Abstract: An insulated cup includes a tapered side wall that defines an array of spaced, parallel ridges separated by grooves. A label is supported by the ridges around the exterior of the cup to define an array of air gaps in the grooves between the ridges. These air gaps provide thermal insulation tending to reduce heat flow through the label into or out of the cup, and the side wall includes solid resin outer layers and a foamed resin central layer to improve thermal insulation further.

Abstract: A leak detection device includes a container-rotating disc mounted for rotation about a rotation axis. Multiple container-supporting test heads are mounted to the disc for rotation about the rotation axis. Each test head includes a sealing assembly supported by a first cam follower and comprising a cylinder, and a piston supported by a second cam follower and received in the cylinder. First and second annular cams are mounted above the disc to operate the first and second cam followers, respectively, such that the sealing assemblies and the pistons are moved between respective upper and lower positions as the disc rotates with respect to the cams. The cams are shaped to press the sealing assemblies against the containers, to raise the pistons to draw a partial vacuum in the containers, and then to lift the sealing assemblies and any sealed containers for a vacuum test. An improved seal accommodates a wavy upper surface of the container.

Abstract: A high barrier container includes a barrel-shaped container body having a sealed end and an open end, and a closure member. The closure member includes a circular laminated central closure panel and a peripheral flange. The laminated central closure panel includes a top plastic layer and gas-impermeable layer bonded thereto. The closure member is spin welded to the container body such that a spin-weld interface is formed between the open-end part of the container body and the flange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a heater element in accordance with the dwell time of an item to be heated by the heater element. The apparatus of the invention utilizes a temperature tracking circuit which is energized by a low voltage DC power source and a switching system for operating the tracking circuit in either an automatic or standby mode. Sensors are provided for determining the dwell time of an article to be heated by the heater element and a thermocouple or the like is provided for sensing the temperature of the heater element. A heat controller, preferably of the digital programmable variety, is connected to the heater element and is responsive to the dwell time and the thermocouple for controlling the power to the heater in accordance with the dwell time and instantaneous heater temperature whenever the equipment associated with the heater element is operating in the automatic mode.