Abstract: A cap for sealing evacuated tubes has a plurality of sealing surfaces to seal tubes of various sizes and a septum of self-closing material to permit a needle to pass for the withdrawal or injection of fluids. The sealing surfaces are defined by a plurality of annular bands extending in series from a top wall, as well as a skirt which depends from the top wall and surrounds the annular bands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the supply of cap members from a magazine or supply bin, via a channel, to the capping mechanism of a capping machine. At least one signal emitter, which is provided at the channel, generates an emitted signal that changes as the cap members move past, with a disruption signal being derived from the emitted signal if this emitted signal does not change during a specified time interval. A cycle signal is derived from the working or machine cycle of the capping machine. If no change of the emitted signal is determined in two successive cycles, the sum of which correspond to a full period of the cycle signal, the disruption signal is generated.

Abstract: A continuous method of enclosing a proteinaceous product in a vacuumized and hermetically sealed package having a peelable hermetic reclosure and having a body member of semi-rigid preformed plastic with a first planar marginal portion and a central portion shaped to provide a packaging chamber. The package also has a flexible dimensionally stable base member having a corresponding second planar marginal portion and a central portion to provide a closure for said packaging chamber. The method requires placing a sufficient quantity of proteinaceous product in the central portion of the body member to substantially fill the central portion when the package is completed, positioning the first planar marginal portion face-to-face to the corresponding second planar marginal portion, vacuumizing the assembly, and hermetically sealing the package.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a segmented head seal for a cup packaging machine which has independent sealing head segments. The segmented head seal has a mounting plate having an insulator plate attached thereto. Attaching to the insulator plate is a support plate. Attached to the support plate are a plurality of locator assembly members. Movably linked to each individual locator assembly member is an independent sealing member. The links between the sealing members and the locator assembly members allow the sealing member to move on the locator assembly member. The locator assembly members are attached to the support plates with one or more bias springs located in openings in the locator assembly members between the support plate and the sealing blocks.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for assembling a backing card to a plastic blister using strips of double-coated pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. Parallel feed wheels are rotatably mounted for wrapping and transporting tape from tape rolls to an application station from where the tape can be transferred from the wheels to the backing card. Cutting blades are provided for cutting the tape at both ends to form tape strips to be transferred to the backing card. A hingeably mounted tray supports and positions a backing card over the feed wheel surfaces. A pair of rollers are mounted on a carriage and are used to press the backing card onto the surfaces of the feed wheel to transfer tape on the surfaces to the backing card. A blister fixture is further provided for holding a blister to be assembled to a taped backing card. The carriage further supports the rollers for rolling movement over a blister card in the fixture to seal them together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying lids to respective cup-like containers. The apparatus includes a continuously operable destacker mechanism which is positioned generally beneath an assembly for holding stacks of the container lids. The destacker effects movement of the lowermost one of the lids from each of the stacks, with the lids thereafter moved to a feed magazine which includes a plurality of inclined guide chutes. The lids advance down the guide chutes, and are releasably retained in the path of filled containers moving on a conveyor generally therebeneath. Each container engages its respective lid, and withdraws it from the feed magazine, with the containers and lids subsequently passed beneath a series of application rollers so that the lids are urged downwardly into engagement with the containers.

Abstract: A pressure press for preparing a cardlike arrangement for dispensing individual doses of medication without the application of heat which could be detrimental to the efficacy of the medication. The press consists of a base plate having the perforations to accomodate a sheet having pockets for the capsules. A cavity card with pressure sensitive adhesive is placed over the base plate, the card being provided with perforations to permit access to the pockets. The press has a pivoted cover plate to sandwich the card and sheet on the base plate. A pivoted pressure bar assembly is employed to cause the cover plate to exert sufficient pressure on the sandwich to insure adequate sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for nesting a carton bottom with an open-sided carton top includes a work surface having a first end and a discharge end, and feed stations along the work surface for feeding the carton bottom and top onto the work surface. A conveyor and dog arrangement engages the carton bottom near one feed station and moves the carton bottom in a first direction along the work surface toward the discharge end, with a pair of pivoted flaps along the direction of travel for centering and guiding the carton bottom into a nesting arrangement with the carton top as the carton bottom moves along the direction of travel.

