Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine is adapted to receive a carton blank, erect the carton blank into an open-top carton, fill and seal the open-top carton. The cartons have a predetermined cross-sectional shape and size. The packaging machine includes a frame, a plurality of stations carried by the frame including a carton erection station, a bottom flap sealing station, a filling station and a top flap sealing station, and a drive assembly. A conveying assembly is operably connected to the drive assembly for moving the cartons through the stations. A plurality of cavity bars are carried by the conveying assembly. Each of the cavity bars defines cavities formed therein that correspond generally to the cross-sectional size and shape of the cartons. Each of the cavities is defined by internal peripheral surfaces configured for receiving and securing the carton therein as the carton is conveyed between the stations of the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing (folding) cartons or for closing the same by applying adhesive strips (13) to folding flaps (11) during an upward movement of the cartons (10) by a closing conveyor (21), the closed cartons (10) being transferred in the region of an upper transfer station (33) to a removal conveyor (22) and defective cartons (43), previously detected by monitoring, being able to be conveyed past the removal conveyor (22) into the region of a transfer station for such defective cartons (43).

Abstract: An automatic bulk filling machine is provided having a container input end which includes a fill station for filling a container in accordance with weight or volume requirements followed by a lid dispensing and attachment station wherein the lids of the container are placed over the container in registry with the lip of the container and closed onto the bulk container by a piston cylinder combination having a lid pad for pressing and deforming the center of the lid onto the bulk container before press fitting the bulk container lid onto the bulk container which filled and sealed bulk container is then transferred to an optional labeling station and subsequently transferred to the output end of the conveyor to complete the automated filling, sealing and labeling operations for removal of the container from the automated bulk filling machine.

Abstract: An aseptic filling system receives preformed containers through an intake sanitizing lock into a closed system. The containers move through sanitizing and sterilizing zones to a filling and closure zone. Filled containers exit the system through a discharge sanitizing lock. Both intake and discharge sanitizing locks are subjected to flooding with sterilant each time a container enters or leaves the system and provide a seal to prevent the entry of airborne contaminants or micro-organisms when the locks are opened.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing and handling a variety of fluid component packaged goods efficiently. A manufacturing/handling instructing data code containing both manufacturing information of the fluid component and handling information of the fluid component packaged goods is indicated on the package to carry out the whole manufacturing and handling steps from first to last by the data code.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a base frame having an input side and an output side as well as a transport path from the input side to the output side. A plurality of tray carriers for holding trays are arranged in succession from the input side to the output side along the transport path. A drive means advances the tray carriers in an advancement plane. Further, feed means are provided for feeding a cover film for covering the filled trays. Successive tray carriers are pivotally interconnected by means of pivoting coupling links. Each tray carrier has engagement elements provided at its forward and rearward side. The drive means is formed as a drive chain with a chain strand trained over chain wheels and the engagement elements engage the chain strand when in a position adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A foam bag cushion forming system for forming foam bag cushions with a vertical side edge sealer that forms vertical side edge seals in the film material with the foam introduction preferably occurring after the downstream side seal is formed, before the upstream side edge seal is formed, and while the film material is being shifted from one to the other. An upper edge sealer operates to seal the upper end of the film material downstream from the dispenser and preferably also downstream from the side edge sealer. Through operation of the end and side edge sealers and the foam dispenser, a foam bag cushion chain is formed. A bag cushion moving and confinement assembly is positioned to receive the bag chain and features two elongated members defining a bag cushion confinement space between them. At least one of the elongated members supports or represents a bag cushion movement device (e.g.

Abstract: Container filling systems include a container filling station which fills empty containers with a product, most preferably a frozen dessert. The container filling station will necessarily include a fill valve assembly which has a housing defining a inlet and discharge openings, and a cylindrical spool having a spool port defined therethrough. Preferably, the spool is mounted asymmetrically within said housing for rotation between an open and closed conditions. A container lid supply and transfer system is most preferably employed in the system of this invention and includes a lid supply assembly to provide an available stand-by supply of container lid stacks, a lid feeding assembly for sequentially feeding individual container lids onto an awaiting product-filled container, and a lid transfer assembly for transferring a lid stack from the lid supply assembly to the lid feeding assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capsule filling apparatus mainly including a capsule positioning mechanism, a powder filling mechanism, and an assembling mechanism. Both the capsule position and powder filling mechanisms include a capsule holding means formed form an upper and a lower part. The lower part of the capsule holding means is controlled to move by a motor and coupler, clutch, sensing plate mounted on the shaft of the motor. A suction hole is formed at the bottom of each capsule holding hole on the lower part of the capsule holding means to communicate with an external vacuum source. A locating means is provided below a seat of the lower part of the capsule holding means in the capsule positioning mechanism. The powder filling mechanism includes a powder tank. An air cylinder drives the powder tank to move to or away from the capsule holding means by eccentrically connecting a piston shaft to a lower outer side of the powder tank.

