Abstract: A heat seal bar used in a plastic film packaging machine for cutting and sealing plastic films about wrapped products is provided with an insert having sealing surfaces and a knife cutting edge which is removably mounted to the seal bar. A first rectangular portion of the insert is adapted to be received within an elongate slot formed in a bottom surface of the seal bar for mounting the insert to the bar with screws. A second portion of semicircular cross section extends along the bottom of the first portion and thereby projects downwardly from the seal bar. A knife blade detachably mounted in the insert has a cutting edge extending below the seal bar. The cutting edge is defined by a pair of converging knife surfaces formed on the knife blade. Convex surfaces of the second portion formed respectively on opposite sides of the knife define the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A process for forming an easy-opening arrangement for gable-top cartons is described. A tape is applied to the inside of the pouring spout in order to stiffen the panels, while reducing the force required to separate the thermoplastic seal. The tape is bonded to the thermoplastic surface layer of the carton by an adhesive. During the hot air heating of the carton top prior to sealing, the area where the tape is located is not exposed to the hot air. During closing of the sealing jaws, surfaces on the opposed faces of the sealing jaw urge the adhesive into the space above the edge of the pouring spout to form an impermeable seal. The location of the tape on the carton blank and the apparatus for heating and sealing the carton are also described.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a lead frame with a die or chip mounted on a die pad, a base made of a thermoplastic material and having a cavity, and a lid made of thermoplastic material ultrasonically welded to the base to cover the cavity and protect the electronic device in the package. The package may include a substrate with conductive traces.A method of attaching a lid to a semiconductor package base includes the steps of providing a semiconductor package base having an open cavity, providing a thermoplastic lid that covers the open cavity, placing the lid on the semiconductor package base so that the lid covers the open cavity, applying pressure to hold the lid and body together, and attaching the lid to the base by ultrasonically welding them together.

Abstract: A gable-top carton has a pair of panels (4, 6) which form sloping walls and have marginal portions (4m, 6m). Another pair of panels (3m, 5m), are tucked beneath the sloping walls and have marginal portions (3m, 5m). The marginal portions (3m-6m) are heat sealed together to form a ridge-shaped seal. One panel (5) is the pouring spout panel and this is revealed when wings (9, 10), on the sealed carton are folded back. The pouring spout panel (5) is secured by a bond (34) made in a central folded corner (26), a bond (35, 36) between outer corners of the wings (9, 10), and a bond between confronting surfaces of the marginal portions 4m, 6 m). Areas on the marginal portions (4m, 6 m) are not directly heated to facilitate opening of the pouring spout whilst providing an hermetic seal.

Abstract: Folded paperboard food cartons having a polymer coating only on the interior surface and sales graphics on a substantially unplasticized clay coated exterior surface are heat sealed at contiguous areas of overlapping flaps wherein the polymer coated interior surface is in direct contact with a small portion of the clay coated exterior surface, or where it is desired to secure together two portions of the clay coated exterior surface. In such heat sealing areas, small and accurately located exterior clay coated carton surface areas are primed with a water based polymer emulsion such as ethylene vinyl acetate that is precisely applied to such areas by a printing press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing a gable-top container to allow easier opening, as well as the carton sealed by the method provided When the container is sealed, a portion of at least one sealing jaw is recessed to prevent functional impairment of the underlying pouring spout tips.

Abstract: A sealed indicator vial to detect the presence of a predetermined contaminant in water containing a mixture of reagents reactive in the presence of water, the mixture being sufficiently dehydrated to prevent the reaction of said reagents while sealed in said vial. The vial contains an inert atmosphere at less than atmospheric pressure. Also described is the method of producing such an indicator vial in which a tube containing the dehydrated reagents is heated and stretched to form a narrow waist while under vacuum.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus that seals a product within a container while under a controlled environment. The container, holding a product and having a lid tacked to the open end thereof leaving vents between the lid and the container. The container is enclosed within a chamber having a device for controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the chamber. The chamber and container are evacuated and then flushed with an inert fluid at least once. While the container is still within the chamber the lid is completely peelably sealed to the container.

