Abstract: The invention provides a novel hot fill plastic container with reinforced bands above and below the vacuum panels to prevent panelling (or crease formation under vacuum after cooling) in the label supporting band area. The container has a substantially cylindrical recessed label supporting portion with multiple circumferentially spaced apart vacuum panels. Each panel includes a flat radially recessed central panel face which collapses radially inwardly under vacuum to reduce the volume of the container during cooling of the contents. A like multiple number of elongate posts are defined between the panels and generally reinforce the panel area, however, the top and bottom ends of the posts must be supported or else creases will form in these areas under vacuum. Accordingly, the invention provides for top and bottom cylindrical bands defining the axial upper and lower extent of the panels and posts.

Abstract: The method of automatically filling and sealing containers comprises a conveyor which advances containers, in series, in a first orientation towards a filling station, with the filling port of the container generally horizontal. The containers are then reorientated prior to filling thereof to a second orientation which positions the filling port of the containers at an upper edge thereof. The containers are then filled in the second orientation by dispensing product through the filling ports of the containers. The filled containers are then advanced in the second orientation to a sealing station where sealing of the filling port is completed. After the containers have been sealed, they are discharged from the conveyor. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for carrying out the above method, which apparatus includes an intermittent movement conveyor formed of a series of plates, with each plate adapted to receive a container.

Abstract: A sensor senses the presence of a pallet at a label applying station on the conveyor line and a label printer/dispenser produces labels for applying to the pallet. A robot arm moves a label receiver/applier between a first position, adjacent the label printer/dispenser for receiving a label, a second position adjacent the label applying station for applying a label to the pallet, and a third position whereat a label reader, also mounted on the robot arm, reads the label. A processor controls the robot arm, the label reader and the label printer and dispenser and compares the text of the read label to determine if it is correct, and it also determines whether the label is correctly positioned.

Abstract: A flexible container including an elongated strip-handle having elongated outer edge portions, the strip-handle extending across a major outer surface of the container, the strip-handle being secured adjacent the ends thereof to the container, the improvement comprises, securing means located intermediate the ends of the strip-handle and located inboard of the elongated outer edge portions, fastening the strip-handle to the container, thereby providing additional securing of the strip-handle to the container, but still permitting the outer edge portions to remain unattached to the container. Also disclosed, is a method of securing an elongated strip-handle to a flexible container.