Abstract: A container handling system for applying closures to containers includes a container feed line and a capping station for receiving containers from the container feed line and applying closures thereto. The capping station includes a capping head configured to provide torque during closure application. A container holder is configured to resist container rotation. The holder includes an opening exposed to a container location and a device positioned to draw air from the container location through the opening to create a force the acts to pull the container toward the opening.

Abstract: A tool holder that may be used for storing and/or transporting tools, such as CNC equipment, and a method of use. The tool holder includes a tray having a plurality of receptacles for storing tools and a cover for at least one of the plurality of receptacles. The cover keeps staged tooling clean and workers safe while increasing efficiency and security. The preferred cover includes a body having a first portion, a second portion, a base extending from the second portion and an indicator to designate the type or condition of the tool. Additionally, most preferably, the first piece is transparent and the second piece is opaque. Preferably, the first piece further includes a vent to reduce moisture buildup within the cover. Alternatively, the preferred cover may be made of a one-piece construction. In preferred embodiments, the cover may be removably secured to the tray with fastening elements.

Abstract: A multi-section lid for a can containing edible material includes a lid base, a cover portion, and a tear strip. The lid base can attach the lid to the can. The lid base defines one or more openings that permit access to the edible material. The cover portion includes one or more doors to cover the openings. The tear strip portion is positioned between the lid base and the cover portion. The tear strip portion is connected to the lid base and the cover portion by a plurality of bridges. The mold for forming the lid includes cavities that define flow channels that permit the lid material to flow through bridge cavities to fill the cavities in the mold during formation of the lid such that the lid base, the cover portion, and the tear strip portion are the single integral component.

Abstract: A thermal barrier liner is provided to maintain a beverage within a container at a desired temperature. The thermal barrier liner is installed so to make intimate contact with the internal surface of the container. The thermal barrier liner may be provided in various embodiments including a closed cell substrate, a base layer having gas or liquid filled microcapsules, a base layer having microencapsulated solid-liquid phase change material, or combinations thereof. In the closed cell substrate embodiments, when the thermal barrier liner is under pressure within the container such as prior to the container being opened, the thermal barrier liner maintains a minimum profile or thickness. However, when the container is opened and as pressure is released within the container, the barrier liner expands to achieve equilibrium. The expanded or thickened barrier liner provides an effective thermal barrier thereby maintaining the beverage at a desired temperature for a longer period of time.

Abstract: A carton formed from a unitary blank for storing food within and methods of manufacture of the carton thereform, are disclosed herein. The carton comprises a generally rectangular bottom having a pair of major bottom flaps and a pair of minor bottom flaps that are folded to form a substantially closed bottom, and a pair of major side panels, a pair of minor side panels, and a secondary side panel that are folded perpendicular to the bottom. An opening is defined by the upper ends of the major side panels and the minor side panels opposite the bottom and is generally non-rectangular.

Abstract: An apparatus and method according to which a seal is provided between an enclosure and an enclosure cover. The enclosure cover includes an enclosure engagement surface for coupling to enclosure. The apparatus includes a gasket positioned in a gasket channel located on the enclosure engagement surface to provide a seal between the enclosure and the enclosure cover. The enclosure engagement surface also includes a flame path surface adjacent the gasket channel.

Abstract: High visual impact plastic packaging is described as well as methods for producing such packaging. Sealing portions of a package to each other in an interwoven manner is described. Printing on multiple surfaces of a package to obtain appealing visual effects is described. Methods of sealing plastic packages are described, including some that use heat sealing techniques. Plasticized or laminated paperboard materials can be used, as well as plastic materials such as mineral-based materials, polylactic acid, and recycled and/or recyclable polyurethane.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for ergonomically handling a container comprises a container body having a container wall with an inside surface defining an internal cavity configured to receive material and an opposite external surface. Additionally, the system includes a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to the external surface of the container wall, the handle being able to rest alongside the external surface. The system further includes a finger pocket defined in the container wall and adapted for receiving at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in handling the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: A sealing system for a container (2) containing a fluid at high pressure, comprising a head (10) moving between a closed position and an open position of the container (2), a piston (12) for the pressurisation of the container (2) mounted to slide within the head (10) and sealing means adapted to prevent fluid from emerging from the pressurised container (2). These sealing means comprise an auxiliary cover (22) adapted to be interposed between the head (10) and the container (2), provided with an opening (24) in which the piston (12) may slide and a coinable gasket (28) associated with the opening (24) adapted after its coining to exert a sliding seal between the piston (12) and the cover (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling a cap (20) of a closure device (9) with an open end (6, 7) of a housing container (5) for forming a container system (1) for body fluids, tissue parts or tissue cultures, whereby a relative rotating or pivoting movement is effected between the cap (20) and the housing container (5) about a common longitudinal axis (14). In order to generate the relative movement, a pressing force (F) is applied to at least one of the components to be assembled directed more or less in the direction of the longitudinal axis (14). The invention further relates to a cap (20) for forming the closure device (9), a housing container (5) and a container system (1) obtained as a result, comprising at least the cap (20), a sealing device (21) device retained in it and the housing container (5).

