Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include a sample collection vessel having a sample collection chamber with an opening configured to receive a biological sample into the sample collection chamber. The biological sample collection system can additionally include a selectively movable sleeve valve configured to associate with the opening of the sample collection chamber. The biological sample collection system can additionally include a sealing cap that is configured to associate with the selectively movable sleeve valve and with the sample collection vessel. The sealing cap can include a reagent chamber having reagent(s) stored therein, and when the sealing cap is associated with the sample collection vessel, the selectively movable sleeve valve opens, dispensing the reagent(s) into the sample collection chamber.

Abstract: A universal pill bottle cap for securely locking up medications with a high-risk factor for abuse and theft. The pill bottle cap includes a unique locking mechanism, a biometric scanning locking mechanism, a one-step opening process, and a universal applicability. The unique locking mechanism includes a sliding latch on the underside of the cap that will allow a pill bottle to be inserted and the cap to lock around the pill bottle until an authorized user follows a prompt to unlock the cap from the bottle. The biometric scanner opens either the sliding mechanism to allow the pill bottle to be removed or opens the lid to allow access to the contents of the bottle. This depends on a button on the underside of the pill bottle cap. The pill bottle has a microprocessor that drives the functionality of the cap.

Abstract: A method for opening a seal including a metal foil and a layer of thermoplastic resin via which the seal is heat-sealed to the rim of a glass jar or equivalent container, the rim having been coated beforehand with a heat-sealing primer, the heat-sealed seal providing hermetic closure of the glass jar or equivalent container, where the initial and final tear forces are not more than 28 N on peeling of the seal at 90° at a speed of 300 mm/min; a glass jar or equivalent container suitable for implementation of this method, where the coating of heat-sealing primer contains an organic and/or inorganic material in which organic and/or inorganic fillers are incorporated; and the application of this method or this glass jar or equivalent container to the packaging of processed food products.

Abstract: A seal for containers is provided that allows the scent or aroma from the substance within the container to come through, while preventing leakage of the substance from within the container and/or physical contact of the substance by the consumer. More particularly, a seal is provided having at least one slit scoring fewer than all of the layers of the seal. The slit(s) will allow a consumer to sniff the scent or aroma released through the slit, while the seal remains secured to the container, extending shelf life of the substance, and preventing leakage, as well as, contamination, damage and/or reduced volume caused by consumers sampling the products.

Abstract: An easily openable can end and associated methods include an end panel, a score line formed in the end panel to define a prearranged opening area, a tab, the tab having a handle and a rivet securing the tab to the end panel. In particular, the end panel of the can end is provided with at least one moveable portion contactable with the lower surface of the tab at a location between the rivet and the end of the handle of the tab, the moveable portion being deformable upwardly under influence of pressure to push against the lower surface of the tab and thereby incline the handle of the tab away from the end panel to define a gap under the tab.

Abstract: A closure that includes an overcap and a lid carried by the overcap. The overcap has an annular skirt extending along a longitudinal axis for coupling the closure to a container, and an overcap web extending continuously radially inwardly from the annular skirt. The lid is carried radially within the annular skirt. The lid has an annular rim radially proximate to the annular skirt of the overcap, for the sealing the closure to the container. A lid web extends radially inwardly from the annular rim, and has at least one vent therethrough, and is coupled to the overcap around the vent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a closure and particularly to a closure of the type known as a sport cap.

Abstract: A flexible pouch assembly and fitment is disclosed for dispensing a fluid operable to be securely closed after use. The assembly includes a flexible pouch having an opening at the top of the pouch. A fitment is connected to the opening of the flexible pouch. The fitment includes a canoe portion which connects directly to the opening of the flexible pouch. The canoe portion is also directly connected and fluidly connected to a metering pump. The canoe portion is molded over a tube portion of the metering pump. The canoe portion is sealed to the opening of the flexible pouch. The fitment further includes a cap connected to the canoe portion. The cap includes an outlet fluidly connected to the metering pump. The cap includes a resealable configuration, such as a lid, allowing the user to reseal the pouch after use. The canoe and pump are a once piece configuration.

