Abstract: A method of maintaining, tracking and identifying the integrity of a disposable specimen container comprising the steps of: writing to an RFID device attached to an individual specimen vial information including the date and a unique identification of the vial; putting sample in the specimen vial; writing to the RFID device attached to the specimen vial information including the time and the day; storing the vial in an environment to maintain its integrity; sending the vial to a laboratory for analysis; inventorying the vials by scanning the RFID attached to the individual vials; and separating the RFID device from the vial so that the RFID device may be re-used.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a leakproof plastic container by completely ejecting from a mold and then transferring to a cap closing station. The process includes the steps of injecting a molten plastic material into a mold cavity and then opening the mold and ejecting the body and cap completely from the mold. Subsequently, the body and cap are gravity fed to a collection device and then transferred to a cap closing station. In the cap closing station, the body and cap are sealed before the material is fully set to form a leakproof seal.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a leakproof plastic container by completely ejecting from a mold and then transferring to a cap closing station. The process includes the steps of injecting a molten plastic material into a mold cavity and then opening the mold and ejecting the body and cap completely from the mold. Subsequently, the body and cap are gravity fed to a collection device and then transferred to a cap closing station. In the cap closing station, the body and cap are sealed before the material is fully set to form a leakproof seal.

Abstract: A particulating apparatus for liquid filled plastic containers in preparation for recycling produced plastic particulate. The particulating apparatus includes a container hopper for accepting a supply of plastic containers to be processed by the particulating apparatus wherein at least a portion of the containers are partially liquid filled. There is a transport for conveying the supply of plastic containers from the hopper to a pulverizer. The pulverizer has a pulverizing chamber within which a pulverizing means is housed for reducing the plastic containers to plastic particulate. The chamber includes means for draining liquid held within the containers to a liquid collector. A conveyor means is provided for transporting plastic particulate from the pulverizer to a collection bin where the particulate is retained for further processing or disposal. The conveyor means is inclined at least partially vertically upwardly from horizontal to permit drainage of additional liquid from the particulate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a leak proof body and cap. The process including the steps of defining a mold cavity between a first mold part and a second mold part, injecting a molten material into the mold cavity thereby forming from the molten material a body and cap, and retracting the first mold part from the second mold part to separate the first mold part from the body and cap. Thereafter, engaging at least the body with a robotic arm and moving the body with the robotic arm into a capping device while the body and cap are at a temperature at which the material is not fully set. The body is then sealed by moving the cap into engagement with the body to form a leak proof seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a spout to a planar portion of an article, such as a milk or juice carton, which may be integrated into conventional carton forming and filling machines, includes a heater for heating a stem of a spout, a bonding application site for applying a bonding agent to a flange on the spout, a positioning device for positioning the spout in a predetermined relation to a spout applicator, a positioning device to position a carton with a hole provided in a predetermined relation to the spout applicator and for attaching the spout to the carton at the position where the heated stem is deformed to mechanically engage the carton of the hole.

Abstract: A container for a silicon wafer chip includes a body having a bed for the chip, a plurality of posts defining a lateral perimeter for the chip, and a cap having fingers for maintaining the vertical position of the chip in the container. The bed is sloped from the outer wall to an inner line so that an edge of the chip only is supported on a shoulder. The container includes a sealing arrangement to keep moisture and particle contaminants from the interior.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for attaching a spout to a planar portion of an article such as a milk or juice carton, which may be integrated into conventional carton forming and filling machines, includes the steps of heating a stem of a spout, applying a bonding agent to a flange on the spout, positioning the spout in a predetermined relation to a spout applicator, positioning a carton with a hole provided in a predetermined relation to the spout applicator and attaching the spout to the carton where the heated stem is deformed to mechanically engage the carton about the hole. An apparatus to accomplish the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a spout to a planar portion of a container, such as a milk or juice container, which may be incorporated in a conventional conveyor line. The method includes the steps of successively positioning the container at three stations, first, where a hole is punched, second, where a bonding agent is applied, and third, where the spout is installed on the container. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes mechanisms for positioning the container at each station relative to an edge of the container so that the operation can be performed on the container.

