With Separate Closure Attaching (e.g., Cap Or Plug) Patents (Class 53/471)
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Patent number: 7963088Abstract: A base for a plastic container defining a central longitudinal axis. The base includes an annular standing ring portion defining a standing surface. The base includes a substantially cylindrical ring portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the standing surface. The base further includes a substantially concave dome portion extending inwardly from the substantially cylindrical ring portion to the longitudinal axis. The concave dome portion of the base includes a first plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis, and a second plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of each of the second plurality of substantially triangular panels is circumferentially and longitudinally offset from the first plurality of substantially triangular panels. A container preform and method of hot filling a plastic container are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Charles P. Simpson, Jr., Todd Budden, John P. Dinkel
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Publication number: 20110088360Abstract: A hot-fill container has a body portion that may utilize interchangeable dome-like top portion. A top portion is located above the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon. A bottom portion is located below the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Sunil S. Shah, Benton A. Lewis, Sheldon E. Yourist, April M. Peacock
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Patent number: 7926243Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Paul V. Kelley, Scott E. Bysick
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Publication number: 20110068019Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that provide effective packaging items with at least one gummy surface. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide a package for items with a gummy surface that does not require a separate liner to be placed on the gummy surface. In example implementations, the package includes inadhesive polymers such that the item can be removeably adhered to a portion of the package. Moreover, example embodiments of the present invention provide packaging devices, systems, and methods that allow an item with a gummy surface to be packaged without any part of the package interfacing with the gummy surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: CAO GROUP, INC.Inventors: Steven D. Jensen, Densen Cao
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Publication number: 20110049170Abstract: A container for containing and dispensing viscous comestibles, such as ice cream, is disclosed. The container includes a container body with a nozzle and a container cap movably coupled to the container body. The container cap moves between at least two positions, a first position where the container cap covers the nozzle, and a second position where a portion of the nozzle extends through a container cap opening. In some embodiments a straw portion of the nozzle extends through the container cap opening. A method of containing viscous comestibles is disclosed which includes attaching a container cap to a container body such that the container cap has at least two positions, testing that the container cap moves to each of its at least two positions, inserting viscous comestibles into the container body through a nozzle opening in the container body nozzle, and locking the container cap in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: James Wheeler
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Publication number: 20110047938Abstract: In an automated method for handling and packaging agriculturally grown food items, at least a portion of the exterior of the food item is removed to expose its interior region. From the exposed interior region, a number of food segments are extruded. For example, cylinders of pineapple or watermelon may be extruded. The extruded food segments are then inserted into a number of packaging units, such as single-serving tubes. The extrusion process for forming the food segments may be continuous with the insertion process, such as when the packaging units are located in alignment with movement of a corresponding number of extrusion members. Thus, an automated system may include a mechanized trimmer, a mechanized extrusion unit, and a mechanized packager that provides hands-free insertion of the food segments into the packaging units.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Jose L. Medina
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Patent number: 7886899Abstract: A closure device with a fluid chamber containing an additive. The additive can be introduced and mixed into a liquid on the container by the closure device. The closure device includes a cap member having a fluid chamber and a housing having a plug member. The cap member is provided with a primary engagement member which engages with a corresponding primary engagement member provided on the housing to allow the cap member to be lifted relative to the housing from a closed position in which the plug member closes an aperture in the fluid chamber to an open position in which the plug member is at least partially withdrawn from the aperture, thereby allowing the additive to pass from the fluid chamber to the liquid in the bottle. The closure device enables mixing of the additive and liquid in the bottle without opening the closure.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Gizmo Packaging LimitedInventor: Bernard Derek Frutin
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Patent number: 7886505Abstract: A method of dispensing food from a multiple-chamber container. In one embodiment, a method comprises moving a first seal to expose a first opening to a first chamber at a top of the container, moving a second seal to expose a second opening to a second chamber proximate a bottom of the container, extracting a first portion of a first food product from the first chamber through the first opening, and extracting a second portion of a second food product from the second chamber through the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventor: Lendy Dunaway
