Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filling machine and a method for filling of filling medium, in particular for the production of sausages with a hopper for accommodating filling medium, a conveyer for supplying the filling medium and a filling element, in particular a filling tube, as well as a device for measuring the filling level in the hopper. The device for measuring the filling level comprises a radar sensor.

Abstract: A vending machine comprising multiple subsystems typically including container receiving, container cleaning, container storage, container filling, container vending, a computer system, and a user interface. A vending machine for dispensing, receiving, cleaning and/or filling containers comprising container receiving means for receiving a first container, container cleaning means for cleaning the first container, container dispensing means for dispensing the first container, and container filling means for filling the first container or a second container.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to the packaging of food 36 between a first plastic film 16 and a second plastic film 18 using a packaging apparatus 10. A tray 24 is formed from the first plastic film 16, the tray having a floor 33 with at least one channel 32. An absorbent pad 34 is provided on the floor 33 of the tray 24. A portion of food 36 is provided on the floor 33 of the tray 24. The second plastic film 18 is placed on the tray 24 to sandwich the absorbent pad 34 and the portion of food 36 between the plastic films 16, 18. The packaging apparatus 10 is operated to urge the two plastic films 16, 18 together and to create a seal therebetween. At least one duct 76 is formed between said at least one channel 32 and at least one of the second plastic film 18, the absorbent pad 34, and the portion of food 36.

Abstract: A packaging machine is provided for producing single and multiple compartment film wrapped pouches. Multiple linear motors allow aspects of the forming, filling, cutting and discharging to run at different speeds. The pouches are formed, filled and discharged from platens that are secured to movers that proceed through the packaging process by following magnetic fields created by independently controlled linear motors. Overall, cycle time is decreased as a result of speeding up parts of the process, including the platen return process, possible because there is no mechanical connection and not a single conveyor moving the platens while the other parts of the process may be simultaneously slowed down or even temporarily stopped. Changeover of platens, to accommodate different products, such as single compartment pouch to multiple compartment pouches, is also simplified because platens are simply connected to the movers and are thus easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: The sonotrode and anvil of copending application Ser. No. 12/925,652, for advanced ultrasonic welding of work pieces, are readily incorporated into new form-fill-seal machines, but existing machines with heat-seal stations pose difficult problems for swapping of the sealing packages. Kits enabling heat station replacement, with the further improved sonotrode and anvil disclosed herein, comprise: a housing; a linear rail fixed thereto; anvil and sonotrode support members; and a parallel gripper. Each of the anvil and sonotrode support members is slidably attached to the rail(s) and are also connected to a respective piston of the gripper, permitting actuation of each through cycling of the gripper pistons.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an open end of a package comprises a first longitudinally extending sealing jaw, bearing mounted on a first eccentric shaft rotatable around a first rotational axis, and a second longitudinally extending sealing jaw, bearing mounted on a second eccentric shaft rotatable around a second rotational axis, the second sealing jaw being parallel with the first sealing jaw. At least one motor drives rotation around the first and second rotational axis in opposite directions, wherein the first and the second sealing jaws oppose each other, and are allowed to oscillate between sealing and open positions by moving towards and away from each other. A first and second transversally extending guiding bar cooperate with the first and second eccentric shaft via guiding pins running in guiding grooves, such that transverse play between the first and the second eccentric shaft and the first and second sealing jaw is allowed.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a load with a stretch wrapping system utilizes a system for monitoring film properties, a module in the stretch wrapping systems controller to analyze the data or film properties and further utilize the data to determine, at least in part, appropriate machine settings and or wrapping pattern for the film and execute by providing appropriate machine settings such that effective wrapping of the load and proper use of the film are achieved. The film properties include film stiffness.

Abstract: A transport bag (15) for transporting and/or storing articles comprises a front wall (21b) and a back wall (21a) that are flexibly connected to one another via a bottom section (21c) so as to be movable back and forth between a first configuration in which the front wall and back wall form an upwardly open bag that can be filled from above, and a second configuration in which the front wall and back wall lie closely alongside one another and form a bag that is folded together, wherein the back wall (21a) is extended upward above and beyond the height of the front wall (21b) with a support section (15a) for fastening the transport bag (15) to a transport device (10.2). Easy filling and emptying of the transport bag (15) is achieved by providing an opening (16, 19, 20) that automatically brings the transport bag (15) into the first configuration and keeps the transport bag there, and allows a deliberate shift from the first configuration into the second configuration.

