Abstract: In the "undercap" method of, and closure cap crimper-propellant fill head apparatus for, introducing a charge of volatile propellant in its liquid state into an aerosol container containing product to be dispensed, a significant residual amount of the propellant charge remains in the crimper-propellant fill head bell after the closure cap has been secured in place to seal the container. Not all crimper-propellant head machines are equipped with systems for reclaiming residual propellant, and even when so equipped, it is not always practical to reclaim residual propellant since certain products to be dispensed will foul the reclamation equipment. According to this invention a compressed purge gas is injected into the crimper-propellant fill head bell to purge a substantial portion of the residual propellant into the container before it is sealed by crimping its closure cap on the container mouth.

Abstract: Pressure capsule for spray can, characterized by the fact that it principally consists of at least two chambers (2, 3), the first of which (2) is intended to be filled with fluid under relatively high pressure and the second of which (3) is intended to be filled with a fluid up to a pressure equal or practically equal to the overpressure which normally exists in a spray can (19) and which is needed for expelling a liquid (18); in the wall of the second chamber (3), a membrane (5) that can control the valve (4); and a removable element (6) that, in its unremoved condition, keeps the valve (4) closed.

Abstract: Process for producing a two-chamber pressurized package having an outer body enclosing an interior space which can be subjected to pressure and forms an opening through which an inner body of a material which can be folded or crumpled is inserted. A valve is fitted thereon and the outer and inner bodies are connected to one another in a predetermined region.

Abstract: In twin-chamber compressed gas packs, the collar of a diaphragm which invaginates during motion in the container is secured with its opening region in a fold or in the upper part of the container, in order to provide the required sealing between product chamber and working fluid chamber. The disadvantage of packs of this type is that the use of multipart containers is mandatory and/or that a support ring incorporated in the diaphragm produces a frictional force which may be large enough to prevent ejection of the feed material because of an insufficient pressure differential between the chambers. These drawbacks are overcome by securing the entire region of the collar to the internal wall of the casing.

Abstract: The sealing arrangement for joining a valve mounting cup to an aerosol container includes provision of a valve mounting cup having a bent over flange portion of sufficient extent to permit clinching as well as crimping of the valve mounting cup to the aerosol container. The bent over flange portion drapes a predetermined amount alongside the bead or curl of the container to permit a clinching operation that anchors the mounting cup to the container. A sequential crimping operation further secures the valve mounting cup to the container bead and effectively squeezes a gasket provided between the mounting cup and container bead to provide a leak tight seal. Any striations present in the container bead are effectively plugged by the gasket due to the tight envelopment of the bent over flange around the container bead.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production and packaging of a bag-type dispenser comprising a casing surmounted by a dome, a sealed flexible bag fixed in said casing and dispensing means sealingly connected to said dome and to said bag characterized in that, prior to any other assembly and packaging operation, a dome of plastics material is produced by moulding, the dome comprising an internal tubular portion permitting sealing fixing thereon on to the upper end of a skirt forming the blank for the bag, and then said fixing is produced, thus providing a preassembled component, dome+skirt, the dome further comprising portions for fixing thereof respectively on to the upper end of the casing and to the dispensing means. The invention also concerns the resulting sub-assemblies and bag-type dispensers. The invention is used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetological, hygiene and foodstuff fields.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved mounting cup for sealing with a container of an aerosol device. The container includes an annular bead extending about an opening in the container with the annular bead defining an internal surface contour having a generally partially circular cross-section. A mounting cup comprising a peripheral rim is formed for sealing with the annular bead of the container. The peripheral rim has an inner region contour substantially different in shape from the inner surface contour of the annular bead of the container. The peripheral rim is void of an outer region contour in contrast to a conventional mounting cup. The inner region contour of the peripheral rim engages with the inner surface contour of the annular bead to allow only a portion of the peripheral rim of the mounting cup to contact the annular bead of the container when the mounting cup is disposed on the container.

Abstract: A supply of a propellant gas is maintained at substantially uniform temperature and pressure. Uniform predetermined increments of the propellant gas are withdrawn in rapid succession and rapidly introduced into aerosol containers in which product to be dispensed has already been introduced. Such containers are subjected to ultrasonic frequency agitation during the introduction of the propellant thereby enhancing the speed of introduction. The propellant may be introduced into a container either by the "through-the-valve" method or by the "under-the-cap" method at conventional speeds using known commercial equipment.

Abstract: Pressure capsule for spray can, characterized by the fact that it principally consist of at least two chambers (2, 3), the first of which (2) is intended to be filed with a fluid under relatively high pressure and the second of which (3) is intended to be filled with a fluid up to a pressure equal or practically equal to the overpressure which normally exists in a spray can (19) and which is needed for expelling a liquid (18); in the wall of the second chamber (3), a membrane (5) that can control the valve (4); and a removable element (6) that, in its unremoved condition, keeps the valve (4) closed.

