Abstract: Stackable containers that, in various embodiments, are adapted to be vertically and/or horizontally interlocked with other, like, containers to, for example, increase the stability of stacks of the containers. In one embodiment, a stackable container comprises: (A) a top surface comprising a shoulder portion that extends upwardly from the top surface and that is substantially disposed within a perimeter defined by the top surface; (B) a bottom surface defining a stacking recess; (C) a plurality of substantially vertical side surfaces that extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. In various embodiments, a recessed portion of the bottom surface adjacent the stacking recess is adapted to substantially mate with at least a portion of a shoulder portion of a like container.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a first item in a series of items traveling on a conveyor in which a first item is downstream of a second item in the series of items. The apparatus may comprise: (1) a scale; (2) an item repositioning mechanism that is adapted to move (e.g., slide) the first item from the conveyor into weighing engagement with the scale; and (3) a braking mechanism that is adapted to limit the forward progress of the second item while the item repositioning mechanism moves the first item from the conveyor into weighing engagement with the scale, and to thereby prevent the second item from passing the first item while the first item is in weighing engagement with the scale. In other embodiments, the braking mechanism may release to allow the second item to pass the first item while the first item is in weighing engagement with the scale.

Abstract: A container having a side wall having an exterior surface with at least one friction portion effective to prevent skidding of the side wall on a surface adjacent the side wall.

Abstract: A molded plastic container with a sidewall having a general hourglass configuration. The container structure includes an upper rim, a bottom and a sidewall that extends between the upper rim and the bottom. The sidewall includes a lower frustum section, a narrow mid-section and an upper frustum section. The lower frustum section connects the bottom to the narrow mid-section and decreases in width as it extends from the bottom to the narrow mid-section. The upper frustum section extends from the upper rim to the narrow mid-section and decreases in width as it extends from the upper rim to the mid-section. A method of making such a container, a method of hot-filling such a container and a method of retorting material enclosed in such a container are also disclosed.