Abstract: A switch comprising one or more keys mounted on a mat is disclosed. Each of the one or more keys includes a top section, a bottom section and an undercut region formed between the top section, the bottom section and the mat. Each of the one or more keys having a conductive surface mounted on an underside of the one or more keys. The switch also includes a substrate having one or more switch circuits corresponding to each of the one or more keys. Each of the one or more keys is mounted over each of the switch circuits and wherein when each of the keys is depressed the conductive surface contacts the switch circuit and completes the circuit. The switch further includes a bezel having one or more openings corresponding to the one or more keys. Each of the one or more keys is mounted through the one or more openings such that the top section of each of the one or more keys is on a top surface of the bezel and the bezel is in the undercut region.

Abstract: A retortable container has a wall of at least two co-formed laminas. This wall is highly impermeable to fluids selected from the group consisting of oxygen and aromatic vapors. The wall includes a first load-carrying lamina of a first plastic material. This load-carrying lamina has been formed without mechanical hysteresis in the melt phase by a thermal pressure forming apparatus to cause strengthening with orientation of the load-carrying lamina in at least one axis but without memory of its pre-melt phase shape. The wall also includes a second sealing lamina of a second plastic material. This second sealing lamina is coextensive with the first load-carrying lamina. Consequently, the container formed by the apparatus is retortable, i.e. it can withstand temperatures and pressures of a retort chamber without undergoing significant and permanent distortion.

Abstract: A retortable container has a wall of at least two co-formed laminas. This wall is highly impermeable to fluids selected from the group consisting of oxygen and aromatic vapors. The wall includes a first load-carrying lamina of a first plastic material. This load-carrying lamina has been formed without mechanical hysteresis in the melt phase by a thermal pressure forming apparatus to cause strengthening with orientation of the load-carrying lamina in at least one axis but without memory of its pre-melt phase shape. The wall also includes a second sealing lamina of a second plastic material. This second sealing lamina is coextensive with the first load-carrying lamina. Consequently, the container formed by the apparatus is retortable, i.e. it can withstand temperatures and pressures of a retort chamber without undergoing significant and permanent distortion.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal pressure forming of plastic blanks into containers includes several elements. A heater brings the plastic blanks to a melt phase by heating them to a melting temperature sufficient to relieve internal stresses therein. A conveying arrangement takes the plastic blanks through the heater. This conveying arrangement includes a device for preventing the plastic blanks from reaching the melting point only along their outer peripheral edges so that the plastic blanks maintain dimensional stability. Thereafter, a press forms the plastic blanks into retortable containers.