Abstract: A sealing jaw apparatus for a plastic film wrapping machine has essentially spaced heated sealing jaws with a reciprocal knife located therebetween. The jaws operate against a heated elastomeric bed that has a longitudinal slot to receive the knife during the cutting operation. The arrangement provides a sealing of thermoplastic film and a severing thereof at a considerably lower temperature then the melting point of the film.

Abstract: The method of automatically filling and sealing containers comprises a conveyor which advances containers, in series, in a first orientation towards a filling station, with the filling port of the container generally horizontal. The containers are then reorientated prior to filling thereof to a second orientation which positions the filling port of the containers at an upper edge thereof. The containers are then filled in the second orientation by dispensing product through the filling ports of the containers. The filled containers are then advanced in the second orientation to a sealing station where sealing of the filling port is completed. After the containers have been sealed, they are discharged from the conveyor. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for carrying out the above method, which apparatus includes an intermittent movement conveyor formed of a series of plates, with each plate adapted to receive a container.

Abstract: In order to avoid in a tubular bagging machine the disadvantages resulting from the state of the art through a cam-plate control of cross-welding jaws, it is suggested according to the invention, that the control of the movement of the cross-welding jaws occurs in dependency on the contact pressure, the temperature and the needed sealing time, with the drive being able to occur mechanically by means of a toggle-lever drive mechanism.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for sealing an inner pouch containing surgical instruments and/or elements in an outer breather pouch is provided. The method involves sequentially transporting a series of open inner pouches contained in an outer breather pouch to a viewing station wherein positioning data is obtained concerning the precise location of the inner pouch relative to a base position. Thereafter positioning data is transmitted to a sealing apparatus which adjustably positions a sealing means to consistently seal the inner pouch through the outer pouch material. The apparatus includes viewing mechanisms for determining the position of an inner pouch disposed in an outer pouch relative to a base position. Adjustable sealing apparatus communicates with the viewing mechanism to receive positioning information relating to the inner pouch. Based on this information the viewing apparatus is adjusted so as to be able to effect accurate sealing of the inner pouch disposed within the outer pouch.

Abstract: Heated seal bars are located on opposite sides of an elongated strip of heat sealable material adapted to be advanced with a step-by-step motion. When the strip dwells, the bars are shifted linearly inwardly into engagement with the strip to form a heat seal and then are retracted linearly a short distance away from the strip to permit the strip to advance through its next step. If an abnormal condition prevents the strip from advancing, the bars are retracted linearly to a parked position in which the bars are spaced a substantial distance away from the strip in order to prevent the heat radiating from the bars from damaging the stopped strip.

Abstract: A machine and method for sealing closed an integral neck of blow molded bottle and simultaneously forming an integral twist-off.

Abstract: In a system of packaging of foodstuffs in containers of rectangular horizontal section, each open-topped container is sterilized, filled, and closed with a sterilized closure. The closure is of a laminate including a thermoplastics layer of sufficient thickness to fill an internal discontinuity of the container mouth during heat-sealing of the closure to the container. In making the closure, a portion of laminate is partially severed to form a flap and the laminate is clamped around the flap and drawn to form a shallow dish, to the inside of the base of which is heat-sealed a diaphragm including a pull tab. The thermoplastics layer is on a reflective metal layer and incorporates infrared-absorbing particles and infrared-reflective particles.

Abstract: To prevent an end of a filled container, upon heating by a hot air for subsequent welding of edges thereof, from coming into contact and sticking to a retainer, a centering gas such as, for example, air is supplied from an external source to the container end. Edges of the filling opening of the container are heated by a hot gas for a subsequent closing of the same through a nozzle introducible into the filling opening of the container end. A centering fluid is directed at the end of the container with a component of flow of the centering in an axial direction of the container to provide for a contact-free centering of the container end.

Abstract: In a process for the filling and hermetically sealing by fusion welding a receptacle which is elastically deformable, the liquid level in the receptacle is raised by elastic deformation of the receptacle before the receptacle is sealed closed by fusion welding. A vacuum pressure is established during at least a portion of the length of time between the beginning of the raising of the liquid level and the hermetical sealing by fusion welding applied to the filler connection of the receptacle.

