Abstract: A machine for high rate production of molecularly oriented thermoplastic bottles is disclosed. The machine is of the reheat-and-blow type. A blow molding station simultaneously blow molds article preforms arranged in matrices by modular article carriers for conveying the preforms and articles through the machine. The carriers are designed to retain the preforms throughout all operations of the machine from a preform load station through a thermal conditioning section, a blow molding station, and to a bottle eject station, thereby eliminating the need for other preform transferring apparatus. The article carriers together with the associated conveying apparatus comprise a sufficiently flexible structure that minor misalignments of the carriers with the blow molding mechanism do not adversely affect bottle production. Both loading of preforms and ejection of finished bottles are accomplished by operation upon matrices of preforms and bottles as defined by the carriers and conveyor lanes.

Abstract: A machine for high rate production of molecularly oriented thermoplastic bottles is disclosed. The machine is of the reheat-and-blow type. A blow molding station simultaneously blow molds article preforms arranged in matrices by modular article carriers for conveying the preforms and articles through the machine. The carriers are designed to retain the preforms throughout all operations of the machine from a preform load station through a thermal conditioning section, a blow molding station, and to a bottle eject station, thereby eliminating the need for other preform transferring apparatus. The article carriers together with the associated conveying apparatus comprise a sufficiently flexible structure that minor misalignments of the carriers with the blow molding mechanism do not adversely affect bottle production. Both loading of preforms and ejection of finished bottles are accomplished by operation upon matrices of preforms and bottles as defined by the carriers and conveyor lanes.

Abstract: A machine for high rate production of molecularly oriented thermoplastic bottles is disclosed. The machine is of the reheat-and-blow type. A blow molding station simultaneously blow molds article preforms arranged in matrices by modular article carriers for conveying the preforms and articles through the machine. The carriers are designed to retain the preforms throughout all operations of the machine from a preform load station through a thermal conditioning section, a blow molding station, and to a bottle eject station, thereby eliminating the need for other preform transferring apparatus. The article carriers together with the associated conveying apparatus comprise a sufficiently flexible structure that minor misalignments of the carriers with the blow molding mechanism do not adversely affect bottle production. Both loading of preforms and ejection of finished bottles are accomplished by operation upon matrices of preforms and bottles as defined by the carriers and conveyor lanes.

Abstract: A machine for high rate production of molecularly oriented thermoplastic bottles is disclosed. The machine is of the reheat-and-blow type. A blow molding station simultaneously blow molds article preforms arranged in matrices by modular article carriers for conveying the preforms and articles through the machine. The carriers are designed to retain the performs throughout all operations of the machine from a preform load station through a thermal conditioning section, a blow molding station, and to a bottle eject station, thereby eliminating the need for other preform transferring apparatus. The article carriers together with the associated conveying apparatus comprise a sufficiently flexible structure that minor misalignments of the carriers with the blow molding mechanism do not adversely affect bottle production. Both loading of preforms and ejection of finished bottles are accomplished by operation upon matrices of preforms and bottles as defined by the carriers and conveyor lanes.

Abstract: A dielectric heating section for a blow molding machine is provided. Within the heating section a plurality of heating stations are defined by electrode pairs. At least one electrode of each pair is made recontourable to achieve the desired temperature profile within the wall section of a thermoplastic preform suspended therebetween. The preforms are rotated while supported within the alternating electric field created between the electrodes when the electrodes are energized by a radio frequency signal generator. The preforms are moved from station-to-station to achieve high rate controlled heating of each preform.

Abstract: A serving tray for use in a food rethermalizing cabinet. The tray is sectioned by a thermal divider and formed so that dishes of food placed therein can be selectively heated or cooled by separate air streams flowing from one end of the tray to the other. The thermal divider extends from one side of the tray to the other separating the tray interior into two channels. Inlet and outlet ports are provided at opposite ends of each channel. Tapered connectors on the sides of the tray are designed to mate with matching tapered sections in the cabinet such that when the tray is firmly seated in the cabinet, a fluid tight seal exists between the mating connector members. The inlet and outlet ports for each channel are precisely aligned with corresponding ports in the cabinet and the tray is supported thereby in the cabinet and cannot be inserted in reverse orientation.

Abstract: A machine for high rate production of molecularly oriented thermoplastic bottles is disclosed. The machine is of the reheat-and-blow type. A blow molding station simultaneously blow molds article preforms arranged in matrices by modular article carriers for conveying the preforms and articles through the machine. The carriers are designed to retain the preforms throughout all operations of the machine from a preform load station through a thermal conditioning section, a blow molding station, and to a bottle eject station, thereby eliminating the need for other preform transferring apparatus. The article carriers together with the associated conveying apparatus comprise a sufficiently flexible structure that minor misalignments of the carriers with the blow molding mechanism do not adversely affect bottle production. Both loading of preforms and ejection of finished bottles are accomplished by operation upon matrices of preforms and bottles as defined by the carriers and conveyor lanes.

Abstract: A lid adapted to fit over the opening of a container with an opening therein which permits the contents of the container to be poured therethrough. A tab fitted into the opening in the lid and attached toward the center of the lid. A force applying area positioned in the central portion of the lid and attached to the tab so that the tab moves in an inward direction when a force is applied to the top of the lid. When the force is released from the top of the lid, the tab then assumes its original position within the opening, thus preventing the spilling of the contents within the container to which the lid is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lid for a container which is designed to allow drinking of the contents while the lid is in place and to prevent spillage of the contents. The lid includes a generally circular body member and a sealing edge located along the periphery of the body member. A raised platform is integrally formed on the body member and is bounded by the periphery of the body member and an upstanding wall portion generally defined by a chord of the body member. A flipper valve is located on the platform and is generally radially aligned and hinged near the wall portion. The valve includes an integrally formed protrusion which provides a place for application of downward pressure to open the valve. The valve is such that lip pressure is sufficient to cause the valve to open. The platform provides a flat area extending to the edge of the container which allows the lip to make a complete seal over the portion of the lid which it contacts.