SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGH-SPEED APPLICATION OF PAPER-BASED END CAPS ON COMPOSITE CONTAINERS

Abstract

A system for assembling a container and lid comprising an expansion collar having a plurality of pivoting collar segments, each configured to rotate simultaneously radially outward about a pivot point; the collar comprising a flange that can engage with the rim of the open end of the container and an angled tip positioned radially inward from the flange and shaped to press a countersunk portion of the lid against an inner wall of the container when the collar segments rotate radially outward; when the container and mandrel are carried together, the flange engages with the flanges of the collar segments and causes the angled tips of the collar segments to rotate outward toward the inner wall of the container, thereby pushing the countersunk portion of the lid against the inner wall of the container.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGH-SPEED APPLICATION OF PAPER-BASED END CAPS ON COMPOSITE CONTAINERS This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63 / 125,013, filed on December 14, 2020, and US Provisional Application No. 63 / 030,959, filed on May 28, 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION This description relates to systems and methods for applying high-speed paper-based end caps to composite containers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This description generally relates to containers and methods of sealing such containers. Cylindrical containers made of paper or composite materials are frequently used for snacks and similar products. Such containers often have a membrane sealed to one upper edge of the container, an overlapping lid or end cap covering the membrane, and a metal cap flanged over one lower edge of the container. Typically, the membrane is first sealed to the upper edge, and the end cap is then applied to the container. The container is then filled with the product through the open lower end, and the metal cap is then flanged over the lower edge. The container may be rinsed or evacuated during the bottom flange-sealing process to preserve the stored product for a longer period of time. The process described above, using metal bottom ends, can interfere with the recyclability of certain containers, as crimping the metal lid to the bottom of the container makes it very difficult to separate the metal lid from the container itself. Without the ability to separate the paper-based body of the container from the metal bottom, the container assembly, depending on its configuration, may be unable to introduce the paper or metal into the recycling stream. This can result in negative environmental impacts and unnecessary wear and tear. There is a need for recyclable containers to increase the sustainability of the final product. One solution to the need for recycling capacity is to produce containers with paper-based end caps instead of metal ends. However, existing equipment for crimping metal ends to containers is specifically designed to create metal ends and MA / t / ZUZJ / Ul 1» / t simply changing metal end caps to paper-based end caps is incompatible with the current metal end flanging process, as paper-based end caps introduce unique challenges not present with metal ends (e.g., cap flexibility, separating caps from a stack of caps, feeding caps, folding caps, fusing non-metallic caps). Through ingenuity and hard work, inventors have developed not only systems and methods for applying paper-based end caps to containers, but also systems and methods that operate at high speeds (e.g., over 300 containers per minute). Additionally, in certain configurations, aspects of the described systems and methods can be used to retrofit existing metal end sealers (e.g., Angelus GOL), thus saving on the cost of new equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In some embodiments, an assembly module may be provided for assembling a container and lid. The containers and / or lids may be paper-based. The container may have an open end enclosed by a rim. The assembly module may include a mandrel, an expansion collar, and an actuator. The mandrel may be configured for axial alignment with the container, and the actuator may be configured to bring the container and mandrel together axially. In some embodiments, the mandrel may be configured to be axially stationary. The expansion collar may be coupled to the mandrel and include pivoting collar segments. The collar segments may each be configured to pivot simultaneously radially outward around a pivot point. The collar segments may include a flange and an angled point.Each flange of the collar segments can be positioned around the expansion collar to engage with the open end rim of the container. The angled tip of each collar segment can be positioned radially inward from the flange and shaped to press a countersunk portion of the lid against an inner wall of the container when the collar segments are rotated radially outward. When the container and mandrel are brought axially together by the actuator, the rim of the container can engage with the flanges of the collar segments, causing the angled tips of the collar segments to rotate outward toward the inner wall of the container. This pushes the lid toward the open end of the container and presses the countersunk portion of the lid between the angled tips of the collar segments and the inner wall of the container.The pivot point of each collar segment can be located where the expansion collar engages with the mandrel. When the collar segments rotate radially outward from the pivot point... ML / E / ZuZo / u lU / I pivot, the diameter of the expansion collar may increase. In some embodiments, the diameter of the expansion collar may increase by approximately 5% of the total diameter of the expansion collar. When the diameter of the expansion collar has