Abstract: A device for sealing a bag includes a substrate having a slit. A ribbon supply supplies a ribbon. A printer assembly prints on the ribbon. A ribbon guide, rotatably disposed on the substrate on a first side of the slit receives the ribbon and guides the ribbon therethrough. A pressing tip is formed on the ribbon guide. An adhesive tape supply supplies an adhesive tape. A star wheel, is rotatably disposed on the substrate along the slit on an opposed side from, and in facing relationship with, the ribbon guide. The star wheel receives the adhesive tape and a portion of a bag moving through the slit, and applies adhesive tape to the bag. The pressing tip presses the ribbon against the adhesive tape and the bag. A cutter disposed along the slit, downstream of the star wheel cuts the ribbon and adhesive tape.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a label attaching apparatus comprising a mounting base; an attaching plate having a first end which is connected to a first position on the mounting base and a second end which is a free end and provided with a label attaching unit; and a driving cylinder including a cylinder body and a piston rod retractable and extendable relative to the cylinder body, the cylinder body being connected to a second position on the mounting base, a distal end of the piston rod opposite to the cylinder body being connected to the attaching plate between the first and second ends of the attaching plate, wherein the first end of the attaching plate is hingedly connected onto the mounting base so that an orientation of the label attaching unit is able to be changed by the movement of the piston rod.

Abstract: A closure-container system comprising a screw-threaded inner cap that mounts to a screw threaded container, and an overshell that is enabled to rotate and translate relative to the inner cap. As the overshell rotates relative to the inner cap, one or more metallic magnets located in the overshell pull the cap toward one or more metallic elements associated with the container. The overshell and container make direct contact, so there is no unsightly gap. Also, the contact produces a satisfying, reassuring metallic “click” sound, accompanied by a luxurious tactile sensation that, together, dispel the silent ennui normally associated with rotating closures.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, a first top panel, and a second top panel. The bottom panel comprises a first portion and a second portion. The carton comprises a first proximal side end flap, a first distal side end flap, a second proximal side end flap, a second distal side end flap, a first bottom end flap foldably connected to the first portion of the bottom panel, and second bottom end flap foldably connected to the second portion of the bottom panel. The first distal side end flap is in face-to-face contact with the second distal side end flap, the first bottom end flap is in face-to-face contact with the first proximal side end flap, and the second bottom end flap is in face-to-face contact with the second proximal side end flap.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a box. The box includes six outwardly facing surfaces, the surfaces comprising a first face spaced apart from a second face, a top face spaced apart from a bottom face, and a left side face substantially parallel to and spaced apart from a right side face, the surfaces forming an interior space of the box, and at least one flap formed in a first face, wherein the flap is configured for deflection from the surface of the first face into the interior of the box, wherein the box is configured to enclose one or more sheets in an interior of the box, wherein the at least one flap is configured to support the one or more sheets in a position nearer the top face than the bottom face.

Abstract: A joint assembly includes a first container portion, a second container portion, a band strip, and a fastener. The first container portion has a first flange including a first sealing surface and a first outer surface. The second container portion has a second flange including a second sealing surface and a second outer surface. The second sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the first sealing surface to form together a sealed connection. The fastener is configured to attach the band strip to one of the first and second container portions. An inner surface of the band strip is configured to engage at least one of the first and second outer surfaces such that the sealing surfaces of the first and second flanges are fixed with respect to one another when the band strip is attached to at least one of the first and second container portions.