Abstract: A closure (100,200) for a container (210), the closure (100,200) comprising a wadless membrane (20,220) and a shell (30), wherein the membrane (20,220) is adapted to be heat sealed to a rim (217) of a container to provide a gas-tight barrier, wherein the shell (30) has a downwardly extending resilient sealing element (40,240) for providing an even sealing pressure to the membrane (20,220) during heat sealing and for providing a gas-tight re-seal once the membrane (20,220) has been broken or removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a tab over a peelable panel on an end structure comprising a ring/panel. The ring and panel are formed from the same flexible material which has no inherent deadfold characteristic. In one embodiment an upper tab fold tool includes a pivotable plate for holding the folded edge of the tab in position prior to heat sealing to the peelable panel.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to dispense radiopharmaceuticals from a sealed source vial into capsules. The apparatus is particularly well suited for volatile radiopharmaceuticals such as radioiodine. This apparatus shields the operator from the radiopharmaceutical and also allows use of highly concentrated stock solutions.

Abstract: A pattern former for assembling wrapped bakery products into predetermined patterns comprises a perforated vacuum turntable. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum turntable while bakery products are loaded thereon and positioned in a predetermined pattern. Once the bakery products are positioned on the turntable in the predetermined pattern, an air assist is applied to the vacuum turntable while the bakery products are unloaded therefrom. The air assist eliminates contact between the wrappers of the wrapped bakery product and the upper surface of the turntable thereby eliminating disorientation of the bakery products within the wrappers.

Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.

Abstract: Process for the production of plastic blister packs, the top portion of which (PVAL) is subjected to thermal treatment in a furnace, and the apparatus for producing it is of the horizontal type.

Abstract: A packaging machine for closing containers (5) is provided having a supply device (1, 2) for supplying containers (5) to be closed; a removal device (11) for removing closed containers (5?); and a closing device (25) between the supply device (1, 2) and the removal device (11). The closing device (25) is arranged lateral of a main transport path (8) of the containers (5) from the supply device (2) to the removal device (11) and a device is provided which transports at least one container (5) to be closed into the closing device (25) by means of a linear motion while transporting at least one closed container (5?) out from the closing device (25).

Abstract: A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus for containers includes a rotary capping machine which is configured to serially receive filled containers, and apply closures to respective ones of the containers. The present apparatus includes a dosing system for injecting an inert gas, typically nitrogen in liquid form, into the head space of each container to enhance the integrity and rigidity of the package, and to improve the freshness and flavor of the container's contents. Notably, the dosing system is configured to effect nitrogen injection close to or at the so-called transfer point of the capping machine, thus desirably abating nitrogen dissipation, and enhancing consistent and efficient product dosing.

Abstract: A metal cap 12 is fitted over a vessel (vial 2), into which a rubber plug 4 is driven, and using a pressure block 10, a load is applied to the cap 12 through the top surface 12b thereof to maintain the rubber plug 4 compressed. Under this condition, a tightening roller 14 folds a skirt (lower end 12c of a cylindrical portion 12a) of the cap 12 inwardly to perform a tightening operation. Subsequently, the load applied to the top surface 12b of the cap is once released, and then a load is applied again starting from a value FB which is less than the load FA applied during the tightening operation, gradually increasing to a higher value. In the course of increasing the load, a load FC at the instant when a displacement in the elevation of the top surface of the cap is detected, and this load FC is determined to be a seal load upon completion of the tightening operation. By detecting the load FC upon completion of the tightening operation, a seal capacity of the rubber plug 14 can be confirmed.