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Patent number: 7882682Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Inventor: Wendell Martin
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Publication number: 20110023416Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Chih-Jen Leu, James G. Mcerlean, Dennis W. Rice
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Publication number: 20110023420Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: STOKELY-VAN CAMP, INCInventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Steven Havlik, Richard O. Powell
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Patent number: 7877967Abstract: A method and device for the manufacture of packaging units or disposable single-use kegs in which a disposable fitting is retained on a blow-molded body by an inwardly-projecting flange structure which engages with an outwardly-projecting flange structure on the blow-molded body.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: KHS AGInventor: Alois Monzel
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Publication number: 20110017772Abstract: Sealing (peel seal) membranes for packaging aggressive or chemically reactive products such as hair colorants over long periods without seal failure are described. Advantageously, the membranes and other packaging components have a high resistance to chemical attack and exhibit other advantageous characteristics, such as good barrier properties that minimize or eliminate interaction with the external environment, chemical inertness with respect to the product, and desirable heat sealing properties for prolonged adhesion without cracking and/or product leakage. The membranes comprise an inner bonding layer comprising a blend of polyethylene (PE) with an anti-cohesion additive, and a barrier layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: ALCAN PACKAGING BEAUTY SERVICESInventors: Marie-Paule JACOULET, Thierry MAURICE
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Patent number: 7874129Abstract: Apparatus for molding and filling a device having a body defining an opening in communication with an interior chamber for receiving a substance therein, and a closure including a penetrable and resealable portion for sealing the opening and substance received in the device. A mold includes within the aseptic chamber plural mold cavities shaped to form the closure and body, and substantially sterile surfaces extending about and contiguous to the peripheries of the mold cavities. An assembly device including end-of-arm tooling having an engaging portion engageable with each of the body and closure is movable relative to the mold to engage and de-mold the substantially sterile closures and bodies from the mold cavities. Flexible barriers are coupled to the mold and the tool to substantially prevent the passage of contaminants from the molding machine and tool therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Py, Benoit Adamo, John Guthy, Nathaniel Houle, M. Jeffrey Willey
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Publication number: 20110000977Abstract: A container for dispensing a pourable composition and an air freshener, the container comprising: a container body for the pourable composition, and an air freshening unit attached or attachable to a lower periphery of the container body, and comprising a housing and a closure. The closure closes an aperture in the housing through which the air freshener is loadable into the air freshener unit and thereby retains the air freshener in the air freshener unit, and the closure and the air freshener housing are mutually engageable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: Philip Craig Withers
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Publication number: 20100326020Abstract: A method of fabricating a drug-transfer device includes forming a package having a first component retaining multiple volumes of a drug and a second component retaining an agent. The first component and the second component are integrally formed together. The agent is configured to suppress a physiological effect of the drug when the agent contacts the drug or is coadministered with the drug. The method allows exterior surfaces of the first and second components to be cleanable (e.g., prior to final assembly). After such cleaning, either no or substantially no amount of drug and agent is present outside the package. According to some embodiments, the package may be fabricated such that either no or substantially no amount of the drug is present within the second component and such that either no or substantially no amount of the agent is present within the first component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventors: Philipp Helmut Schmaelzle, Scott Albert Uhland
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Patent number: 7845147Abstract: A method is provided of forming a multi-pack container assembly having at least two containers joined together by a channel. The method includes the steps of providing sheet having a barrier layer thermoforming the sheet into a multi-pack container assembly having a plurality of containers wherein each container comprises a flange and the flanges of adjacent containers are connected by an engineered area of weakness or channel. Resultant containers can be used for low-moisture, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food products.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Eric Thomas Henderson, John Joseph Michels