increased to its maximum diameter (e.g., in its fully expanded state), the outside diameter of the angled tips of the collar segments may be substantially equivalent to an inside diameter of the container. The length of the angled tip may correlate with a countersunk depth of the cap within the open end of the container when assembled. The angled tip may have an end near the flange and a distal end and be angled such that the expansion collar has a diameter at the end near the angled tip that is larger than the diameter at the distal end of the angled tip.In some embodiments, the flange may comprise a substantially horizontal surface configured to engage the rim of the container. In some embodiments, the expansion collar may be formed from a non-metallic material. In some configurations, the expansion collar may also include an expansion retainer. The expansion retainer may be configured to drive the collar segments to rotate radially inward. The rim of the open end of the housing may have a ring resistance greater than the driving force of the retainer through a predetermined expansion. In some embodiments, the assembly module may also include a compressible rear stop positioned to resist rotation of the collar segments after a predetermined pivot distance. The assembly module may also include a secondary rear stop positioned to prevent rotation of the collar segments after a predetermined secondary pivot distance. The predetermined secondary pivot distance may occur before the predetermined compression. In some embodiments, the assembly module may also include an assembly bar positioned concentrically within the mandrel and expansion collar. The assembly bar may be configured to move axially to push a central portion of the lid into the open end of the container when the container and mandrel are brought axially together. The assembly bar may include a centering disc that makes contact with a center of the lid when the lid is pushed into the open end of the container. In some embodiments, the assembly module may also include a peripheral sleeve surrounding the mandrel and expansion collar. The peripheral sleeve may be configured to fold a peripheral skirt of the lid over the rim and around an outer wall of the container. The peripheral sleeve may have a larger internal diameter than the outer diameter of the container. The peripheral sleeve may also include an inner rim with a textured surface. The gripping mechanism is configured to make contact with the folded peripheral skirt of the cover. The peripheral sleeve may be formed from a non-metallic material. The assembly module may further include an O-ring positioned between the mandrel and the peripheral sleeve, wherein the peripheral sleeve is rotationally and laterally movable along the O-ring relative to the mandrel. The peripheral sleeve may be axially stationary. In some embodiments, the assembly module may also include a roller. The roller may be configured to move laterally relative to the mandrel and push the peripheral sleeve against a portion of the folded peripheral skirt of the lid. The container may be configured to rotate axially relative to the roller. The expansion collar may resist the pushing action of the roller. The peripheral sleeve may be configured to offset eccentrically relative to the mandrel when pushed by the roller. In some versions, the assembly module may also include a membrane arranged around the flanges and angled tips of the expansion collar to prevent debris from entering between the collar segments. The membrane may be made of silicone and / or rubber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Having thus described the present description in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and where: FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side perspective view of an exemplary container (e.g., rigid composite can), in accordance with some modalities of the present description; FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lid before being applied to a container, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 2A after being applied to a container, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a lid after being applied to a container in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of a lid and container in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective image of an exemplary container assembly formed by applying a lid to a container, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a sealing system diagram that includes a conveyor for transporting containers through various modules (e.g., a separate feeding module, an assembly module, a fusion module), in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 5 is a side-top view of an exemplary assembly module and fusion module above a rotating platform, configured to rotate and transport containers and lids through the modules within the sealing system, thereby producing container assemblies, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 6 is a side-top view of a separate example and feeding module, configured to use vacuum cups mounted on a spindle arrangement to each remove an individual seal from a stack of caps and transfer the individual cap to a pocketed turret, which rotates to deposit the cap over an open end of a container, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description. FIG. 7 is a lower I-side view of an exemplary assembly module comprising a mandrel and an expansion collar in their unexpanded state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 8 is a side-bottom view of the assembly module of FIG. 7 in its fully expanded state, in accordance with some modalities of the present description; FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the assembly module of FIGS. 7 to 8 in its unexpanded state, wherein the collar segments that together form the expansion collar are not