Abstract: A container sealing machine for placing an elastomeric lid with a transverse wall and a depending sidewall upon the open upper end of the container has a frame providing a cavity adapted to receive therein the upper portion of the container. A multiplicity of stretching fingers are movably mounted on the frame and extend inwardly of the cavity. The fingers have upstanding lips at their inner ends adapted to engage the inside surface of the sidewall of the lid and are movable relative to the cavity. Initially, this movement stretches the lid and thereafter it causes the sidewall of the lid to be moved off the lips, and the sidewall of the lid then contracts against the sidewall of the container to effect its sealing. Generally, the finger moving means includes a base plate on which the fingers are slidably seated, a base plate on which the fingers are slidably seated, and a rotatable cam ring above the fingers which cooperate to produce the movement of the fingers.

Abstract: A lid-sealing machine has an infeed system that employs a timing screw arranged to convey flanged trays along the upper portion thereof. The carousel on which the trays are supported during sealing has a multiplicity of locations, each with an associated heat and pressure applying platen; operation is continuous and with no indexing of the table.