Abstract: An apparatus for extracting stick confections from a row of mold cups of a stick confection molding machine and for transferring the extracted confections to a multi-lane wrapping machine having a number of lanes that is a submultiple of the number of mold cups in a row. The transfer apparatus includes a plurality of transfer bar assemblies which are moved from an extraction location above and parallel to a row of mold cups to a discharge location above and transverse to the lanes of the multi-lane wrapping machine. Each transfer bar assembly includes a number of gripper heads mounted on the transfer bar assembly for turning movement about individual turning axes transverse to the transfer bar and spaced apart therealong and a number of individual gripper units mounted on each head.

Abstract: A safety vent seal assures a release path for the residual volatile beverage that can be expected to be found within a disposable container. The container is sealed by an inner valve is urged toward a sealing relationship with an outer valve member by a semi-compressed spring and the second valve is urged toward a sealing relationship with the valve body by a second semi-compressed spring. The safety vent seal may be located either between the inner valve and the outer valve or between the outer valve and the valve body. In the former case, the safety vent seal is generally cross-shaped while, in the latter case, the seal is generally "C-shaped". In both configurations, the seal expands as a consequence of the tapping of the valve and inserts itself into an otherwise-sealed relationship. aperture notch expand, preventing the valve from resealing when the tap is removed.