rotated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembly module of FIGS. 7 to 9 in a partially expanded state, wherein a front stop portion of the collar segments is just rotated away from splicing a front stop of the mandrel, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary container and lid coupled with the assembly module of FIGS. 7 to 10 in a partially expanded state, caused by an upward force from an edge of the container acting on the collar segments to rotate them away from the front stop portion towards a rear stop portion of the mandrel, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 12 is a side-top cross-sectional view of an exemplary container and lid coupled with an assembly module that includes a side-moving roller, a peripheral sleeve, a mandrel, and an expansion collar in a partially expanded state, wherein the container has rotated collar segments away from a front mandrel stop to engage a compressible rear stop, in accordance with some embodiments of the present ΜΛ / Ε / ΖυΖο / υΊ lUf / description; FIG. 13 is a side-top cross-sectional view of the container, lid, and assembly module of FIG. 12 in its fully expanded state, in which the container has rotated the collar segments completely so that a rear stop portion of the collar segments splices a rigid rear stop of the mandrel, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 14 is a side-top cross-sectional view of the container, lid, and assembly module of FIGS. 12 to 13 in its fully expanded state with the roller moved laterally to offset the peripheral sleeve eccentrically with respect to the mandrel, and further including an example of the fusion module, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary container and lid moving upwards into an assembly module that includes a side-moving roller, a peripheral sleeve, a mandrel, and an expansion collar in its unexpanded state, wherein the collar segments splice a front stop of the mandrel, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of the container, seal, and assembly module of FIG. 15 in its fully expanded state, in which the container has rotated the collar segments away from the front stop to engage a rear mandrel stop, as the roller moves laterally toward the mandrel, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional side view of the container, seal, and assembly module of FIGS. 15 to 16 in its fully expanded state with a peripheral skirt of the seal pinched between the container and the peripheral sleeve, which has been eccentrically offset with respect to the mandrel by lateral movement of the roller, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 18 shows a lower cross-sectional side view of an exemplary container and lid under an assembly module including a peripheral sleeve, a mandrel, an expansion collar, and an expandable membrane surrounding the expansion collar, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; Figures 19 to 24 show cross-sectional side views of exemplary containers and lids within the assembly module together with exemplary fusion modules, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description. FIGS. 25 to 35 show several exemplary embodiments of the fusion module, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 36 illustrates a top view of a peripheral sleeve in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of a peripheral sleeve in accordance with some modalities of the present description; FIGS. 38 to 41 illustrate cross-sectional views of a separate feed module in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; Figures 42 to 43 illustrate cross-sectional views of the fusion module of the invention, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 44 illustrates the finished exemplary container and paper ends in accordance with some modalities of the present description; FIG. 45 illustrates an exemplary induction coil in accordance with some embodiments of the present description FIG. 46 illustrates an exemplary concentrator used in combination with an induction coil in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIGS. 47A to 47D illustrate various angles of an exemplary concentrator for use in accordance with some modalities of the present description; FIG. 48 illustrates a three-dimensional printed example of the assembly module in accordance with some modalities of the present description; FIG. 49 illustrates one embodiment of the separate power module, assembly module, and sealing module, in accordance with some embodiments of the present description; FIG. 50 illustrates one modality of a side-top cross-sectional view of the container, lid, and assembly module in its fully expanded state; and FIG. 51 illustrates one modality of a side-top cross-sectional view of the container, seal, and assembly module in its fully expanded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although the present description can be represented in many ways, it is shown in the drawings and in the present one or more modalities will be described in detail, with the understanding that this description should be considered an exemplification of the principles of the present description and is not intended to limit the description to the modalities illustrated. Rigid Composite Containers Rigid, paper-based composite containers are used to package various products such as snacks and other food items. These containers often comprise a rigid or molded cylindrical body, usually manufactured with open top and bottom ends. Composite containers may include rigid cans made of rolled sheet material, such as cardboard and / or paperboard. In one embodiment, the containers may be spiral-wound. Although the bottom end lid is usually fixed to the container, the top end lid is often designed to be easily removed by the consumer (i.e., a removable over-lid and / or a peel-away membrane). Figure 1 is a cross-sectional perspective side view of an exemplary container 