Abstract: A packaging device for continuously forming and filling a package having a plurality of separate sealed cavities comprises a plastic film winding barrel, a vacuum cavity forming device, a filling means, an aluminum foil winding barrel, a pressing sealing means, and a cutting machine. The vacuum cavity forming device causes the plastic film to be formed with a plurality of cavities. The filling means pumps liquid material into each of the cavities holes. Aluminum foil is adhered to the strip plastic casing by a pressing sealing means. Finally, the cutting machine serves to the cut the strip casing to complete a packaging process.

Abstract: A covering band (12) is pre-heated and then definitively heated in two subsequent areas (P,Z), and is subjected to primary pulling, in an area (T), where the covering band is pulled and applied to a blister band (1), and to secondary pulling in an area (R) which coincides with the pre-heating area (P). The speed of the covering band (12) is lower in the secondary pulling area (R), so as to determine a lengthening which corresponds at least to its maximum lengthening resulting from pre-heating. Cyclical detecting of reference marks (20) printed on the covering band determines temporary reducing of the covering band (12) speed in the secondary pulling point (R), so as to provoke an additional lengthening. The device includes pulling means (5,11) of the blister band (1) and covering band (12), pre-heating means (11) and heating means (13) for the covering band (12), detecting means (16), and driving means (30) acting with different speeds, controlled by the detecting means (16).

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: An apparatus and method for making a receptacle from a generally flat thermoplastic blank has an upstream conveyor extending along a path in a transport direction through a loading station, a heating station downstream of the loading station, and a forming station downstream from the heating station. The conveyor has a plurality of supports forming a plurality of respective throughgoing apertures spaced apart in the direction. A supply at the loading station positions a respective blank atop each of the apertures of the conveyor with a central region of each blank exposed through the respective aperture and a periphery of each blank engaging and supported by the respective support A drive connected to the conveyor advances it and the blanks carried on it step-wise through the heating and forming stations. At the heating station at least the central region of each blank is heated to a softening point.

Abstract: A lidding machine and method for filling containers with a flowable food product is disclosed. Extraneous tabs extending from the container lids after the lids are cut apart are trimmed closely using knives with a blade curvature that matches the curvature of the edge of the containers. One or more "feet" are used to hold the lids in place during the cutting process. A two-layer lid may be used for such containers, the inner lid having openings through which the food product may be dispensed, and the outer lid being removable. The outer lid may be designed so that it partially covers the inner lid, and has a tab that does not extend beyond the edge of the container. The consumer may open the container by pulling this tab back across the inner lid.

Abstract: A registration system for a packaging machine, which machine seals tray tops with thermoplastic film. The trays are carried through the machine on a moving conveyor and the sealing film is fed in a ribbon from a feed roll to move in a position above the line of trays carried on the moving conveyor. The film ribbon carries printing or decorations, in repetitive segments, which must each be centered on a respective tray top when the film is sealed thereto. Repetitive registration marks carried on the film ribbon indicate the position of each film segment as it moves toward a heat seal station. The registration marks are optically sensed in time with the timing pulses of the packaging machine. When miss-registration is sensed the film position, relative to the leading edge of the tray adjacent to and next to enter the heat seal station, is indexed forward a predetermined increment by a downward operating blade and then a heat bar contacts the film and tacks it to the leading edge of that tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article processing apparatus which is preferred for use in a capper which attaches a cap to a vessel. The apparatus includes a processing head, which is provided with four capping mechanisms. Each capping mechanisms on the processing head takes hold of a cap on feeder means. The processing head is then translated to a position over a conveyor and moves in tracking relationship with four vessels which are being conveyed by the conveyor to attach each cap carried by the capping mechanism to associated underlying vessel. The attachment of a cap to a vessel while the processing head moves in tracking relationship with vessels on the conveyor provides an article processing apparatus which has its processing capability enhanced as compared with the prior art.