Abstract: A method of making a pallet (10, 210) includes providing a pallet inner core (16, 218), and attaching, by adhesive, first and second complementarily shaped plastic skin shells (12, 14, 226) to portions of the core, and interconnecting the shells by heat fusing or interlocking elements. Each shells is formed of two plastic materials. The core is formed with reinforcing truss beams (700) therein, each having an upper chord part (710) which is flush with an upper surface of the core and in contact with the upper shell or adhesive. Each beam has webs (708) connected to chords, straight central portions (702) and end portions (704) extending downwardly into leg portions of the pallet. Also disclosed is a pallet having such features.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for drawing a viscous material from a container, the suction nozzle comprising a housing defining substantially opposed suction inlet and suction outlet and a suction passageway extending therebetween; and a conduit extending through the housing, the conduit defining conduit first and second end portions and a conduit intermediate portion extending therebetween, the conduit intermediate portion being provided at least in part in the suction passageway and the conduit first and second end portions each extending outwardly from the housing, the conduit first end, second end and intermediate portions together defining an uninterrupted conduit passageway separated from the suction passageway.

Abstract: A reinforced multilayer material includes a mesh material covered on at least one side, and possibly both, by a layer of a resinous film material. The mesh material includes filaments that intersect one another, at least some of the filaments being composite filaments having a carrier portion of a relatively high melting point and a bonding portion of a relatively low melting point, the bonding portion of each composite filament being thermally bonded to other filaments at least some points of intersection. The multilayer material has a mass per unit area of less than 9.0 oz/yd2 and a bursting strength to mass per unit area ratio of at least 9.0 lbs/(oz/yd2), where bursting strength is measured in accordance with ASTM-D37 86. A bag is provided that is made at least in part from a multilayer material having at least some of the characteristics described above.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a pre-formed flexible packaging pouch comprising multiple compartments for storing products. This flexible packaging pouch permits conflicting products, not traditionally packaged together to be sold as one complete, light-weight, flexible unit.

Abstract: A resealable flexible package is provided comprising polymeric wall panels and a peel-reseal feature sealed therebetween. A peel-off portion is removed to transition the package from a closed position to an open position, removal of the peel-off portion both opening the package and exposing a pressure sensitive adhesive of the peel-reseal feature. The exposed pressure sensitive adhesive is coupled to one of the wall panels and moved into adhesive engagement with an exterior surface of another wall panel to transition the package to a reseated position.

Abstract: A container-closure system that comprises a container (1) without screw threads; a custom wiper (3) that sits in the neck of the container; a magnetic ring (2) that encircles the neck of the container; a custom closure (5) that comprises a handle (5b), a conic section (5g), a wand (5d) and an application surface (4) that depends from the distal end of the wand; an overshell (8) that fits over the handle and supports a metal ring (6). The strength of the magnetic ring for the metal ring is sufficient to effect a tight seal in two sealing zones: between the conic section (5g) of the closure and the beveled surface (3g) of the wiper (3); and between the bottom (5a) of the handle and the custom sealing lip (3a) on the top of the wiper.

Abstract: A screw-type closure system comprising a container and closure. The closure comprises a screw-threaded inner cap, a customized wand that depends from the inner cap and supports an applicator surface, an overcap that is enabled to translate axially relative to the inner cap, and one or more magnetic elements. The container comprises a specialized shoulder, a neck having a specialized screw thread profile, a customized wiper that engages the customized wand, an overshell that houses one or more magnetic elements that tend to attract the one or more magnetic elements of the closure. The closure is screwed onto the container until the inner cap comes to a hard stop, at which point the magnetic elements of the closure are aligned with the magnetic elements of the container. At that point, the overcap (15) of the closure (11) is drawn toward the overshell (4) of the container until they make contact, so that there is no unsightly gap.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container comprises a lid and a base. The lid includes a lid rim. The base includes a base rim. A frangible hinge is formed between a lid hinge segment extending outwardly from the lid rim and a base hinge segment extending outwardly from the base rim. The lid hinge segment includes at least one thumb rest that is positioned, sized and shaped to receive the thumb on a user's hand. The thumb rest has a counterpart finger rest located on the base hinge segment that is positioned, sized and shaped to receive a finger on the user's hand while the thumb of the same hand is in contact with the thumb rest. The frangible hinge is configured to rupture when the container is in the initially sealed arrangement by the application of a pushing force to the thumb rest and a contemporaneous pulling force to the finger rest.

