Abstract: A multilayer plastic perform formed from a combination of virgin and recycled plastic such as PET so that the resultant blow-molded bottle has a reduced tendency for bottom failure in spite of the use of recycled plastic. A first plastic preform for providing the inner layer of the multi-layer preform is provided with spaced channels on the exterior surface of a closed end thereof extending from a central region of that end to the sidewalls. An injection mold cavity is provided with a like plurality of channels formed therein in a closed end thereof communicating with the injection gate of an injection molding apparatus. The first plastic preform is inserted into the injection mold cavity with the respective channels of the preform and the injection mold cavity substantially aligned. A second layer of plastic material is overmolded onto the first layer by injection molding in the cavity. A third layer of plastic material may be overmolded on the second layer to form a three-layer preform.

Abstract: In a method for applying labels about a bulbous sidewall region of a container, the leading end of the label is joined to the bulbous sidewall region by adhesive bonds above and below a major diameter section of the bulbous sidewall region. While being pressed to the bulbous sidewall region, the label is wrapped about the container, and the trailing end of the label is then adhesively joined to the bulbous sidewall region, or to the overlapped leading end of the label. An apparatus for applying labels about a bulbous sidewall region of a container employs a label transfer drum which cooperates with an adhesive applicator to apply spaced adhesive patches to the leading end of the label above and below a major diameter section of the bulbous sidewall region. The label transfer drum also cooperates with the adhesive applicator to apply a continuous strip of adhesive to the trailing end of the label.

Abstract: A disposable liquid containing and dispensing package. The package has a flexible bag with an upper and a lower bag wall. The upper and lower bag walls have a periphery and a middle portion. The upper bag wall has a spout positioned within the middle portion of the wall. The spout has a first side and a second side. A dip strip is attached to the upper bag wall on the first side of and spaced apart from the spout and attached to the middle portion of the upper bag wall on the second side of and spaced apart from the spout.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a dip strip within a flexible pouch. The apparatus has a first advance means for advancing a predetermined length of the dip strip material and a punch means for punching a hole in the material. The apparatus has a second advance means for advancing the strips of the flexible pouch material and an insertion means for inserting the dip strip material between the strips of the flexible material. The apparatus also includes a side sealing means for sealing a plurality of lateral lines along the strips of the flexible material and a cross sealing means for sealing the dip strip material between the strips of the flexible material in the vicinity of the dip strip hole such that a transverse seal line is created and the flexible pouch is formed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for sampling and determining the presence of certain substances, such as residues of contaminants in containers. The method includes steps of: injecting compressed air into said containers in order to displace at least a portion of the contents thereof; evacuating a sample of the container contents so displaced by applying suction thereto; and analyzing the sample evacuated to determine the presence or absence of the certain residues therein. The compressed air is injected through a nozzle into an opening in the containers to displace a portion of the container contents and form a sample cloud outside of the container. The sample cloud is then at least partially evacuated by suction and the sample is analyzed for the presence of contaminants such as nitrogen containing compounds or hydrocarbons. The sample cloud may be split into first and second portions.

Abstract: A box, and the method for use thereof, for a concentrate bag-in-box package for use with bags having a discharge tube for use with beverage dispensers having peristaltic pumps, the box having a tear flap defining a plurality of different tube opening locations, whereby different size packages can be used even though their center line does not line up with the tube passageway in the pump.

Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system including a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms within the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer. A particulate treatment system may also be included which includes a pressure receiver, an intensifier, and a recoverer for blending a particulate component with the liquid component.

Abstract: A system and method for order packing forms a mixed pallet or a mixed multi-pack. In this system, a first embodiment utilizes a high volume module, a low volume module, a sorting and packing module, a prepackage module and a mixed palletizer module for picking, sorting, packaging and palletizing articles. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a bulk load can be fed via a carrousel to a bank of elevators. A transfer device will load different levels of the elevators which can then be moved adjacent a discharge conveyor. A lane is provided in this discharge conveyor for each of the elevators in the bank of elevators. The different levels of the elevators are positioned adjacent the lanes and can discharge articles onto the conveyor in order to form groups of the same or different types of articles. Many different types of articles including beverage containers such as cans, bottles or beverage boxes can use this system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a cool beverage which includes a metal cold plate which is cooled by ice in an ice bin of the apparatus. The beverage dispensing conduit extends through the cold plate so as to be cooled thereby, and a cooling conduit also extends through the cold plate so that a cooling medium may be passed through the cooling conduit to supplement the cooling provided by the ice. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling medium utilizes a portion of the chilled glycol of an otherwise conventional refrigerated beer dispensing system.

Abstract: A dispense module for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages is connected to a postmix beverage dispenser in the same space that any well-known dispensing valve occupies. The module includes a housing having a front-loading, refrigerated chamber for receiving a disposable concentrate package, a motor and pump drive, a refrigeration system, a front door, a water on-off valve, a water flow control, and a control system. The disposable concentrate package includes an integral concentrate container and pump, mixer and nozzle unit. The dispense module can be an integral part of a new dispenser and can also be retrofitted onto existing dispensers in place of one or more dispensing valves to dispense either carbonated or non-carbonated beverages. The concentrate packages are easily and quickly inserted into and removed from the module to change flavors as desired.

Abstract: A sealed fluid merchandiser (12) for use in connection with a beverage dispenser (16) includes a transparent, liquid display container (60) having a narrow liquid chamber (33) for a stable liquid (21) that simulates the beverage being dispensed and a pump housing (37) for a pump (38) that pumps the liquid being simulated through a spray manifold (44) for producing an attractive spray or bubbling effect. The stable, simulated beverage liquid has a low viscosity such that it behaves substantially identical to the beverage being dispensed. The narrow liquid chamber substantially reduces the weight and expense of the fluid merchandiser.

Abstract: A multi-head drinks-dispensing apparatus having a group of drinks-dispensing heads each arranged for supply with drink ingredients through fluid control valves. A keypad has a first group of keys for selecting the type of drink and the dispensing head to be used, and a second group of keys for selecting the quantity of drink to be dispensed. Signals from those groups of keys are processed in a micro-processor, which energizes the relevant pair of valves to commence delivery of the selected drink without any delay. Dispensing of the selected drink is initiated at the earliest moment, while other drinks are being selected, so that selected drinks can be dispensed from the dispensing heads in a serial, overlapping manner. This facilitates the dispensing of a customer's multi-drink order in the shortest possible time.