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Publication number: 20100288721Abstract: A container assembly including a composite inner seal with a removable coupon affixed thereon by a pressure-sensitive agent, thus sealing an opening of the container is disclosed. In some embodiments, the removable coupon is capable of being removed intact. Methods of manufacturing a container assembly including fabricating an inner composite seal and a removable coupon are disclosed. The removable component is removably affixed to a top surface of the inner composite seal by application of a pressure-sensitive agent thus forming a multi-layered seal. The multi-layered seal may be positioned and/or inserted within a container cap in preparation for completing downstream bottling of a medicinal substance. Methods of providing a product/residue-free removable coupon to a user wherein the removable coupon is included within the container assembly, but free from contact with the product within the container are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: PHARMAVITE LLCInventor: Gail V. Atkin
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Patent number: 7832188Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heat sealing a lidstock (9) to a container (1) for a blister package, the container having a top surface comprising a substantially flat sealing flange (3) surrounding a blister (2) and a lip (4) having at least one raised surface (6), the method comprising the steps of a) locating the lidstock on the top surface; b) providing a first seal between the lidstock and the at least one raised surface of the lip with a first heat sealing tool (11); c) providing a second hermetic seal between the lidstock and the sealing flange surrounding the blister with a second heat sealing tool. The invention also relates to a package for storing a hydrophilic contact lens comprising a lip having at least one raised surface and a removable lidstock sealed to a sealing flange and to the at least one raised surface. Also disclosed is an apparatus for heat sealing the lidstock to the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventors: Trevor F. O'Neill, Anthony O'Neill, Michael W. Murphy, Patrick J. Tobin, John R. Coppinger, Patrick D. O'Neill
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Patent number: 7832184Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Packaging & Product Innovations Europe B.V.Inventor: Mark Erich Sillince
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Patent number: 7832185Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Steven Havlik, Richard O. Powell
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Publication number: 20100281829Abstract: In some embodiments, containers can be, for example, labeled with a uniquely identifiable customer label. The labeled containers can be loaded into a carrier that caries containers. The carrier can be transported to and from various stations by a transport system. The container carrier can travel through, for example, a solid pharmaceutical dispensing system where all or some of the containers in the carrier can be filled with a specific quantity of pharmaceutical product. The carrier can be transported to a capping and branding station where the containers can be capped and branded. The caps can be pre-branded, blank, or a combination of pre-branded and blank. Where at least some of the containers are branded with blank caps, a carrier and/or container can be transported to a branding station that can brand caps with cap labeling information (e.g., logos, graphics, artwork, text, etc.) that can be specific to each cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Chih-Jen Leu, James G. McErlean, Dennis W. Rice
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Publication number: 20100275556Abstract: An automatic, portable water bottle filling apparatus includes an elongated frame that defines a continuous conveying path with opposite first and second ends; a conveyor system that moves bottles along the conveying path; a water filling station adjacent to the conveying path second end that is configured to fill an empty bottle with liquid from the user's water source; a capping station positioned downstream from the water filling station that is configured to close a filled bottle with a cap; a sensor system configured to detect the presence of an empty, uncapped bottle at the water filling station; and a controller that automatically controls operations of the water filling station, capping station and conveyor system in response to signals received from the sensor system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Richard D. Michelli, Laura Paramoure Michelli
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Publication number: 20100270316Abstract: A top cover for sealing an open end of a cylindrical beverage container comprises a panel having a scored portion. A tab is attached to a first side of the panel and configured to open a hole in the panel by fracturing the scored portion. The panel comprises a hollow body forming a cavity extending from an open end on the first side of the panel to a closed bottom end. A method for providing a top cover configured to seal an open end of a cylindrical beverage container comprises the steps of forming a panel having a scored portion, and attaching a tab to a first side of the panel. The tab is configured to open a hole in the panel by fracturing the scored portion. The method also comprises the step of defining a hollow body in the panel. The hollow body is forming a cavity extending from an open end on the first side of the panel to a closed bottom end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Mikael Sahlström