Abstract: A method of automatically producing a plurality of prefilled, sterile delivery devices with a desired quantity of fluid. The sterile delivery devices each include a hollow barrel with a dispensing nozzle at one end and an open opposite end. A piston plunger is positioned within the open end and is slidable in sealing engagement with the barrel to retain a fluid therein. A tip is secured to the dispensing nozzle. A plurality of the sterile delivery devices are automatically fed along a predetermined path. Tips are then removed from the dispensing nozzles of the sterile delivery devices. The hollow barrels of the sterile delivery devices are then filled through the dispensing nozzles with a desired is quantity of fluid. The dispensing nozzles of the sterile delivery devices are then closed and sealed after the filling step to provide sealed sterile delivery devices with sterile fluid contents.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products such as contact lenses in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes an intermittently indexed, linearly driven endless conveyor which includes a plurality of identical support pallets, equally spaced apart along the endless conveyor. Each support pallet is designed to support and align an array of individual package bases. The arrangement is such that each support pallet with an array of individual package bases thereon is sequentially stopped at a plurality of spaced work stations along the endless conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting a plurality of liquid-filled containers each having an open top is set forth. The conveyor system comprises a conveyor for supporting the plurality of liquid-filled containers. The conveyor is driven by a servomotor. A programmable servomotor control system is connected to control movement of the servomotor in indexed steps in accordance with a programmed motion profile. The programmed motion profile includes a move portion and a dwell portion, the move portion being substantially non-jerk limited. The non-jerk limited motion profile may take on many different characteristics.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus is provided for automatically performing the steps of filling a pill card or capsule with a desired pill or capsule, folding the pill card, heat sealing the pill card, and, if desired, printing a label directly onto the pill card.

Abstract: There is disclosed a press-on cap having a flat top with a cylindrical skirt with an annular tear band defined by a pair of annular score lines, and with at least two annular inner beads which seat in annular grooves in the neck of a bottle. The cap skirt extends below the lower score line of the annular tear band to form a tamper-proof ring which is bonded by laser radiation at least one, preferably two, spots to the neck of the plastic bottle. The spot bonds preferably have a diameter no greater than about 0.15 inch. The invention also comprises a bottle filler line which includes a capping station in which caps are applied and pressed downwardly over the narrow necks of the bottles which have been filled with a liquid such as milk or non-carbonated beverage, and a cap bonding station in which the capped and filled bottles are passed between laser beam effectors which are pulsed momentarily to spot bond the tamper-proof rings of the caps to the necks of the bottles.

Abstract: A metering machine for filling capsules, each capsule having a hollow bottom shell and a hollow lid fitting one inside the other; the machine having a filling assembly for filling the capsules; the filling assembly having, successively in a preferred traveling direction of the capsules, an opening device for opening the capsules, a metering device, and a closing device for closing the capsules; the filling assembly also having a control device for ascertaining opening of the capsules, and a cleaning device for cleaning first and second seats respectively housing the bottom shells and the lids; and the control and cleaning devices cooperating with each other via a central control unit.

Abstract: A system for transporting containers in serial order through container-processing stations, such as filling and capping stations. The transporting system comprises a revolving turret defining a plurality of container receiving pockets in a spaced apart relationship for serially advancing containers from one processing station to another along a generally arcuate path. Each pocket is configured to accept and release a container along predetermined ingress and egress directions respectively. An endless conveyor supplies unprocessed containers to the revolving turret and also removes the processed containers therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling sterile containers is disclosed which defines an elongated but narrow sterile zone in which a number of operating stations are disposed. An elongated vertical wall is carried by an elongated frame and a cabinet type enclosure cooperates with the vertical wall to define the sterile zone. The plurality of operating stations are disposed in sequential relation over the length of the sterile zone, and an elongated container conveyor is disposed within the sterile zone to convey the containers through the plurality of operating stations. The conveyor is vertically oriented, consisting an endless belt mounted on end wheels that rotate on horizontal axes. Each of the operating stations includes an operating portion disposed within the sterile zone. Actuating means are included for each of the operating stations as well as the elongated conveyor, each of which is disposed outside the sterile zone.

Abstract: A quick connect clamp for a bottling machine is provided. The quick connect clamp includes a bayonnet clamp having a rod portion and a complementary rod grasping portion. The rod portion including a handle at one end for actuating the clamp and locking projections on the other end for inserting within the rod grasping portion, the rod portion including a spring mechanism for placing the clamp in tension in a locked position. The locking projections coact with a cam surface on the rod grasping portion to lock and unlock the clamp.

