Abstract: Plasma assisted polymerization and deposition of a very thin inner surface coating in a plastic or metal container without an undesirable increase in container surface temperature is provided to change the surface properties of the internal plastic surface of a container by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas which has been energized to produce a plasma or the surface is activated by a plasma of reactive gas so that it becomes receptive to a further surface reaction.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A disposable heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gases such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for use in vacuum vapor deposition coating provide for simpler, economical and continuous operation. A system and method for continuously melting and evaporating a solid material for forming a coating vapor includes the use of a separate melting crucible and evaporating crucible. A system and method for energizing the evaporative solids to form a plasma which includes first and second electrodes and a device for selectively switching polarity between the first and second electrodes to avoid coating vapor deposition on the electrodes. Another a system and method for energizing the evaporative solids to form a plasma which includes an electric arc discharge apparatus with a cathodic and an anodic part. A continuously fed electrode is disclosed for continuous vaporization of electrode members in an electric arc discharge. An apparatus and method provides for measurement of the rate of evaporation from an evaporator and the degree of ionization in a vapor deposition coating system.

Abstract: A method, composition and system for coating an external surface of containers and in particular, plastic containers, provides for low permeability to gases and vapors. The coating applied to the external surface of the containers is very thin and is comprised of one or several inorganic substances or layers of substances. For example, the coating can include silica which is bonded to the external surface of the container. This coating will be flexible and can be applied regardless of the container's internal pressure or lack thereof. The coating will firmly adhere to the container and possess an enhanced gas barrier effect after pressurization even when the coating is scratched, fractured, flexed and/or stretched. Moreover, this gas barrier enhancement will be substantially unaffected by filling of the container.

Abstract: Plasma assisted polymerization and deposition of a very thin inner surface coating in a plastic or metal container without an undesirable increase in container surface temperature is provided to change the surface properties of the internal plastic surface of a container by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas which has been energized to produce a plasma or the surface is activated by a plasma of reactive gas so that it becomes receptive to a further surface reaction.

Abstract: A very thin inner layer composed of a polymer chosen for its barrier and/or inertness properties is fabricated within a container preform constructed mainly from another polymer, or a structure of polymers. The inner layer on the preform is produced either by a controlled coating method involving coating of the injection mold core rod prior to injection molding or by a coating applied directly to the preform after injection molding. This enables both inner and main layers to be brought together at a time when the interface between them is molten. A tie layer can be employed, when desirable, to enable the layers to be combined without melting the layer interface.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: Plasma assisted polymerization and deposition of a very thin inner surface coating in a plastic or metal container without an undesirable increase in container surface temperature is provided to change the surface properties of the internal plastic surface of a container by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas which has been energized to produce a plasma or the surface is activated by a plasma of reactive gas so that it becomes receptive to a further surface reaction.

Abstract: To provide a can-lid with pop-out-spout, a folded, plastic spout is secured on the underside of a metal can-lid, which is conventionally roll-seamed onto the can-body. This is achieved either by gluing, or by plastic-coating the underside of the lid and heat-sealing the spout to the lid, or by incorporating the tips of the spout's flange in the roll-seamed joint of the can-lid, or other appropriate means. When the can is opened, the spout is released and either unfolds automatically due to the beverage's pressure (in case of carbonated beverages), or can be pulled out by the user. The spout is provided wither with a screw-closure, or with a twist-off, flick-open closure. In one version, the spout is completely covered by the can-lid, which is provided by an opening feature which enables an opening large enough for the spout to pass out.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: A twist-on/twist-off resealable assembly for a can-end, such as a metal can used in the beverage industry includes a first set of knuckles formed on the can body near its top opening. A plurality of cooperating fingers on the inside of the can lid engage the knuckles so that the lid is tightened by its progressive downward motion as the lid is rotated. The lid also includes a weakened or frangible portion for forming a straw opening. A second set of knuckles are located below the top set of knuckles for engagement by fingers extending from a pilfer-proof ring. The twist-off can lid may be made from the same metal as the can body or alternatively from a transparent plastic material or a combination of metal and plastic.

Abstract: Methods for providing a low permeability coating on the interior of a refillable plastic container, such as a PET beverage bottle, include coating of a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) by depositing LCP monomers on the interior surface of the container and bi-axially orienting the monomers continuously while reacting the monomers to produce the polymer. The interior surface of the container may be pre-treated to produce free radicals which enhance the attachment of the monomers to the surface. Also, the surface may be post-treated to eliminate unsaturated radicals or free monomers. The application of the monomers to the interior surface of the container can be effected by condensing a gas blend of monomers, by spraying liquid monomers or by filling with liquid monomers and then emptying to leave a residual coating. The monomers are reacted by preheating them or by subjecting them to a heated inert gas.