Abstract: A fluid packaging means comprises tubular side walls and end walls disposed at the ends thereof, forming a bottom and a top, wherein the top comprises thermoplastic material without a carrier material, is injection moulded to the outer edge of the tube along that edge and has a pouring means, and the bottom is quadrangular and has triangular flaps which are folded over to lie against at least one adjacent panel. In order to provide such a packaging means with a particularly advantageous bottom, the invention proposes that at least two mutually oppositely disposed triangular flaps of the bottom are folded inwardly into the plane of the bottom or outwardly on to the side wall, about the lower edge between the bottom and the side wall, and fixed in that position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for closing containers with a cover foil. In the method and with the apparatus of the invention, the containers are conveyed without change in vertical position and without stopping between rotation systems bearing the closure tools and rotating above and below the plane of the conveyor belt, and provided with covers.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of packages made of prefabricated containers which are substantially dimensionally stable and have at a filling end an outwardly projecting flange edge on which a cover sheet is fixed by welding, hot sealing or bonding. The process comprises the steps of providing a service belt consisting of a thermoplastic sheet material produced in a continuous sheet forming process. The continuous service belt moves along a path through a package forming, filling and closing work station. Recesses are formed in the service belt for receiving the prefabricated containers which are incorporated in succession and in a close spaced relationship into the recesses of the service belt. The prefabricated containers are filled with material and a continuous sheet web including weakening lines defining the outer edge surface dimension of a cover is supplied for each of the containers disposed in the recesses.

Abstract: A closure system including a cap and a container, the cap having a seal adapted to be deformed by a deformation producing arrangement in the lip of the container which causes the seal to deformed wherein when the cap is moved and the deformation in the seal is no longer aligned with the deformation producing arrangement in the container the seal is broken. Caps and containers included within the system and methods of manufacture and use of the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A package including a base portion formed of a semi-rigid material so as to be self-supporting. The base portion has a plurality of receptacles, each of which is individually separably joined to all adjacent receptacles by a connecting rim flange. The receptacles are disposed in a plurality of columns and rows in the base portion and the receptacles each have an opening defined by the connecting rim flange and extend from the connecting rim flange on one side thereof. The package also includes a cover portion joined to the base portion for entirely covering the receptacle openings including a plurality of cover segments disposed in a plurality of columns and rows. The cover segments each cooperate with the connecting rim flange of one of the receptacles and each are individually separably joined to all adjacent cover segments.

Abstract: A spin welding apparatus is employed for hermetically sealing seamless overpacks. The seamless overpacks are utilized, for example, for isolating corroding 55 gallon drums which contain hazardous materials. The overpacks include a receiver which contains the 55 gallon drum and a cover which is spin welded onto the receiver. The receiver and cover have circular welding surfaces which oppose one cover which is spin welded onto the receiver. The receiver and cover have circular welding surfaces which oppose one another across a horizontal plane. The welding surfaces have a composition of heat fusible plastic. During the spin welding process, the cover is rotationally driven by the spin welding apparatus while simultaneously being forced downward onto the receiver, which is held stationary. Frictional heat melts the opposing welding surfaces. After the rotational motion stops, the opposing welding surfaces cool and solidify to form a seamless weld joint.

Abstract: A process for hermetically sealing a glass container with contents therein is disclosed. The container has a mouth surrounded by a rim, at least a portion of the exterior surface, including the rim, of the container having a film coating of thermoplastic polymer thereon. The first step in sealing comprises substantially reducing the amount of contents' residue from the container rim. A closure is then applied to the rim. This closure is comprised of a layered material, having a thermoplastic polymer layer and a metallic layer, the thermoplastic layer contacting the thermoplastic polymer coating on the container rim. The thermoplastic polymer layer and the thermoplastic polymer coating consist essentially of mutually compatible polymeric materials. The closure is then heated in contact with the rim, to heat seal the closure to the rim coating and to seal the contents hermetically within the glass container.

Abstract: A method for sealing capsules which comprises contacting the cap and body juncture with a sealing solution of alcohol and water maintained between about 40.degree. C. to the boiling point of the fluid. A secondary gelatin band seal is also contemplated in one aspect of the invention, as well as a capsule having both seals.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for heat-treating gelatin capsules containing a medicament to cause heat-seal of the telescoped cap and body wall portions thereof, the apparatus comprising a housing defining an elongate generally cylindrical passageway sloping downwardly from inlet to outlet for receiving and discharging capsules passing therethrough, a capsule conveyor comprising an elongate rotatable shaft mounted on the longitudinal cylindrical axis of the passageway for rotation and carrying a plurality of generally circular conveyor plates, each plate supportably mounted in spaced relation along the shaft and having extending ramp portions communicating with the top surface of the next adjacent plate in the direction of the housing passageway outlet to define a generally Archimedean screw-shaped path for passage of gelatin capsules through the housing passageway from inlet to outlet, air-distributing means comprising an elongate manifold attached to the housing having a first section communicating with the passageway