Abstract: Described is a method, and resulting product, for producing a sterile preservative-free areosol contact lens solution comprising; aseptically filling a pre-sterilized aerosol container with a contact lens solution preserved with sufficient hydrogen peroxide; aseptically introducing into the container means, such as a catalyst, for converting the hydrogen peroxide into inert or inactive substances one of which is a suitable propellant; and sealing and storing the container for a time sufficient to complete the inactivation of the hydrogen peroxide and creation of the suitable propellant.

Abstract: A flexible gas-tight, hermetically sealed pouch (11), in which a likewise closed cartridge (8) filled with a propellant in the liquid phase is disposed, is introduced into the outer envelope (1) of a container (1a), and the container (1a), which includes a valve (7) for distributing fluid (13) contained in it or introduced via the valve (7) is plugged. The cartridge (8) used has a wall capable of degrading at least partially from simple contact with the propellant, until the cartridge opens, within a period of time at least equal to that necessary to assure the packaging and closure of the container (1a ). The propellant then spreads within the pouch (11), changing at least in part to the gaseous phase, at a pressure suitable to assure the dispensing of the fluid (13). By the judicious choice of the characteristics (type, thickness) of the degradable zone of the cartridge (8), heating or other more complicated or expensive means proposed heretofore for putting the container under pressure are avoided.

Abstract: A valve cup (60) for an aerosol dispensing can has a side wall (68) of lesser girth at the bottom than in an upper zone of which a portion is adapted to intensify the seal in the swaged seam between the cup curl (70') and the body curl (22). The side wall has for example a step (88) which acts as a fulcrum. In the swaged seam the seal is intensified in the area adjacent the step and down to a second point of contact where the side wall is deformed by the swaging tool (38) into contact with the body wall (1).

Abstract: A non-venting propellant filling and sealing valve is adapted to be seated in a propellant filling hole in a bottom wall of a container and permits pressurization of a container through the hole and thereafter seals the container. The propellant filling and sealing valve includes an umbrella sealing portion, a stem portion and shoulder portions in a collar around the stem portion. The umbrella sealing portion is employed to selectively engage, separate from, and then make a generally annular seal with the interior surface of the bottom wall of the container. The stem portion is used to position the umbrella sealing portion around the filling hole and has axially extending grooves therein for conducting pressurizing fluid to the interior of the container.

Abstract: An automatic container stuffing apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus is especially useful for the insertion of two component gas generating pouches into pressurized containers of the type wherein the pressurizing gas does not come into contact with the contents of the container. The apparatus receives the pouches, performs necessary bursting operations to initiate gas pressurization, compresses the pouch into an elongate shape and inserts the pouch into a container. Two embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment receives pouches in a continuous sheet and separates the pouches from the continuous sheet prior to insertion into a container. Another embodiment receives individual separate pouches arranged in a stack extending in the longitudinal direction of a transport conveyor, thus eliminating the need to separate the pouches from a continuous sheet.

Abstract: Valves connected to dip tubes in conventional pressurized "aerosol"-type containers for dispensing materials which react or cure upon dispensing (e.g. moisture-curable polyurethanes), are protected against premature failure by introducing a small amount of dry, inert gas into the dip-tube shortly after charging the container. The gas (e.g. nitrogen) acts as a barrier to prevent contact between the product in the container and the valve mechanism prior to use of the product. Preventing such contact avoids premature hardening of product in the valve mechanism caused by reaction of product with moisture.

Abstract: The amount of gaseous flammable propellants such as dimethylether, difluoroethane, propane, butane, and the like can be increased to as high as from 30 to 50% by weight of a propellant composition by dissolving the normally gaseous propellant in the dispersed oil phase or an oil-in-water microemulsion. The aerosol propellant compositions can be simply prepared by admixing into a container, pressurizing the container with the normally gaseous flammable propellant whereby simply shaking would result in the spontaneous formation of an oil-in-water microemulsion which is clear and stable and which can contain as much as about 50% by weight of the gaseous propellant without causing flaming when the composition is sprayed directly into a candle flame. The composition may be transferred from the container to aerosol dispensers.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging product in an inverted, open bottom piston-type pressurized dispenser has a mechanism for pressurizing the container above the piston and for inserting a bottom closure on the open bottom and connecting it to the container body to close the open bottom.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling axially elongated, diametrically expandable and contractible product bags axially within energy sleeves of elastomeric material which are at least partially diametrically expanded at assembly. The apparatus comprises three, (3) energy sleeve expansion stations where at the elastomeric sleeve is sequentially expanded by the insertion of expansion rods and/or tubes therewithin. From the third station the energy sleeves proceed to an assembly station with an expansion tube therewithin. At the assembly station a product bag is inserted axially within the expansion tube in the energy sleeve with an end portion protruding from the tube. A first mechanism moves the energy sleeve axially relative to the tube so that an end portion surrounds and frictionally grips a part of the protruding product bag.

