Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatically applying and heat-sealing a lid of thermoplastic film to the top of a cup. The film is supplied in a roll and the leading end is fed into a position between the top of the cup and a heat-sealing head. When the apparatus is run through an operating cycle, the cup and the head are brought together to seal a section of film to the rim of the cup and sever the section from the roll. The head is characterized by an annular heated cushion and a slitting device to from a slit in the center of the lid which enhances the seal, particularly if the cup contains a hot liquid. In an alternative arrangement, the slitting mechanism is located along the path of the film and the center of the head is constructed to prevent exposing the center of the lid to high temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatically applying a lid comprised of a film of thermoplastic sheet material to the top of a cup. The film is supplied in a roll and the leading end is fed into a position between the top of the cup and a heat sealing head. In an operating cycle of the apparatus, the cup is brought up against the film and the heat sealing head is brought down on top of the film to seal the film to the cup and sever the forward section of the film from the roll. A film stabilizer is provided on the film feed mechanism for maintaining control of the film and a pneumatic circuit provides an automatic control of the functional components in predetermined timed sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatically lidding drinking cups with a film of thermoplastic sheet material. The apparatus includes a cup support adapted to raise a cup placed thereon into contact with a leading section of thermoplastic film drawn from a roll and to hold the cup while a reciprocating heated platen heat seals the film section against the cup rim. The cup support then lowers the lidded cup while a film advance mechanism draws out a fresh section of film into sealing position. A control system is included with the apparatus for operating the apparatus in predetermined timed sequence.