Abstract: In a system of packaging of foodstuffs in containers (12), each container (12) has a closure of aluminium/LDPE laminate formed with a central tear panel (322) which either has a pull-tab (402) rivetted thereto or is connected to a pull-tab (321) at an, edge of the closure (1) by a narrow tear strip (323) extending up, over and down the rim of the container (12). The closures (1) are conveyed in horizontal positions pneumatically from a closure-manufacturing machine towards a downwardly inclined, vibrating, tranpsort box (110) and tilted pneumatically into vertical positions as they approached the box (110) for stacking in the box (110).

Abstract: All the carousels of the machine are provided with grippers for holding the flasks. A carousel with grippers (6) for holding the flask by the neck is followed by a carousel with grippers (7) for holding the flask by the body and so on. Between the jaws of each gripper there is provided in the middle region a vertical opposition element (35) fixed onto a horizontal slide (36) supported by the gripper body (33) and connected to a mechanism which modify the position of the said opposition element according to the diameter of the flasks. The opposition element is directed towards the flask with a concave-profile front face. The orbits (29, 30) along which the grippers of two consecutive carousels travel intersect each other in the zone where the flasks pass from one carousel to the other. In this zone the flask is immediately held between the opposition elements of the opposite grippers of the carousels, which open and close alternately.

Abstract: A machine for packaging product, such as blueberries and other similar small fruits in a container having a receptacle and a lid connected to the receptacle includes a hopper suspended over a conveying mechanism which conveys the container beneath the dispensing opening of the hopper to fill the container. The size of the dispensing opening is set for the speed of the line and the size of the container by adjusting the position of a movable wall of the hopper. The containers are then conveyed to a closing station at which the lids are closed and latched by applying pressure to the lid while one side of the container is deflected to move the corners away from the lid to thereby permit closing of the container.

Abstract: It comprises a transport member on which the receptacles have a displacement direction corresponding to their long sides, at least one rotary packaging platform, and a rotary transfer member for transferring the receptacles from the transport member to the packaging platform, and a swivelling member disposed between the transport member and the transfer member to position the receptacles on the transfer member with their long sides extending in substantially radial manner.

Abstract: In a device for conveying and processing packs for liquids, a feed conveyer is provided. The device further includes processing stations, including processing stations for filling and closing of the packs, arranged sequentially, the feed conveyor feeding packs to the processing stations. The device includes a removal conveyer for removing processed packs from the device. The device includes a first main conveyer device, the first main conveyer device being a one-step vertical conveyer device and having at least one vertically movable bridge with at least one horizontally arranged support rod for transporting a plurality of packs simultaneously, and a second main conveyer device, the second main conveyer device being a one-step horizontal displacement device. The first and the second main conveyer devices have a common conveyance position at a bottom one of two conveyance positions of the first main conveyer device.

Abstract: A rotary cartridge filler for the containerization of hazardous waste in a controlled environment, comprising an upper die module for receiving volumes of shredded waste and a lower canister module for receiving empty containers to be charged with waste from the upper module. The upper and lower modules are axially aligned and separated by a wall containing an opening for the transfer of waste from the upper module to the lower module. Both modules are mounted on a turret which rotates the modules about their axes. The upper and lower modules each contain six chambers uniformly spaced around the outer perimeter of the module and vertically aligned. In a first station, a canister enters a chamber in the lower module, and the modules are then rotated to a second station where both the upper and lower modules are purged with nitrogen.