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for use in sealing gelatin capsules filled with medicinal ingredients wherein each capsule has a generally cylindrical cap and body arranged with the side wall of the body telescopically within the side wall of the cap to contain the medicament therein comprising an economical and compact wetting device for automatically conveying filled capsules from a capsule-filling machine by pneumatic pressure conveyance through one or more passageways to a wetting location where each capsule is maintained in a generally cap-upright position and metered amounts of a wetting liquid are applied to side wall portions of the body of the capsule adjacent the seam of the cap and body to pass by capillary action into the space between the overlapping cap and body side walls, and the capsules are released from wetting positions in the passageways for further pneumatic conveyance to a point of heat treatment for final sealing of the body and cap portions of the capsule to prevent their separation and

Abstract: Process for the preparation in a series of self-injectable syringes characterized mainly by the fact that multiple seal tubes are placed vertically on an appropriate support, that a syringe body is placed vertically in each seal tube, that, into each tubular body thus arranged, a single dose of the medication in solution in a solvent is placed in each seal tube, above the syringe body, a plunger suspended by its pusher in a movable manner, at the lower end of a stopper which can adapt to the seal tube, so that said plunger is essentially in the axis of the syringe body and the lower end of said plunger is located above the upper end of the syringe body, with said stopper being held in a position so that said seal tube is not blocked or is not entirely blocked, to thus obtain an assembly constituting an open system in which the internal space, in the seal tubes and above said solution in the syringe bodies, is connected with the outside of the system, that the lyophilization operation is effected and, at this

Abstract: A tamper proof container for pills, liquid medicines and other substances taken internally is formed of two molded components, fixed together after filling in a secure, permanently sealed bond. The first integrally molded component is an outer shell having a body portion, a neck portion and a closure or cap which may be in an inverted position on top of and closing off the neck portion, all molded together as one component. The second component is a bottom portion having a skirt or sides of substantial depth for fitting tightly in the body portion after filling. The bottom skirt and the body portion are closely fitted together, with a substantial area of contact between them, so that a large area of adhesion or heat bonding is possible, to the extent that the assembled container cannot be broken open without detection. Preferably, the walls of the skirt and the body portion are fully coextensive so that the assembled container appears as one piece.

Abstract: A plastic container lid which has a small ridge protruding from the outer periphery of the lid, at the top corner of the lid. The ridge provides a uniform taper in the outside diameter of the lid, enabling containers to be capped at high speeds by a method that utilizes a spinning rod feed mechanism. The ridged lid is formed by a novel method, utilizing a one-piece mold cavity, fitted with a one piece mold insert. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating the one-piece mold cavity.

Abstract: A lid-sealing machine has an infeed system that employs a timing screw arranged to convey flanged trays along the upper portion thereof. The carousel on which the trays are supported during sealing has a multiplicity of locations, each with an associated heat and pressure applying platen; operation is continuous and with no indexing of the table.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying resiliently self-latching lids to upwardly open containers such as molded plastic buckets used to contain powdered or liquid products, in which a supply of generally planar circular lids is supported in a shallow sloping stack in which individual lids are on edge and supported on parallel sloping rails. Lids are released individually into a lid placement guide which may include a reciprocally rotating mechanism to orient each lid to place a pour spout of the lid in proper position relative to a bail of the container. Containers are carried beneath the lid placement guide on an endless belt conveyor to receive lids. A powered presser roll forces the lid into mating relationship with each container, without overturning empty containers receiving the lids.

Abstract: A method of forming a container in order to package separately components of a food product which would be incompatible in admixture during prolonged storage which in one embodiment comprises simultaneously forming and shaping a pot, or cup, and a tray wherein the base wall and boundary wall of the pot are disposed within the confines of the sidewalls of the tray, thereby forming two separate compartments, wherein the opening of the pot and tray are located on opposing sides of a horizontal plane defined by the base of the tray. The components of the food product are packaged by filling the pot with one food product component and by filling the tray with a second food product component and sealing each with a lid.In an embodiment wherein the pot and tray are separately formed, the tray is formed with an annular rib for positioning of the filled pot and each are sealed by a single lid in the method disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging machine wherein product-loaded cup-shaped receptacles are advanced with an indexing movement through a series of packaging stations. One station includes a fixed vacuum/gas chamber extending entirely over one set of receptacles. The receptacles are first evacuated through this fixed chamber, and thereafter gas is directed into the chamber to fill the receptacles. A fine wire-mesh screen is positioned between the chamber and the receptacles to constrain the air and gas flow to a vertical direction, to prevent disarrangement of the product during evacuation and gassing. A gas-curtain structure develops an enclosed region of gas above the receptacles during their movement out from under the fixed chamber over to the final sealing station. The sealing operation takes place in two successive steps within the sealing station.

