Abstract: An apparatus for detecting spoilage of the contents of a packet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of holding panels (125, 130) disposed in opposed spaced relationship with each other to define a gap therebetween in which the packet (102) is retained with one packet sidewall facing one holding panel and the other packet sidewall facing the other holding panel. At least one squeezing member (178, 180) is operable to squeeze at least a portion of the packet while the packet is retained between said holding panels. A cutting member (160) is movable to cut at least one inlet in the packet. A probe (150) is moveable relative to the panels for insertion through the at least one inlet in the packet to position the probe within the packet, and the probe is operable to assess at least one characteristic of the contents of the packet indicative of spoilage of the contents of the packet.

Abstract: A closure for a container is described. The container has an opening through which contents of the container are dispensed and a holding member (255, 285, 295, 305, 315, 316, 317, 340, 350) for cooperating with the closure to retain the closure on the container. A sealing member (220) is configured to sealingly close the container opening. The sealing member includes a retention member (260, 275, 290, 300, 310, 325, 335, 345, 355) engageable with the holding member of the container to retain the sealing member in sealing engagement with the container. A cap member (225) has a top rim and a sidewall depending from the top rim. The sidewall includes an attachment member (160) for attachment to the container and an engagement member (245) that operatively couples the sealing member to the cap member upon placement of the cap member on the container. The cap member is rotatable relative to the container and relative to the sealing member.

Abstract: A container for storing a liquid. The container includes at least one side wall and a bottom wall defining an interior space. The bottom wall has an interior surface which is defined by at least a first surface and a second surface. The first surface aggregates a residual amount of the liquid.

Abstract: A closure (100) for a container (110) includes a stationary member (200) having an inner surface (210) and an outer surface (220), the inner surface is configured to be secured to an outer circumference (150) of a neck (130) of the container at a first inner portion (215) having a first set of threads (218) and includes a second inner portion (225) having a second set of screw threads (230), the outer surface includes a third set of screw threads (320). A substantially cylindrical cap member (270) includes a top (280) and a sidewall (290) that extends downward from an outer circumference of the top, the sidewall includes sidewall threads for rotational engagement with the third set of screw threads of the stationary member. A cutting member (330) includes outer threads (340) located on an outer circumference of the cutting member and an engagement member (360) located on an inner circumference of the cutting member.

Abstract: A single-use pouch (10) for liquid product has a front panel (12) and a back panel (14). The front and back panels at least in part cooperatively define an interior space (15) of the pouch. The interior space has a total liquid capacity. A volume of liquid product is contained within the interior space. The volume of liquid product is less than about 60% of the total liquid capacity of the pouch.

Abstract: Disclosed are packaged compositions comprising an aseptically sterilized container and a sterilized, concentrated, nutritional liquid emulsion that is aseptically packaged and sealed within the container. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the packaged compositions. In some embodiments, the aseptically packaged, concentrated, nutritional liquid emulsions have a desirable flavor and aroma and have increased emulsion stability.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.