Abstract: Packaging for packaging of products under a transparent film, a process for performing this packaging and a device for using this process. The packaging comprises a plate of cardboard or the like intended for supporting at least one product to be packaged, whose face receiving the product or products receives a coating of a layer of synthetic material, a first sheet of synthetic material for covering the upper face of the plate and the product or products resting on it. The first sheet is attached to the plate by being heated and partial vacuum being applied through the plate, and projects beyond the peripheral edge of the plate. A second sheet of synthetic material covers the lower face of the plate and is attached to the upper covering sheet by the peripheral edges of each sheet to one another beyond the edge of the plate. The packaging provides a tamperproof packaging making display of the packaged product possible.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method for simultaneously loading, sealing and severing bags forming part of at least two independent chains of bags. Two juxtaposed nip roll assemblies including axially aligned feed roll portions can be independently actuated in order to selectively feed one or two webs. A drive motor, having a dual output, is selectively coupled to the nip roll assemblies by clutch/brake units which can be selectively actuated. After a bag or bags are loaded, a sealing mechanism is actuated to seal the loaded bag or bags. A sensor monitors movement in a seal unit member and terminates the sealing cycle if movement in the seal member occurs prior to the pressure bar reaching a predetermined position. While a bag or bags are being sealed, a tear off mechanism including a rod-like member is advanced into and through the web path in order to sever the loaded bag from the remainder of the web.

Abstract: A high barrier container includes a barrel-shaped container body having a sealed end and an open end, and a closure member. The closure member includes a circular laminated central closure panel and a peripheral flange. The laminated central closure panel includes a top plastic layer and gas-impermeable layer bonded thereto. The closure member is spin welded to the container body such that a spin-weld interface is formed between the open-end part of the container body and the flange.

Abstract: A tamper indicator for a blister package having a rupturable lid which is attached to a base formed with recesses that hold articles in the recesses between the lid and the base. The indicator comprises an easily ruptured and tearable film that completely covers the exposed surface of the base and is attached to the lid near the juncture of the lid and the base.

Abstract: Packaging of series of relatively small articles between long webs of wide packaging laminates having faces of resilient heat sealable foam. One web is fed foam-face-up across a table, the articles to be packaged placed on it in spaced locations, heated melting shoes applied to web edges to melt the foam surfaces there, and a second web applied foam-face-down over the spaced articles and heat sealed to the lower web at its melted edges. Melting shoes can have their surfaces treated to make them essentially non-wetable by the melted foam. Transverse heat sealing and severings are effected between successive articles. The heat sealings can be set by cold pressings. Web backings can be made relatively non-porous to minimize bleed-through of melted foam. Before sealing, sandwiched articles and be pressed between upper and lower resilient fingers to urge articles to level at which they project up as much as they project down, from plane of web edges.

Abstract: A spouted, gable-topped carton has its top closure fin sealed by welding employing an ultrasonic horn and an anvil giving a suitable profile of contour sealing of the fin. There is a straight continuous lengthwise seal where the fin is two-ply and a meandering continuous lengthwise seal where it is four-ply, while the sealed portions of the four-ply spout part of the fin are of lesser total extent in proportion to the area of that spout part than are the sealed portions of the other four-ply part of the fin in proportion to its area.

Abstract: A method of making and decorating a container in which the tubular body is injection molded with either its upper end or its bottom end open and is threaded onto a mandrel through an open end to provide support for the tubular body during printing of a decor thereon. The neck member or bottom member or both can then be applied.

Abstract: Packs (10), in the present case cigarette packs, are often wrapped in blanks which consist of sealable material. Folding tabs, for example tubular tabs, side tabs (14, 15) and longitudinal tabs (16, 17), are connected to one another by means of sealing, with heat and pressure being applied.It is intended, despite the high working speed of the packaging machines and of the conveying members of these, that sealing should be carried out accurately and as tightly as possible.For this purpose, sealing members, in particular sealing jaws (41) for tubular tabs and sealing jaws (45, 46) for side tabs (14, 15) on longitudinal tabs (16, 17), are provided in the region of end faces (11, 12), and these execute extremely short stroke movements between a sealing position during a standstill phase of the packs (10) and a retracted position.

