Abstract: A container for storing a fluid incorporates an overflow region. The overflow region is located above the desired fill line of the container and preferably terminates in the same plane as the opening of the fill spout. In this manner, the amount of fluid filled in the container can be maximized while still providing the desired air space for shipping purposes. Incorporating structural features into the body of the blow-molded container eliminate the use of external cases.

Abstract: A cap assembly cooperates with a container to form a vent portion and a pour portion when a cap is oriented in an open position relative to the container. The cap is dimensioned to seal the container opening in a closed position. The cap and opening are oblong, preferably oval in configuration, and have cooperating thread assemblies that permit the cap to be selectively rotated between the open and closed positions. The cap preferably has a threaded shank that is engaged along a portion of its periphery by central threaded portions disposed on opposite sides of the generally oval container opening.

Abstract: A store display maximizes shelf space through use of an automated lift assembly that selectively positions product, for example milk containers, at an opening in a wall. The wall defines a customer side and a store side, and the lift assembly monitors product available through the opening and selectively raises additional product from a stacked array into position at the opening. Helical threaded members are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a pallet, or support platform, and are driven in unison in response to a signal from a sensor that product is depleted from an upper level of the stacked array.

Abstract: A store display maximizes shelf space through use of an automated lift assembly that selectively positions product, for example milk containers, at an opening in a wall. The wall defines a customer side and a store side, and the lift assembly monitors product available through the opening and selectively raises additional product from a stacked array into position at the opening. Helical threaded members are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a pallet, or support platform, and are driven in unison in response to a signal from a sensor that product is depleted from an upper level of the stacked array.

Abstract: A liquid container for a comestible product such as milk or juice includes a base having a substantially planar region, a top surface having a substantially planar region parallel to the substantially planar region of the base and having a pour spout. A sidewall is integrally formed with and extends between the base and top surface, and includes a structural load distributing feature that transfers loads from the top surface to the base. A handle is interposed between the base and top surface and integrally formed with the base, top surface, and sidewall. The containers can be arrayed into units and stacked on top of one another. A first flexible material such as a shrink wrap holds the individual containers together and a second flexible material maintains the stacked array of containers together so that cases that typically hold the containers can be eliminated.

Abstract: A liquid container for a comestible product such as milk or juice includes a base having a substantially planar region, a top surface having a substantially planar region parallel to the substantially planar region of the base and having a pour spout. A sidewall is integrally formed with and extends between the base and top surface, and includes a structural load distributing feature that transfers loads from the top surface to the base. A handle is interposed between the base and top surface and integrally formed with the base, top surface, and sidewall. The containers can be arrayed into units and stacked on top of one another. A first flexible material such as a shrink wrap holds the individual containers together and a second flexible material maintains the stacked array of containers together so that cases that typically hold the containers can be eliminated.

Abstract: A high-speed customized product packaging line is enhanced with the inclusion of a high-speed packaging component customizer. The customizer includes a rendering device and a rendering device-compatible rendering information storage device. Rendering information is delivered to the rendering device from the rendering information storage device without additional processing, such as a decompression or image rasterization. Therefore, a production is not delayed due to customizer setup or change over. This enables short custom packaging runs. Methods of producing and distributing products made practical by the production line are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cap assembly cooperates with a container to form a vent portion and a pour portion when a cap is oriented in an open position relative to the container. The cap is dimensioned to seal the container opening in a closed position. The cap and opening are oblong, preferably oval in configuration, and have cooperating thread assemblies that permit the cap to be selectively rotated between the open and closed positions. The cap preferably has a threaded shank that is engaged along a portion of its periphery by central threaded portions disposed on opposite sides of the generally oval container opening.

Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.

Abstract: A store display maximizes shelf space through use of an automated lift assembly that selectively positions product, for example milk containers, at an opening in a wall. The wall defines a customer side and a store side, and the lift assembly monitors product available through the opening and selectively raises additional product from a stacked array into position at the opening. Helical threaded members are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a pallet, or support platform, and are driven in unison in response to a signal from a sensor that product is depleted from an upper level of the stacked array.

Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.

Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.

Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.

Abstract: A cap assembly cooperates with a container to form a vent portion and a pour portion when a cap is oriented in an open position relative to the container. The cap is dimensioned to seal the container opening in a closed position. The cap and opening are oblong, preferably oval in configuration, and have cooperating thread assemblies that permit the cap to be selectively rotated between the open and closed positions. The cap preferably has a threaded shank that is engaged along a portion of its periphery by central threaded portions disposed on opposite sides of the generally oval container opening.

Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.