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Publication number: 20100263329Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a method of filling and sealing a beverage container, the method comprising the steps of: a) dispensing a predetermined amount of beverage, preferably wine, into an open-topped container having a circular rim, preferably a plastics wine glass, to leave a headspace above the beverage in the container; b) temporarily tacking a generally flat flexible film lid sized to fit over the open top to the rim of the container at at least one position around the rim while leaving the remainder of the rim free; c) engaging the tacked lid to cause flexure thereof to create a gap between the lid and the rim on one side; d) dispensing an inert gas, preferably nitrogen, through the gap so created and into the headspace to displace air therefrom; and e) bringing a heat sealer into engagement with the lid to heat seal the lid to the rim about its entire circumference, thereby trapping the inert gas within the headspace.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventor: James Nash
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Patent number: 7810302Abstract: A food package for sliced food products to be maintained with a fluffed appearance, the package including a rigid base member forming a compartment for receiving the food product and a rigid lid sealed to the compartment. Advantageously, the base member includes a bottom wall and side wall portions that are configured to engage the food product to hold the slices in a fluffed arrangement thereof. Preferably, one or more tapered side wall portions hold the food product upwardly toward the lid and inwardly toward a center of the package. In preferred embodiments, the base member and lid provide a rigid-rigid construction of the food package. In preferred embodiments, the food package is also configured to stand-up in a vertical display orientation and does not require the food product be contained within a sealed pouch within the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLCInventors: Bonita May Hinze, Chad Michael Evenson, Andrew Scott Ives
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Publication number: 20100242414Abstract: A package includes a pour spout and a closure cap. The pour spout is adapted to fit into a neck finish associated with a container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: BERRY PLASTICS CORPORATIONInventors: John TAUBER, Duane Sawyer
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Publication number: 20100242411Abstract: A packaging machine and a method of manufacturing a package are provided. The method may comprise the following: forming a container (13) in a web of a first web-like material (7) by deep-drawing; forming a lid (14?) in a web of a further web-like material (9?) by deep-drawing; placing the lid (14?) onto the container (13); and subsequently separating the container (13) from the first web-like material (7, 9?), wherein an edge (20, 21, 22) of the container (13) and an edge (20?, 21?, 22?) of the lid (14?) are formed in an angled or bent form.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Hans-Joachim Boekstegers, Jesus Sanchez, Helmut Sparakowski
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Publication number: 20100243720Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging for a food product comprising a container with a receptacle closed by a lid and a jacket that surrounds the container and in contact with which the latter is mounted, and its method of manufacture. According to the invention, this lid (4) is covered with at least one element (6) for identifying the product which is pressed thereon by removal of at least one zone of the jacket of predetermined geometry and forming this element. The packaging according to the invention is manufactured by: a) filling the container by means of the said product, b) closure of the container, thus filled, by its lid, c) positioning of the jacket around the container so that this zone to be removed is located facing a predetermined location of the lid, then d) stamping (A) the jacket in this zone in order to press this element onto the lid, this element preferably being pre-spread with adhesive in order to adhere to the lid after this stamping.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: BONGRAIN SAInventors: Laurence Adeline, Christian Ott
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Publication number: 20100236951Abstract: A repair kit (10) includes a sealed package (12) having a plurality of isolated compartments (32, 42, 44) for holding substances (50, 52) that, when mixed together, form an adhesive, and for holding a flexible substrate (54). Pull tabs (60, 66, 80, 86) are arranged on the package (12) to aid in opening fluid communication between the compartments to permit adhesive mixture and to permit adhesive flow onto the substrate (54) for subsequent repair purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: James M. Huff, Bert Nyberg, Mark A. DeRyke
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Publication number: 20100224629Abstract: A liquid pack with a filling gland having a post fill sealed membrane interposed between the product and the, or a, surround of the opening into die filling gland. An insertor integral part of the filling gland defines a dispensing gland, piercing adaptor and/or collar. This has been both (i) engaged to said filling gland if not integral therewith and (ii) had a surround of its opening sealed to said membrane. In use a suitable piercer to be guided by or received said dispensing gland, piercer adaptor and/or collar can pierce said membrane to allow egress of the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventor: Peter John Schroeder
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Patent number: 7784251Abstract: A closure cap that is particularly suited for use with plastic containers in packaging malt based beverages such as beer and ale includes an upper portion and a generally cylindrical sidewall that depends downwardly from the upper portion. The cylindrical sidewall defines a threaded inner surface, which permits the closure cap to be threaded onto a threaded finish portion of a container. Most advantageously, the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall is stylized to resemble a conventional crown closure. In the disclosed embodiment this is accomplished by molding a plurality of fluted ribs into the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall. A method of packaging a beverage and a packaging assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Orbist Closures Switzerland GmbHInventor: Thomas M. Seidita
