Abstract: A bag tying apparatus and method for easy dispensing and packing. The bag tying apparatus comprises a base with a pair of horizontal parallel bag support arms having free outer ends cantilevered from a pair of vertical supports. The bag tying apparatus further comprises a pivotable bag tie support and loading arm with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the loading arm is attached with the first vertical rod by a supporting means, a second end of the loading arm having a terminal end having a cut-out therein to retain a handle of a bag, and a plurality of stacked bag ties positioned coaxially. The terminal end having a cut-out therein of the bag tie support and loading arm is configured to receive the handle portion of the bags and permit the bag tie to be manually moved down over the terminal end having a cut-out therein and handle portion so as to close and fasten the open top ends of the bag. The bag ties have promotional material printed thereon.

Abstract: A can end and a tab configured to couple to the can end and a related method are provided. The can end is continuous. The tab is configured to couple to the can end with a post, which couples the tab to the can end without passing through the can end.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bottle has a crimped valve cup and a method of manufacturing a thermoplastic bottle includes crimping a valve cup to such a bottle. The thermoplastic bottle and valve cup may be used in a system to dispense aerosol products. At least one protrusion extends from a flange of the bottle to which the valve cup is crimped. Prior to being crimped to the bottle, the valve cup is set to the bottle with an interference fit between a crimping portion of the valve cup and the protrusion. The interference fit prevents shifting of the valve cup from its set position on the bottle prior before the valve cup is crimped.

Abstract: A hybrid thermoformed/pulp container comprising a pulp tray with a rim that includes an ear; and a thermoformed frame with a rib that includes a protrusion, wherein the pulp tray can be attached to the thermoformed frame by snapping the ear into position above the protrusion. Alternative embodiments of the invention include a kit for building the hybrid container, and a method of assembling the hybrid container.

Abstract: A spice container and method of making same is provided. The spice container includes a plastic container body and a plastic lid ultrasonically welded to an open end of the container body. The method of making the spice container includes molding the container body from plastic as a one-piece construction. However, during molding, prior to cooling, the container body has a rectangular outer periphery proximate a closed end and an outer periphery at an opposite end having at least one side that bows radially outward. After molding and after cooling, the outer periphery proximate the opposite end has a generally rectangular shape as the bowed side cools and shrinks to a generally straight side.

Abstract: A container and closure assembly is provided. A projecting rim surrounds an opening into the container and includes a rim sealing surface. The closure is provided for covering the container opening. The closure is formed from a support ring dimensioned to surround the rim of the container and a sealing membrane. The ring includes a ring sealing surface positioned concentric with the rim sealing surface. The membrane is sealed to the rim sealing surface and further sealed to the ring sealing surface. The seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim of the container, while the seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal.

Abstract: A reservoir for a nebulizer, a nebulizer and a method of filling a reservoir are proposed. To avoid undesirable rises in pressure, a fluid chamber of the reservoir is pre-collapsed and filled with an initial amount of fluid which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber. Preferably, before being filled, the fluid chamber is compressed and/or expanded by means of gas to a defined volume which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A packaged bottle beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container wider vacuum separate from an additive in a sealed compartment of an ingredient release closure. Upon opening the sealed compartment, suction is created forcing the additive to quickly and thoroughly exit the ingredient release closure, a region of relatively higher pressure, and flow into the base component in the container, a region of relatively lower pressure.

Abstract: A sealed plastic container and a method for producing it are provided. The method for producing the sealed plastic container includes the steps of providing a container body having an end, providing a closure member having a skirt, inserting the closure member into the container body, heating the closure member skirt and container body end, and rolling the closure member skirt top and container end inward thereby fusing the closure member to the container body.

Abstract: A hybrid thermoformed/pulp container comprising a pulp tray with a rim that includes an ear; and a thermoformed frame with a rib that includes a protrusion, wherein the pulp tray can be attached to the thermoformed frame by snapping the ear into position above the protrusion. Alternative embodiments of the invention include a kit for building the hybrid container, and a method of assembling the hybrid container.