Abstract: A container for holding pourable contents includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, an interior for holding contents and a reclosable pour spout mounted on the container. The pour spout includes a flange member having oppositely positioned first and second sides. An aperture extends through the flange member and the second side of the flange member is secured to the outer periphery of the wall of the container. An extension is connected to and extends axially away from the outer surface of the container and the extension has an aperture extending therethrough that communicates with the aperture in the flange member. A stem is connected to and extends axially away from the second side of the flange member. The stem has an aperture extending therethrough that communicates with the aperture in the flange member and the pour spout is positioned on the container such that the stem extends through the opening in the wall of the container and into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A spout is attached to a wall of an article, such as a paperboard container, by pushing a stem of a spout longitudinally through a pre-formed hole in the article and against an inclined face of a flare tool so that a portion of the stem is bent laterally outwardly and into the path of a staking tool. The staking tool is displaced so that the face thereof bends a laterally outer section of the bent portion against the wall of the article while leaving a laterally inner section of the bent portion spaced longitudinally from the wall.

Abstract: A tamper-proof plastic vial is rendered tamper-proof during transport to and from a specimen-receiving site. The vial comprises a container and cap molded together in one piece. The cap is inserted onto the container during the manufacturing phase and is secured thereto by a first destructible connector in the form of an arrow-like projection so that the integrity of the container is ensured until a specimen is received. Thereafter, a second destructible member in the form of a flexible one-way strip is attached to form a second destructible connection. The container carries an outer channel which receives a peripheral edge of the cap to establish a tortuous bacterial path and to resist accidental opening of the cap. The first destructible connection is created in response to a controlled shrinkage of the assembly during the cooling phase of manufacturing.

Abstract: A reclosable attachment for containers for permitting the contents of the container to be discharged from the container includes a flange member, a cylindrical extension that extends from one side of the flange member, and a cylindrical stem that extends from the opposite side of the flange member. A cap is connected to the flange member and is adapted to be engaged and disengaged with the cylindrical extension in order to permit or prevent the discharge of the contents from the container. A feature is also provided on the reclosable attachment for preventing someone from unknowingly tampering with the container and for preventing the cap from being accidentally opened. Several spaced apart ledges which extend radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of the stem can also be provided for maintaining the position of the attachment relative to the container.

Abstract: A tamper-proof container and cap assembly includes apertured flanges disposed on the container and cap, the apertures of which become substantially aligned when the cap is inserted onto the container. Integrally molded with one of the flanges is a locking strip designed for one-way passage through the aligned holes, whereby removal of the strip is possible only by permanent destruction thereof. Structure may be provided for preventing relative lateral movement between the flanges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus form making a vial and cap. A mold for forming the vial and cap and means for seating the cap on the vial prior to ejecting the vial from the mold is provided and includes a frame for the mold, a first mold half arranged on the frame, and a second mold half movably arranged relative to the first mold half so as to form a mold cavity therebetween. The mold produces a vial and cap including smooth radii provided at several locations to facilitate the seating of the cap on the vial.

Abstract: A method and device for opening and closing vials includes a rack for supporting a plurality of vials, a first arrangement for sequentially lifting a cap from each of the supported vials, an upwardly sloping bar for raising each cap from its respective vial, a downwardly sloping bar for lowering each cap onto its respective vial, and a second arrangement for closing each cap onto its respective vial.

Abstract: A mold for forming the vial and cap and for seating the cap on the vial prior to ejecting the vial from the mold is provided and includes a frame for the mold, a first mold half arranged on the frame, and a second mold half movable arranged relative to the first mold half so as to form a mold cavity therebetween. The mold produces a vial and cap including smooth radii provided at several locations to facilitate the seating of the cap on the vial.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a leak proof body and cap. The process including the steps of defining a mold cavity between a first mold part and a second mold part, injecting a molten material into the mold cavity thereby forming from the molten material a body and cap, and retracting the first mold part from the second mold part to separate the first mold part from the body and cap. Thereafter, engaging at least the body with a robotic arm and moving the body with the robotic arm into a capping device while the body and cap are at a temperature at which the material is not fully set. The body is then sealed by moving the cap into engagement with the body to form a leak proof seal.