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Publication number: 20100206881Abstract: The present invention combines two containers into a single container with two compartments or chambers, for the purpose of providing alcohol-based “shooters” that are not mixed until consumed. In some variations, containers can be pre-filled with an alcohol-containing liquid and another liquid, joined with a container top assembly, and distributed to a bar, night club, or restaurant for sale and consumption. In some embodiments, all-glass dual-chamber containers are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: DANIEL C. O'CONNOR, TODD W. SMITH
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Publication number: 20100205907Abstract: A beverage bottle or container filling plant having a beverage bottle or container treatment arrangement and a method of operating a beverage bottle or container filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Thomas HEROLD, Roland TOPF
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Publication number: 20100183777Abstract: There is provided a packaged roast and ground coffee product comprising a lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container made of laminated plastic material comprising a moisture barrier and an oxygen barrier, and a quantity of roast and ground coffee disposed within the container. The container comprises a finish that includes a top surface and one or more snap beads positioned below the top surface. A plurality of snap bead segments may be circumferentially spaced from one another. A sealing member may be sealed to the top surface. The sealing member may include a one-way valve permitting venting of CO2 resulting from off-gassing of the roast and ground coffee while preventing ingress of air. A removable overcap comprising a top wall and a depending skirt may be affixed to the finish.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Arthur Sagy, Piaras Valdis de Cleir
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Publication number: 20100178401Abstract: A method for the production of a stabilized packaged food product includes the steps of: filling a tray with a predetermined quantity of a food starting material; introducing the tray into a pressure vessel and conveying the tray through the pressure vessel while performing the following steps in sequence inside the pressure vessel: (i) treating the food starting material with high-temperature pressurized steam to sterilize the material, (ii) dosing the sterile food material inside the tray with a predetermined amount of sterile water; and (iii) applying a lid to the tray to seal the food product inside the tray while maintaining the tray in a sterile environment. Also provided are an apparatus for performing the method and packaged stabilized full moisture food products obtainable by the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Cornelius Jan Van Appeldoorn, Paul Alois Maria Otten, Annica Bonna, Martijn Johannes Maria De Vries, Marcel Christian Anthony Velthuis
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Publication number: 20100170199Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Paul V. Kelley, Scott E. Bysick
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Publication number: 20100155396Abstract: A container for liquids comprising a first portion forming an approximate half container portion; a second portion forming an approximate half container portion, the first and second portions having a generally convex exterior shape with flange portions along perimeters thereof; a liquid impermeable barrier film being disposed on a concave interior portion of each of the first and second portions and extending onto the flange portions; the first and second portions being sealed together at the flange portions to form a liquid impermeable container; and there being provided a location on the container for the disposition of a closure device to allow contents of the container, once filled, to be removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Jim F. Warner
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Patent number: 7739859Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotating conveying system for conveying along a curved path components of packaging units comprising containers and container closures, a filling device for filling with a product the containers on the rotating conveying system, a sterilizing device for sterilizing at least part of the components mounted along the path and comprising an irradiating device arranged to emit radiation.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Sidel S.p.A.Inventors: Luca Colato, Angelo Silvestri
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Publication number: 20100139220Abstract: A portable food dispenser includes one or more containers. A first container is capable of being only partially opened to provide access to food or a second container. The second container includes a cover that can be opened to provide access to food.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Matthew R. Cook, Kurt Wolf
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Publication number: 20100132313Abstract: A method for production of hard gelatin capsules (C) having a lid (3) and body (2) containing a quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material including feeding empty capsules along a handling line (L); separating the capsule bodies (2) from the lids (3) to form two separate rows of capsule bodies (2) and lids (3); feeding and dosing the quantities (1) of pharmaceutical material to be filled into the capsule bodies (2); and closing the capsules (C) by placing a lid (3) over each respective body (2). A mechanism (9) for detecting and volumetrically checking the quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material filled into each capsule body (2) is provided and includes a transducer (5) measuring the volume of the quantities (1) before they are filled into the capsule bodies (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.p.A.Inventor: Roberto TREBBI