Abstract: A bag for receiving the apple is prepared. An ethylene absorbent and a deoxidant are placed in the bag, each of the absorbent and the deoxidant being in an amount such that ethylene biosynthesis is suppressed for keeping freshness of the apple when the apple is placed within the bag. The apple is placed within the bag and then an opening portion of the bag containing the apple, the ethylene absorbent and the deoxidant is sealed. The sealed bag allows air to permeate through it to a degree such that minimum amount of air necessary for the apple is suppled in the presence of the ethylene abosrbent and the deoxidant. The apple is stored in the sealed bag whereby mature of the apple is delayed for keeping freshness thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for laminating a barrier film to a blister pack utilizing a two-cycle, reciprocatory carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes a tray upon which the blister pack is placed and reciprocated in and out of the device housing. During one cycle, the barrier film is prevented from contacting the blister pack by means of a pair of rollers which back the film away from the blister pack a predetermined distance. During the other cycle, the rollers advance the barrier film toward and in contact with the blister pack to apply the film. In addition, the rollers apply pressure through the film and blister pack against preselected pressure or bonding areas associated with the tray sufficient to bond the film to the pack. Different types of blister packs may be laminated by the device by changing the tray to include the necessary pressure or bonding areas.

Abstract: This invention shows two mechanisms for receiving, separating, delivering covers to a gravity chute, and thence to metering and cover-positioning and -pressing means. The feeding of covers may be automatic or may be hand-loaded. One embodiment shows the separation mechanism employing Y-members that are actuated by a reciprocated ring with jaws and guide supports in a common plane. Adjusting means for size and cover thickness, both metal and plastic, is contemplated. The other mechanism utilizes jaw arms that are stacked one above the other and preferably are arranged as four pairs, with upper arm jaws moved by one cycled ring and the lower arm jaws moved by another cycled ring. Vacuum cups remove and carry the removed cover to a gravity chute and a metering and cover-pressing apparatus that provides insured placement of only the forwardmost cover on a traveling container. Orienting means is also contemplated, and plural delivery chutes are shown. A height-adjusting means is also depicted.

Abstract: In a beverage vendor, a cup capping mechanism in which a cap is removed from a remote location to a stationary cup station, placed on the cup and then pressed down onto the rim of the cup by a sliding motion over the upper surface of the cup beginning at one side and progressing to the other. A locking mechanism is provided which prevents opening of the cup station delivery door during the capping operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container constructed of a material with a stiffness coefficient of less than one-tenth (0.

Abstract: A method of closing boxes in which the open-ended boxes and covers are sequentially fed to a box-closing station with the top of each cover overlying the open end of the box. Fitting-leaves are interposed between the outer face of the open end of the box, and the inner face of the peripheral side wall of the cover, while relative movement is effected between the cover and the box towards each other, such as to fit the cover over the open end of the box. The apparatus includes a lift which raises the box into fitted engagement with the cover supported on the fitting-leaves at the box-closing station.

Abstract: This relates to the hot packing of products such as food within cans. In order to permit the use of less strength cans than heretofore considered practicable, it has been necessary prior to the closing of such hot packed cans to introduce a pressurizing media such as liquid nitrogen being preferred. It is here proposed to so apply the closing end unit to the filled can so as to permit the end unit to function as a piston and to effect a pumping action when it is applied so as to permit the internal pressurization of the newly filled can without requiring any additive.

Abstract: A method of forming, filling and hermetically sealing a container in which a thermoplastic lid is hermetically sealed to a paperboard container body while the container body is in an upside down orientation, with the container then being filled through the opposite upper end while the container is still in the upside down orientation, and with the filled container then being closed by means of flaps at the opposite end.

Abstract: A process and an installation for supplying fragile caps to a closure machine which operates at a high rate, wherein caps are manufactured in situ in a plurality of cells which operate in a parallel mode, with the caps then supplied to the closure machine by a single conveyor which preserves the orientation of the caps. Detectors disposed on inclined intermediate channels control the output rate of the cells and the conveyor to ensure the machine is supplied with caps at all times, even when a cell is stopped for maintenance.

