Abstract: An apparatus for injection molding a plurality of multilayer, multimaterial plastic containers. A plurality of co-injection nozzles are positioned to feed a plurality of cavities defined by a plurality of injection molds and a source of polymer materials is located upstream of the nozzles. The apparatus also includes a flow channel for each of a plurality of polymer streams to define a path between the polymer source and at least one of the co-injection nozzles such that each of the co-injection nozzles is in communication with one of the flow channels for each polymer stream and the polymer streams enter more than one of the co-injection nozzles. The channels are arranged to provide substantially the same flow experience to each polymer stream.

Abstract: The product and method of manufacturing a tab having a rivet island window and adapted to be secured to a container end, including the steps of forming a first dimple at a first end position of the window and a second dimple at a second end position of the window, formed as depressed regions of metal residing outside the central plane of the metal. The method includes punching a first blank in the first dimple and a second blank in the second dimple, and subsequently bending the edge regions around the first and second blank to form a bend of the metal away from the central plane. The central region of the window is formed between and joining the blanks, and a rivet opening is formed, adapted to receive a rivet for staking the tab to a container end.

Abstract: A co-injection nozzle having a central injection channel with an open end and providing an injection path for injecting streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article from the melt material streams. The nozzle comprises interfitting axially concentric members, including at least an interfitting shell and an outer nozzle cap, each having inner and outer surfaces. The nozzle cap has an inner surface with a frustoconical portion enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of the interfitting shell. An enclosed portion of the outer surface of the shell has a frustoconical shape. The outer and inner frustoconical surface portions are adapted and cooperate to form an annular melt material flow passageway having a fixed tapered frustoconical portion of substantially invariable dimension which terminates at a fixed, annular orifice whose dimension is substantially invariable for flow of a melt material therethrough, for injection of the material from the nozzle.

Abstract: A redraw die for a can body maker incorporates an undercut sidewall, a grooved face and a reduced radius at the intersection between the grooved face and the sidewall. The undercut side wall is positioned proximate to the grooved face so as to permit a cup positioned over the redraw die to flex into an ovoid shape without pinching or binding against the side of the redraw sleeve. These features help prevent the formation of wrinkles when the cup is drawn and ironed in the body maker.

Abstract: A high temperature steam-sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs form a cavity into which high temperature sterilizing steam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After high temperature steam sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delamination failure of the line heat seal. Preferred materials enable vacuum cycle steam sterilization at a temperature of at least 270.degree. F.

Abstract: An easy open tear control package, preferably a pouch, from a film of polymeric barrier material is disclosed. Methods and films for making of such packages are also disclosed. The easy open tear control feature arises from roughening portions of the outer or inner surface of the films, prior to fabricating into the package. The roughened portion is on one face or on each face of the package and is at least a full width of a seal when the film is made into the package. The roughened portion can extend the entire width of the package and can be of any desired length.

Abstract: A polymeric laminate for use in polymeric films, and packaging material and packages made therefrom, that is roughened or knurled to produce a series of nicks or cuts over substantially the entire surface area of the laminate, producing an easy-opening feature. The laminate may be a multilayer, polymeric structure that may comprise an oriented polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or a biaxially oriented nylon. The packaging material of the invention may contain a sealant film, either a single layer or multilayer film, and may also comprise an intermediate layer of foil.

Abstract: A package comprising a container, a closure assembly which includes a tearing portion. The container includes a sidewall, a closed end and an end with an opening. The closure assembly includes a central panel covering the container opening and a circumferential edge secured to the container. The tearing portion allows the closure to be opened for access to the contents of the package.

Abstract: Blends of polymers, such as aromatic condensation polymers including formable polyesters and polycarbonates with an oxygen barrier material such as aromatic or aliphatic nylon, an amorphous nylon or EVOH, which have been oriented and which contain a transition metal catalyst, exhibit the improved barrier properties and oxygen absorption properties of the present invention.

