Abstract: A method of making a wide mouth, blow molded PET plastic container having an externally threaded neck, the diameter and wall thickness of the neck and threads have a critical relationship to the diameter and wall thickness of the preform used to blow the intermediate article of which the container is a part. A PET plastic container having a threaded neck with a wall thickness of within the range of 0.032 to 0.038 inches.

Abstract: A blow molded plastic container having a circular spout and a liquid guiding neck portion with a curved, generally U-shaped pouring anti-glug ledge. A plurality of vertical reinforcing columns extend between the ledge and top wall of the container to hold the spout in a level position.

Abstract: A fluid coupling system is provided including a fluid coupling having a cooperative key coding system and latching mechanism, a valve biasing mechanism with corrosion resistance, and other advantageous features. The key coding system permits interconnection of only matched coupling members while preventing the inadvertent interconnection of mismatched coupling members notwithstanding the presence of many coupling, both matched and mismatched. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slideably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. The key coding system includes key coding elements on the coupling members that are axially movable into matched interengagement when the coupling members are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when they are mismatched, all without rotation of the couplings or the key coding elements irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the couplings members or coding elements.

Abstract: A fluid coupling system is provided including a fluid coupling having a cooperative key coding system and latching mechanism, a valve biasing mechanism with corrosion resistance, and other advantageous features. The key coding system permits interconnection of only matched coupling members while preventing the inadvertent interconnection of mismatched coupling members notwithstanding the presence of many coupling, both matched and mismatched. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slideably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. The key coding system includes key coding elements on the coupling members that are axially movable into matched interengagement when the coupling members are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when they are mismatched, all without rotation of the couplings or the key coding elements irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the couplings members or coding elements.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for interconnecting only matching fluid delivery and supply lines while preventing the inadvertent connection of mismatched lines where there are matched and mismatched delivery and supply lines. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slidably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. In the disclosed embodiment of a coupling for use in a chemical extraction system, one coupling member is a male member connected to the supply lines in the typical fifty gallon drum and the other coupling member is a female coupling member connected to the delivery lines. Key coding elements on the coupling members are movable into matched interengagement when the supply and delivery lines are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when the lines are mismatched.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for handling, filling and sealing a pouch in an aseptic environment include a pouch carrier and upper pouch grippers for holding the pouch during sterilization, filling and sealing. Vacuum jaws in an aseptic chamber engage, stretch and open the pouch, and a cutter cuts off a removable pouch seal before the pouch is opened. Once opened, the pouch is filled, then closed, sealed and moved out of the chamber through the bath.

Abstract: A fitmentless, aseptic, temporarily sealed pouch is formed from two multiple-ply side walls sealed together at marginal edges. A portion of the seal is removable. Half seals joining the plies within each side wall are disposed in the side walls proximate the removable seal, but do not seal the side walls together. Apparatus and processes for handling, filling and sealing the pouch in an aseptic chamber include apparatus for moving the pouch through a sterilant bath, into and out of an aseptic chamber, a cutter for cutting off the removable seal, and vacuum jaws for engaging, stretching and opening the pouch. Once opened, the pouch is filled, then closed, sealed and moved out of the chamber through the bath.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for aseptically filling a flexible container having a rigid fitment including a neck, outer flange surrounding the neck, a frangible membrane and an outer rim. The apparatus includes an enclosed filling chamber including a platen with an opening, clamping jaws for holding the fitment in the opening, a vacuum head and sealing unit for removing a lid loosely placed on the fitment and supporting it within the sealing chamber while the sealing chamber, fitment and lid are sterilized, a fill tube which is retractable within a housing and shiftable to a position in sealed engagement with the neck to introduce product into the container. After the container is filled, the fill tube is withdrawn and enclosed in its housing, the lid is transferred back onto the rim and heat sealed in place. The fitment is then unclamped to end the filling cycle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an aseptic flexible walled container having a rigid fitment member cooperative with an aseptic filling apparatus and including a neck, outer flanges surrounding the neck, a frangible membrane and an outer end rim receptive of an hermetically sealed lid. The neck is formed with an internal chamferred seating shoulder for fluid-tight engagement with a fill tube. One outer flange cooperates with clamping jaws of the aseptic filling apparatus for detachably sealing the fitment to a sterilizing chamber and placing it in position for insertion of the filling tube which ruptures the membrane and permits the aseptic introduction of product to the container's interior. The other outer flange is secured to an opening in a wall of the flexible container. The joined fitment and container are presterilized prior to filling.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for use with various types of disposable flexible foodstuff containers, such as polymeric bags containing soft drink syrups, of the type having a fitment attached to a wall of the container. The novel fitment includes a displaceable valve means having a seal plug member slidably received within a passageway and capable of being releasably retained at a pre-fill position and lockably retained at a post-fill position. A mating probe connector is permanently attached to the food product delivery hose system and includes an inner cap and sleeve comprising a probe adapter capable of being detachably secured to the novel fitment and a probe member for engaging the seal plug member. Product drain and positive evacuation structures are provided to assure substantially complete draining of product from the container during use. The probe is movable in response to rotation of a screw-threaded outer cap member.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for use with various types of disposable flexible foodstuff containers, such as polymeric bags containing soft drink syrups, of the type having a fitment attached to a wall of the container. The novel fitment includes a displaceable valve means having a seal plug member slidably received within a passageway and capable of being releasably retained at a pre-fill position and lockably retained at a post-fill position. A mating probe connector is permanently attached to the food product delivery hose system and includes a probe adapter capable of being detachably secured to the novel fitment and a pointed push probe for engaging the seal plug member. Product drain and positive evacuation structures are provided to assure substantially complete draining of product from the container during use. The probe is directly manually movable.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for interconnecting only matching fluid delivery and supply lines while preventing the inadvertent connection of mismatched lines where there are matched and mismatched delivery and supply lines. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slidably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. In the disclosed embodiment of a coupling for use in a chemical extraction system, one coupling member is a male member connected to the supply lines in the typical fifty gallon drum and the other coupling member is a female coupling member connected to the delivery lines. Key coding elements on the coupling members are movable into matched interengagement when the supply and delivery lines are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when the lines are mismatched.