A packaging machine comprising a machine stand and an insulator housing sealingly connected to the machine stand. The connection to the machine stand is made via retainers, disposed on the machine housing, with a profile frame of the insulator housing resting on the retainers. Between the insulator housing and the machine stand, a gap is formed, in which a sealing element is disposed. The packaging machine according to the invention makes standardized machine stands possible, as well as a structure that is simpler from the production standpoint, because less stringent tolerances are required.

A testing apparatus for testing the level of retained gas at elevated pressure in plastic containers for carbonated beverages includes a manifold assembly for engaging the mouth of a test set of the containers. The apparatus additionally includes a gas supply for supplying a desired quantity of a selected gas to each container, the gas preferably helium. The apparatus further includes pressure measuring units for measuring the pressure in each container, and a data collection system coupled to the pressure measuring units for periodically collecting pressure data along with ambient temperature data as a function of time. The collected data can be analyzed to determine shelf life of the containers. Using helium, the shelf life determination can be accomplished in about 1/7.sup.th the time of conventional shelf life tests.

A modular sliding door grid including a sliding door mounted on a low profile frame. The sliding door is actuated by at least one pivot bar, connected at one end to the sliding door and at the other end to a mechanical linkage. Actuation of a frame bar in a forward direction urges the mechanical linkage in a forward direction and causes the pivot bar to move around a center-point such that the sliding door moves in a backward direction. The backward movement of the sliding door removes support for a case load positioned on the sliding door so that the case load drops.

A method for preventing a carbon dispersion from increasing in viscosity during use is described. The dispersion comprises graphite particles or carbon black particles or a combination of both dispersed in a fluid. The method involves lowering the susceptibility of the carbon dispersion to an increase in viscosity or ionic strength by lowering its pH or reducing its exposure to reactive components in the ambient atmospheric gas. The pH can be lowered by at least partially removing ammonia from the dispersion, or by adding a material that reduces the pH of the dispersion. The stability of the dispersion can also be improved by isolating the dispersion from reactive atmospheric gas. The stabilized aqueous carbon dispersion can have a viscosity of less than about 20 cps and a conductivity of less than about 3 mS.

An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.