A method includes micro-machining a cavity within a substrate, filling the cavity with a medication, forming a sealing layer over the cavity, micro-machining a cantilevered beam from a layer of material, the cantilevered beam comprising a tip for puncturing the sealing layer, and attaching the cantilevered beam to the substrate such that moving the cantilevered beam toward the substrate enables the tip to puncture the sealing layer. A computer program product corresponding to the method is also disclosed. An apparatus includes a substrate having a cavity micro-machined therein, a sealing layer formed over the cavity, a medication disposed within the cavity, a cantilevered beam micro-machined from a layer of material, the cantilevered beam comprising a tip for puncturing the sealing layer, and the cantilevered beam attached to the substrate and disposed to enable the tip to puncture the sealing layer when the cantilevered beam is moved towards the substrate.

A method includes micro-machining a cavity within a substrate, filling the cavity with a medication, forming a sealing layer over the cavity, micro-machining a cantilevered beam from a layer of material, the cantilevered beam comprising a tip for puncturing the sealing layer, and attaching the cantilevered beam to the substrate such that moving the cantilevered beam toward the substrate enables the tip to puncture the sealing layer. A computer program product corresponding to the method is also disclosed. An apparatus includes a substrate having a cavity micro-machined therein, a sealing layer formed over the cavity, a medication disposed within the cavity, a cantilevered beam micro-machined from a layer of material, the cantilevered beam comprising a tip for puncturing the sealing layer, and the cantilevered beam attached to the substrate and disposed to enable the tip to puncture the sealing layer when the cantilevered beam is moved towards the substrate.

A cartridge for preparing a beverage comprises a container, a pod for containing a substance from which a beverage is to be extracted, a separating element for protecting the pod, and one or more supporting elements for holding the separating element in a preferred position. The cartridge is of the type which is pierced by at least one piercing tool to allow the injection of a liquid and extraction of a beverage. The separating element comprises a platform upon which the pod is disposed. The platform forms a boundary within the container, thereby defining first and second portions of the container. Liquid is injected into the first portion of the container, and the beverage is removed from the second portion. The separating element is positioned an appropriate distance from the piercing tools by the supporting elements.

A cartridge for preparing a beverage comprises a container, a pod for containing a substance from which a beverage is to be extracted, a separating element for protecting the pod, and one or more supporting elements for holding the separating element in a preferred position. The cartridge is of the type which is pierced by at least one piercing tool to allow the injection of a liquid and extraction of a beverage. The separating element comprises a platform upon which the pod is disposed. The platform forms a boundary within the container, thereby defining first and second portions of the container. Liquid is injected into the first portion of the container, and the beverage is removed from the second portion. The separating element is positioned an appropriate distance from the piercing tools by the supporting elements.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a three-panel lidding device used to seal a food container. Such devices are particularly useful for covering and sealing a plastic food container, eliminating (or diminishing) the need for an outer carton and the clear film membrane that traditionally covers a food container. The lidding device may contain all brand identifiers, product messaging, ingredient list, instructions (e.g., opening and cooking) printed directly on the device. The device may also allow for venting of the food container during cooking and may then be removed for serving. The device may further provide a foot panel that allows the food product container/lidding device to sit upright, enhancing store front and freezer display options.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for assembling a packaging combination including a tubular casing having a first end and a second end, wherein the tubular casing is partially filled with filling material and closed at its first as well as its second end by a closure means, like a closure clip, and wherein the partially filled tubular casing comprises a plait-like portion at its first end being at least approximately free of filling material, and further including a dispensing device having a passageway extending through the dispensing device with an inlet opening at its one end and a dispensing opening at its other end for guiding and dispensing the filling material in a dispensing direction. The present invention further relates to a packaging combination comprises a tubular casing, a dispensing device and a sealing device removably attached to the dispensing device.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for assembling a packaging combination including a tubular casing having a first end and a second end, wherein the tubular casing is partially filled with filling material and closed at its first as well as its second end by a closure means, like a closure clip, and wherein the partially filled tubular casing comprises a plait-like portion at its first end being at least approximately free of filling material, and further including a dispensing device having a passageway extending through the dispensing device with an inlet opening at its one end and a dispensing opening at its other end for guiding and dispensing the filling material in a dispensing direction. The present invention further relates to a packaging combination comprises a tubular casing, a dispensing device and a sealing device removably attached to the dispensing device.

A transgrip spindle assembly includes a ball head coupler. A transgrip arm includes a quick change bore, and a lateral bore opening orthogonally into the quick change bore. A cam lock assembly includes a cylindrical body, and a ball head bore radially penetrating the cylindrical body for alignment with the quick change bore. The cylindrical body is receivable in the transgrip arm. The transgrip arm is coupleable with the transgrip spindle assembly by coupling the ball head coupler with the cylindrical body.

The present invention relates to a method for prolonging spore viability of fungal spores present in a liquid formulation, comprising (a) packaging said formulation in a suitable container; (b) reducing oxygen exposure of the spores in said formulation as compared to oxygen exposure of said spores when said formulation is in contact with air; and (c) closing or sealing said container. The invention further relates to a closed container comprising a liquid formulation within said container, said formulation comprising fungal spores, wherein the spores in said formulation have reduced oxygen exposure as compared to oxygen exposure of said spores when said formulation is in contact with air.

The present invention relates to a method for prolonging spore viability of fungal spores present in a liquid formulation, comprising (a) packaging said formulation in a suitable container; (b) reducing oxygen exposure of the spores in said formulation as compared to oxygen exposure of said spores when said formulation is in contact with air; and (c) closing or sealing said container. The invention further relates to a closed container comprising a liquid formulation within said container, said formulation comprising fungal spores, wherein the spores in said formulation have reduced oxygen exposure as compared to oxygen exposure of said spores when said formulation is in contact with air.