Abstract: A fluid-impervious self-inflatable sealed pouch containing separately compartmented first and second gas generating components which, upon admixture in successive discrete quantities, generate gas, causing the pouch to expand gradually from an initial collapsed condition to an ultimately fully expanded condition. Within the pouch is a mechanically rupturable solvent-containing member optimally including a measured quantity of one of said components and the other said component is enclosed by a water-soluble film barrier of polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose or the like, additional inner receptacles within the pouch contain measured quantities of said one component for successive release into said admixture caused by expansion of said pouch.

Abstract: A fluid impervious expandable enclosed bag containing separately compartmented first and second gas generating components which, upon admixture in successive amounts, generate gas causing the bag to expand gradually from a collapsed condition to an ultimately fully expanded condition. The internal compartmentation in the bag also contains a solvent medium and a time release capsule of one of the components, thereby providing apparatus that can be mass produced and used for insertion into aerosol-type liquid product dispensing containers to provide relatively constant expulsion pressure during use.

Abstract: A stable post foaming gel suitable for producing lathers for shaving, shampooing and other personal care use is formed for packaging in a continuous closed system by passing the post foaming gel components through a pressurized tank to a filling machine for introducing the formed post-foaming gel into a suitable package or container, with the system being pressurized by the pressurized tank.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container assembly adapted to store and dispense fluid material including a collapsible flexible container adapted to be stretched from an initial nominal position and to be collapsed to dispense fluid material stored therein, and a cap member adapted to be placed in operative engagement with a neck portion of the container configured to define a dispensing flow conduit which is placed in direct flow communication with the interior of the container when the cap member is mounted in assembled position on the neck portion of the container. In the manufacture of the container assembly, the container is first stretched from its initial nominal position to expand the volume thereof, and then filled with a fluid material to be stored therein and to be dispensed therefrom while in said stretched position.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and dispensing a liquid under pressure including a flexible container, preferably blow molded of a plastic composition, defining an inner region for containing the fluid under pressure and having a relatively rigid valve receptacle integral therewith for connecting a valve thereto and for connecting the flexible container to a relatively rigid outer container housing. The flexible container is inert with respect to the liquid contained therein and has a plurality of longitudinally extending creases to allow folding of the flexible container inwardly along the creases. The flexible container is capable of being folded along the creases in its empty condition radially and expanded when filled with the fluid under pressure. A tubular fabric sleeve which is elastic in radial directions and which is open at both ends, may be positioned about the flexible container in its folded condition.

Abstract: The method of filling and pressurizing an aerosol type container having a fill-opening which comprises introducing a dispensable fluid product into the container for storage therein, projecting an expansible sac having an open end into the container through its fill-opening, overlapping the open end of the sac upon the fill-opening, introducing a pressurized fluid into the sac for storage therein, successively disposing a valve mechanism into the container to overlie the sac open end and closing the sac and fill-opening for sealing the dispensable fluid within the container and for sealing the pressurized fluid within the sac and closing the container; and extending a communicating means from the valve mechanism through the sac establishing communication between the valve mechanism and the fluid product for isolated passage of the fluid product therethrough.

Abstract: The aerosol product, for example a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation, contains an active agent, a propelling agent and a solvent; with a view to protect the environment and the users the propelling agent is comprised exclusively of, helium, neon, argon, krypton or mixtures of these gases. A percentage of at least 80% by weight of argon with respect to the total weight of the propelling agent has proved to be particularly interesting. The method consist mainly in contacting the active agent and the solvent into an autoclave, introducing a compressed noble gas in a predetermined amount and collecting the mixture obtained. The mixing process may be repeated in other autoclaves with different noble gases. The device comprises mixtures (1,2;3) for storing the active agent and the solvent connected, as well as a pressure accumulator (a) for noble gases, to an autoclave (12) on which an outlet connection (14) is fixed, above the ground.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a method for assuring the quality of the results obtained from a blood gas analyzer. The apparatus comprises a device for storing blood gas quality control reagent comprising a first variable volume, gas impermeable container for receiving the reagent. The reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase therein. A valved exit passageway emanates from the container which container is situated in a second container surrounding the first, a space being present therebetween and a compressed gas situated in the space. Upon opening the valve, the compressed gas decreases the volume of the first container and reagent is expelled through the exit passageway. The present device is uneffected by changes in ambient temperature since the reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase. The device is reusable since a portion of the reagent may be expelled without contamination of the remaining contents.