Abstract: A link chain conveyor has rollers on opposite sides of the chain, a track has a groove in which the rollers travel, in both the vertical or the horizontal orientation. The link chain has a U-shaped bracket which is pivotally connected at each of its ends to a conventional link chain adapted to receive a tooth of a sprocket wheel. The U-shaped bracket has conventional link chain connector means so that almost any existing link claim carried equipment may be connected thereto. This way, the inventive claim is compatible with existing link chain conveyor equipment.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for maximizing the production rate of a modular vacuum packaging machine comprising a container forming station wherein a unit of containers is formed from film web, a loading station wherein product is loaded into a unit of containers, a sealing station adapted to simultaneously vacuum seal at least two units of containers with film web, a conveying means for indexing the containers through the stations, and a control means comprising a means for activating the container forming and loading stations after every index of the conveying means and a means for activating the sealing station after every at least second index of the conveying means, whereby optimum efficiency of the packaging machine is achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides machines and methods for continuously filling and closing containers supplied in random orientation. In one embodiment, apparatus in accord with the invention comprises a machine frame 10 that supports devices for continuously orienting, filling and closing containers. Device A supplies the containers in random orientation. Device B continuously orients the containers into a predetermined orientation. Device C continuously fills containers. Device D supplies powder or granular filler material to device C. Device E supplies plugs or stoppers for closing the containers. Device F continuously inserts plugs into filled containers to close the containers. The machine frame 10 contains the driving elements for the various devices of the apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for filling and closing packs for liquids, wherein an opening is arranged in an upper surface which can be connected to a pouring device. The device has a first feed conveyor (3) with a base for open, empty packs (8). It has a conveyor (12) for intermittently moving the packs (8) from a base position (I) into individual intermediate positions (II-X, XI), an end position (IX), and has a filler station, a stoppering station and a carry off conveyor (25). A transverse sliding conveyor is arranged in the path of movement behind the feed conveyor (3), and transverse conveyors and entrainment devices are arranged between the feed conveyor (3) and the carry off conveyor (25) for the purpose of intermittently moving transportation boxes (14), and, in addition, the filler and stoppering stations are arranged in the region of the transverse conveyors at a level above the transportation boxes (14).

Abstract: A bucket lidding system for placing rotationally oriented lids on unlidded buckets being conveyed on a conveyor and subsequently seating the lids onto the buckets. A lid conveyer introduces to the system a vertical stack of bucket lids wherein each lid has a fitting. After the entire stack of bucket lids is raised such that a top lid of the stack is positioned at a selected height, a mechanism lifts and holds the top lid and transports that lid to a position over another conveyer where a lidless bucket is being conveyed. During this lid transportation, the held lid is being rotated under a fitting sensing sensor, which instructs the lid rotation to be stopped when the lid has a desired rotational orientation with respect to the lidless bucket. When a sensor senses the bucket on the bucket conveyer means, the oriented lid is released and drops a short distance onto the bucket.

Abstract: A filling method is disclosed, which comprises a step of filling a content into a bottle 1 and a step of fitting a cap 2 on the bolt 1 with the content charged thereinto. The bottle 1 is conveyed in a state held by a bottle container 3 on a conveyor, while the cap 2 is conveyed in a state held by a cap holder 4 on a conveyor.

Abstract: An intermittently operated, indexing container conveying system is particularly configured for versatile use with an associated container filling apparatus. In distinction from previous arrangements, the present system includes a servo-drive motor for effecting intermittent indexing movement of a container-carrying endless conveyor. Programmable controls of the system facilitate operation of the system for optimizing efficiency, facilitating use of the system with containers of differing configurations, and with food products exhibiting varying physical properties (i.e., such as viscosities). The present system permits acceleration and deceleration rate of the conveyor to be selectively varied, as well as selective variation of indexing pitch and stop points of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling antibody testing devices for use in conducting biotests which utilize a powder fluid absorbing material to fill the housing of the antibody testing devices. The apparatus has several stations at which the various assembly steps take place. At the first station, lower housing portions of the antibody testing device are loaded onto a conveyor belt. At a second station, the lower housing portions are loaded with a fluid absorbing powder. At a third station, the powder loaded lower housing portions are engaged with a slotted indexing carousel wheel and are carried away from the conveyor belt. At a fourth station, the liquid absorbing powder in the lower housing portion is compressed therein. At a fifth station, a disk of filter material is placed atop the liquid absorbing powder loaded into the housing portion. At a sixth station, caps carrying membranes which have been spotted with receptors are engaged with the powder filled housing portion.

Abstract: In order to prevent spilling the contents or fracturing a package being filled, a rigid tray is moved into a filling area by pushers in which the pusher is advanced under controlled acceleration and then deceleration for gently stopping the pusher in contact with or in close proximity to a filled tray. A short time delay in movement of the tray is provided and then the pusher is advanced along with the tray moved thereby under a controlled acceleration into a sealing station. The tray is brought under controlled deceleration to stop in the sealing station at a predetermined position where another short time delay is provided in the stop position of the pusher. The pusher is then retracted to a safe position out of the way in order to permit the sealing of the tray without the interference of the pusher while the tray is sealed. The sealed tray is then transferred to an outfeed area and the sequence is repeated for filling and sealing a following tray.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the adjustment of the holding capacity of a package carrier (3) supported on a line (1) and which comprises at least one externally plane side wall (4) which is closest to the line (1) and which extends parallel with this latter and with the direction of conveyance of the package carrier (3), there being on the inner surface of the package carrier (3) recesses (5) for positioning of the package.

