Abstract: Methods to decrease aldehyde content of a polymer are provided. An effective amount of an additive that contains a P—H functionality is incorporated into the polymer in the presence of an acidic of basic catalyst compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers (20) includes a columnator (26) and sound detector (24) responsive to a defect sound of pressure fluid escaping from a container being formed in a mold cavity (14). The columnator is effective to filter the defect sound from ambient noise. An output signal generated by the sound detector is processed to generate a control signal used to reject a defective container. Preferably, the open end of the columnator is positioned between 20° and 150° from the preform loading station in a rotary platform (12) blow molding machine.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from RPET flakes by a process which includes the steps of comminuting the RPET flakes to produce RPET particles and driving the contaminants out from the RPET particles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers (20) includes a columnator (26) and sound detector (24) responsive to a defect sound of pressure fluid escaping from a container being formed in a mold cavity (14). The columnator is effective to filter the defect sound from ambient noise. An output signal generated by the sound detector is processed to generate a control signal used to reject a defective container. Preferably, the open end of the columnator is positioned between 20° and 150° from the preform loading station in a rotary platform (12) blow molding machine.

Abstract: The hand held torque meter is illustrated and described. The meter is capable of readily measuring the amount of torque required to loosen or apply a closure to the threaded finish of an associated container.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine includes a loading station configured to load a thermoplastic billet onto a frame. The frame has an outer ring and a billet support blade defining a channel therebetween. The billet support blade engages the billet to maintain the billet on the frame during heating of the billet. A heating apparatus is configured to heat the billet and a forming station is configured to form the billet into a container.

Abstract: A reheat stretch blow-molding process comprises providing a polypropylene preform, and heating the preform utilizing a plurality of infrared energy sources positioned adjacent-said preform at distances inversely proportional to the wall thickness of said preform directly apposing said infrared energy sources.

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: The hand held torque meter is illustrated and described. The meter is capable of readily measuring the amount of torque required to loosen or apply a closure to the threaded finish of an associated container.

Abstract: A co-layer stretch blow molding preform comprises an outer plastic preform and an inner plastic preform, wherein the inner plastic preform includes an infrared energy absorbing material which is absent from the outer plastic preform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers. It has been discovered that by sonically monitoring the production of a plastic blow molded container, the occurrence of a hole in the wall of the container being formed by a blow molding operation will produce a detectable noise signal. The noise signal is caused by the flow of pressure fluid through the hole. The flow of pressure fluid is caused by the pressure differentiating between the inside and the outside of the container being produced. The noise signal is of an amplitude and frequency readily recognizable from the ambient background noise.

Abstract: A wheel system for securely mounting a tire thereon. The assembly includes a wheel having a rim with radially outward extending slots. A tire with radially inward extending protuberances mates with the radially extending members for securely mounting the tire to the wheel. The mating of protuberances with the members limits radial deflection and rotational movement of the tire about the rim. Axial movement of the tire relative to the rim is limited by the inner surface of the sidewall of the tire abutting the ends of the radially extending slots. In one embodiment, the wheel is composed of material having elastic properties for absorbing shock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying adhesive the edges of a slit tubular body as the tubular body is advanced along a path of travel is provided. The apparatus includes a tape feed for feeding a release tape having an adhesive applied to a surface thereof, a cutting blade for forming a slit having opposing edges in the tubular body such that the cutting blade is interposed between the opposing edges, and a housing member positioned along the path of travel. The housing member is positioned for directing the release tape along the exterior surface of the housing member in a line parallel to the path of travel of the tubular body such that the adhesive is applied to the at least one of the opposing edges of the slit. The housing member is further positioned for covering at least a portion of the cutting blade and separating at least one of the edges of the slit from the cutting blade to reduce frictional engagement of the cutting blade with the tubular body.

Abstract: A heat set blow molding process comprises providing a plastic preform, thermally conditioning the preform to achieve a temperature profile across the wall of the preform wherein the inner surface of the preform is at a higher temperature than the outer surface of the preform, said temperature profile being within the molecular orientation temperature range of the plastic, heating the outer surface of the preform to increase the temperature of the outer surface of the preform by at least about 10° C., enclosing the preform in a hot mold, expanding the preform to form a container within the hot mold by introducing a blowing gas into the preform to induce biaxial orientation in the preform and force the preform into conforming contact with the hot mold, and maintaining the expanded preform in conforming contact with the hot mold for a time sufficient to induce crystallization of the plastic material and to allow for stress relaxation.

Abstract: A co-layer stretch blow molding preform comprises an outer plastic preform and an inner plastic preform, wherein the inner plastic preform includes an infrared energy absorbing material which is absent from the outer plastic preform.

Abstract: A double-walled container is formed by gas assist injection molding. Thereafter, the container is further processed by 1) inserting a gas between the container layers, 2) injecting a colored liquid between the container layers, 3) evacuating the void space between the container layers, or 4) pressurizing the space between the container layers.

Abstract: A process for extending the shelf life of a carbonated beverage within a plastic bottle comprises placing the carbonated beverage in the plastic bottle at a temperature less than about 72.degree. F., maintaining the temperature of the carbonated beverage at less than about 72.degree. F. for a time sufficient to convey the plastic bottle to an unrefrigerated, insulated container, and inserting the plastic bottle into the container.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure construction for a container with a neck having a discharge opening therein includes a base cap having a base wall and a nozzle portion projecting from the base wall and an annular flange projecting radially outwardly from the nozzle portion adjacent to the base wall and having a frustoconical first cam surface thereon and a flat planar first stop surface thereon. The construction also includes an overcap with a cylindrical, flexible and resilient skirt connected to the base wall by a circular array of frangible webs, and having a flat planar second stop surface at the distal end thereof and an annular groove mateably receiving the annular flange and defining a frustoconical second cam surface engaging the first cam surface.

Abstract: A spherical container for a chemical solution is disclosed which is used in a washing machine. The spherical container maximizes the surface which interacts with the clothing being washed in the washing machine, yet there are no sharp edges or surfaces to damage the clothing. The sphere is sealed with the solution therewithin, and vapor, gas and/or charged particles are emitted which perform the cleaning function.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from RPET flakes by a process which includes the steps of comminuting the RPET flakes to produce RPET particles and driving the contaminants out from the RPET particles.