Abstract: A closure arrangement for stoppering bottles with pressurized, carbonated, water-based liquid contents which comprises in combination; a bottle having a body portion, an elongated neck portion with two annular flanges thereon, and a mouth portion; and a one-piece elastomeric plastic molded corking means having an elongated cylindrical stopper insertable into the mouth of the bottle, a head connected to the stopper, an annular, circumferential ring positioned below the head, concentric with the stopper and capable of being received between the two annular flanges, a flexible, elongated folded tether connecting the ring to the head, and a plurality of short frangible bridges connecting the ring to the head, said bridges breaking when the ring is forced between the two flanges. The elongated tether provides a means for preventing injury when the cork is removed from the bottle.

Abstract: In a method of closing a container having an external screw thread with a cap having an internal thread, the cap is located on the container in a pre-positioning or predetermined angular position corresponding to its final angular position and is then pressed into final closed position by axial force. The cap is located in the pre-positioning position by resilient abutments such as an internal seal, head seal, or projections on the cap which are overcome by the pressing force.

Abstract: A method for sealing the neck of a thermoplastic container to a thermoplastic cap superposed upon the neck and the cap having a lateral edge extending beyond the periphery of the neck using an ultrasonic welding apparatus includes an ultrasonic resonator having a domical internal cavity in its output end for reshaping the lateral edge of the cap in order to form a peripheral bead along the interface between the cap and the neck of the container.

Abstract: A fill and seal machine designed to charge liquid products into open-topped containers of predetermined configurations and dimensions and to apply closure members to such containers after the charging operation. An incrementally rotatable carrier disc disposed in communicating relation to a plurality of work stations has a plurality of circumferentially spaced dished portions that communicate with the periphery of the carrier disc, said dished portions successively receiving and transiently retaining individual ones of the containers. A lid delivery assembly for supplying the closure members to conventionally filled containers also provides the lid-sealing function. The novel capping operation is performed by the lid delivery assembly that is angularly disposed at a critical angle relative to the vertical. The filled and sealed containers are removed from the container carrying disc by a passive sweeping arm disposed in path-interruptive relation to such containers.

Abstract: A platen including an annular surface adapted to heat seal a piece of film to the lip of a cup, and a central projection which is hotter than the annular surface to cause greater shrinkage in a central portion than in the surrounding portion of the sealed piece of film. This shrinkage of the central portion and the resultant gathering of the surrounding portion results in a planar central portion of the sealed film with radially projecting ridges and grooves around its periphery. The ridges and grooves draw visual attention to the central portion and features, such as perforations for a straw-hole, located therein.

Abstract: A method of sterile capping a plurality of I.V. bottles with temporary sterile caps. A plurality of caps are provided in a single sterile package, which package is opened within the confines of a sterile working environment and the caps distributed face-up on a working surface. Packing caps are removed from I.V. bottles within the sterile environment and dilutant added to the bottles. The bottles are then sequentially inverted and press-fit into corresponding temporary caps to achieve a sterile sealing relationship between the bottles and caps.The described method results in a large savings of preparation time, produces less litter, and eliminates a bruised or "red" palm problem encountered in the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a one-piece pressure resistant container closure including a pilfer proof ring and associated sealing means provided in or towards the crown of the closure whereby it is possible to apply the closure to a container without substantial risk of rupture between a skirt extension portion of the closure constituting a security ring and the remainder of the closure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling petri dishes include the features of situating a stack of empty petri dishes at a dish-drop station where the stack rests with the lowermost petri dish of the stack on a stationary support. A moving structure engages this lowermost petri dish and moves it beyond the stationary support to a filling station, and during this movement of this lowermost petri dish to the filling station a lower dish member of the petri dish drops down from an upper lid member thereof and remains spaced beneath the upper lid member while being supported by a movable support which carries the lower dish member to the filling station. At the filling station a nozzle of a pump becomes situated in the space between the upper lid member and the lower dish member of the petri dish and fills a given quantity of agar into the lower dish member, whereupon this latter member and the upper lid member spaced thereover are moved to an elevating station.

Abstract: A system for packaging articles within containers, each including a lower article receiving portion, wherein a plurality of container receivers are continuously rotated in an endless path and displaced radially of their axis of rotation to various work zones. Each of the receivers is provided with a loading tube and a ram for positioning an article within a container lower receiving portion, and dispensing means are provided for rotating and accurately positioning the container lower portion within the receiver, and for positioning an upper lid or cap portion with respect to the lower container portion.