Abstract: A spray system for dispensing a homogenous mixture of a liquid formulation and propellant as an atomized aerosol where a disposable container containing a liquid base is used alone or secured within a rigid container and is charged through a fitting in fluid communication with the interior of the disposable container using a detachable pressurized charge can containing a propellant compatible with the liquid base. Preferably the liquid formulation is a paint base that can be tinted at the point of sale before charging with the charge can.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a multi-vessel device generally comprises a first vessel and a second vessel, wherein the first vessel may suitably couple to the second vessel and the first vessel may comprise a shot glass and the second vessel may comprise a bottle that contains a spirituous liquid. In an embodiment, an exterior bottom portion of the first vessel may suitably couple to a top portion of the second vessel via a friction fit, a stopper, or a screw. Alternatively, an interior bottom portion of the first vessel may suitably couple to a top portion of the second vessel via a friction fit, a stopper, and a screw. In some embodiments, the first vessel may couple to the second vessel so as to seal the second vessel. Among various representative embodiments, the present invention may comprise a method for manufacturing, packaging and/or selling the multi-vessel system or device.

Abstract: A packaging method for packaging fluid (P) in a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (1) defining an opening (13), and a fluid dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, for mounting in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir, an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, being present in the reservoir above the fluid (P) while the dispenser member (2) is being mounted in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir, such that the fluid (P) is in contact with the inert gas in the reservoir (1); the method being characterized in that the step of mounting the dispenser member (2) in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir (1) is performed under a vacuum, the inert gas is evacuated, at least in part, from the reservoir during this evacuation step, such that the reservoir is subjected to an inert-gas vacuum.

Abstract: A dosage cap records and displays dosage information about a medicine, including, the projected time that the next dosage of medicine is needed, the time interval between numerous administrations of the medicine, the time and/or date that the last dose was administered, the current daily intake amount, the date the dose was administered, or scheduled administration of the medicine. The time and date of the last dosage of medicine administered can be reset and updated when a subsequent dose of medicine is administered. The cap secures over a medicine container lid to provide easy visibility of the dosage information to a user. A shaft extends downwardly from the cap to secure the cap to the medicine container lid by penetrating the lid with a sharp point. A fastener attaches to the end of the shaft for securing the cap to the medicine bottle lid.

Abstract: A shipping container system comprises a bottom panel, a plurality of side panels, and a top panel, each with interlocking features. The side panels interlock with the bottom panel to assemble a self-supporting shipping container. A plurality of horizontally oriented slots are formed in an opposing pair of the side panels, and arranged at different heights between the bottom panel and a top edge of the side panels. A cross member is positioned at a selected height by insertion into an opposing pair of the slots, in order to restrain one or more shipping units against vertical motion inside the shipping container. The top panel interlocks with the side panels to cover the shipping container, and is spaced above the plurality of shipping units at a clearance maintained by the cross member.

Abstract: A water bottle includes a bottle body, a cap and a base. The bottle body includes a wall structure extending from a bottom end to a top end. The top end includes an opening. An outer surface of the wall structure may include a plurality of finger grip recesses and at least one thumb grip recess. The cap is configured to releasably connect to the top end of the bottle body to close the opening with a fluid-tight seal. The cap has a pointed portion that provides at least one top pressure point. The base is positioned at the bottom end of the bottle body and includes at least one pointed portion that provides at least one bottom pressure point. The at least one top and at least one bottom pressure points provide self-defense features for the water bottle.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a gift card box and associated methods are provided, generally including a base section including a first insert configured and dimensioned to receive a gift card. The exemplary gift card box generally includes a lid section including a second insert configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate with the first insert. The first insert and the second insert substantially fix the gift card inside the gift card box when cooperatively mated. An exemplary method of assembling a gift card box is provided, generally including providing a base section, providing a lid section, and substantially fixing the gift card inside the gift card box by cooperatively mating the first insert and the second insert. The base section generally includes a window configured and dimensioned to permit visualization of indicia on the gift card.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling oxygen ingress in cap closures is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a cap and a cap liner. The cap liner includes a first diffusive layer and a semi-diffusive layer. A first side of the semi-diffusive layer is adjacent to the first diffusive layer, where the semi-diffusive layer has a lower oxygen transmission rate than that of the first diffusive layer. The cap liner further includes a second diffusive layer, where a first side of the second diffusive layer is adjacent to a second side of the semi-diffusive layer, and the semi-diffusive layer has a lower oxygen transmission rate than that of the second diffusive layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the cap liner is controlled by varying a thickness of the semi-diffusive layer.