Abstract: A system and method for filling a collapsible container are provided. Such a collapsible container may be made of a relatively rigid portion and a collapsible portion, with the collapsible portion having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. An obstruction maintains the collapsible portion in the collapsed condition while the container is filled with contents. The obstruction may remain in place until the container is capped and sealed with the contents stored inside the container.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a base includes the following steps. First, a plate is provided. Next, the plate is machined to form a bottom frame. The bottom frame has a bottom portion and a plurality of side walls disposed at the bottom portion. Next, whether the bottom frame is designed for being assembled to a first display panel or a second display panel is determined. The size of the first display panel is different from that of the second display panel. Next, if the bottom frame is designed for being assembled to the first display panel, a pad is formed on the bottom portion of the bottom frame such that a first base is formed. Next, if the bottom frame is designed for being assembled to the second display panel, the bottom portion is punched to form a plurality of barricades such that a second base is formed.

Abstract: A packaged bottled beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container under vacuum separate from an additive in a sealed compartment of an ingredient release closure. Upon opening the sealed compartment, suction is created forcing the additive to quickly and thoroughly exit the ingredient release closure, a region of relatively higher pressure, and flow into the base component in the container, a region of relatively lower pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of packaging wine in a container essentially consisting of a plastics material glass closed by a lid, wherein a lid is sealed to the rim of the glass and, while sealing the lid, the container is deformed to reduce the volume of the head space.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method for filling a collapsible container are provided. Such a collapsible container may be made of a relatively rigid portion and a collapsible portion, with the collapsible portion having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. An obstruction maintains the collapsible portion in the collapsed condition while the container is filled with contents. The obstruction may remain in place until the container is capped and sealed with the contents stored inside the container.

Abstract: A cup-shaped closing material having a convex section is fitted on a protrusion-like engagement section of a distal end of a mandrel with a gap from the engagement section of the mandrel, a molten resin is then disposed in a cavity of a molding die and a holepin having an outer peripheral section of a distal end that is smaller than an outer periphery of the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material is pressed against the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material, whereby the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material is pleated to form an annular protrusion section at the outer peripheral section, and the molten resin is caused to envelope the annular protrusion section, while being pushed and charged into the cavity, whereby the head part with the closing material attached thereto is formed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vacuum compensation in hot-filled and cooled containers. Each container reduces, via one or more vacuum panels, a first portion of a vacuum created in the container. Each container also has a repositionable portion to reduce a second portion of the vacuum. During hot-filling, no portion of the repositionable portion extends below a standing or bearing surface of the container.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of forming a container having enhanced openability is disclosed. The method includes providing a can body, and providing a can end having an approximately planar panel, a pull tab affixed to the panel, and a moveable portion disposed beneath a handle of the tab, the moveable portion being in a first position extending upwardly toward the handle. The method also includes filling a comestible product into the can body at an elevated temperature, seaming the can end to the can body, and moving the moveable portion from the first position to a second position extending downwardly away from the handle, such that a gap is formed or enlarged between the moveable portion and the handle, enhancing accessibility to a user's finger. The moving being in response to internal negative pressure caused by cooling of the product within the can body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting height of a crate or box made of flexible material, having a base and at least four side walls by folding. After the base has been placed in a generally horizontal, a horizontal crease is produced on each side wall, parallel to the base and at a height substantially equal to a top of a stack of objects. At least one oblique crease is produced in each corner of the crate, with one end located at the intersection between two horizontal creases and the other end located on an upper ridge of one side wall. The upper part of each side wall is folded towards the center of the crate, at an angle substantially equal to 90°. The various flaps are folded on one another, being separated by oblique creases, bringing the upper part of side walls in a substantially horizontal plane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for sealing a container. The method includes, providing at least two components of the container, positioning a crushable material between the at least two components, positioning a reactive multilayer material between the at least two components, deforming the crushable material so as to form a seal between the at least two components, chemically transforming the reactive multilayer material so as to join the at least two components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging parts in compartments of a carrier tape and affixing a cover tape over the carrier tape to trap the parts in the compartments. The method and apparatus provide for deflecting a flange of the carrier tape and sealing the cover tape to the deflected flange. The cover tape is tightened across the carrier tape when the carrier tape flange returns to its undeflected condition.

Abstract: A beverage bottle, in particular a wine or sparkling wine bottle, having a bottle neck which leads into a pouring opening having a closure system which, on the one hand, makes it possible to prevent the stored beverage from being impaired in its taste even during a long storage period and, on the other hand, accommodates the esteem of the consumers to a special degree. The pouring opening is closed with a crown cap surrounded by an external packing composed of a molded cap and of a capsule which encircles the molded cap together with a part of the bottle neck. The molded cap is dimensioned so that, when the beverage bottle is closed, the impression of an upper-band mouth arises.

