Method For Lubricating Pressure Relief Valves
AssigneePlitek, L.L.C.
InventorsKarl K. Hoffman, Steve Kaganovich, Thomas J. Roberts
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for applying a lubricant to a pressure relief valve during the process of applying the pressure relief valve to packaging. The method includes temporarily separating layers of the valve with a vacuum applicator when the lubricant is applied. A pressurized nozzle sprays or atomizes the lubricant into the valve opening. Graphite suspended in liquid silicone is used as the lubricant; it is recirculated in a reservoir to keep the graphite in suspension. Optical sensors check for valves before the entrance to, and after exit from, the vacuum applicator.
Claims11
A method for applying a lubricant to a pressure relief valve during the process of applying the pressure relief valve to packaging, comprising the steps of:
- supplying a pressure relief valve on a liner to be applied to packaging;
- moving the pressure relief valve on the liner into register with an operating vacuum;
- applying lubricant to the pressure relief valve on the liner;
- removing the lubricated pressure relief valve from the liner;
- piercing the packaging with a punch, needle or other device where the lubricated pressure relief valve is to be applied to the packaging, to make an opening in a packaging;
- and
- putting the removed lubricated pressure relief valve on the package over, and in register with, the opening pierced in the packaging.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.