Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.

Mark A Powell

Ramesh M Kamath

Lawrence M Smeyak

Sohail Sadiq

David L Cerny

John Ziegler

Timothy W Carr

Greg Mishler

David Oles

Lindsey Abney

David E Babcock

Zinovy Royzen

Michael E Albertson

Coy Hearld

Siegfried Landskrone

Mark R Russell

Paul W Robbins

Michael R Zurawski

Budan Yao

Mark N Russell

Sharon L Gatlin-Chambers

Hassan Najdawi

Larry Smeyak

Timothy Carr

A method and apparatus is disclosed for inspection of molded closures that would measure specific parameters of the closure on an on-line basis as they are ejected from an associated compression molding apparatus. Measuring specific parameters of the closure on an on-line basis identifies problems with specific tool sets, sub-systems, and process settings of the molding apparatus, thus substantially reducing the amount of scrap that is produced.

Process monitoring of molded closures

An apparatus for molding a plastic closure includes a male mold assembly including a forming pin and an outer pin sleeve which cooperate with a female mold for defining a mold cavity. To facilitate mechanical stripping of a molded closure from the forming pin, pressurized air is introduced into the molded closure through at least one air passageway which extends axially between the forming pin and pin sleeve. By outwardly expanding and forming the plastic closure during ejection from the forming pin, forces to which the closure is subjected during ejection are significantly reduced, thereby desirably reducing the amount of cooling of the closure that is required during the molding cycle prior to ejection. Significantly increased operating speeds for the compression molding apparatus can thus be achieved.

Apparatus for molding a plastic closure with air-assisted ejection

A product package embodying the principles of the present invention includes an integrated circuit device which is configured for radio frequency interfacing with associated equipment. The package is configured such that the integrated circuit device is disposed within the package, thus assuring that the device remains associated with the package's contents. Notably, this arrangement facilitates use of the device for applications apart from product tracking and inventory control, including product promotions, storage, and dissemination of product information, and quality assurance including tamper-indication. A packaging machine for writing information on, and or reading information from, the integrated circuit device is also disclosed.

Interactive information package

A dispensing closure assembly includes an outer closure body having an upper tubular portion which can function as a mouthpiece for users. The closure assembly includes a flexible valve member mounted within the tubular portion of the closure body for dispensing of liquids or like contents by either the application of suction by a consumer, or by squeezing the associated container. By the provision of a liquid seal lip which coacts with an inside surface of the flexible valve member, the closure assembly can be configured to facilitate convenient use by consumers, while avoiding undesirable leakage attendant to normal handling during use.

Dispensing closure

A method of making an interactive information package, including an interactive information closure including a radio frequency identification device, contemplates that a microelectronics assembly be provided, and positioned on an associated substrate for positioning adjacent an inside surface of the top wall portion of the closure of the package. In one embodiment, the mounting substrate is provided in the form of a disc-shaped sealing liner for the closure. In an alternate embodiment, the mounting substrate is laminated to an associated sealing liner, with the substrate, and microelectronics assembly positioned thereon, inserted together with the sealing liner into the associated molded closure.

Method of making interactive information closure

A composite closure for a container having carbonated contents includes an outer closure cap having a top wall portion, and an annular depending skirt portion. A disc-shaped sealing liner is positioned within the closure cap adjacent the inside surface of the top wall portion. The liner includes an inwardly facing sealing portion at the periphery thereof, and further includes an annular seal bead which projects downwardly from the liner in a direction away from the top wall portion. The closure is configured for enhanced sealing with an associated container, with the top wall portion of the outer closure cap preferably including a relatively thick, peripheral reinforcing region which overlies the annular seal bead of the liner for further enhancing sealing.

Composite closure with enhanced sealing

A closure for a container having carbonated or otherwise pressurized contents includes a top wall portion, and an annular depending skirt portion. An internal thread formation mates with a like thread formation of an associated container. To facilitate gas venting during closure removal, the container includes a plurality of axially extending vent grooves. Release of gas pressure during closure removal is facilitated by providing the closure with at least one, and preferably a plurality of rotation-inhibiting projections positioned adjacent to the internal thread formation. The projections interferingly engage with the vent grooves of the associated container, thus providing increasing frictional drag during closure removal to permit dissipation of gas pressure from within the container.

Plastic closure with rotation-inhibiting projections

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Crawfordsville, IN, United States of America

Mark A Powell