Abstract: Detachable dispensing systems for containers are provided that include a handling portion having an outer ring configured to selectively secure and, alternatively, remove the handling portion about a dispensing opening of the container and an inner ring defining a circular aperture within the handling portion, a hollow rigid member slideably disposed within the circular aperture and selectively positionable between a recessed position and, alternatively, an extended position, and an extendible spout at least partially disposed in the hollow rigid member and connected to the hollow rigid member, in which the extendible spout is configured to dispense a pourable material from the container through the distal opening when the handling portion is engaged about the dispensing opening of the container. Material containers are also provided that include a container having a dispensing opening and the detachable dispensing system selectively connected to the container about the dispensing opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fitment. In an embodiment, a fitment is provided and includes a top portion, a base, and a channel extending through the top portion and the base for passage of a flowable material. The fitment includes a flexible valve extending across the channel. The flexible valve includes a slit which opens to permit flow therethrough. The flexible valve includes an ethylene/?-olefin multi-block copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid transfer device including: a connecting element which is to sealably attached onto a liquid transfer opening and which includes a set of liquid transfer ports, an outlet, and a bore that extends between the transfer ports and the outlet; and an adapter which is to be connected to liquid discharge means and which includes a head shaped such as to be inserted into the outlet and including a set of holes for engaging with said ports. Said liquid transfer device includes a swing joint placed in the connecting element between the outlet and the liquid transfer ports and includes a set of liquid passages and a recess shaped such as to receive the head of the adapter in a position in which said passages of the joint and the holes of the adapter are aligned. Said joint is rotatably movable in the connecting element, between a closed position of the device and a liquid transfer position, by means of the head of the adapter.

Abstract: A plug formed with a cylindrical body having at its bottom side a horizontal partition with a diametrical slit connecting two different surface holes located at the ends of the mentioned horizontal partition, and a mechanism for fixation to the container. The top of the plug has a pouring area formed by a circular section with an outwardly projected rim. The plug is suitable for use by blind people.

Abstract: A closure comprising a spout and a lid is secured to a wide mouthed container body, particularly a low tolerance HDPE container, by means of a plurality of double sided foil strips that are punched and welded to the base preferably in orientations parallel to one another on opposite sides of the opening and/or at right angles to each other. The strips are secondarily welded to the container to form a childproof, tamper-evident connection superior to mechanical latches and uses less material than a full or donut foil.

Abstract: An improved cable tie to couple together a plurality of elongated objects. The improved cable tie includes a cable strap having a first end, a second end and a plurality of constraint structures. First and second locking wedges that receive the cable strap are disposed inversely to one another such that a first length of the cable strap disposed through the first locking wedge engages the first locking wedge by the plurality of constraint structures to form a first loop and a second length of the cable strap disposed through the second locking wedge engages the second locking wedge by the plurality of constraint structures to form a second loop.

Abstract: A package for storing perishable goods. Film forming the package has an inner layer that defines an interior surface of the package and is formed from a polyethylene and a tack agent that has migrated to the interior surface to provide tackiness. The tackiness permits cold resealing of the package after it has been opened, without substantially adhering to the perishable goods so that the perishable goods can be non-destructively removed from the package. An outer layer of the film defines an exterior surface of the package and is formed from another polyethylene. The polyethylene of the outer layer is configured to block migration of the tack agent through the outer layer such that the exterior surface is substantially non-tacky.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer structure including a base (X) and a layer (Y) stacked on the base (X), the layer (Y) containing the following at a specific ratio: a metal oxide (A); a phosphorus compound (B) containing a moiety capable of reacting with the metal oxide (A); and cations (Z) with an ionic charge (FZ) of 1 or more and 3 or less.

Abstract: A template frame for holding a container and one or more additional components in a predetermined first arrangement is disclosed.

Abstract: A package which can be torn open by a user, comprising a polymer film material having a preferential tearing direction and defining a cavity for a product, wherein the polymer film material incorporates a bias facilitating tearing along a tear line oriented in a direction other than its preferential tearing direction and a tear initiation location which facilitates tearing of the polymer film material in its preferential tearing direction to open the package, the tear line being adjacent to a tear initiation location. The polymer film material having a preferential tearing direction provides resistance against a child tearing open the package.