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Patent number: 7726106Abstract: A system for processing a simplified plastic container (C) that is to be filled with a hot product includes the step of blow-molding parison to form a container body, where the container body has a neck, a base, a side surface relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the container body and, prior to being filled with the hot product, a projection (12) extending from the container body. After the container body is filled with a hot product in a production line, the neck of the filled container body is capped with a cap and then, the container body is cooled. During the cooling operation, the hot product is contracted so that the projection extending from the container can be pushed (P) into the container body like a traditional push-up so that the resultant, filled and cooled container body is relatively free of structural geometry.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventors: Paul Kelley, Kent Goss, Philip Sheets, Ted Lyon, Charles A. Ryl-Kuchar
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Patent number: 7726101Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one pharmaceutical product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a container into the bottom shell; a control device weighing the product in the metering chamber to cut off supply of the product into the metering chamber, when the weight of the product substantially equals a given reference value.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: MG 2 - S.r.l.Inventor: Davide Frabetti
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Patent number: 7726102Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device having a metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a tank into the bottom shell; the metering chamber having a weighing device for weighing the product contained in the metering chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: MG 2 -S.r.l.Inventor: Ernesto Gamberini
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Publication number: 20100126120Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the apparatus and method are for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: PARMALAT CANADA INC.Inventors: Robert Edwards, Michael Elent
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Publication number: 20100121483Abstract: A beverage bottling plant, in which beverage bottles are filled, closed, packed, and transported on dollies and pallets, an arrangement for transporting dollies, and a method therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Joachim JUNGHANS
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Publication number: 20100108778Abstract: A device for containing and releasing a volatile substance having a lower vapor barrier layer; a fluid reservoir melt bonded to the lower vapor barrier layer and a volatile substance absorbed in the fluid reservoir; and an upper vapor barrier layer peelably sealed to the lower vapor barrier layer to form a fluid tight cavity containing the fluid reservoir. The volatile substance can be a fragrance. The fluid reservoir includes a composite material formed from a fibrous component and a heat sealable thermoplastic component. Methods of making the device are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Steven J. Greenland
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Publication number: 20100101191Abstract: A shuttle system including a main conveyor for transporting food products in a longitudinal direction, a supply of open top containers displaced along a longitudinal direction and movable in the longitudinal direction into a filling station. The shuttle system includes a shuttle robot for moving food products from the main conveyor to an open top container in the filling station. A sensor for receiving food product position data and a controller receiving data from the sensor and for instructing operation of the robot.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Scott Lindee
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Patent number: 7698878Abstract: An aerosol dispenser is formed from a metal drawn container with an open bottom and a mounting cup structure integrally formed in its top. A bottom piece is attached to the open bottom with a double seam and a dispensing device held in the mounting cup structure. In one embodiment the dispensing device is an anti-clog valve designed to clear all dispensing passages after each operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Dispensing Patents International, LLCInventor: Philip Meshberg
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Patent number: 7699182Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic container having a neck, shoulder, base and body portion. There are longitudinal base panel portions with rounded, longitudinal base panel edges separating each of said flattened portions from each other at a waist. The waist has a circumferential dimension less than the base and is positioned between the body portion and the base. The body portion is positioned between the waist and the circular shoulder and has flexible, substantially flat longitudinal body panels and rounded, longitudinal body panel edges separating adjacent body panels from each other and merging with the longitudinal panel edges of said base. The longitudinal body edges increase in width as the body longitudinally merges with the circular shoulder portion, and the circular shoulder portion has a rounded portion transitioning into and merging with the body panels, and a sloping portion of reducing diameter merging with the neck.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventor: Sheldon Yourist