Abstract: An injection molding machine for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of articles each made of plural polymeric materials. The injection molding machine includes a source of a first polymeric material and a source of a second polymeric material. The injection molding machine also includes a plurality of co-injection nozz;es, each of the nozzles has na associated injection cavity mold. Each of the nozzles also has a first flow channel for providing a stream of said first polymeric material to said mold and a second flow channel for providing a stream of said second polymeric material to said mold. The machine further includes a flow control device for feeding the polymeric materials from their sources to each of the nozzles and each of the associated molds, such that each of the streams of the first polymeric materials flows from each nozzle into each associated mold simultaneously and each of the streams of the second polymeric materials flows from each nozzle into each associated mold simultaneously.

Abstract: An insert is provided containing gas under pressure for insertion in a carbonated beverage can to nucleate release of gas from solution when the can is opened. The insert has a jetting orifice closed by a burstable seal which is held closed by a sealing member until the can is opened. The sealing member may be made of moisture sensitive material which weakens in the can and ruptures on opening the can. The insert may be weighted to float in a given orientation with the jetting orifice submerged.

Abstract: The present invention is a printing head for a decorator cylinder assembly and comprises an interior member having a shaft bore and an outer side wall. The shaft bore has a tapered interior side wall. The printing head further comprises an exterior member having an inner side wall and a decorator side wall. The exterior member at least partially encompasses the interior member. The outer side wall of the interior member at least partially abuts the inner side wall of the exterior member, and the exterior member is adjustably connected about the interior member. The exterior member is at least partially axially adjustable about the interior cylinder, and is at least partially rotatably adjustable about the interior cylinder. The printing head further comprises a face plate/adjustment member adjustably connected to the interior member and the exterior member.

Abstract: A multilayer permeable membrane with a release layer for the packaging of aromatic condensation products. The permeable membrane has a first layer comprising low density polyethylene, a second layer comprising ultra low density polyethylene and a third layer comprising low density polyethylene. The release layer is adhered to the first layer and may be peeled away from the permeable membrane to expose the membrane and provide for the controlled release of vapors over a period of time.

Abstract: A necking apparatus for producing a smooth, inwardly tapered necked-in portion on a cylindrical container includes a plurality of necking modules and a turret which is rotatably mounted in each module about an axis of rotation. Each turret includes an upper turret frame which is mounted on the axis of rotation and which can be moved axially relative to the turret and a lower turret frame. A plurality of necking dies are mounted on the upper turret frame, and a plurality of container supports are axially aligned with the necking dies and are mounted on the lower turret frame for axial movement. Each necking die includes a necking portion for engaging and necking a side wall of a container as the aligned container support moves a container toward the necking die. The positions of the necking dies are adjusted by spacers so that the necking portion of each die does not engage the tapered necked-in portion of the container as the container support is moved toward the die.

Abstract: A method is described for reducing the diameter of the open end of a can, such as a beverage can, in a necking station while substantially preventing the formation of pleats in the can. The necking station includes a deformable support punch that is positioned within the open end of the can. The punch includes an elastomeric sleeve and a means for providing for lateral deformation of the sleeve, such as an actuator making an interference fit with the sleeve. In the necking station, the can is inserted into a necking die having a transition zone separating an outer cylindrical bore and an inner bore having a reduced diameter. When the top edge of the can is forced past the transition zone in to the inner bore to reduce the dimension of the upper portion of the can, the sleeve is controllably deformed in a manner such that the lateral portion of the sleeve is placed into supporting engagement with the interior wall of the can, pressing the can against the transition zone of the die.

Abstract: A device for washing and removing liquid on a gauze conveyor for conveying products, the gauze conveyor having an upper side for carrying products and being provided with link portions and having a gauze pattern. The device having means for removing liquid on the upper side of the gauze conveyor and being formed by a hollow, rotatable roll which is provided with rows of separate projecting teeth, said rows extending axially on the roll, the teeth fitting into the gauze pattern and the link portions being enclosable by the teeth. The roll has holes between the teeth which holes extend into the cavity of the roll.

Abstract: A seamless drawn and ironed container body having a side wall with portions of the side wall expanded radially outward from an initial cylindrical configuration and a method and apparatus for reshaping such containers.