Abstract: A method for packaging a fluid product dispenser, where the said dispenser includes a reservoir (1) of constant effective volume filled with a fluid product (10), and a dispensing device (3) that includes a dip tube (2) which is intended to extract the fluid product (10) contained in the reservoir on operation of the dispensing device (3), the reservoir (1) and the dip tube (2) being made from a material or materials that are substantially or perfectly transparent, where the said dip tube initially contains air (A), and the dip tube (2) is connected to the dispensing device and has one free end extending to the bottom of the reservoir, the method being characterized in that the air (A) is extracted from the dip tube (2) and is replaced by the fluid product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying capsules (1) to a plastic container (54) which is aseptically filled with a liquid and which is weld-sealed with a membrane (80). The capsule (1) to be applied, which preferably is constituted of two aluminum foils (2, 6) having a collar (58), is placed on the membrane (80) with a planar surface thereof and the collar is mechanically bent so that it is reliably secured to the container neck (50). The cap (100) is then pressed onto it so that the collar (58) is retained between the container neck (50) and the cap (100) in a form-and in a force-locking connection. The method according to the invention avoids the risk of the capsule being destroyed, which can happen during welding, and the risk of soiling, which can happen during gluing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a desiccant container for use in a container of product, including a body means, adapted to receive and contain desiccant material and a supporting means for supporting the body means in a desirable position within the container of product. In use, desiccant material can be put into the body means, the supporting means being connected to the body means and the desiccant container put in the container of product so that the body means is supported in a desirable position. The desiccant can then remove moisture from the air in the container and or from the upper surface of the product within the container. The invention also relates to a method of use.

Abstract: A fluid containment and dispensing system having a RFID tag associated therewith. The fluid containment and dispensing system includes a fluid containment drum having an opening defined thereon. The fluid containment and dispensing system further includes a dispensing mechanism operably coupleable with the opening, the dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the contents of the fluid containment drum. An identification tag is coupleable with the dispensing mechanism and includes a first laminate, a second laminate laminated to the first laminate, and a RFID member disposed between the first and second laminates, wherein the RFID member includes information associated with a fluid containment and dispensing system.

Abstract: A lunch box assembly having a main housing having a lid rotatably, hingedly attached to a base to provide access to an opened interior of one or more compartments is disclosed. The lid can have ferrously magnetic material and recesses to accept magnets. The magnets can be shaped to fit the recesses. The base can have compartments aligned with corresponding compartments in the lid. The base and the lid can form one or more closed food storage compartments that separate the contents from the neighboring compartments. A latch on the base and lid can produce a clamping force on a small lidded container or containers placed in one or more of the compartments. The clamping force can clamp the lidded container closed and prevent leakage of fluids in the container.

Abstract: A container assembly stores a potable liquid and is adapted for storing a second consumable. The container assembly includes a primary container adapted for storing the potable liquid therein. The primary container includes a container top, a container bottom, and a container side. The container assembly also includes a cup defining a cup bottom, a cup side extending up from the cup bottom, and a cup lip removably engagable with the container side to seal the cup prior to use. The cup stores the second consumable between the cup side and the container side. The cup side defines a radius of curvature longitudinally from the cup bottom up toward the cup lip such that the cup side magnifies the second consumable stored therewithin as viewed from outside the cup.

Abstract: A method of packing a package in an overpack salvage drum that includes a drum body for holding the package to be overpacked, a lid adapted to be rotatably threaded onto the drum body to seal the package held in the drum body therein, and a clip adapted to be operatively associated with the lid before the lid is rotatably threaded onto the drum body. The method includes placing the package into a drum body, operatively associating a clip to a lid that is adapted to be rotatably threaded onto the drum body, and rotatably threading the lid with the clip operatively associated therewith onto the drum body to seal the package therein, wherein the clip is adapted to break in preference to the lid and the drum body when the seal between the lid and the drum body is first compromised.

