Abstract: A dispenser for a shippable container is provided, where the shippable container has a hollow body, an opening, a collar adjacent the opening, and a closure sealing the opening. The dispenser has a collar engagement portion configured to engage the collar of the shippable container, a closure engagement portion configured to engage the closure of the shippable container, and a body engagement portion configured to engage a portion of the hollow body of the shippable container. An aperture in the dispenser is configured to dispense contents from the hollow body of the shippable container. The dispenser can be configured to dispense contents from the hollow body of the shippable container when the shippable container is in an inverted position.

Abstract: A frame for a shippable container is provided, where the shippable container has a hollow body, an opening, and a collar adjacent the opening. The frame has a collar engagement portion configured to engage the collar of the shippable container and a body engagement portion configured to engage a portion of the hollow body of the shippable container. The collar engagement portion and/or the body engagement portion can be configured to engage the collar of the shippable container and prevent rotation of the shippable container about the opening relative to the frame.

Abstract: A dispenser for a shippable container is provided, where the shippable container has a hollow body, an opening, a collar adjacent the opening, and a closure sealing the opening. The dispenser has a collar engagement portion configured to engage the collar of the shippable container, a closure engagement portion configured to engage the closure of the shippable container, and a body engagement portion configured to engage a portion of the hollow body of the shippable container. An aperture in the dispenser is configured to dispense contents from the hollow body of the shippable container. The dispenser can be configured to dispense contents from the hollow body of the shippable container when the shippable container is in an inverted position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a temperature probe and use thereof. The temperature probe is configured to obtain a temperature of a blow molding preform, especially a temperature of an inside surface of the blow molding preform. In this manner, effectiveness of heating the preform can be evaluated, the presence of one or more temperature gradients ascertained, and the blow molding process can be optimized for a given preform.

Abstract: An overmolded preform and a container blow molded from the same are disclosed, wherein the overmolded preform and the overmolded container include an inner foamed layer.

Abstract: An energy output measuring device including a main body having a light reflecting exterior and a window portion formed in the main body and produced from infrared-reflecting glass. At least one visible light sensor is disposed adjacent the window. The energy output measuring device is configured to pass through a heating device. An energy output of the heating device is determined from measurements taken by the heating device.

Abstract: An extension for a heating element includes a bracket for a quartz lamp within a furnace of a blow molding machine. The extension includes a base that is coupled to the furnace where the extension directs the heating element toward an end of a preform. The extension may include a parabolic lens to provide controlled and directed heating of the end of the preform to optimize material distribution upon blow molding.

Abstract: An energy output measuring device including a main body having a light reflecting exterior and a window portion formed in the main body and produced from infrared-reflecting glass. At least one visible light sensor is disposed adjacent the window. The energy output measuring device is configured to pass through a heating device. An energy output of the heating device is determined from measurements taken by the heating device.

Abstract: A system for the automated regulation of a gas permeation testing system is disclosed, wherein a control system in communication with a data processor facilitates more precise control of a pressurized fluid caused to flow through the gas permeation testing system.

Abstract: A multi-layer preform having at least one foamed layer suitable for forming a multi-layer blow molded container having at least one foamed layer container is disclosed, the multi-layer container formed by a process comprising the steps of injection molding a polymer melt having a non-reactive gas entrained therein, causing entrained gas cells in the polymer melt to open to form a polymer preform having an open cell foam layer, cooling the preform to a temperature below the polymer softening temperature, reheating the preform to a temperature greater than the polymer softening temperature, and blow molding the preform in a second mold, to prepare the container. At least one layer of the container may be blended with an oxygen and/or carbon dioxide barrier material.

Abstract: A handheld torque measuring meter adapted to measure the downward thrust and torsional force required to apply or remove a screw type closure from the threaded neck or finish of an associated container is disclosed, the handheld meter having a first portion graspable a user, a member adapted to receive a portion of a closure of a container, means connecting said main body to said member including a load cell, and a means for displaying a measurement adapted to receive the output signal from the load cell and indicate one of the torsional force and the linear force required to effect a movement of the closure relative to the associated container.

Abstract: A container comprises a micro cellular foamed polymer, and a non-reactive gas contained within the micro cellular foam cells, wherein the container has a silvery appearance. The process for making the container comprises injection molding a polymer preform having a non-reactive gas entrapped within the walls thereof, cooling the preform to a temperature below the polymer softening temperature, reheating the preform to a temperature above the polymer softening temperature, and blow molding the preform, to prepare a container comprising a micro cellular foamed polymer having a non-reactive gas contained within the micro cellular foam cells.

Abstract: A system for measuring gas permeation through container walls is disclosed, wherein a pressure fluid is introduced into a container to be tested. Once the pressure fluid is introduced into the container, the pressure fluid is drawn out of the container and tested to determine the permeation characteristics of the container.

Abstract: A container, comprises a first layer of plastic and a second layer of plastic contacting said first layer, the second layer of plastic being formed as a foam wherein the foam cells contain carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A scrapless thermoforming machine includes a plurality of transport trays having frames configured to hold thermoplastic billets and billet clamps. An oven is configured to heat the billets and a forming press is configured to form the billets into containers. A loading and unloading station has a billet loading side and a container unloading side. The loading and unloading station includes a clamp transfer station having a clamp transfer shuttle configured to move the clamps from the container unloading side to the billet loading side and a transport tray unloading mechanism on the container unloading side configured to unload the clamps and formed containers from a selected transport tray to the clamp transfer station.

Abstract: A system for measuring a profile of an object comprising a source creating a beam of electromagnetic energy. An electromagnetic beam receiver spaced from the source for processing an output signal proportional to the girth of the object being measured. A platform for providing rotational and vertical movement of the object being measured causing the object to obstruct a portion of the electromagnetic beam generated by the source. A processor for processing the output signal from the electromagnetic beam receiver to form a composite profile of the object measured.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a polymer and an exfoliated metal phosphonate are provided. Processes for making such polymer compositions and articles formed from such polymer compositions are also provided. Compositions according to the invention are useful in polymer applications in which barrier properties are of concern, such as in plastic food and beverage containers.