Abstract: The present invention is a capsule-sealing machine that uses a heat-sealing process to apply sterile aluminum blank capsules on food or drink containers or cans, preferably cylindrical in shape but also square, rectangular or oval. The machine includes a conveyor belt that conveys cans to the machine, a loading carousel, a main carousel, where the blank capsules or can covers are sealed onto the cans, an unloading carousel, and an outfeed conveyor belt. The blank capsules are contained in vertical capsule magazines. A series of suction cups removes the blank capsules from the magazines and passes them to another series of suction cups located inside sealing heads of the main carousel. In the main carousel, the cans are raised by the elevating units and come into contact first with the blank capsules and then with the corresponding sealing head.

Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing a gas displacement package that can cope with packages with various sizes and shapes, and a sealing packaging container, and a package. A method of manufacturing a gas displacement package and a sealing packaging container, and a package, wherein a packaging container comprising a receptacle and a lid of plastic is used, ridges of the receptacle and the lid overlapped each other, the ridges are sealed with a band tape, and the container is gas displaced through a hole of the container and is sealed.

Abstract: A system and method of packaging a bone allograft for use in a future medical procedure in which the bone allograft is stored in a saturated saline solution in an airtight container. The saline solution keeps the allograft hydrated and may be saturated with a combination of calcium, phosphate, or magnesium to inhibit mineral leaching out of the allograft during storage. The container may be deformable to conform to the shape of the allograft material as the container is “shrink-fitted” to the allograft. Optionally, the bone allograft may also be freeze-dried prior to placement in the container.

Abstract: Devices and a method for releasing gas in a container after closing and sealing to pressurize and/or prevent or counteract buckling thereof, and or provide structural rigidity and strength thereto and or release components. The method introduces a reactive agent into the container after filling and before sealing. The reactive agent is controlled to react to provide a gas and optionally components, which a) provides a positive pressure to prevent or counteract buckling and provide structural rigidity to the container and b) and or changes the state or characteristics of the headspace and or contents of the closed container. The devices include a closure, a cap and a container. The reactive agent is brought to chemical reaction by moistening, heating, catalyst and the like. The closure includes the reactive agent and is disposed in the container. The external trigger is a device that emits energy that provides heat to the reactive agent to stimulate the chemical reaction.

Abstract: Methods are provided for hermetically sealing an opening in a reservoir of a containment device. The method comprises applying a polymeric material to an opening in a reservoir of a containment device, the reservoir comprising reservoir contents (such as a drug or a sensor) to be hermetically isolated within the reservoir, the applied polymeric material closing off the opening and forming a temporary seal; and adhering a hermetic sealing material onto the polymeric material to hermetically seal the opening. The reservoir can be a micro-reservoir. The containment device can comprises an array of two or more of reservoirs, and the method comprises hermetically sealing each of the two or more reservoirs.

Abstract: A machine for winding and boxing wound coils of filamentary material having a payout hole extending from the outer to the inner coil winding wherein a turret mechanism mounting two oppositely disposed end forms and corresponding collapsible mandrels and operative between first and second stations, wherein the first station enables filamentary material to be wound on one of the mandrels and associated end form and a second station wherein the mandrel and end form containing the wound coil is rotated to confront a boxing station; a boxing station including a platform having a movable back panel, a base panel and an inclined ramp facing the second station and being movable towards and away from the second station for receiving the wound coil from the collapsible mandrel; the boxing station receiving an unfolded box deposited on the base panel with a back panel folded against said back panel and including means for folding two opposite side panels of the box to enable reception of the wound coil in the partially

Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A capping mechanism comprising an active feeder (20) device in which caps (1, 10) are fed actively forward arranged top-to-bottom along a feeding axis (30), and a hollow rotatable and linearly movable chuck device (40) arranged at the feeder's outlet end (22) and devised to grip a cap and mount said cap to a container opening. The feeder device preferably comprises movable members working in pairs (23, 24 and 25, 26 resp.) alternating to influence a row or pile of caps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for processing containers or other articles by using continuous rotation of processing heads in a circular path about a single vertical axis and controlling the processing heads to independently rotate about a swivel axis causing them to move in a straight-line path while the heads are lowered to engage a group of containers or articles arranged in parallel rows. In this manner, a higher production apparatus and method are provided which is simpler, more reliable, requires less floor space, and easy to reconfigure for different applications.