Abstract: A method for producing a tightly sealed bag packaging and to a tightly sealed bag packaging having at least one perforation and a receiving area surrounded by a plate-shaped edge region for the inert packaging of a product containing active ingredients, wherein the bag packaging comprises cover films or cover film segments bounding the receiving area and forming the edge region. The cover films or cover film segments are each provided with a channel system having at least one channel. The channel system crosses the part of the cover film or the cover film segment covering the receiving area. At one end, each channel is provided with a branching into two channel branches, Furthermore, a slit is arranged between the two channel branches, interrupting a peripheral edge of the bag packaging.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, a flexible container is provided and includes a first multilayer film and a second multilayer film. Each multilayer film has an inner seal layer. The multilayer films are arranged such that the seal layers oppose each other and the second multilayer film is superimposed on the first multilayer film. The multilayer films are sealed along a common peripheral edge. An orifice is present in one of the multilayer films. The flexible container includes an extendable spout extending through the orifice. The extendable spout has a flange sealed to the inner seal layer of the multilayer film at the orifice. The extendable spout is composed of, or is otherwise formed from, an ethylene/?-olefin multi-block copolymer.

Abstract: A container (10) is provided for storing and distributing items. The container (10) includes a cover (12) and a tray (50) which are complimentary in shape and configured so that the tray (50) can be retained within the cover (12). The container (10) has a fully closed position in which a tray top opening (44) is fully contained within an internal volume of the cover (12) and a fully open position in which at least one cover retention element engages the tray (50) to resist further outward movement of the tray (50) from the internal volume. The cover (12) and tray (50) both preferably have curved shape that allows the container (10) to be more comfortably transported in a clothing pocket. The tray (50) and cover (12) preferably cooperate to form a moisture barrier to preserve items contained within the tray (50).

Abstract: A waterproof case includes a base, a cover, and a pressing member. The base is assembled on a carrier. The base has a positioning groove recessed around the periphery thereof. The cover is assembled on the base. A receiving space is defined between the cover and the base. The cover has a sealing portion protruded therefrom and the shape of the sealing portion is corresponding to the shape of the positioning groove. The sealing portion of the base is engaged in the positioning groove. The pressing member is assembled on the cover. The pressing member generates a force to press the cover on the base by a pressing means, so that the gap between the sealing portion and the positioning groove is reduced.

Abstract: A mouth protection system may include a formable mouth guard and a storage container. The mouth guard may include an elastic component and an inelastic component. The mouth guard may be heated, for instance, by allowing a working fluid to contact a reactant in a heating compartment. The elastic component may then become compressible in order to form to the anatomy of a wearer's mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the structure of formula I and II: where X is selected from the group consisting of O, S and NH; Y, A and B are independently selected from the group consisting of N and CH; D, E and F are independently selected from the group consisting of CH, N, O and S; the symbol ---- represents a single or a double bond; and R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, electron withdrawing groups and electron releasing groups. In other embodiments, the compounds are used as oxygen scavengers and in barrier compositions and articles.

Abstract: Described herein are pharmaceutical packaging systems which prevent oxidative degradation of oxygen-sensitive drugs, such systems including a primary packaging container with an oxygen permeable component, a secondary packaging with very low permeability to oxygen and an oxygen absorber.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a spray bottle assembly (100) which provides separate compartments for containing two or more constituents of a formulation, thereby, preventing premixing of the constituents before the first use, hence, increasing shelf life in a hassle-free way. The spray bottle assembly (100) comprises a spray head (200) for discharging the constituents of a formulation stored in the spray bottle assembly (100), a container bottle (300) for storing a passive constituent of the formulation; a storage receptacle (400) coupled with the container bottle (300), wherein said storage receptacle (400) facilitates the storage of an active constituent of the formulation isolated from the passive constituent; and a dispensing means (500) integrated with the storage receptacle (400).

Abstract: A device intended for one-time use (‘disposable”) for microwave heating bread products such as “pitas”, “tortillas” or other bread type products. However, the device can be embodied in a re-usable version and the concept disclosed is not limited in scope to a one-time use version. Tortillas and bread products are commonly heated separately to avoid a “rubbery” texture that results from heating in a microwave oven. Additionally, they are commonly heated separately to optimize “even” heating throughout the tortilla, pita or flat bread product.

