method verifies the entered prescription order by comparing the entered prescription order to the multiple prescription order. Multiple prescription packages are generated that combines the first medication and second medication in the same package that are intended to be taken at the prescribed interval. Each multiple prescription package is then inspected, and a verification process is initiated that confirms that the first medication and second medication are within each multiple prescription package.

Abstract: A novel method of packaging fixed-temple eyewear includes arranging a first plurality of pairs of fixed-temple eyewear in a first arrangement with the lenses of the eyewear lying substantially in the same plane. The right temples of the eyewear are aligned along a first line and the left temples of the eyewear are aligned along a second line. The first plurality of pairs of eyewear is held in the first arrangement with a first portion of packaging material. Second and third pluralities of fixed temple eyewear are similarly arranged in second and third arrangements, respectively. The first, second, and third arrangements of fixed-temple eyewear are engaged with one another in a space saving relationship and packaged. Packages of fixed-temple eyewear are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for stacking mail having an escort assembly for handling each mailpiece. The system comprises a containment device, a transport mechanism and a detachment mechanism. The containment device includes a base, vertical walls extending from the base and an open end for accepting the mailpieces therein. The containment device, furthermore, has a slot formed in at least one of the vertical walls thereof. The transport mechanism includes first and second transport segment, the first transport segment conveying escort assemblies and respective mailpieces over an open end of the containment device and the second transport segment lowering the escort assemblies and respective mailpieces into the open end of the containment device. The transport mechanism furthermore aligns the edges of the mailpieces along one of the vertical walls of the containment device and positions the escort assembly through the slot of the containment device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.

Abstract: A modular pet assembly having a pair of end members that define an opening sized and shaped for the entrance and exit of a pet. At least one end member is configured for wall mounting at a selected elevation. A lateral member interchangeably engages between the end members at a plurality of locations for arrangement of the modular pet assembly in a plurality of configurations. The pet assembly assembles into a configuration for accommodating a pet, and disassembles into a configuration for storage and shipping.

Abstract: A method for collecting organic waste including: a) hooking a mounting structure over an edge of an upright planar drawer face of a drawer underlying a work surface, said mounting structure coupled to a container including one or more walls made with a pliable elastomeric material, said container including a top opening and a closed bottom with a side wall enclosing a storage volume; b) supporting said top opening using said hooked mounting structure near a portion of said work surface having a quantity of organic matter; c) scooping said quantity of organic matter into said storage volume; d) unhooking said mounting structure from said drawer face; and thereafter e) freezing said quantity of organic matter while it is in said storage volume.

Abstract: A pet pad storage system having an open frame body having a bottom wall and four sidewalls extending upwards therefrom. One pair of sidewalls, opposite each other, terminates slightly before a centerline that runs across their length; hence, no sidewall extends upwards at a center portion of the bottom layer for two of the four edges. A length of strip runs across the inside edge at a top of the remaining pair of sidewalls. In this manner, a stack of sheets can be laid across the interior portion of the frame body. Two perforated edges run across a length of the bottom wall where the sidewalls terminate. A third perforated edge runs across the centerline between the other two. The outer sidewalls of the frame are pulled upwards towards one another to fold the frame member closed. The sheet is rollably folded therein so that the storage system can stand upright in a closet space.

Abstract: A portable storage bag comprising a specially designed receptacle bag assembly configured specifically to be removably secured to the underside of stadium style seating; the device providing storage for personal goods which can be neatly stored and easily accessed. The portable storage bag system comprising: a receptacle bag assembly having a first receptacle, a second receptacle, two adjustable securing bands with adjustable strap fasteners; and flexible beverage container holders. The first receptacle is removable from the second receptacle in certain embodiments. Additionally, the storage bag assembly comprises a bifurcated totebag made of reinforced canvas material. The adjustable securing bands comprise hook and loop fasteners and are removably attachable about the chair seat to secure the receptacle bag assembly to the chair seat.

Abstract: A device for packaging preferably two-dimensional products is designed for forming a bag-like tube by way of a longitudinal connection device, from a web of packaging material. The bag-like tube, with respect to a conveying direction of the packaging material, is open in a region in front of the longitudinal connection device and is closed in the region after the longitudinal connection device. The device includes a suction device which leads into the still open bag-like tube, and in the closed region includes a suction opening, through which gas can be sucked out of the region after the longitudinal connection device, out of the bag-like tube and through the suction device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic tablet packing apparatus having sliding racks, wherein tablets received in a plurality of tablet cassettes are successively packed on a per dose basis based on a medical prescription. Each of the sliding racks includes a pair of left and right partition walls, a tablet discharge passage to guide the tablets discharged from the tablet cassettes being defined by facing inner surfaces of the left and right partition walls. Cassette pedestals are attached to outer surfaces of the left and right partition walls and in turn, the tablet cassettes are detachably arranged on the cassette pedestals. The left and right partition walls are able to be individually pulled out from a body of the apparatus. As the left or right partition wall is pulled out, the tablet discharge passage is revealed to the outside thus enabling easy cleaning thereof.

Abstract: Methods of producing pyrophoric countermeasure decoy flares include depositing a sculptured thin film of a pyrophoric material onto a substrate using physical vapor deposition. In an example embodiment, physical vapor deposition is performed using a glove box integrated sputtering system. The methods may also include pre-treating the substrate to modify an atomic shadowing effect during pyrophoric material deposition and packaging a plurality of the pyrophoric decoy flares in an airtight container.

Abstract: A method for arranging eggs in a container. Eggs placed in receptacles of the container come to a resting orientation, by virtue of eh contouring of the receptacle, such that a long axis of the first egg is tilted toward a rear portion of the container at nearly uniform angles slightly offset from a vertical axis, and parallel side-to-side. Using features of the container, movement of eggs from their resting orientation, as well as twisting (spinning) about their long axes is resisted during marking, shipping or handling. The orienting of eggs in the receptacles or compartments thereof may be aided by use of an egg orienter. Tilting of the eggs may be facilitated by using receptacles or compartments which are asymmetrically contoured with respect to the vertical axis.

Abstract: A fitted tablecloth covering that may be affixed to a table without the use of tools or affixing devices is provided. Such a tablecloth covering may conveniently and quickly be affixed to a table and provide an appealing visual presentation that does not require the use of installation tools and that does not damage the table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of transporting parts constituting a product in a product assembly plant, the method including placing the parts in a returnable container, the returnable container being carried by a worker within the plant, wherein the returnable container is formed by expansion molding of expanded particles of a polyolefin-based resin, the relationship between the weight and volume of the returnable container satisfies Formula (1) below, and the relationship between the flexural modulus and density of the returnable container satisfies Formula (2) below: 650?(a?W)/W×V?4,000??(1) (where W is the weight (kg) of the returnable container, V is the volume (L) of the returnable container, and a represents 23 kg, i.e., the maximum weight that can be carried by a worker within the plant, which is recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)); 0.10?F/D?0.

Abstract: A yard waste bag device is provided having a rectangularly tubular structure with rounded lower edges, adapted to maintain a bag opening while loading contents therein. The device comprises two open ends, a hollow interior and rotating corners adapted to allow a condensed, folded configuration for storage. A user may slide this assisting device into a yard waste bag in order to maintain the bag opening, whether in a vertical or horizontal position. Once the yard waste bag is full, the assisting device may be removed and stored. There is a designated marker within the device to identify the fill mark for the bag to prevent overfilling. A handle may be provided in the top edges of the device to facilitate removal of the device once the bag has been filled. The lower edges of the device are rounded to facilitate smooth entry into a yard waste bag.