United States Can Company

Polyneer, Inc.

Diamantino Fidalgo

Michel Fernandes

Robert Mackenzie

Carol Malone

The present invention is directed to an improvement for a fill valve () for an aerosol container () to provide better sealing capability. The fill valve is made using a flashless injection molding process in which both the mold cavity and molding material are heated to elevated temperatures to significantly improve cross-linking which occurs during the molding process. A backside () of the fill valve now has a recessed portion () to facilitate ejection of the valve from a mold so leak paths are not created due to the forces applied to the valve during its extraction from the mold. The recessed portion reduces the amount of material required to make the fill valve and makes the fill valve flexible to aid in providing a good seal against leakage of a propellant from the container after filling.

Grommet or fill valve for an aerosol container

The present invention relates to a laser-cutting method and system for processing shaped articles such as O-rings, seals, and gaskets. The article can be a polymeric material such as a rubber or elastomeric material. A web material having a shaped pattern of an article on its surface is provided. A laser beam is directed along the shaped pattern to cut the article from the web and trim away any flashing. The resulting cut article has a surface substantially free of any flashing, burrs, or other excess materials. Camera optical and positioning systems can be used with the laser system.

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Acushnet, MA, United States of America

Diamantino Fidalgo