Abstract: Described, is a gift box shaped container that opens to operate as a playset. The gift box shaped container includes a hack panel, two side panels, a front panel, a bottom panel, and a top panel serving as a lid. The lid is hingedly connected with the back panel and includes a decorative ribbon thereon. The front panel is hingedly connected with the bottom panel. Further, a latching mechanism connected with the lid and is operable for locking against the front panel. The latching mechanism includes a pull cord ribbon extending therefrom, with the pull cord ribbon connected with the latching mechanism such that pulling on the pull cord ribbon actuates the latching mechanism to cause the lid to detach from the front panel, thereby allowing a user to lift the lid and lower the front panel to convert the gift box shaped container into a playset.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insulated shipping container for transporting temperature-controlled materials and method of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, the insulated shipping container comprises an outer box or housing and a plurality of insulated inserts configured to be snugly and removably received in the outer box or housing. The plurality of insulated inserts are shaped to define a rectangular cavity bounded by a bottom wall and a plurality of rectangular side walls and top closure flaps. The insulated inserts as well the outer box or housing of the disclosed device can be stored flat and reused.

Abstract: Packaging comprising a pouch for containing a product and allowing the release thereof, comprising a manually deformable jacket comprising a first flexible film. The first film being closed on itself so as to form a frustum having a first end and a second end, the cross section of the frustum narrowing toward the first end. The packaging also comprising a base formed by a second flexible film and sealed at the second end of the frustum so as to close the second end, the base and the jacket being sealed “wrong-side to wrong-side” so as to form together a manually deformable pouch. The packaging also comprising a closure device through which the product is intended to flow during release and comprising a sleeve sealed at the first end of the frustum.

Abstract: A shoe cover cartridge includes two guiding arms and a plurality of shoe covers overlapped in a sequential manner to define a standby shoe cover and a subsequent shoe cover. Front and rear interlocking units are provided at front and rear sides of each of the shoe cover respectively and are slidably engaged with the guiding arms at a position that the front interlocking unit at the subsequent shoe cover is located in front of the rear interlocking unit at the standby shoe cover along the guiding arms. Therefore, when the standby shoe cover is pulled for dispensing, the subsequent shoe cover is pulled by the standby shoe to dispense the shoe covers in a sequential order.

Abstract: A wrist mounted toy is described wherein a pressurized canister containing a string foam compound, or other pressurizable liquid with mid to low viscosity, is attached to a vessel containing a check valve. A geared-trigger mechanism allows for the user to expel the fluid at a pressure and rate dependent on the pressure he or she places on the lever. Additionally, the actions of removing and replacing the air and fluid canisters provide the user with a more interactive experience compared to a simple load and shoot toy. Many variations can be adapted to the toy to allow for a wide range of uses. The toy allows the user to enjoy a device which resembles the Marvel character's shooter more closely and discharge the fluid to quite a distance.

Abstract: A smoking article pack has an openable enclosure with a partial vacuum therein. The smoking article also has a support member for smoking articles, the support member being located within the enclosure.

Abstract: Packaging for an electronic device is disclosed. The packaging includes a base, a tray disposed within the base, and a lid comprising an outer portion and a first inner collar. The tray is configured to support an electronic device to be raised relative to a bottom of the base with an available area for the electronic device disposed above a top of the base. The first inner collar is configured to constrain the position of the electronic device within the available area such that when the lid is removed from the base the electronic device is framed by the tray.

Abstract: A targeted protection assembly operable to protectively cover an item that is to be transported or stored. The targeted protection assembly includes a base and a cover delimiting an interior volume in which an item to be transported or stored can be disposed. The cover is at least partially configured with an inflatable portion in which an inflating medium can be disposed to expand the inflatable portion to, or maintain the inflatable portion at, an inflated disposition.

Abstract: An improved cat litter container which includes two handles to hold the cat litter container, an upper handle which can be grasped with one hand and a side handle in the design of a cat's tail to be held in the opposite hand so that a person is able to retain the cat litter container in two hands. The cat litter container also includes a pouring spout affixed into a body of the container and extending from an interior of the container to an exterior opening where the pouring spout is closed by a cap.