Abstract: A tool for closing and sealing a lid on a flexible walled peripheral flange bearing a container by bending and crimping the container's vertical peripheral flange over the periphery of the lid supported on the container's marginal shelf. The tool has an anvil portion, star-shaped portion, a hub portion interposed between the anvil and star-shaped portions, means for maintaining said portions concentrically aligned and means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container.

Abstract: A blow molded, bi-axially oriented plastic canister or container has a generally cylindrical body, a bottom, and a tapering upper portion, which terminates at a wide mouth or opening surrounded by a radially outwardly directed annular flange having an inwardly facing corner. A generally disc-shaped closure insert having a circumferential rim and a dispensing outlet is placed across the opening such that the closure rim is generally fitted into the corner of the annular flange. Heat or some other form of energy is applied to the entirety of the annular flange, which in response shrinks to tightly conform to and engage the closure rim, forming a circumferential seal. The dispensing outlet may be provided with an outlet closure, such as a screw cap or the like. Also, a sealant may be disposed between the annular flange and the closure rim before the heat is applied in order to form an enhanced seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated leak testing, capping, labelling, evacuating and loading collapsible plastic containers in bulk into magazine clips for subsequent handling operations is provided. The apparatus is compact and intergrated, defining discrete stations for each stated method step.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for use in connection with closing a liquid packaging container, the said container comprising a cylindrical or truncated cone-like casing part (1) and end members (2,3) connected to it, of which at least one (3) is formed of fiber-based, such as board-based material, for example, liquid packaging board, and comprises a skirt (15) folded in the direction of the casing part, by which skirt the end member is connected to the casing (1), in which method the container, which is finished at least with respect to its casing part (1) and the said one end member, is filled with a liquid (4) and the container is closed. According to the invention, the surface of one end member (3) which is on the outside of the container is moistened before the container is closed, thus reducing its rigidity to such an extent that the end member can be used in a bellows-like manner for controlling the pressure inside the container.

Abstract: A beverage bottle, in particular a wine or sparkling wine bottle, having a bottle neck which leads into a pouring opening having a closure system which, on the one hand, makes it possible to prevent the stored beverage from being impaired in its taste even during a long storage period and, on the other hand, accommodates the esteem of the consumers to a special degree. The pouring opening is closed with a crown cap surrounded by an external packing composed of a molded cap and of a capsule which encircles the molded cap together with a part of the bottle neck. The molded cap is dimensioned so that, when the beverage bottle is closed, the impression of an upper-band mouth arises.

Abstract: A blow molded, bi-axially oriented plastic canister or container has a generally cylindrical body, a bottom, and a tapering upper portion, which terminates at a wide mouth or opening surrounded by a radially outwardly directed annular flange having an inwardly facing corner. A generally disc-shaped closure insert having a circumferential rim and a dispensing outlet is placed across the opening such that the closure rim is generally fitted into the corner of the annular flange. Heat or some other form of energy is applied to the entirety of the annular flange, which in response shrinks to tightly conform to and engage the closure rim, forming a circumferential seal. The dispensing outlet may be provided with an outlet closure, such as a screw cap or the like. Also, a sealant may be disposed between the annular flange and the closure rim before the heat is applied in order to form an enhanced seal.

Abstract: A container having a casing made from composite carton and constituting a container body, which is covered on its inside by a barrier layer and a plastic layer deposited thereon, is produced in such a fashion that the casing is rolled over in an outward direction at one end to form a curled edge and, subsequently, a membrane is sealed onto the upper crown of the curled edge. A bottom is attached to the opposite end after the container is filled. In order to guarantee a sealed closure, the casing is tapered inwardly in a conical manner at its one end along a length which is larger than the circumference of the curled edge in such a manner that the outer diameter in the vicinity of the tapered end is smaller by approximately twice the diameter of the curled edge than the outer diameter of the casing. The end is then rolled over in an outer direction to form a curled edge and is then sealed by the membrane.

Abstract: A container can be juxtaposed with another container to form an integrated package of containers. Each container is substantially triangular in horizontal section and forms first, second and third walls and has a top enclosed bottom. Each top of the container is formed as a substantially T-top closure formed from first and second pinched walls converging at the third wall. A container can be selectively dimensioned and juxtaposed together so that the containers form a rectangular configured package. The containers can be held together to maintain the juxtaposed containers in a substantially rectangular configuration.