Abstract: A method of heat activating the interior surfaces of the top closure, fin forming panels of a paperboard carton of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,275 to thereby render their PE coating tacky prior to folding the panels to form the carton top closure. The geometry of the two fin forming panels is such that their interior surfaces require a U-shaped heating pattern, as opposed to heating their entire areas. This U pattern is achieved by a specific hot air jet arrangement on an otherwise conventional nozzle block and by moving the nozzle towards and away from the carton as the carton moves past the nozzle block. The method also includes heating by a second nozzle block, to increase the rate of production of closed cartons. The fin forming panels of the cartons may also be preheated.

Abstract: Plastic portions of a container rim and mating lid are fused together by an electrical conductor wire loop positioned therebetween when electromagnetically coupled to an induction heating coil. The wire forms a tab extending outside the closed container which may be manually manipulated to remove a lid fused in place to close the container. This container may be hermetically sealed with sanitized foodstuff or the like by concurrently sterilizing with microwave energy while fusing the lid in place.

Abstract: The packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables is effected in a package at least part of which is made of a transparent film of a polymeric material. The film has a high rate of gas permeability and is impervious to the ingress of bacteria. As the fruit and vegetables continue to respire in the package an atmosphere is set up inside the package which serves to retard spoilage, mould growth and flavor deterioration, thereby providing the package with a longer shelf life than an open receptacle. The film is preferably polymethyl pentene and may form all the container or a lid to a rigid receptacle.

Abstract: A retortable, hydraulically solid, sealed package (10) containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product (24) comprises a thermoplastics container (12) formed by a thermo-forming process and a heat-shrinkable thermoplastics closure diaphragm (20). The closure diaphragm is heat-sealed to a rim (18) of the container after the headspace above the product has been evacuated, and is subsequently subjected to external pressure so as to be non-elastically stretched and made to lie wholly in contact with the enclosed product. When retorted (e.g. for sterilization) the package suffers no visible deformation of the container (12), despite the considerable volume shrinkage of the container which may occur. The loss of volume caused by this volume shrinkage is accommodated by a reduction in the concavity of the diaphragm (20) caused by a corresponding heat-induced shrinkage of the diaphragm material.

Abstract: A machine for forming, continuously, distinct portions of smokeless tobacco in a pouch or pocket form, and continuously forming a chain of individual pouches containing the distinct portions of smokeless tobacco, cutting each pouch from a string of pouches, counting out a pre-set number of pouches for filling a container with the pre-set number of pouches with a set moisture content; further indexing each container relative to its production cycle, including means for rejecting improperly filled containers based on improperly filled individual or a plurality of pouches, closing each container with a lid, and pneumatic and other control means for controlling the production cycle of the machine.

Abstract: A method for sealing an assembled gelatine capsule of the type used to contain and dispense medication is disclosed. An assembled capsule the axis of which is oriented perpendicular to the axis of a thin elongated bar is moved along and in contact with a thin edge of the elongated bar. The surface of the assembled capsule, at a point where the cap and body of the capsule overlie each other, is initially in contact with the thin edge of one end of the bar and the capsule is moved along the length of said bar so that the axis of the capsule moves closer to the edge of the bar. The bar is heated so as to be at a first temperature at a first point between its ends that will melt the gelatine, and the remainder of the bar is at a temperature that will heat plasticize the gelatine. As the capsule is moved along the heated bar it is rotated either by friction between the bar and the capsule or by mechanical means.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of filling a chain of successively connected bag containers, each closed at its bottom end with successive ones seamed at adjacent side edges, the chain defining sleeve means along the upper edge thereof, above said side seams. The invention comprises moving the chain of containers along a process line, from a source thereof to a discharge point, with said sleeve means uppermost, past a filling station having a filling head operable to charge flowable material received from a source thereof, from a filling nozzle of the filling head, into successive containers presented to the filling station and past a sealing station which is intermediate the sealing station and discharge point, the sealing station having sealing means for sealing the top of each filled container.

