Abstract: A method for sealing a container comprising a cup and lid is disclosed. The cup has a lip with a raised sealing bead along its length. During sealing, the raised sealing bead compresses, thereby stretching the adhesive layer on the lower portion of the lid out of the way and forming a direct welded seal with the heat-resistant layer of the lid. The adhesive to either side of the sealing bead forms an adhesive seal between the lid and the remaining portion of the lip. This type of double seal is particularly effective in forming a durable, consistent seal when product is present on the lip of the container. The welded seal is also well suited to situations when the cup may be warped or the sealing bead is otherwise caused to be higher along some portion of its length than along other portions.

Abstract: A sealing head for a lidding machine is disclosed. The sealing head comprises a ball-and-socket joint that allows the head to provide an even, consistent seal when the orientation of the lid and container is not perfectly perpendicular with the sealing head. The sealing head also comprises an insulator portion that rests against the lid during sealing to protect the contents of the container from excessive heat. Heat is applied to the lid through a rim that extends around the circumference of the insulator portion.

Abstract: A sealing head for a lidding machine is disclosed. The sealing head comprises a ball-and-socket joint that allows the head to provide an even, consistent seal when the orientation of the lid and container is not perfectly perpendicular with the sealing head. The sealing head also comprises an insulator portion that rests against the lid during sealing to protect the contents of the container from excessive heat. Heat is applied to the lid through a rim that extends around the circumference of the insulator portion.

Abstract: A sealed container comprising a cup and lid and a method for sealing such a container is disclosed. The cup has a lip with a raised sealing bead along its length. During sealing, the raised sealing bead compresses, thereby stretching the adhesive layer on the lower portion of the lid out of the way and forming a direct welded seal with the heat-resistant layer of the lid. The adhesive to either side of the sealing bead forms an adhesive seal between the lid and the remaining portion of the lip. This type of double seal is particularly effective in forming a durable, consistent seal when product is present on the lip of the container. The welded seal is also well suited to situations when the cup may be warped or the sealing bead is otherwise caused to be higher along some portion of its length than along other portions.

Abstract: A method for sealing a container comprising a cup and lid is disclosed. The cup has a lip with a raised sealing bead along its length. During sealing, the raised sealing bead compresses, thereby stretching the adhesive layer on the lower portion of the lid out of the way and forming a direct welded seal with the heat-resistant layer of the lid. The adhesive to either side of the sealing bead forms an adhesive seal between the lid and the remaining portion of the lip. This type of double seal is particularly effective in forming a durable, consistent seal when product is present on the lip of the container. The welded seal is also well suited to situations when the cup may be warped or the sealing bead is otherwise caused to be higher along some portion of its length than along other portions.

Abstract: A container adapted to be sealed with a lid is disclosed. The container cup has a lip with a raised sealing bead along its length. During sealing, the raised sealing bead compresses, thereby stretching the adhesive layer on the lower portion of the lid out of the way and forming a direct welded seal with the heat-resistant layer of the lid. The adhesive to either side of the sealing bead forms an adhesive seal between the lid and the remaining portion of the lip. This type of double seal is particularly effective in forming a durable, consistent seal when product is present on the lip of the container. The welded seal is also well suited to situations when the cup may be warped or the sealing bead is otherwise caused to be higher along some portion of its length than along other portions.

Abstract: A lidding machine and method for filling containers with a flowable food product is disclosed. Extraneous tabs extending from the container lids after the lids are cut apart are trimmed closely using knives with a blade curvature that matches the curvature of the edge of the containers. One or more "feet" are used to hold the lids in place during the cutting process. A two-layer lid may be used for such containers, the inner lid having openings through which the food product may be dispensed, and the outer lid being removable. The outer lid may be designed so that it partially covers the inner lid, and has a tab that does not extend beyond the edge of the container. The consumer may open the container by pulling this tab back across the inner lid.