Abstract: A compound toggle submechanism for use with a compound toggle system to apply a force to an external object comprises a crank bar, a plurality of pull bars, a plurality of linear toggles, a plurality of coupling toggles, a plurality of three-axis toggles, a plurality of bar toggles, and an object connector. The crank bar is rigidly coupled to a drive shaft and rotates when the drive shaft rotates. Each pull bar rotates about the drive shaft. Each linear toggle moves linearly when the drive shaft rotates. Each coupling toggle rotates and moves when the drive shaft rotates. Each three-axis toggle rotates about one of multiple fixed points when the drive shaft rotates. Each bar toggle rotates about an upper opening on the respective three-axis toggle when the drive shaft rotates. The object connector connects to the external object and moves in a vertical direction when the drive shaft rotates.

Abstract: A multistage press machine for applying pressure to a blank to form a part comprises an upper plate assembly, a lower plate assembly, a top tool, and a bottom tool. The upper plate assembly couples to a system which lowers and raises the upper plate assembly. The lower plate assembly couples to the system to raise and lower the lower plate assembly. The top tool is attached to the upper plate assembly and configured to form a plurality of upper features in an upper surface of the blank, wherein each upper feature is formed in a respective one of a plurality of stages of a press operation. The bottom tool is attached to the lower plate assembly and configured to form a plurality of lower features in a lower surface of the blank, wherein each lower feature is formed in a respective one of the stages of the press operation.

Abstract: A system for scoring a web of a roll of material comprises a plate, a scoring punch, a scoring station actuator, and a controller. The plate has a slot extending about a shape representing an outline of a pressware product. The scoring punch has a protruding blade operable to enter the slot of the plate. The scoring station actuator is configured to shift the scoring punch or the plate to press the blade against the web to form a slot in the web. The controller is configured to direct the scoring station actuator to press the blade to a first predetermined scoring depth within the web.

Abstract: A tamper evident container comprises a base, a lid, a first hinge, a locking mechanism, a second hinge, and a tamper evidence feature. The base retains items for storage. The lid engages with and covers the base. The first hinge rotatably couples the base and the lid. The locking mechanism secures the lid to the base and includes a plug and a receptacle. The locking mechanism is engaged when the plug is within the receptacle. The second hinge rotatably couples the base and the plug. The tamper evidence feature provides evidence of the container being tampered with or opened and is positioned between the plug and the second hinge.

Abstract: A system for scoring a web of a roll of material includes a plate, a scoring punch, a scoring station actuator, and a controller. The plate has a slot extending about a shape representing an outline of a pressware product. The scoring punch has a protruding blade operable to enter the slot of the plate. The scoring station actuator is configured to shift the scoring punch or the plate to press the blade against the web to form a slot in the web. The controller is configured to direct the scoring station actuator to press the blade to a first predetermined scoring depth within the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting heating elements of a thermoformer oven includes a first heating element support frame, a second heating element support frame, and one or more actuator. The first heating element support frame is operable to support one or more of the heating elements on a first side of a surface for supporting material to be thermoformed. The second heating element support frame is operable to support one or more of the heating elements on the first side of the surface. The one or more actuator is configured to shift the first and second heating element support frames toward one another in directions with vector components of motion parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A system for forming a pressware product from a web of a roll of material includes a positive mold, a negative mold, a heating element, an actuator, a force sensor, and a control system. The positive mold forms a top surface of the pressware product. The negative mold forms a bottom surface of the pressware product. The heating element is coupled to the positive mold or the negative mold. The actuator shifts the positive mold or the negative mold to cut and form the pressware product in a single stroke. The force sensor detects the forming force applied by the actuator, and the control system directs the actuator to adjust the forming force.