Abstract: A low cost barrier package having a controlled release coating is formed in place in such a manner as to be free of air entrapment, and is caused to peel therefrom to form a barrier between the product and propellant; the package is further characterized by control of deformation and permeability of the barrier.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a pressurised aerosol formulation, which is in the form of a mixture, to be sprayed as a cosmetic, room or medicinal spray, of a propellant gas and organic solvents, as the propellant, and also active compounds and solvents for the active compounds, wherein the improvement comprises that the mixture is in the form of a homogeneous solution and this contains at least 50 percent by weight, preferably at least 55 percent by weight, of non-combustible constituents--relative to the total weight of the mixture--and contains, as the propellant gases, carbon dioxide and dimethyl ether, and, as non-combustible constituents, at least water, carbon dioxide, methylene chloride and/or 1,1,1-trichloroethane. This pressurized aerosol formulation is during transport, on storage and in use a product of low accident risk for the indicated purpose.

Abstract: Reusable pressurized containers are disclosed for dispensing fluids from the container without release of the pressurized propellant to the surrounding environment. The propellant is contained in a sealed, flexible compartment positioned within the container as a mixture of gas and liquid under pressure in equilibrium at the temperature of the container. A pressure transfer liquid, such as water or compressed air, is used to liquefy the propellant in the compartment. The pressure transfer fluid also contacts the fluid or semi-solid to be dispensed and exerts pressure thereon to force the fluid to be dispensed out of the container. The liquefied propellant, as it vaporizes, maintains the pressure against the pressure transfer fluid essentially constant. The propellant in the flexible compartment is preferably a mixture of a liquefiable propellant gas or blend thereof and a non-liquefiable inert gas such as nitrogen or helium.

Abstract: A compartmentalized aerosol container wherein there is incorporated a bag for separating the propellant from the product. In addition, the inner surface of the upper end unit is provided with a covering. The bag and the covering are formed of suitable plastics materials which are heat bondable together and during or after the completion of the seaming operation securing the end unit to the container body, the customarily formed double seam is heated to effect bonding of the end unit covering to the bag.

Abstract: A method for pressurizing an aerosol dispensing system with propellant in which a flexible inner container is inserted within a rigid outer container. The mouth opening of the inner container, having flexible means thereon, extends outwardly through the neck opening of the outer container with the flexible means supported by the neck opening. A dispensing cap is moved into engagement with the flexible means and the dispensing cap and flexible means are moved away from the neck opening while propellant is then injected through the neck opening into the region between the inner and outer containers. The dispensing cap is moved into the neck opening and crimped into engagement therewith to fix the position of the flexible means and inner container while maintaining a space between the neck opening and a portion of the exterior surface of the dispensing cap during crimping.

Abstract: The danger of fire from leaking aerosol containers is reduced by reducing the charge potential on leaking containers. This is achieved by a filling method in which an effective amount, for example 0.1 to 5% by weight of a charge reducing agent and a non-aqueous product intermediate are mixed, the mixture is filled into the container and the container is then pressurized with a flammable propellant.

Abstract: A seed sowing system and method employing photoelectric sensing equipment to detect singulated seeds and to actuate stepping equipment that ensures separate delivery of seeds to individual planting loci. The seed may come to the sensing equipment via a singulator and a low-pressure air stream. The photoelectric sensor is actuated each time the air stream carries a seed past a certain locus, and the sensor, in turn, actuates a cyclic stepping device by which each seed in a cycle is delivered into a different delivery tube and from there is deposited in a separate receptacle of a shutter. The stepping device is interconnected electronically with shutter indexing mechanism, by which the shutter is advanced and reindexed after each row of its seed-receiving openings has received its seeds, which may come from a single cycle or from a plurality of cycles.

Abstract: A packing container is formed from laminated material including a carrier layer of foamed plastics and has a generally tubular part and an end closure in the form of an end plate, the peripheral area of the latter is sealed to a region of the tubular part of the container at a region where the tubular part is folded in by shrinkage to fit against the underside of the end plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of filling flexible containers, each having a spout adapted to be closed by a separable cap, characterized in that the containers are connected together seriatim in a continuous row and are fed automatically one after another to a filling and capping station, rather than being hand fed one at a time to the station. This results in increased speed of operation and decreased labor costs. In one embodiment the containers are moved seriatim to the filling station by an intermittently operated conveyor. In another embodiment the weight of the filled containers pulls succeeding empty containers to the filling and capping station. At the station, between the filling and capping steps, the container is manipulated so as to seal off the spout and prevent entry of foreign matter to the container during the time between removal of the filling nozzle from the spout and application of the cap to the filled container.

Abstract: A fluid impervious expandable enclosed bag containing separately compartmented first and second gas generating components which, upon admixture in successive amounts, generate gas causing the bag to expand gradually from a collapsed condition to an ultimately fully expanded condition. The internal compartmentation in the bag also contains a solvent medium and a time release capsule of one of the components, thereby providing apparatus that can be mass produced and used for insertion into aerosol-type liquid product dispensing containers to provide relatively constant expulsion pressure during use.