Abstract: A box handling apparatus having particular application in the packaging of semiconductor wafers, includes a box opening assembly which can unlatch a lid from a bottom of the box and separate the lid from the bottom. Arms can grip an article, such as a wafer cassette, in the bottom of the box and lift it out. The cassette can be loaded, or wafers already in the cassette unloaded. The apparatus can replace the loaded cassette in the bottom of the box and latchingly re-engage the lid.

Abstract: A component pocket tape which resists inadvertent unsealing includes a tape cover having discrete edge portions with gaps therebetween such that when one edge portion is unsealed or bent, subsequent edge portions will not unseal or bend unless such unsealing or bending is desired. An apparatus for unsealing and sealing pocket component tape includes a component tape deforming portion and a plow portion which urges the tape and the component tape cover together whereupon the tape deforming portion releases the tape so as to allow the tape to expand into the tape engaging portion of the cover. For unsealing, the apparatus may be run in reverse such that the tape is deformed and then the plow portion drives the tape and cover apart such that when the deforming portion releases the tape, the tape returns to its original configuration but is separated from the tape cover.

Abstract: In a method of filling a packaging container, a liquid is charged in a container through an opening in a top end of the container to a first level below the top end of the container. The container has a deformable portion in a wall thereof so that an inside volume of the container can be adjusted. A lid is sealed on the opening, and the deformable portion of the container is deformed to elevate the liquid above the first level.

Abstract: An ink jet cartridge is refilled by establishing a fill opening extending from an outer portion of the cartridge into an interior ink bladder of the cartridge, applying pressure to sides of the cartridge to provide a decreased volume of the interior ink bladder, transferring ink into the interior ink bladder through the fill opening while maintaining the decreased volume, sealing the fill opening, and relieving pressure on the sides of the cartridge to provide an increased volume of the interior ink bladder. The fill opening can be established using a poker. Transferring ink can include using a squeeze bottle filled with ink. Pressure can be applied to the sides of the cartridge with a clamp similar to a #100 binder clip manufactured by Office Mate International Corporation of Edison, N.J. The fill opening can be sealed with a set screw or a ball cork along with pressure-sensitive tape.

Abstract: The process relates to the fitting of a bottom of a package formed from a tubular body (1) of non-round section. The open end of the body (1) is inserted between two fixed opposed jaws (M1, M2). Since the distance between the jaws (M1, M2) is less than the distance between the clamped portions (2, 3), the portions (4, 5) which are not clamped deform. Thus, when fitting the bottom, the air escapes and by applying a clamping force to the side walls of the package (1), some of the air still in the body (1) is evacuated before sealing.

Abstract: A device is used in a machine for packaging articles in a wraparound carrier. The carrier is formed from a blank having a pair of foldable flaps struck therefrom. The packaging machine is arranged to advance the blank and articles associated therewith along a predetermined path. The device is positioned along the path to fold the flaps inwardly of the blank. The device includes a rotational disc defining an axis of rotation, a fixed cam plate disposed adjacent to the rotational disc and having an endless cam track disposed around the axis, drive means for rotating the rotational disc about the axis in synchronization with movement of the blank and the articles, a pair of blank-engaging fingers carried by the rotational disc for pivotal movement about respective pins so as to engage the flaps, and an actuating mechanism carried by the rotational disc to pivotally move the fingers away from each other and toward each other.

Abstract: A flap-folding device for use in a packaging machine comprises a rotational disc, drive means for rotating the disc in synchronization with movement of a blank and articles to be packaged in the blank, a pair of blank-engaging fingers pivotally mounted on the disc to fold flaps on the blank, and actuating means for pivotally moving the fingers. The actuating means comprises a radial member mounted on the disc for reciprocating movement along the radius of the disc, cooperating means for moving the radial member along the radius in response to rotation of the disc, and means for converting reciprocating movement of the radial member into pivotal movement of the fingers.

Abstract: A process for producing a container and closure assembly includes molding a preliminary container including a closed bottom portion, a body portion and a shoulder and neck portion. The shoulder and neck portion is separated from the body portion. An open ended second container is formed from the body portion, the second container having a rim at its open end and an encircling wall. The open end of the second container is then closed with a closure comprised of a cap and a cap liner. The cap liner has a weakened portion adapted to be broken by the cap. The cap or the cap liner are formed from the shoulder and neck portion of the preliminary container.