202. The container 202, also shown in Figures 3 and 11 to 14, may comprise a rigid cylindrical body having a side wall 206 terminating in an edge 205 at an open end 203. In this embodiment, the open end 203 may comprise a lower end of the container 202. In some embodiments, the open end 203 may be sealed with a cap 204 (e.g., a paper-based end cap). In some embodiments, the container 202 may additionally have a second open end (e.g., the upper end), opposite the open end 203, which may be sealed with a flexible membrane or another cap. The open end 203 of the container 202 may be circumscribed by a rim 205 formed by the terminating side of the side wall 206 that forms the body of the container 202. The side wall 206 may include an inner surface 207 facing inward from the container 202 and an outer surface 208 facing outward from the container 202. The inner surface 207 may be the product-facing side of the side wall 206 of the container 202. In some embodiments, the product(s) may be food product(s), and the inner surface 207 may include a food-safe layer and / or lining to help protect the integrity of the food product(s) to be contained within the container 202. The outer surface 208 may include printing or other graphics applied for labeling and / or advertising the food product(s) to be contained within the container. In some embodiments, the rigid side wall 206 of the container 202 may comprise multiple layers of paper, metal foil, and / or sealant. For example, moving inward from the outer surface 208, the side wall 206 may comprise an outer fold of paper (e.g., white) coated with a sealant, two interleaved folds of paper (e.g., brown cardboard or card), and an inner lining of metal foil (e.g., aluminum approximately 0.000762 cm (0.0003 in.) thick) coated with a sealant. The metal foil lining and the sealant layers may advantageously aid in inducing the heating process to seal the lid 204 to the container 202. Any combination of container layers (paper, metal, and / or sealant) may be used in the invention. In some embodiments, the inner surface 207 and / or the outer surface 208 may include a sealant layer on the open end 203 of the container 202 that can melt and seal the assembled lid 204 to the container 202. In some embodiments, the sealant layer may be disposed across the inner surface 207 and / or outer surface 208 of the container 202 or may be disposed only along the side(s) of the open end of the container 202. In other embodiments, however, no separate sealing material is used. Paper-based end caps In some embodiments, the lid 204 of the present description may be a paper-based end cap. In one embodiment, the lid 204 may generally be a circle or flat disc, sized to cover the open end 203 of the container 202. In another embodiment, the lid 204 may generally be a circle or flat disc, sized to be inserted within, in a recessed shape, the circumference of the open end 203 of the container 202. In yet another embodiment, the lid 204 may be pre-stamped, as shown in FIG. 1. In any case, the rotational / circumferential orientation of the lid 204 with respect to the container 202 may be disregarded where the container 202 and the lid 204 are uniform through all angles of rotation. However, other shapes (e.g., rectangular, polygon with extended side) are possible. As discussed herein, the upper and / or lower sides 204a, 204b of the lid 204 shall be referred to in the context of the orientation of the lid 204 when applied to the open end 203 of the container 202. Herein, as shown in FIG. 1, the container 202 is oriented with respect to the lid 204 with the edge 205 of the open end 203 of the container 202 facing upwards so as to make contact first with the bottom / lower / inner side 204b of the lid 204 which faces downwards with the top / upper side 204a of the lid 204 facing upwards. In embodiments where the open end 203 of the container 202 is the bottom of the container 202, the top side 204a of the lid 204 could thus be oriented downwards when the container assembly 406 (shown in FIG. 3) is oriented upwards.It should be understood that other orientations not illustrated in the present description are possible for applying the lid 204 to the container 202, but the top / up side 204a of the lid 204 may be that which is oriented outwards when assembled as part of the final product container assembly 406, and the bottom / lower / bottom side 204b is that which orients the product(s) into the container 202 when assembled as part of the final product container assembly 406. In some embodiments, the 204 lid may be pre-stamped and / or pre-formed with specific structural features (see FIG. 1). The stamping and / or pressing process may include feeding flat lid material into a die press (e.g., a stamping press) and compressing the material between opposing dies. Although lid 204 may be made primarily of paper and other fiber-based material, it may also contain non-fiber barrier layers made of metal and / or plastic. In some embodiments, the lid material may comprise multiple layers of paper, metal foil, and / or sealant. For example, the seal may comprise two layers of paper (e.g., white) on the upper side and / or a layer of metal foil (e.g., aluminum 0.000762 centimeters (0.0003 inches) thick) coated with a sealant on the lower side 204b. The sealant-coated metal foil layer may advantageously be used with induction heating to seal lid 204 to container 202. In some embodiments, the sealant may be applied to the lower side 204b of lid 204 only around the outer periphery where lid 204 is configured to make contact with container 202.In other configurations, the sealant can be applied to the full bottom side 204b of the lid 204. Figures 2A to 2C show cross-sectional views of one embodiment of the preformed lid 204, both before and after assembly with the container 202. Before assembly, the preformed lid 204 may have a substantially flat