Abstract: Rigid container structure for hermetic sealing of particulate solids which emit an off-gas during containment. Provisions are made for enclosing chamber space with a gas-permeable imperforate membrane film so as to selectively separate and retain an off-gas out of contact with container contents. In a specific embodiment, carbon dioxide is selectively separated from coffee contents while the entire container, including such enclosed chamber as established, is hermetically sealed from ambient atmosphere. Provision is also made for venting of a separated off-gas in initiating a rupture of an end closure structure prior to full opening of the container. That arrangement further diminishes the opportunity for inadvertent discharge of particulate solids due to expulsion of gas from inert gas purging and from gas emitted during hermetic sealing.

Abstract: A vending system for hot food comprises stacks of food-containing trays of a standard size, a microwave oven whose horizontal dimensions are similar to those of the trays and whose vertical dimension is preferably such as to produce a resonant cavity for the wavelength used, and means for feeding a selected one of the trays into the microwave oven on demand. The radiation is preferably introduced through a waveguide into the top of the tray. Each tray preferably carries heating instructions in machine readable code, e.g. as apertures on lateral extensions of a horizontal flange, and a reading head reads the instructions and adjusts the microwave oven accordingly. The stacks of trays may be held in a rotary magazine and selected by push-buttons.

Abstract: A tray-type food container for food which is to be heated or re-heated in the container comprises both a flat outer lid heat-sealed to a horizontal flange on the tray and a perforated inner lid of substantially rigid and preferably transparent material which is supported on a step in the wall of the tray and is shaped so as to extend above the level of the step and to provide finger holes whereby it may be grasped and removed after the outer lid has been removed. The inner lid may support the outer lid flush with the flange. The flange may have a peripheral groove to form a guide for a knife for removal of the outer lid. The flange may also carry heating instructions in a machine readable code. A vending machine comprising a microwave oven may be provided with means for selecting a container from a number of stacks and with means for reading the coded heating instructions and regulating the energy supply to the microwave oven accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a hollow article with at least two coating materials, said method comprising the steps of applying a first coating material to the article and drying or partially curing at least the surface of the first coating before the application of the second material. Thereafter the two coatings may be fully cured together or alternatively the second coating material may be partially cured in readiness to receive a further coating. The preferred curing means is a gas flame.

Abstract: In a method in which containers, such as cylindrical metal cans, are printed by means of dye diffusion transfer, from a flexible paper carrier which is heated to shrink the carrier into intimate contact with a dye receptive coating on the surface of the container, and to effect dye transfer, the carrier has a weight of 35-110 grams per square meter, an equilibrium moisture content of 2-15% when exposed to air with a relative humidity of 50%, and is applied to the container so that the direction of grain of the paper is parallel to the axis of symmetry passing through the center of the base of the container.

Abstract: Metal containers, such as cans, are printed when empty by means of dye diffusion transfer, the dyes being first printed on to a paper web which is cut into individual carriers. Each carrier is secured, somewhat in the manner of a label, to a container by a water-soluble adhesive so that, upon being heated to effect dye transfer, the carrier comes into intimate contact with a suitably receptive coating, pre-applied to the container, solely by virtue of its own shrinkage. The carrier and adhesive are subsequently removed by water spray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a hollow article with at least two coating materials, said method comprising the steps of applying a first coating material to the article and drying or partially curing at least the surface of the first coating before the application of the second material. Thereafter the two coatings may be fully cured together or alternatively the second coating material may be partially cured in readiness to receive a further coating. The preferred curing means is a gas flame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus, for applying a first and second coating to the exterior surface of a can. The apparatus comprises a mandrel rotatably mounted on a pivotable arm, so that pivoting of the arm carries a can on the mandrel to a first position, in which it is held by a solenoid acting upon a portion of the arm, while a first coating means applies a first coating. Thereafter the arm is released for pivoting to a second position where it is held by a second holding means while a second coating means applies a second coating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus, for applying a first and second coating to the exterior surface of a can. The apparatus comprises a mandrel rotatably mounted on a pivotable arm, so that pivoting of the arm carries a can on the mandrel to a first position, in which it is held by a solenoid acting upon a portion of the arm, while a first coating means applies a first coating. Thereafter the arm is released for pivoting to a second position where it is held by a second holding means while a second coating means applies a second coating.