Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying and sealing recessed membranes to containers in a single operation. The membranes are partially cut from a continuous flexible web of film material and remain on the web due to thin necks of film material that are left after the cutting operation. An applicator head is carried on a power cylinder and acts to detach the membranes from the web, to apply the membranes to the containers at recessed locations, and to heat seal the marginal portions of the membranes to the container rims. The applicator head includes a vacuum head which attracts the membranes by suction and a sealing head which heat seals the membranes to the containers. The vacuum head has a tapered vacuum surface which properly centers the membranes and assists in expelling air from the containers before the heat seal is effected. The vacuum head is spaced from the heated sealing head to minimize the heat transfer and may be additionally cooled by a fluid cooling system.