Abstract: A collapsible dispensing tube has a multi-layer sheet material sealed over its dispensing orifice to provide a hermetically sealed tube. The multi-layer sealant sheet comprises two layers of metal foil separated by a polymer layer firmly adhered to the metal foil layers. A polymeric layer is adhered to the outer surface of one of the metal foil layers and serves to seal the tube orifice. The laminated sheet may be sealed across the orifice by the application of radio-frequency energy.

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

Abstract: Methods of injecting into a cavity an at least three-layer flow stream having a fast flow stream line, are provided which include establishing the flow of material of first and second layers of the flow stream to form an interface therebetween at a first location not coincident with the fast flow stream line, interposing the flow of material of a third layer in the interface, and moving the third layer to a second location relatively more proximate to, substantially coincident with, or across from and not substantially coincident with the fast flow stream line. This moving achieves foldover of the third layer and can be effected by selectively changing the flow of material(s) on one side of the third layer relative to the flow of material(s) on the other side thereof, at or shortly after the interposition of the third layer. Preferably, the interface is annular and the interposition is at substantially all places around the interface.

Abstract: A new type of inclined axes roller spin flanging tool for drawn and ironed containers is shown. The tool has a pilot, a specially configured roller and a predetermined cam rate for its use.

Abstract: Injection molded and injection blow molded multi-layer substantially rigid plastic articles are provided, which, in preferred embodiments, include:at least five layer plastic articles having side and bottom walls comprised of an outside surface layer, an inside surface layer, an internal layer, and first and second intermediate layers, one on either side of the internal layer, and having the terminal end of the internal layer encapsulated by intermediate layer material, whether it be solely or primarily by first or by both first and second intermediate layer material.

Abstract: Low acid heat-sensitive foodstuffs, such as low acid heat-sensitive vegetables and cereal grain products, are thermally processed in the presence of a mixture of an acid and its lactones, preferably an aldonic acid with its lactones, the acid of which makes possible a considerably reduced commercial sterilizing parameter whereby more of the flavor, color, or texture of the foodstuff is retained, and is closer to that of the freshly harvested home-cooked product, compared to the foodstuff processed at a more severe parameter when the acid is not employed. The type and level of the acid employed and its presence with its lactones results in a thermally processed foodstuff which does not have an objectionable acid taste. The preferred mixture is gluconic acid with its lactones, glucono-delta lactone and glucono-gamma lactone, provided to the foodstuff by combining it with a precursor of gluconic acid, preferably glucono-delta lactone.

Abstract: A linerless cap closure includes circular top wall and a depending annular skirt having an internal thread with a tamper-evident band below the skirt. A sealing member is integral with the lower surface of the top wall and includes an annular protrusion having a depending annular axial projection. The tamper-evident band is connected to the skirt with a plurality of spaced tear tangs and a permanent connection and the band has an inwardly-directed bead with inclined ramps extending from the inner edge of the bed to the lower edge of the bead.

Abstract: A modular system for producing triple-necked open ended containers includes three substantially identical necking modules each having the same frame and identical rotatable turrets which have a plurality of identical necking stations around the periphery. Each necking station includes an annular necking die and a platform and punch which are cam-operated to move towards and away from each other and are maintained in engagement with the cams by pressurized fluid. Each necking station also has a container pressurizing means in the form of an annular chamber which acts as a holding chamber prior to transmitting the pressurized fluid into the container.

Abstract: Shown is an apparatus for mounting an inductive transducer in position over an intermittently moved belt carrying easy open ends for a beverage container and designed to detect whether or not the tabs for easy opening are provided on the ends. The apparatus is designed to resiliently bias the detection transducer towards the ends with a predetermined gap therebetween such that an electrical signal will result that can be used to evaluate whether a tab is in place. The apparatus includes a camming ramp designed to trigger a limit switch to turn off the system should there be multiple ends positioned below the detector. The detector mounting on a resilient support is designed to back away from any obstruction therebeneath to protect the apparatus during the detection operation. The transducer face is protected by about 1/16 inch of the plastic material.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling base cups onto bottles includes an assembly wheel that has a plurality of pockets on the periphery thereof and a plurality of fluid cylinders supported on an upper support plate and aligned with the pockets. The assembly wheel is positively driven by a drive motor, which also drives a bottle-infeed mechanism and a cup-infeed mechanism, as well as an ejector mechanism. The cup-infeed mechanism includes as indexable carrier that indexes each cup at a glue-applying station, where the cup is raised and simultaneously rotated while glue is being applied in an annular pattern to the inner surface of the cup. The cup and bottle have movement along paths which merge where the bottle is then forced into the cup through a pressurized source and held in that position while the glue sets.