Abstract: A synthetic resin container including a mouthpiece sealed by a closure is to be used for medical drip infusion or the like. The closure has a tight-sealing synthetic resin stopper, and a leakage preventing rubber stopper for preventing liquid leakage when the closure is pierced by a needle or the like. The mouthpiece of the synthetic resin container is sealed by the closure according to a method including providing a concave portion and/or a convex portion having a cross-section shaped in a wedge or the like at one or both of the upper portions of the mouthpiece and the tight-sealing synthetic resin stopper in order to impart provided thermal conductivity. The synthetic resin stopper is inserted into the mouthpiece and the rubber stopper is inserted into the synthetic resin stopper. The upper portions of the mouthpiece and the synthetic resin stopper are covered with a metallic mouthpiece forming cap.

Abstract: A semiconductor package has a guide in the form of a lug only at least two diagonally opposite corners on the upper surface thereof. A cap to be adhered to the package is configured to mate with the inside surfaces of the guides. The package is, therefore, surely seated and held in close adhesion to the cap.

Abstract: A lidding and sealing machine for a pail. A pail holding tool set in or on a base and a lid press plate slidably engaged in a bridge on the same base align the pail and the lid for sealing when pressed together. Alignment guides depending from the edges of the press plate engage the lip flanges of the pail and conform the pail lip shape to the lid sealing surface shape even if the pail is distended with the fullness of its contents so its lip is not congruent to the lid sealing surface. A plug insertion tool forces a plug into the pail's drain in a connected and sequential action that is part of the lidding action.

Abstract: A carton engaging assembly for use in continuous motion packaging machines is designed to perform specific functions on a carton as it moves continuously along the path of travel through the packaging machine. The carton engaging assembly includes mechanisms for aligning the carton engaging device perpendicular to the carton's path of travel and to the carton side wall, so that the engaging device enters and exits the carton side wall along the substantially perpendicular line of travel. The carton engaging assembly is a self-contained, rotary unit which is readily interchanged with other units to facilitate engagement with various sizes and shapes of cartons. The rotational movement of the carton engaging assembly is timed with the continuous linear movement of the carton along the carton path of travel.

Abstract: Method of storing a wet-paint roller cover within a cylindrical tube having open distal and proximal ends; and sealing the open distal and proximal ends of the cylindrical tube by respective distal and proximal end caps.

Abstract: An article rotating assembly and process for rotating articles to a predetermined orientation on a moving conveyor. The assembly comprises movable article control structures and cooperating vertical motion and rotational motion assemblies which are synchronized with the conveyor. Each article control structure is constructed and arranged for vertical and rotational movement above the moving conveyor and is controlled by cam follower and guide track structures to engage and rotate articles on the moving conveyor to a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A can body which is reinforced by collapsed radially inwardly directed beads. The beads may either be normal to the axis of the can body or slope at an angle thereto. Maximum axial strength is obtained when the beads are normal to the axis of the can body while maximum panel strength is obtained when the beads slope at an angle to the axis. The can body is provided with normal open beads which are collapsed either during a flanging operation or a double seaming operation. When the beads slope relative to the axis of the can body, it is necessary that the originally formed open beads have a configuration which will permit the collapsing of the beads while the beads remain in angular relation with respect to the axis of the can body.

Abstract: A can body which is reinforced by collapsed radially inwardly directed beads. The beads may either be normal to the axis of the can body or slope at an angle thereto. Maximum axial strength is obtained when the beads are normal to the axis of the can body while maximum panel strength is obtained when the beads slope at an angle to the axis. The can body is provided with normal open beads which are collapsed either during a flanging operation or a double seaming operation. When the beads slope relative to the axis of the can body, it is necessary that the originally formed open beads have configuration which will permit the collapsing of the beads while the beads remain in angular relation with respect to the axis of the can body.

Abstract: A pair of relatively movable jaws (306) are provided with magnetic holders (306-316) for holding end caps (24) to be applied to a substantially cylindrical shell (28) positioned between the jaws; so that, closing of the jaws installs the end caps on the end edges of the shell. An end cap placing mechanism (50) removes end caps from a source (356) by means of a pair of rotatably mounted gripper arms (364) which place the caps in the magnetic holders.