central portion 240 at its center, an annular mandrel wall 242 radially surrounding and extending vertically at an angle from the central portion 240, and (optionally) a peripheral skirt 209 extending radially outward from the mandrel wall 242. The peripheral skirt 209 may also be arranged vertically at an angle. As noted above, in other embodiments, the entire lid 204, before insertion into a container 202, may be substantially flat or flat and disc-shaped. In some forms, the central portion 240 of the lid 204 may be substantially flat and horizontal, but includes one or more convex protrusions 240a, 240b rising from its upper side. The one or more convex protrusions 240a, 240b can advantageously reserve additional material and / or surface area of ​​the lid 204 within the central portion 240 that can be stretched when the lid 204 is expanded within the open end 204 of the container 202 (e.g., when the mandrel wall 242 is pressed against the lower surface 207 of the side wall 206 of the container 202). In some embodiments, the one or more convex protrusions 240a, 240b can provide additional flexibility within the lid 204 so that any damage and / or distortion to the container assembly 406 and its seal (e.g., airtight) due to changing differential pressure between the outside and inside of the sealed container assembly 406 can be minimized.In this manner, the convex protrusions 240a, 240b formed within the lid 204 can help ensure the integrity of the product(s) contained therein. In other embodiments, the central portion 240 of the lid 204 may include one or more concave protrusions or a combination of concave and convex protrusions. As shown in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the central portion 240 may include a dome 240a in the center of the lid 204 above a platform 240b surrounding it. In a In one embodiment, the radially outward edge of the platform 240b may circumscribe the platform 240b and form an obtuse angle with a substantially horizontal, flat annular ring 240c that forms the lowest portion of the lid 204 on its upper side 204a (and the highest projection of the lid 204 on its lower side 204b). Alternatively, the annular ring 240c may be the point furthest from the outer edge of the skirt 209 before the lid 204 is applied to the container 202. In certain embodiments, the annular ring 240c may generally be U-shaped. Furthermore, radially outward from and adjacent to the annular ring 240c, a mandrel wall 242 may be pre-formed and / or stamped into the cover 204. The mandrel wall 242 may form an obtuse angle with the annular ring 240c. In this manner, the diameter of the lower portion of the mandrel wall 242 adjacent to the annular ring 240c may be smaller than the diameter of its upper portion adjacent to the peripheral skirt 209. The mandrel wall 242 can be configured to be pressed against the inner surface 207 of the side wall 206 of the container 202 when inserted into the open end 203 of a container 202, thereby forming a countersunk portion 244 (shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, which represent cross-sectional views of various lids 204 after being assembled with a container). The length / height of the mandrel wall 242 can be correlated with a predetermined countersunk depth 246 of the countersunk portion 244 of the lid 204 within the open end 203 of the container 202 when assembled. In some embodiments, in addition to extending radially outward from and adjacent to the mandrel wall 242, the peripheral skirt 209 may generally extend in a horizontal direction. The peripheral skirt 209 may be configured to fold over the edge 205 of the side wall 206 of the container 202 at its open end 203. In some embodiments, the length of the peripheral skirt 209 may be sufficiently long so that it extends far enough beyond the edge 205 of the container 202 to be folded around the edge 205 to make contact with the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 of the container 202. In some embodiments, the peripheral skirt 209 may further be pressed and sealed against the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 of the container 202.In this way, the lid 204 can advantageously form two seals with the container 202 (for example, one with the inner surface 207 and one with the outer surface 208). Providing double seals between the container 202 and the lid 204 can help maintain an airtight seal. In some embodiments, the lid 204 can form a single continuous seal with the container 202 through the countersunk portion 244, over the rim 205, and through the peripheral skirt 209. In other embodiments shown in FIGS. 2C to 2D, the lid 204 may be configured so that the peripheral skirt 209 is recessed within or positioned inside the body of the container 202. In this embodiment, the peripheral skirt 209 may not fold around the rim MA / t / ZUZO / Ul 1» / t 205 to make contact with the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 of the container. In one embodiment, the upper surface 204a of the lid 204 may be set back from (for example, recessed within) the lower peripheral edge 205 of the container body 202. The lid 204 may be recessed within the container body 202 at a predetermined recess distance D. The recess distance Dr may be measured from the lower peripheral side or edge 205 of the container body 202 to the lower surface 204a of the lid 204. In some embodiments, the recess distance Dr may be within a range of approximately 0.2 to 2 cm (approximately 0.08 to 1.2 in). For example, the recess distance Dr may be approximately 0.7 cm (approximately 0.275 in).The recess distance Dr can be configured to minimize any protrusion of the bottom lid 204 surface 204a beyond the lower peripheral side or edge 205 of the container body 202 when the container assembly is exposed to higher pressure differentials between the container interior and the external environment. For example, the recess depth Dr of the bottom lid 204 can ensure that the bottom lid 204 does not overinflate beyond the lower peripheral side or edge 205 of the container body 202 at pressure differentials exceeding approximately 34 kPa (10 inHg). In this way, the recess distance Dr, combined with the integrity of the airtight seal, can help prevent the lid from distending beyond the peripheral side or edge 205 of the container body 202, causing the container body 202 to rock when placed vertically, and / or other issues with the bottom lid 204. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the airtight seal of the bottom lid against the inner surface 207 of the container body 202, in this embodiment, can be maintained by using a recessed lid 204 that is fixed only to the inner surface 207 of the container body 202. As will be described herein, the lid 204 can be pushed into the container body 202 any distance that might be practical in the art. In some embodiments, the lid 204 becomes a recessed bottom. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge of the lid 204 is flush with the side or edge 205 of the side wall of the container body 202 (see FIG. 2D). In other embodiments, the peripheral edge of the lid 204 is directed inward, relative to the peripheral side or edge 205 of the side wall 206 of the container body 202. The lid 204 may be recessed within the container body 202 to form a first deformed surface 204c of the lid 204 that is separated from (e.g., recessed within) the peripheral side 205 of the container body 202. The first deformed surface 204c may comprise a central portion of the lid 204. In one embodiment, the first deformed surface 204c may be substantially flat, horizontal, or substantially horizontal. During insertion of the lid 204 into the container body 202, as will be explained, in some embodiments, the peripheral skirt 209 of the lid 204 may be bent at a right angle or a nearly right angle, shown as the second deformed surface 204d in FIG. 2D.The resulting second deformed surface 204d (formerly the peripheral skirt 209) of the lid 204 may be arranged vertically or almost vertically, adjacent to the inner surface 207 of the container body 202, at the open lower end 203. System In some embodiments, the invention comprises a system for applying and sealing a lid (e.g., a paper-based end cap) to a container body (e.g., a composite can). In one embodiment, the system described herein may comprise at least a separation and feeding module 100, an assembly and pressing module 200, and a fusion module 300. The various modules may be used separately and / or as part of an overall system. The system may include a conveyor to transport the container bodies through the modules. The conveyor may also include different sections to move the container bodies in different ways through the system. In some configurations, the conveyor may include a turntable that transports the container bodies in a rotational path through one or more modules. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the conveyor may include a feed conveyor 44 that transports the container bodies 202 through the modules. The feed conveyor 44 may comprise a feed screw 46 or any other suitable mechanism for transporting the container bodies into the system. The feed screw 46 can feed the container bodies to a turret device with cavities 52. The turret device 52 can transport the container bodies through the separation and feeding module 100. Next, the container bodies can be fed from turret 52 to a transfer turret 58. Transfer turret 58 can advance the container bodies one at a time to assembly module 200. In some embodiments, the turntable 32 may include chambers 34. The turntable 32 can support a plurality of separate chambers around its circumference. Each chamber essentially comprises a cylindrical tube within which a container body with a lid resting thereon can be loaded. The bottom of the chamber may comprise a lifting plate. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, one or more assembly modules 200 and / or fusion modules 300 can be mounted on top of the turntable 32. The turntable can include lifting plates. Each lifting plate can move vertically relative to the assembly module 200. A cam can be mounted below the turntable 32 and can engage the lifters attached to the lifting plates. When the turntable 32 is rotated about its axis, the lifter can move vertically according to the cam profile to cause the lifting plate to rise and fall, thereby raising and lowering the container body to perform the various operations involved in the assembly and pressing module 200. Separate and Feed In some embodiments, the present description includes novel systems and methods for separating and feeding individual lids (e.g., paper-based end caps) from a lid supply onto individual containers (e.g., rigid cylindrical composite cans) (see FIG. 6). In some embodiments, as the containers (e.g., composite cans) are conveyed through the system, the lids 204 (e.g., paper-based end caps) can be placed onto the open ends 203 of the containers 202. Before placing the lids 204 onto the containers 202, the lids 204 can be separated from a stack of lids 204 and fed individually onto each container 202. The separation and feeding module 100 will thus be described. In some embodiments, the separation and feeding module 100 may be capable of separating a single cap 204 from a stack of caps 204 and feeding the cap 204 to an output screw assembly at a rate of at least 200 caps per minute. In some embodiments, the separation and feeding module 100 may be capable of separating a single cap 204 from a stack of caps 204 and feeding the cap 204 to an output screw assembly at a rate of at least 300 caps per minute. In some embodiments, the separation and feeding module 100 may be capable of separating a single cap 204 from a stack of caps 204 and feeding the cap 204 to an output screw assembly at a rate