Abstract: Disclosed are packages for serving and storing powdered beverages and associated methods. A package for storing a powdered instant beverage comprises a first container, a utensil, and a lid. The lid is configured to engage with the first container so that the lid and the container enclose an interior volume. The lid comprises a lid body, a lid insert configured to be secured to the lid body, and a utensil-holding structure on the lid insert. The lid insert comprises a utensil recess configured to receive at least a portion of the utensil, and a handling recess configured to facilitate the removal and securing of the utensil to the lid. The utensil-holding structure is configured to removably secure the utensil to the lid insert.

Abstract: A covering substrate which is inexpensive to manufacture and adhere to a container yet provides a hygienic environment at a top portion of the container as well as provides multiple promotional or advertising surfaces. A covering substrate capable of being bonded to a rim of a container, the container including a top wall and the rim extending beyond the top wall defining a top portion of the container, the covering providing a hygienic environment at the top portion of the container, including a substrate, a heat seal coating laminated to the substrate and disposed for bonding the substrate to the container substantially along the perimeter of the rim, and a bondable material layered in part to the substrate opposite the heat seal coating, a portion of the bondable material defining a tab therein substantially contained within the perimeter of the substrate.

Abstract: Described herein are packaging systems for nasal devices, and methods of packaging and/or dispensing nasal devices. A packaging system may include one or a plurality of nasal devices removably secured to a support backing, and a dispenser. In some variations an applicator may also be included. Methods of using and methods of assembling packaging systems and dispensers are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for branding medication are provided, including, a first capper system that caps a first medication container with a first cap of a first branding including first identification of a third party supplier of one of the prescription and medication order; a second capper system that caps a second medication container with a second cap of a second branding including second identification of another third party supplier of the one of the prescription and medication order; a transport system that transports the first and second medication containers; and a control system that controls the transport system to transport the first and second medication containers based on customer information, and controls the one of the first capper system and the second capper system to cap the first and second medication containers with one of the first and second caps.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus wherein extra mass is added to a profile of a slider zipper prior to the ultrasonic or thermal forming of the end stomps. This results in an end stomp of increased size and height, thereby providing a greater resistance to the slider being pulled from the ends of the zipper.

Abstract: A method for producing a package using a traysealer is provided, wherein the package includes a container, at least two sealing films and a plurality of products, of which a first product is located in the container and a second product between two sealing films. The first product is moved into the container upstream of a sealing station, the second product is moved onto a first sealing film before the container, the sealing film and the products are supplied together with a second sealing film, which is located above the first sealing film, to the sealing station. The first sealing film moves above and spaced apart from the container and the first product until the sealing station is reached. In the sealing station the container, the first sealing film and the second sealing film are subsequently sealed to one another.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A container with a corresponding bottle neck having a capsule inside of which a substance is placed that is to be released into the bottle contents. This invention avoids having to sterilize the contents again after the container has been aseptically filled, even though the substance in the capsule often does not endure these temperatures. Thus, this invention provides a method with the following steps: a) aseptic filling of the plastic bottle; b) welding a first membrane onto the container neck; c) placing the substance, which is to be released into the plastic bottle, on the first membrane that is already welded on; d) covering the substance, which is to be released, by a second membrane and welding the second membrane to the first membrane. Lastly, a closure with a secured tamper-evident layer is placed over the capsule and onto the bottle neck.

Abstract: A capping chuck including alignment balls for engaging the cap knurling. The capping chuck can also include internal knurling, and a friction engaging element for cap retention during the bottling process.

Abstract: A dispenser comprises a housing that has a removable tamper proof protective cap and tamper proof ring and is threaded to a container. The container, which is the main package, holds the supplemental component. The housing holds the first component into a plunger type chamber in a fully retracted position and is sealed from the supplemental component. The chamber has a delivery end that is closed before use. When pushed all the way in, the chamber's delivery end becomes open and delivers the first component into the main package.