Abstract: The present invention includes a box comprising a housing having a height of about 2 millimeters. The housing comprises a bottom portion. The bottom portion defines a bottom surface, an internal lateral flank, and a top bottom surface. The top bottom surface is elevated from the bottom surface, extending from the internal lateral flank. The box also includes a thin film and at least one weld that seals the thin film to the housing.

Abstract: A method of sealing a container including a container and a closure member for sealing the container over a range of internal pressure.

Abstract: A method of forming a multiple food product container for dispensing one food product from at or near one region of the container, and dispensing another food product at or near the other region of the container, is provided. In the method the two containers are coupled together (i.e., permanently or separably coupled). A preferred embodiment comprises an upper food compartment, a lower food compartment, wherein a top of the lower food compartment is coupled to a bottom of the upper food compartment, a resealable opening disposed at a top of the first food compartment, a resealable second opening disposed proximate a bottom of the second food compartment, a first food disposed in the upper food compartment, and a second food disposed in the lower food compartment.

Abstract: A container comprises a substrate and a multi-layer film The substrate has a bottom wall and a continuous base wall in which the continuous base wall encompasses the bottom wall and extends upwardly therefrom. The substrate comprises at least one particulate mineral filler and polypropylene. The multi-layer film is attached to the substrate. The multi-layer film comprises at least a first layer and a second layer The first layer comprises a metallocene-catalyzed polyolefin The second layer comprises polypropylene. The substrate and the multi-layer film are made in the absence of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA).

Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque sensor 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially, a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque sensor 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.

Abstract: Mechanism for applying a roller forming closure to a container is disclosed wherein the closure is provided, with an integral fitment including a fluid discharge pump and an associated discharge line.

Abstract: A container packaging method is provided which ensures a sealing ability and yet has an easy opening ability. Between a container edge and a film covering an upper opening face of a container, a strip seal, having a portion sealed partially weakly at an outer side portion of a corner of the container edge, is formed and a double line seal is formed on the strip seal. An outer line seal has its corner end projected toward an outer side edge of the corner of the container edge. The outer line seal and an inner line seal are connected by a seal connection formed in a diagonal direction of the container. The inner line seal has its inner side edge at the corner of the container edge be of a cornered shape.

Abstract: A bottle support plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of one or more containers having a non-fully circular flange. The containers are moved along a generally circular path by a star wheel. The bottle support plate is connected to the star wheel and includes a pocket that at least partially supports and at least partially mates with the flange of the container to at least partially inhibit rotation of the container during the threading of a cap on the upper threaded neck of the container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for sealing a container. The method includes, providing at least two components of the container, positioning a crushable material between the at least two components, positioning a reactive multilayer material between the at least two components, deforming the crushable material so as to form a seal between the at least two components, chemically transforming the reactive multilayer material so as to join the at least two components.

Abstract: An ultrasonic container sealing method of sealing a closure 12 to a container main body 11 with use of an ultrasonic horn 54 having a sealing action face 53 comprises applying pressure to a lap of an outer peripheral portion of the closure 12 and a flange 24 of the container main body 11 as lapped over each other by the sealing action face 53, and causing ultrasonic rotational vibration in a rotating direction about an axis parallel to the direction of application of the pressure to act on the sealing action face 53.

Abstract: Described herein is a capping head for the application of caps on bottles or containers, in which the capping head is enclosed within a casing having an end mouth that engages the bottle or the container during application of the cap so as to define a closed chamber, within which the capping head is contained. Said closed chamber is set in communication with a source of vacuum so as to empty the bottle or container of the air contained therein before completion of application of the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus that acts as a shield for radiopharmaceuticals and protects individuals from radioactivity includes a first body with a first hollow core, a second body with a second hollow core and a third body with a third hollow core. The first hollow core, second hollow core and third hollow core collectively house an insert. The insert houses a hypodermic syringe. A first connection means releasably communicates the first body with the second body. A second connection means releasably communicates the first body with the third body. The second body comprises a piston actuator. The piston actuator can be operated to depress the piston of the hypodermic syringe while the first body is in communication with the second body, and while the third body is removed.

Abstract: A bell-shaped element is placed in a sealed position whereby it rests against the outer wall of the container which is full of solid commodities in order to create a partial vacuum in the inner area of said bell-shaped element and in the gaseous area of the container. A sealing armature subsequently places a sealing cap on top of the opening of the container. When the vacuum is created, a cleanliness element rests against the free edge of the opening of the container in a position which is sealed by means of a liner. The cleanliness element comprises a sieve which retains solid materials inside the container during suction. The cleanliness element subsequently retracts on a plane of its own, wiping the free end of the opening in order to remove debris and solid particles which could prevent the opening from being sealed in a desired manner.