of at least 400 caps per minute.In yet another embodiment, the separation and feeding module 100 can separate a single cap 204 from a stack of caps 204 and feed the cap 204 to an output screw assembly at a rate of at least 450 caps per minute. In one embodiment, the separation and feeding module 100 can be considered a high-speed separation and feeding system. With reference to Figures 38 to 41, generally speaking, the caps (e.g., printed paper ends) 204 can be supplied in a stacked configuration. For example, the caps 204 can be supplied to the system via a gravity-feed cap feeder 105. The feeder 105 can contain a plurality of stacked caps 204. The feeder 105 can generally have a size, shape, and configuration ML / E / ZuZo / uI 1» / I which is similar to or the same as the caps 204. For example, if the caps 204 are generally disc-molded, the feed rail 105 may generally be cylindrical and may contain a stack of caps 204 within the cylindrical portion. In one embodiment, the feed rail 105 may have an accordion configuration so that it can be bent, rotated, or twisted as required by the system. In one embodiment, the feed rail 105 may be arranged so that the caps 204 are stacked vertically or substantially vertically, with the opening 122 of the feed rail 105, which then deposits the caps 204 facing downwards or generally downwards. Alternatively, the feed rail 105 may be arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally. Any configuration may be used. The caps 204 may be arranged in the feed path 105, in one embodiment, with their non-product-facing surface 116 oriented toward the opening 122 in the separation and feeding module 100. In one embodiment, the feed path may comprise clamps 120 at its open end 122, which support or secure the caps 204 within the path 105 until each cap 204 is removed. The clamps may be of any shape or mold which retains the caps 204 in place within the path 105 but permits sufficient deformation of the caps 204 to allow them to be removed from the feed path at the appropriate time. In one embodiment, the clamps 120 are partially arranged within the circumference of the open end 122 of the feed path 105.Alternatively, the open end 122 may have integral features which retain the caps 204 within the feed path 105 until they are removed by the system. The separation and feeding module 100 can remove a cap 204 from the cap stack and distribute it to a servo-driven screw, screw conveyor, or other device known in the art, in one embodiment. Screw conveyors can be driven by any known mechanism, such as a belt, gear, chain, or other system. In one embodiment, the screw can rotate continuously. In other embodiments, the screw can stop and start, wherein the screw stops are correlated with the placement of a cap 204 onto the screw. For example, the screw can rotate at a continuous speed and stop when the screw is positioned below the offset location for cap 204. In still other embodiments, the screw can rotate at a continuous, slow speed when the screw is positioned below the offset location for cap 204.In one embodiment, the screw can be programmed for the separation and feeding module 100. It should be noted that in FIGS. 40 and 41, multiple caps 204 are shown vertically aligned below the displacement location for system 100. In one embodiment, the caps 204 could be conveyed horizontally before another cap 204 is placed inside the screw. Thus, in one embodiment, the caps 204 could not be aligned vertically at the same time. ML / E / ZuZo / u 1» / l In some embodiments, the separation and feeding module 100 may comprise a four (4) servo-driven transfer selector 111, each with a vacuum cup 114 mounted on a spindle arrangement. That said, any number of heads is contemplated herein. In one embodiment, the system comprises a two (2) servo axis system. With reference to FIG. 40, the removal of a cover 204 from the feed path 105 is shown. In one embodiment, a cover 204 is removed from the feed path 105 by the vacuum cup 114. In one embodiment, the vacuum cup 114 is mounted on the head 113 and rotates around the selector 111 in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion about a rotation axis shown as Xi, at the center of the transfer selector 111. Similarly, the vacuum cup 114 can rotate around the head 113 in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion about a rotation axis shown as X2, on the post supporting the head 113. Thus, it can be understood that the vacuum cups 114 can rotate simultaneously about the Xi and X2 axes. In one mode, the rotation around the Xi and X2 axes.It is in the same direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise). When a vacuum cup 114 approaches the open end 122 of the feed path 105, the vacuum cup 114 is rotated to reach the open end 122 of the feed path 105. The vacuum cup 114 is pressed against the first cap 204 at the open end 122 of the feed path 105. Using the suction formed by the shape of the vacuum cup 114 and / or using forced aspirated air drawn in through line 110, the cap is temporarily held against the vacuum cup 114. When the selector 111 and / or the head 113 are rotated, the vacuum cup 114 moves away from the feed path 105. Due to the suction / vacuum forces, the cap 204 is retained on the vacuum cup 114 and moves with it (see FIG. 40). The cover 204 can be slightly deformed to allow fasteners 120 to pass when it is removed from the feed path 105. In some embodiments, the separation and feeding module 100 may comprise a vacuum manifold with a blow-off channel 112. In this embodiment, the vacuum function may retain the lid 204 in the vacuum cup 114 during transfer, and the blow-off channel may deliver a burst of pressurized air to remove the lid 204 from the vacuum cup 114 under distribution to the screw 125. Thus, in this embodiment, the vacuum function may be activated until the blow-off function is activated. In one embodiment, the blow-off