Abstract: A container has a product chamber for containing a product. The product chamber has a product opening that opens into the exterior. A closure member is releasably mounted on the product opening. The container further includes an additive chamber for containing an additive, and a pressure valve that connects the additive chamber and the product chamber with each other. The pressure valve has a closed position when the pressure inside the product chamber is higher than the pressure inside the additive chamber, and an open position for discharging additive from the additive chamber into the product chamber when the pressure inside the product chamber is lower than the pressure inside the additive chamber. The pressure inside the product chamber is higher than the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the additive chamber is both lower than the pressure inside the product chamber and higher than the ambient pressure.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a container for preparing a liquid, and a method for forming a container for preparing a liquid. For example, a container includes a bottom section operable to store a liquid. The container further includes a top section coupled to the bottom section. The top section substantially encloses the liquid in the container. The top section includes at least one opening operable to provide access to the liquid. The container further includes at least one storage unit. The storage unit is operable to store an additive. The storage unit is further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid.

Abstract: A unit (1, 1?) for applying opening devices (2, 2?) to packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit (1, 1?) having first conveying means (8, 8?) for feeding the opening devices (2, 2?) successively along a first path (P1, P1?); second conveying means (9) for feeding the packages (3) successively along a second path (P2); and transfer means (10) for transferring the opening devices (2, 2?) from the first path (P1, P1?) to the second path (P2), and in turn having a wheel (18) rotating about an axis (A), and a number of gripping members (19, 19?) carried by the wheel (18) and for receiving respective opening devices (2, 2?) from the first conveying means (8, 8?) and transferring them to the second path (P2) by rotation of the wheel (18); the transfer means (10) also having connecting means (20) for connecting the gripping members (19, 19?) movably to the wheel (18), and cam guide means (21) for altering the position of each gripping member (19, 19?) with respect to the wheel (18) as the wheel (18) rotates.

Abstract: The container cover and method of consuming food items allows a plurality of food items to be stored, transported, and consumed in a convenient package. The container cover secures food items in a container by covering an opening of the container while providing one or more compartments to store other food items. The compartments may comprise an opening to allow food items to be placed within the compartments. The compartments can be opened such that the food items stored therein are released into the container with little or no risk of spillage. The compartments may be opened in various ways such as by puncturing, tearing, or pushing open a portion of the compartments. A cap may be used to cover the opening of one or more compartments.

Abstract: A production facility configured to fill a multiple prescription order having different medications is described. The production facility comprises a means for processing a multiple prescription order, a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a first labeling component, a first inspection module, a second labeling component and a second inspection module. The means for processing the multiple prescription order is associated with a particular patient, and the multiple prescription order comprises at least two different tablets that are consumed at prescribed intervals determined by a prescription. Each of the plurality of multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by the multiple prescription order, and each multiple prescription container is configured to receive the different medications. The first labeling component is configured to generate a detailed label that provides a plurality of medical information regarding the different tablets.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of insertion of uniquely shaped packaging, elements may include one or more of the following steps: (a) transporting, a container along a conveyor, (b) securing the container, (c) aligning a spray cap mechanism over a container opening with a transfer rake assembly, (d) grasping a diptube with a diptube assembly, (e) lowering the diptube assembly and the transfer rake assembly to insert the diptube into the container, (f) securing the container with a timing screw, (g) loading the spray cap mechanism into a sprayer magazine, (h) locking a retractable stop onto the spray cap mechanism, (i) transferring the spray cap mechanism from the sprayer magazine to the transfer rake, (j) locking, a second spray cap mechanism with the retractable stop, and (k) retracting the diptube assembly after inserting the diptube into the container.

Abstract: A dispenser comprises a housing that has a removable tamper proof protective cap and tamper proof ring and is threaded to a container. The container, which is the main package, holds the supplemental component. The housing holds the first component into a plunger type chamber in a fully retracted position and is sealed from the supplemental component. The chamber has a delivery end that is closed before use. When pushed all the way in, the chamber's delivery end becomes open and delivers the first component into the main package.

Abstract: A method and packing machine for combining an insert and a group of cigarettes; the group of cigarettes is fed to a first seat of a pocket, which first seat is designed to house the group of cigarettes; the insert is fed to a second seat of the pocket, which second seat is designed to house the insert and is separate from the first seat; and the group of cigarettes and the insert are expelled together from the pocket by a common ejector device, so as to combine the insert with the group of cigarettes.