Abstract: A receptacle (110, 112) suitable for food packaging which comprises a bottom or base portion (111, 121) defining a storage compartment or zone and a flange (113,123) circumferentially extending all around the receptacle contour providing an area for the closing lid to be sealed, said receptacle being made of a multi-layer thermoplastic structure comprising at least i) an upper liquid absorbent layer (1) that is devised to be either in direct contact with the food product to be packaged in the receptacle or separated therefrom by one or more liquid pervious layers (5,6) allowing passage of liquids from the receptacle inner surface into the absorbent layer, and ii) a non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2), and being characterized in that the surface exposed along a closed line in the circumferential flange (113,123) is of the lower non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2).

Abstract: According to the present invention, a case housing a product and a lid made of material that transmits a laser beam are fixed to each other with a bonding member interposed between them, and thereafter, a laser beam is focused onto the bonding member through the lid so that the bonding member is melted. By doing so, the case and the lid are welded together via the bonding member.

Abstract: The capsules are disposed on a first rigid support (A1) movable in steps provided with a first plurality of seats (B1) designed to each contain a respective capsule (7), the support (A1) being designed to feed the capsules to means (5) designed to distribute a sealing solution along the rim of the cap (7B) of each capsule. The capsules (7) that have received the solution are then transferred from said first rigid support (A1) to a second rigid support (A3) movable in steps provided with a second plurality of seats (B3) designed to contain a respective capsule (7), the second rigid support (A3) then in turn transferring the capsules (7) to an unloading station (8) after a time sufficient to consolidate sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of tubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a positioning device that directs a tube from a hopper to a labeler where a label is applied to the tube. The positioning device further directs the tube to one of a plurality of filling stations where a continuous flow of filling material is dispensed into the tube. The tube is then directed to a capping device where a cap is applied to an end of the tube.

Abstract: A package with improved clarity and a thinner lidstock includes a product support member having a cavity formed therein; a product disposed in the cavity; and an oriented, heat shrinkable lidstock film disposed over the product, and sealed to the product support member. A method of packaging a product includes the steps of providing a product support member having a cavity formed therein, and a flange around the perimeter of the member; placing the product in the cavity formed by the product support member; placing an oriented, heat shrinkable film over the product; sealing the oriented, heat shrinkable film to the flange of the product support member; and cutting at least some of the oriented heat shrinkable film extending beyond the perimeter of the product support member. The lidstock film optionally can be peeled apart after the package has been made, for example to peel an oxygen impermeable portion from a permeable substrate.

Abstract: A method of filling a container, and thereby extending the effective life of an oxygen scavenger, includes providing a container having an oxygen scavenger material, introducing product contents and a liquefied gas into the container to displace at least a portion of the air within the headspace, and capping or otherwise sealing the container. Displacing oxygen from the headspace diminishes the available oxygen within the container that can permeate into the container sidewall, thereby extending the effective life of the scavenger.

Abstract: An apparatus and an automated method are disclosed by which embossed seals are created in the necks of corked bottles. A die is employed with an image bearing die surface. The bottle moves along an automated bottle track. Molten seal material is introduced into the cavity above the cork in the neck of the bottle. The image bearing surface of the seal embossing mechanism is superimposed over the mouth of the bottle containing the molten seal material. The seal embossing mechanism is centered relative to the top of the bottle. The die surface is extended from the seal embossing mechanism into contact with the surface of the molten seal material. The mechanism is motivated along an automated seal track coincident with the movement of the bottle along the automated bottle track with the image bearing die surface in contact with the molten seal material until the material has cooled so that the die impression will be retained by the sealing material. The image bearing die surface is then retracted.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can automatically remove lids from trays and place lids on trays. Further the device can sense the presence of a lid on a tray and can sense the dimensions of the tray. Based on the sensed dimensions of the tray, the device can select an appropriate sized lid to place on the tray. In one embodiment of the invention, a device holds a lid with a lid manipulator having lid holders. At least one end mechanism is attached to at least one end of the lid manipulator, and the end mechanism folds the lid flaps of an appropriate lid. Guided by the lid manipulator, lids are then positioned on the tray.