Abstract: A very thin inner layer composed of a polymer chosen for its barrier and/or inertness properties is fabricated within a container preform constructed mainly from another polymer, or a structure of polymers. The inner layer on the preform is produced either by a controlled coating method involving coating of the injection mold core rod prior to injection molding or by a coating applied directly to the preform after injection molding. This enables both inner and main layers to be brought together at a time when the interface between them is molten. A tie layer can be employed, when desirable, to enable the layers to be combined without melting the layer interface.

Abstract: A plasma assisted deposition of a very thin inner surface coating inside a plastic or metal container is achieved using insoluble, inert, inorganic substances such as silica, or insoluble metal oxides, or by using mixtures of substances, for example of metals, metal oxides, metal salts and carbon and/or organic radicals, so as to form a flexible structure or lattice, or by using different layers of such structures. It involves locating the container in an evacuated enclosure, placing a vaporizer containing inert inorganic material of a predetermined constituency inside the container, generating a vapor of said material, forming a plasma of said vapor, and depositing a relatively thin coating of said material over a predetermined area of an inside surface of said container, whereby the high temperature of the particles of said coating penetrate said surface due to their heat energy while causing no overall rise in surface temperature because of the low mass flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping cans entails placing an inflatable flexible-walled mandrel inside a drawn can body, inflating the mandrel, rotating the can body and the inflated mandrel, applying a forming tool, such as a rubber-surfaced roller, to the exterior surface of the can body to deflect the sidewall inwardly, deflating the mandrel and withdrawing it from the shaped can body. The flexible walls of the mandrel may have corrugations longitudinally thereof for selective shaping of the can body. The mandrel may also include separate sections along its longitudinal axis having different expansion capabilities for each section. The mandrel may also include movable end plates at distal ends of the flexible walls and an incompressible fluid therebetween wherein the mandrel is inflated by compressing the plates.

Abstract: A closure for a beverage bottle includes a recessed compartment for accommodating a hidden prize or gift therein for promotional purposes. The compartment has an access opening with a snap-fit door therein. When the closure is on the beverage bottle the door can not be opened. However, when the closure is removed from the bottle it may be squeezed to snap open the door and provide access to the compartment to expose the prize or gift.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for maintaining a desired (target) carbonation level in a carbonator, a control-signal originates from a reference standard of carbonated water close to the target carbonation level, which is sealed inside a pilot chamber of the regulator. The pilot chamber is exposed to the water temperature in the carbonator and is shaped and sized so as to promote rapid equalization of the temperature of the reference standard with that of the carbonated water. The pressure inside the pilot chamber is equal to the equilibrium vapor pressure, according to the temperature and carbonation level of the reference standard. This pressure is transmitted through a flexible membrane in one of the walls of the pilot chamber to a valve in the gas-supply line of the carbonator. This valve, therefore, balances the CO.sub.2 gas pressure within the carbonator with the equilibrium vapor pressure in the pilot chamber.

Abstract: A container assembly for housing liquid products and a prize therein which may be distributed with non-prize bearing containers comprising: a can for containing the liquid product in an interior chamber thereof, and a prize-holding subassembly positioned within the interior chamber for retaining a prize therein. The prize holding subassembly includes an expandable base portion which expands outwardly against interior side walls of the can to firmly grip the same in response to placing a closure on an open end of the can. The prize within the subassembly is moveable between a storage position within the can and a second position in juxtaposed, exposed relationship with the open end of the can in response to opening of the closure means.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 gas generator for a utilization device is located in a housing and chemically generates CO.sub.2 from a chemical reaction between two reagents contained within a common container. The reagents are located in different chambers of the container with a CO.sub.2 accumulation region being included in one of the chambers. A reference pressure source of a predetermined pressure forces the two reagents into contact with each other when the pressure of gas in the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is less than the predetermined pressure whereupon CO.sub.2 is generated in one of the chambers. An output conduit in fluid communication with the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is provided to withdraw the generated gas from the generator. As the CO.sub.2 is withdrawn, the gas pressure drops permitting more mixing of the reagents. When the CO.sub.2 pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure applied by the reference pressure source, the reagents become separated again and gas generation ceases.

Abstract: There is provided a cardboard packaging for liquids which consists of a folding box, an inner bag arranged therein and made from a plastic material, and of a withdrawal nozzle which is accessible from the outside through a hole formed in one wall of the folding box. The withdrawal nozzle comprises a base plate which is welded or bonded in liquid-tight fashion to the bag at the inner side of said bag in a weldless area thereof. The inner bag is only bonded to and easily detachable from the folding box wall that includes the hole for the withdrawal nozzle, but, apart from this, is not bonded to the walls of the folding box. The withdrawal nozzle is therefore secured against rotation, and the bag is sufficiently fixed in the folding carton. In addition, it can easily collapse during emptying, and the packaging can be easily disassembled into its cardboard and plastic parts after use (FIG. 2 ).