Abstract: Overcap (1, 11, 12) designed to overcap a neck (80) of a bottle (8) closed by a cork (82) containing a liquid to be packaged (83, 84) includes a rolled skirt (3) and a top (2) fixed to the rolled skirt around a circular junction area (4) common to the skirt and the top. The top is formed from a first strip of material chosen to have a nature and thickness so that it can be deformed, typically by stamping between a punch and a die or by thermoforming, to form a crease-free rim around the top. The rim is formed by the peripheral part of the top axially deformed over a height H between 1 and 5 mm, and the is a rim (20,21) that extends around an arc of a circle ? varying from 45 to 90°.

Abstract: A process is provided for minimizing moisture accumulation in a product package that is sprayed with a cool water shower. The product is placed in a container, and a closure is installed on a container. The product is heated before it is placed in the container or during its placement in the container, or after it is placed in the container, or while the closure is being installed on the container, or after the closure has been installed on the container. The internal atmosphere within the closed closure is allowed to expand from the heat and to vent through a vent channel. The package is cooled with a cooling water shower, and the vent channel minimizes the transient pressure differential so as to minimize the amount of water infiltration into the closure.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a filling element of a filling machine with a rotary construction for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid has, in a filling element housing, a liquid duct for the controlled dispensing of a liquid at a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening is located in a recess into which the respective container extends with its container mouth during the filling, and into which at least one additional duct of the filling element empties. During a cleaning or rinsing phase, the recess can be closed by a plate-shaped closing element.

Abstract: The invention provides a container of substantially form-retaining material, for instance aluminum, steel or other metal, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or other plastic, for a liquid, which must be provided prior to consumption with a foaming head, such as chocolate milk, cappuccino, milkshake, which container comprises: a circumferential wall; a base which is connected along its whole periphery to this wall or is integrally formed therewith; a cover which, after filling of the container with the liquid, is optionally arranged on the side remote from the base and which is connected to this wall along its whole periphery; and; a cartridge present in the container and in the filled and closed situation of the container at least partially filled with a gas under pressure serving as foaming medium in the wall of which cartridge is situated at least one continuous hole for passage of gas.

Abstract: The packaging container includes a container body formed from a packaging material, and a cap unit attached to a top wall of the container body. The cap unit includes a lip, a pull tab which covers a discharge opening and an inner tape which covers the discharge opening portion from a reverse side of the packaging material. Since the cap is attached to the packaging material in advance of forming the container, positioning of the container body is not required for cap attachment.

Abstract: A tamper evident cap assembly, more particularly a combination of vial and cap assembly, assures the integrity of a specimen and of the specimen collection process. The screw cap is locked to the screw threads of a vial, when the vial is empty, with one of two latches that are integral to the cap assembly and can lock the cap to the vial. The lock is broken in the presence of the specimen donor or in the presence of a witness who can testify as to chain of custody, a specimen is placed in the vial, following which the cap is locked to the vial with the other of the two latches, which is broken when received by a testing laboratory. A loop formed to encircle the vial is connected by a tether to the cap and slipped onto the vial. At least one restraining rib on the vial is spaced below the screw thread top and is sized to permit the loop to be forced upwardly thereover to be restrained from downward movement.

Abstract: A sealed beverage package including a container with a beverage and an insert sealed therein. The insert holds a gas that upon opening the container interacts with the beverage to produce a froth in the beverage. The insert is designed to float in the beverage and is sized relative to the container such that it cannot rotate end-over-end therein. The insert includes a body with at least one fin extending therefrom. The at least one fin may have the dual functions of securing the insert in the container above the beverage to facilitate charging the insert with gas, as well as preventing the insert from exiting the container, once the container is opened.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method of performing biological assays, including: providing a longitudinally extending carrier tape having thermally formed therein a plurality of reagent receiving wells; adding a reagent to each of said reagent receiving wells; permitting each of said reagent receiving wells to incubate at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time; and performing a biological analysis on each of said reagent receiving wells.

Abstract: A tubular container for vacuum packaging products is provided according to the present invention that includes an overcap secured to at least one of the opposed ends of a tubular container that defines a bias member for biasing a membrane-type flexible lid inwardly towards products contained within the tubular container before a vacuum is applied. The flexible lid is maintained in a biased shape until the bias member is removed. As such, the flexible lid is sufficiently restrained during the vacuum packaging process, thus preventing the breakage of products located adjacent the flexible lid.