Abstract: A method and assembly for sealing articles incorporates a continuously moving transfer mechanism which receives the articles from an intermittent feed and feeds them to an intermittent sealing mechanism. The intermittent sealing mechanism uses an elongate sealing member or heater plate which extends over a substantial portion of the sealing mechanism. The sealing member has a plurality of separate heaters functionally associated with the plate to apply heat to the articles at a plurality of stations during dwell times while the articles move through the sealing mechanism. The sealing member or heater plate reciprocates into and out of contact with the articles during the dwell periods by a cam to effect simultaneous sealing action at the plurality of stations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transverse sealing mechanism for use in producing bag-packed products by packing products in tubular film. The transverse sealing mechanism comprises compression-and-heat sealing means and compression-cooling and compression-cutting means disposed immediately below said sealing means, each of these means having a mechanism which can increase its compressive force infinitely. The packed bag transverse sealing mechanism provides for storing and perfect seals.

Abstract: A voided polypropylene film tampon wrap having end seals which are formed by mechanical crimping and a process for sealing the ends of the voided polypropylene film tampon wrap by mechanical crimping. A notch is formed adjacent to each end seal but remote from the enclosed tampon. Each end seal is formed by a pair of horizontal teeth wheels each having a pitch of 50 teeth per inch. One of the pair of wheels is heated to a temperature of 125.degree..+-.15.degree., and force is applied to at least one wheel to seal that end of the wrap by the pair of wheels.

Abstract: Heat sealing of foam-paper laminates and the like around articles to cushion them. Foam can be coated with anti-stat and/or corrosion inhibitor to protect articles against static electricity and/or corrosion. Such coatings can reduce the heat sealing temperature. Laminate portions to be heat sealed can be pre-heated to shorten heat sealing dwell.

Abstract: A packing machine for making filled and sealed bags from superposed wrapper sheets, has a pair of cooperating sealing rollers for providing longitudinal seams on the superposed wrapper sheets passed therebetween; a mechanism for rotating unidirectionally the sealing rollers in first and second consecutive steps for providing the longitudinal seams in two consecutive length portions, each corresponding to one-half of the predetermined length; a pair of cooperating sealing shoes movable towards and away from one another for assuming, respectively, a sealing position to provide a transverse seam on the superposed wrapper sheets and an idling position; and a mechanism for moving the sealing shoes, while in the sealing position, codirectionally with the travelling direction of the wrapper sheets during a period in which one of the two steps is performed and for moving the sealing shoes, while in the idling position, against the travelling direction during a period in which the other of the two steps is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tube including a base, a pair of legs secured to the ends of the base, and a holder base attached to the base. A tube holder for holding the tube is connected to the holder base. The tube holder has a structure defining a pair of diametrically opposed openings. A pair of soldering irons is oppositely secured with respect to each other in proximity to the top of the pair of legs. Each soldering iron has a hot end that generally registers with one of the opposed openings such as to be in close proximity to the tube being held by the tube holder in order to soften the material of the tube in the area contiguous to the openings. Power is conducted and supplied to each of the soldering irons. Vacuum is drawn on top of the tube to suck or pull inward the tube in the spots being softened from the heat of the pair of soldering irons.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for securely joining the two halves of telescoping capsules made of a thermoplastic material such as a rigid gelatin, which process involves spraying a tackifying agent such as steam on one or both of the capsules and rotating them together.

Abstract: An ink cartridge 10 is described with a rigid, hollow housing 12 within which an ink container assembly is positioned. The assembly includes an ink container 16 mounted, as by heat sealing, directly to an ink container support 18. The support 18 is secured by fasteners 24 to a cap 14 of the housing with a gasket 22 and gasket retainer 20 positioned between the support 18 and cap 14. The gasket retainer 20 includes plural gasket retaining projections 104, 150, 152, 156 and an outer peripheral wall 23 which bears against the cap 14 when the ink cartridge is assembled. The gasket support 20 and ink container support 18 cooperatively interfit. To manufacture the ink container assembly, the ink container support 18 is inserted through an opening 74 in a sheet of ink container forming material. The portions 78 of the ink container material bounding the opening are then secured to a planar mounting surface 72 of the ink container support 18.

