Abstract: A heat set container including a base portion, a shoulder portion, and a sidewall portion extending from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The shoulder portion, the sidewall portion and the base portion cooperate to define a receptacle chamber within the container into which product can be filled. A plurality of vacuum panels are equidistantly disposed about the shoulder portion. A plurality of transition lands are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of vacuum panels and spaced outwardly relative thereto. The plurality of vacuum panels cooperate to be inwardly collapsible from a first outside diameter to a second outside diameter in response to at least internal vacuum forces.

Abstract: A blow molding system having a blow molding station with at least one mold assembly and method for forming a filled container therewith. The blow molding station including at least one blow nozzle coupled to a source of blowing medium and configured to discharge the blowing medium into the preform to simultaneously form and fill a container with the blowing medium, wherein the blowing medium is the product to be contained within the container. A blow-off nozzle is provided and oriented in a direction to discharge a stream of cleaning medium at the blow nozzle causing residual blowing medium to be removed from the blow nozzle.

Abstract: A method of forming a container includes providing a preform of the container. The preform has a wall with an interior region and an exterior region. The method also includes disposing the preform in a mold cavity wherein the mold cavity has a mold surface. Furthermore, the method includes introducing a substance into the preform to expand the preform toward the mold surface. The interior region of the wall has a first interior temperature prior to the introduction of the substance and a second interior temperature after the introduction of the substance. The exterior region of the wall has a first exterior temperature prior to the introduction of the substance and a second exterior temperature after the introduction of the substance. The method further includes controlling the first interior temperature to be greater than the first exterior temperature prior to the introduction of the substance.

Abstract: A system for pre-stretching a preform utilized in forming a container. The system including an oven, a conveyor system configured for transporting preforms through the oven a blow molding station having at least one mold with interior surfaces defining the shape of the container, and a transfer station configured to transfer a preform from the oven into the blow molding station. The system also includes a stretch rod and an actuator. The stretch rod is movable between retracted and extended positions such that, when in the extended position, the stretch rod is positioned interiorly of the preform and the preform is elongated by the stretch rod to form a pre-stretched preform. The stretch rod is located to form the pre-stretched preform prior to the blowing medium being introduced into the preform in the blow molding station.

Abstract: A system for forming a container from a preform, wherein the preform has a finish and a support ring. The system includes a mold having a mold cavity defining an internal surface and adapted to accept the preform, a pressure system having an inlet and an outlet outputting fluid, a blow nozzle receiving the fluid from the pressure system and introducing the fluid at a pressure into the preform thereby expanding the preform toward the internal surface of the mold cavity and creating a resultant container. The system further includes a first seal engagement selectively engageable between the blow nozzle and the finish of the preform and a second seal engagement selectively engageable between the blow nozzle and an adjacent feature.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser contains a fluid and selectively delivers the fluid orally to a subject. The fluid dispenser includes a main body defining a vessel that contains the fluid. The fluid dispenser also includes a dispensing portion that extends from the main body. The dispensing portion defines a passage therethrough that is in fluid communication with the vessel. The passage terminates at a dispenser opening through which the fluid exits the passage and flows into the mouth of the subject. Moreover, the fluid dispenser includes a tongue depressor that extends from the dispensing portion. The tongue depressor is operable to depress the tongue of the subject while the fluid is dispensed into the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a cylindrical body defining a longitudinal axis. The body has an upper portion, a sidewall portion and a base portion having a base. The base portion defines a radial sidewall and a central inset portion defined inboard of a thinned wall portion formed around at least a portion of the base.