Abstract:
An apparatus for reforming an annular end sealing surface of a molded plastic container includes a head having an annular contact surface and a drive for bringing the annular contact surface into contact with the annular end sealing surface of the container. The head and the container do not rotate relative to each other during this contact reforming operation. Heat is applied through the contact surface to the end sealing surface while the surfaces are in contact to raise the temperature at the end sealing surface to at least the softening temperature of the plastic material, so that the end sealing surface is softened and reformed by heat and contact with the contact surface.
Abstract:
A closure and container package includes a glass container having an open mouth surrounded by an annular neck. An annular finish has at least one external attachment feature and is non-rotatably secured to the neck of the container. An annular skirt has at least one internal attachment feature for removable securement to the finish, and a glass closure has a circular periphery coupled to the skirt such that the skirt removably mounts the glass closure to the glass container. The finish can be of plastic or rubber, and the skirt preferably has a radially inwardly directed flange. The circular periphery of the glass closure preferably has a peripheral edge captured between the flange and a retention feature of the skirt. The peripheral edge of the glass closure preferably is annular and planar.
Abstract:
A plastic container has an open end and an imperforate container wall with a base, an outwardly open pocket in the container wall, and an RFID tag in a plastic housing disposed in the pocket. The housing containing the RFID tag preferably is captured in the pocket by blow molding the container wall around the housing. The pocket and housing preferably are disposed in the base of the container opposite the open end of the container, most preferably centrally of the base, and the housing preferably is visible in the container base through an external opening into the pocket.
Abstract:
A plastic container includes a body of one-piece integrally blow-molded construction. The body has an hourglass shape in side elevation with a waist, a base and a shoulder, and at least one helical external rib extending at least one full turn around the waist. The hourglass shape provides as a result of the blow molding operation minimum hoop stretch and extra thickness and strength at the waist, and maximum hoop stretch and minimum thickness at the shoulder and base. The helical rib at the waist of the container gives mechanical stiffness and resiliency for gripping and squeezing the container at the waist, yet allows angular movement of the shoulder with respect to the base to enhance flexibility.
Abstract:
A plastic container has an open end and an imperforate container wall with a base, an outwardly open pocket in the container wall, and an insert disposed in the pocket. The insert preferably is captured in the pocket by blow molding the container wall around the insert. The pocket and insert preferably are disposed in the base of the container opposite the open end of the container, most preferably centrally of the base, and the insert preferably is visible in the container base through an external opening into the pocket.
Abstract:
An RFID assembly includes a base having a peripheral wall, an RFID inlay including an RFID tag disposed within the peripheral wall, and a disk having a periphery engaged by the peripheral wall to capture the inlay between the base and the disk within the peripheral wall. One of the base and the disk has external fingers for releasably securing the assembly to a support structure, such as a projection on a mold core for disposition within a mold cavity to mold a container preform around the mold core within which the RFID assembly is embedded. The container preform can be blow molded into a hollow plastic container within which the RFID assembly is embedded. The projection preferably is on an end of the mold core, so that the RFID assembly is embedded in an end wall of the preform and a bottom wall of the container.
Abstract:
A method of making a glass container with an optically readable graphic data carrier. A glass container is exposed to electromagnetic radiation to produce discoloration within the glass of the container, and then focused beam energy is directed at the glass container in a pattern corresponding to a desired graphic data carrier to heat the glass and selectively remove the discoloration in the pattern corresponding to the desired graphic data carrier.
Abstract:
Communication systems and methods support communication between multiple devices. In some embodiments, a method initiates a communication session between a first device and a second device via a server. The method identifies a first user associated with the first device and identifies a second user associated with the second device. An interaction history between the first user and the second user is accessed from the server and communicated to the first device for display on the first device.
Abstract:
An RFID assembly includes a base having a peripheral wall, an RFID inlay including an RFID tag disposed within the peripheral wall, and a disk having a periphery engaged by the peripheral wall to capture the inlay between the base and the disk within the peripheral wall. One of the base and the disk has external fingers for releasably securing the assembly to a support structure, such as a projection on a mold core for disposition within a mold cavity to mold a container preform around the mold core within which the RFID assembly is embedded. The container preform can be blow molded into a hollow plastic container within which the RFID assembly is embedded. The projection preferably is on an end of the mold core, so that the RFID assembly is embedded in an end wall of the preform and a bottom wall of the container.
Abstract:
An RFID insert includes a housing of molded plastic construction and an RFID tag captured within the housing. A portion of the housing is permanently frangibly removable from the remainder of the housing to remove the RFID tag from within the housing and thereby disable RFID operation of the insert. The housing preferably includes a center portion connected to a ring-shaped periphery by a plurality of angularly spaced frangible bridges. The center portion of the housing may include a slot or pocket for engagement by a tool to twist the center portion with respect to the periphery and thereby facilitate rupture of the bridges, and/or may include indicia to identify presence of the RFID tag in the insert.