A RESEAL WITH A PARTIAL PERFORATION AND METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR CREATING A PARTIAL PERFORATION IN A RESEAL

摘要

A reseal (40) with a partially perforated membrane (108) is provided along with a method and apparatus for making such a reseal (40). In a preferred embodiment, the reseal membrane (108) is subjected to a tensile force, and a cutting edge of a lance (90) is advanced partially into the reseal membrane (108). More than one partial perforation can be provided in special configurations. Apparatus for providing a reseal membrane (108) with such a partial perforation includes a clamp assembly for clamping a periphery of the reseal, an anvil (80) for engaging one side of the reseal membrane (108), positioning mechanisms for effecting relative movement between the anvil (80) and clamp assembly to stretch the membrane (108), a lance (90) defining a cutting edge and a mounting structure for holding the lance adjacent the other side of the reseal (40), and a drive system for effecting relative movement between the lance (90) on the one hand and the anvil (80), clamping assembly, and reseal (40) on the other hand so as to effect partial penetration of the membrane (108) with the cutting edge of the lance (90).