Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for inspection of molded closures that would measure specific parameters of the closure on an on-line basis as they are ejected from an associated compression molding apparatus. Measuring specific parameters of the closure on an on-line basis identifies problems with specific tool sets, sub-systems, and process settings of the molding apparatus, thus substantially reducing the amount of scrap that is produced.

Abstract: An apparatus delivers plural molten plastic pellets into cavities for compression molding of the pellets into bottle closures or bottle closure liners. The apparatus is provided for delivering molten plastic pellets from a supply of molten plastic to a plurality of molding blocks, each molding block having a row of cavities. The molding blocks are carried on a rotating carousel. The apparatus includes a rotating multi-cutter with a plurality of cutter blades, and a manifold block which receives the extruded molten-plastic and delivers the molten plastic to a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle aligned with one or more of the cutter blades. The cutter blades remove a row of plastic pellets from the molten plastic at the nozzles and deliver the plastic pellets into one row of cavities of a molding block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a blended stream of articles, such as for use in connection with product promotions and the like. The invention contemplates that first and second streams of discrete promotional articles are blended so that the resultant stream includes articles at a predetermined ratio. The present invention facilitates creation of a blended product stream comprising all winning promotional articles with differing values, with subsequent formation of a blended article stream comprising winning and non-winning promotional articles. Precise and cost-effective introduction of the winning and non-winning promotional articles into the marketplace can thus be effected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a blended stream of articles, such as for use in connection with product promotions and the like. The invention contemplates that first and second streams of discrete promotional articles are blended so that the resultant stream includes articles at a predetermined ratio. The present invention facilitates creation of a blended product stream comprising all winning promotional articles with differing values, with subsequent formation of a blended article stream comprising winning and non-winning promotional articles. Precise and cost-effective introduction of the winning and non-winning promotional articles into the marketplace can thus be effected.

Abstract: A ground source air conditioning system for a structure. The system comprises a de-icing conduit array for de-icing nearby surfaces, such as sidewalks, parking lots and driveways. The air conditioning system includes a refrigeration unit, and the heat from the refrigerant in the refrigeration unit is transferred to a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid is conducted to a heat exchanger, which preferably is located underground, such as an array of vertically or horizontally arranged conduits. Alternately, a water reservoir can be employed as the heat exchanger. When necessary, the heat transfer fluid is conducted through the de-icing conduit array positioned immediately beneath the surface to be de-iced. The amount of heat transfer fluid directed to the de-icing array can be regulated, and in warmer seasons it can be isolated altogether from the rest of the system.