Abstract: A machine for bringing the flexible upright walls of paperboard containers into a predetermined configuration, so that fitment rings may be applied to the upper ends of those containers, includes a pair of captivator chains having parallel inner passes and a main conveyor located generally between the two inner passes. The containers are released onto the main conveyor at equal intervals, whereupon opposed captivator blocks on the two chains fit snugly around the containers and cause them to assume the desired configuration. This enables fitment rings to be installed over the upper margins of the sidewalls or some other operation to be performed on the containers.

Abstract: A machine for applying lids to containers and for further heat sealing a metal foil membrane to each container beneath its lid includes a main conveyor and a timing screw at the feed end of the conveyor for releasing open top containers onto the conveyor at equally spaced intervals. As the containers move along the main conveyor, captivator blocks, which are carried on synchronized chains located at each side of the main conveyor, converge toward and close upon the side walls of the containers so as to confine the containers in the horizontal direction while they move along the main conveyor. Lids are applied to the containers at a lid applicator while the containers are gripped by the captivator blocks. Thereafter the containers pass beneath an overhead belt and the lower pass of this belt is backed by a pair of skid plates and a plurality of rollers, with the rollers being interposed between the two skid plates.

Abstract: A machine for printing letters, numbers, symbols and the like on banding or other flexible material of extended length includes a drive wheel and a printing wheel, as well as pressure rollers for pressing the banding against the two wheels. The drive wheel is driven by the banding as the banding is drawn through the machine, and the printing wheel is connected to the drive wheel through a belt such that the two wheels have the same peripheral velocity. Thus, the printing wheel, which has raised characters around its periphery, rotates as the banding passes over it. The raised characters of the printing wheel further pass over the periphery of an ink transfer wheel, all but a small segment of which is contained within a sealed case of an inking unit. The surface of the ink transfer wheel is pitted, and where that wheel emerges from the case, seals are provided to form a vapor barrier which isolates the interior of the case from the surrounding atmosphere.