Abstract: A package blank is made from a single sheet having at least surface layers of heat-sealable material. The blank sheet comprises first and second rectangular panels foldably formed on opposite sides of a backstrip. The first and second panels have first and second pairs of foldable side flaps, respectively, extending from their opposite sides, and the backstrip has a pair of foldable back flaps extending from its opposite ends. The first side flap pair and the back flap pair have sloping edges located adjacent each other for forming at least partly overlapping seams when the blank is folded up into a generally boxlike, open-front package. The overlapping seams serve to prevent the intrusion into the package of heated air used for fusing the second side flap pair onto the first side flap pair and the back flap pair.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing pouch packages in pairs has two tube shaping devices disposed beside one another and two crosswise closure devices. To prevent having to stop both tubular pouch shaping devices at the same time in the event of an interruption or malfunction, or when changing a roll of packaging material, the crosswise closure devices are disposed on separate carriers. The carriers which are movable up and down individually can be coupled with a reciprocating element, which is moved incrementally up and down by a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device for hot air welding, comprising a nozzle for activation of a sealing area around an opening at the inside of a hollow body. The nozzle has a slot device for directing a flow of air out through the opening for activating the sealing area when the nozzle is in the operative position thereof. Means are arranged for cooling the hollow body externally around the sealing area. There are also provided means for recirculation of the gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for simultaneously loading and unloading food packages into and from a package-forming machine. A pusher and puller are mounted on opposite directions, toward and away from the machine, whereby packages can be inserted into the machine at the same time packages are withdrawn. In a preferred embodiment, the pusher and puller include package gripping jaws slidably mounted for reciprocal movement. A shuttle which mounts the jaws may also include a bellcrank and latch system for controlling opening and closing of the jaws.

Abstract: A device for disposing of a contaminated suction tube connected to a storage container for glass-enclosed radioactive waste material by inserting the tube in the container for ultimate disposal with the container. The device consists of a metal sleeve that is mounted on the bottom wall of the container and extends upwardly into the container and an inner tube which slides in the sleeve. The suction tube is connected to the lower end of the inner tube. Detachable connecting means, such as solder, fixes the inner tube and hence the suction tube to the sleeve until the glass filling operation is over. At this point the solder melts and the suction tube and inner tube are free to be inserted into the container by sliding the inner tube upwardly in the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved solderable hermetically sealed container and method for sealing same is provided which comprises in a preferred embodiment, a hollow container having a solderable peripheral surface defining the opening to the container, a thin, solderable metallic membrane covering the opening and solderable surface of the container, a solder seal interfacing the membrane and the solderable surface of the container, and a protective lid covering the membrane and being removably attached to the container body. If desired, an adhesive seal between the membrane and protective lid may be provided to protect the membrane from excessive vibration.

Abstract: A single-ply polyolefin film coated on one side with a heat sealable acrylic-based interpolymer consisting essentially of an alpha-beta monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and neutral monomer esters comprising an alkyl acrylate and an alkyl methacrylate ester or mixtures thereof, and on the other side with a heat sealable polyvinylidene chloride-based multipolymer; said film being useful in diverse packaging applications.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming sealed joints, including a pouring lip sanitarily protected therein, by welding layers of thermoplastic coated paperboard together. Paperboard layers are pressed together by jaws, with relieved areas where excessive pressure would render pouring lip less satisfactory, while or after heat is applied to said paperboard layers. The apparatus and method is particularly useful for forming sealed joints for paperboard cartons, such as milk cartons.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easily openable vessel closure comprising a can end member having a preformed opening, an easily peelable opening piece which is applied to the outer side of the can end member so that the opening piece covers said opening and adheres closely to the peripheral portion of said opening, and a protecting covering layer formed to cover the cut edge of the opening of the can end member, wherein the protecting covering layer is formed of a thermoplastic resin having a heat bondability and the protecting covering layer includes a film layer heat-bonded to the inner and outer peripheral portions of the opening and a projecting cover heat-bonded to the cut edge of the opening integrally with said film layer, and said opening piece is heat-bonded to the can end member through the protecting covering layer located outside the can end member and said protecting covering layer is stuck closely to the cut edge of the opening so that when the opening piece is peeled, the protecting covering layer is left on

Abstract: A method of making a package having contents comprising the steps of taking a tube of flexible material having a top and a bottom end, ultrasonically sealing a bottom band seal across the tube, inserting the contents into the tube, and ultrasonically sealing an upper band seal across the tube at a location spaced away from the bottom end of the tube, with the contents contained between the upper and bottom band seals.