Abstract: The apparatus has a circular can filling device, a lid star wheel, a lid supply star wheel and a sealing device. The sealing device is spaced from both the filling device and the lid supply means but the path is very short. The lid star wheel and the can filling device for filling the containers or cans have a common contains transfer area, in which the lids are individually placed on the cans. In order to transport the cans with the lids thereon to the sealing device, a conveying unit is provided, which has two container guides, between which the containers are guided to the sealing device by the conveying unit.

Abstract: A filling and capping machine including a computer controlled turret having a plurality of pockets for positioning a plurality of containers to at least a fill position and a capping position along the turret's path. The controller programmably positions the turret to these positions for variations of the locations of the pockets on the turret and accommodates for variations in the size and number of the container pockets and the type of fill product and type of containers. The controller also controls the position of the filling unit for the type of fill product as well as controlling the positioning of the filling unit and the capping unit for variations in the type of container. The controller uses a combination of servo motors and fluid motors to vertically and rotationally position the elements.

Abstract: A modular system for filling and seaming a plurality of containers moving in parallel linear directions using a plurality of modules wherein each module comprises container filling apparatus, lid placing apparatus and lid seaming apparatus.

Abstract: After plastic bowls have been filled with soup they are conveyed to a cleaning station. At this station downward needle-like jets of ambient air specifically conforming to the bowl flange surfaces blow contaminants off of the flanges and away from the containers, in either continuous or intermittent operations. Lids are then heat sealed to the cleaned flanges, and the sealed containers sterilized.

Abstract: A can end is seamed to a cylindrical can filled with contents. The can is fed along a substantially elliptical path including straight and arcuate paths. While the can is being fed along the straight path, the can end is seamed to the can by a linear seaming device. At the same time, the can end is rotated by a can end holder which has a pinion gear held in mesh with a rack which extends fully along the elliptical path. The rack is composed of separate rack members which are relatively movable to adjust the tension of an endless chain that moves can ends and cans along the elliptical path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for supporting and dispensing a nested stack of containers. First and second pairs of support plates are spaced apart and movable between supporting and released positions. The first pair of plates support the container stack by engaging an out-turned lip of the lowermost container. Release of the first pair of plates incrementally advances the container stack to engage the second pair of plates. The second pair of plates are released to free the lowermost container after the first pair of plates are returned to the supporting position. A pair of thrusting fingers exert a downward force on the released container to deliver it to an awaiting transport receptacle at the desired moment.

Abstract: Packaging trays are displaced over the entire length of a packaging machine by the horizontal top run of a single conveyor provided with a series of transverse bars which are capable in each case of pushing one of the trays and are attached to driving chains which form a closed loop with the push-bars, the packaging trays being slidably displaced on guide plates or tracks. Moreover, the control elements of the conveyor are capable of subjecting this latter to a forward displacement until a packaging tray is brought onto a platform located within the welding station, then to a slight backward displacement (R) until the corresponding push-bar has withdrawn behind the welding station in order to avoid any interference with the closing of the moving parts of the station, and finally to another forward displacement of the push-bars after completion of the welding operation.

Abstract: A blow-molded and tempered PET container specially adapted for hot filling includes a plurality of panels situated in circumferentially spaced locations around the periphery of the container, the panels bulging outwardly with respect to the body portion immediately contiguous thereto. The panels are mechanically reconfigurable to an inwardly collapsed position with respect to the immediately contiguous body portion for providing controlled volumetric reduction of the container to compensate for the development of a partial vacuum within the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling sterile containers is disclosed which defines an elongated but narrow sterile zone in which a number of operating stations are disposed. An elongated vertical wall is carried by an elongated frame and a cabinet type enclosure cooperates with the vertical wall to define the sterile zone. The plurality of operating stations are disposed in sequential relation over the length of the sterile zone, and an elongated container conveyor is disposed within the sterile zone to convey the containers through the plurality of operating stations. The conveyor is vertically oriented, consisting an endless belt mounted on end wheels that rotate on horizontal axes. Each of the operating stations includes an operating portion disposed within the sterile zone. Actuating means are included for each of the operating stations as well as the elongated conveyor, each of which is disposed outside the sterile zone.