port may use housed air or a reservoir. In some embodiments, the vacuum cup engages the outer side 204a (i.e., the non-product-facing surface 116) of the lid. In other embodiments, the vacuum cup engages the inner side 204b (i.e., the product-facing surface) of the lid. In one particular embodiment, the vacuum cup 114 makes contact only with the surface 116 of the lid 204 that is facing outwards on the container. That is, in one embodiment, the vacuum cup 114 cannot make contact with the product-facing or food-facing side 118 of the lid 204. This can provide a more sanitary application process, particularly for containers holding food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, or other similar products. In some embodiments, the rotary motion of each head 113 can be adapted to the motion of the transfer line via a timing belt. In some embodiments, the system can feed the caps 204 into one or more feed screw assemblies 124. In one embodiment, system 101 drops the caps 204 vertically onto a screw. The feed screw assembly 124 can transfer the cap 204 to a rotary line. In one embodiment, the rotary line can be continuously rotating around system 100. The rotary line can then transport the cap to a container 202, optionally in combination with a turret body. In some embodiments, the outfeed screw comprises one or more feed screws (in some cases, three (3)), which can also be servo-driven and can be generated together and directed to the transfer line.In other embodiments, the vacuum cup 114 rotates the lid 204 to a position adjacent to a container 202 or directly over a container 202. In some embodiments, the lid 204 may be arranged above a container 202 by system 100. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the separation and feeding module 100 can be associated with a turret with cavities 54. In this embodiment, the conveyor's turret device 52 can transport the containers to the turret with cavities 54. The separation and feeding module 100 can be configured to feed and deposit lids 204 into each cavity of the turret 54. In either configuration, lid 204 can then be loosely placed in container 202, optionally inside a vacuum chamber. Container 202 and lid 204 can then be transported to the assembly and press module, in one configuration. Assembly and Pressing In some embodiments, system 100 may include an assembly module 200 for assembling containers 202 (e.g., composite cans) and lids 204 (e.g., paper-based end caps). The assembly process for the containers 202 and lids 204 may include applying a lid 204 to an open end 203 of a container 202 and folding and pressing specific portions of the lid 204 to seal (e.g., hermetically) the closed container 202. MA / t / ZUZO / Ul 1» / t As shown in FIGS. 7 to 18, the assembly module 200 may include a mandrel 220 coupled with an expansion collar 210. Generally speaking, the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210 of the assembly module 200 may be configured to provide a repeatable and controlled pressing and folding action of the lids 204 during assembly with the containers 202. In this manner, the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210 may insert, press, and fold the lid 204 into, against, and around the open end 203 of the container 202. More particularly, the expansion collar 210 may be configured to be partially inserted into the open end of the container 202 (adjacent lid 204) and then expanded outward to press the lid 204 against the inner surface 207 of the container 202.The lid 204 can also be pressed simultaneously or sequentially, in various ways, onto the edge 205 of the side wall 206 of the container 202 and against the outer surface 208 of the container 202 (for example, by a peripheral sleeve 230, as discussed herein). Returning now to the specific configurations, in some configurations, chuck 220 can be configured so that it does not move vertically relative to container 202 (i.e., it is vertically stationary). That is, chuck 220 does not move vertically up and down. For clarity, although chuck 220 can be vertically stationary, it can continuously rotate around its axis and / or rotate around the machine's turret center. In this embodiment, the container 202 is lifted upward to meet the mandrel 220 and the collar 210. In such embodiments, the system 100 may include lifting plates on which the containers 202 are raised to bring the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210 into contact, pneumatically or otherwise. The lifting plates may be configured to axially align the rim 205 of the container 202 with certain portions of the expansion collar 210 before lifting the container 202 to engage the rim of the container 205 with the lid 204, mandrel 220, and / or expansion collar 210. In other embodiments, a bell guide may actuate the lid 204, container 202, and mandrel 220 into alignment. Additionally, the lifting plates can be configured to rotate the 202 container (for example, around a central longitudinal axis of the container). In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the 202 container can be at least 1000 revolutions per minute (RPM). In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the 202 container can be at least 2000 RPM. In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the 202 container can be in the range of approximately 1000 RPM to approximately 2000 RPM. Additionally, the lifting plates can be configured to move container 202 (for example, horizontally along a path). In some embodiments, the path of translation can be circular or semicircular. In some embodiments, the translation speed of container 202 can be at least 50 RPM. In other embodiments, the translation speed of container 202 can be at least 100 RPM. In some embodiments, the translation speed of container 202 can be within the range of approximately 50 RPM to approximately 100 RPM. As will be understood, the rotation and translation of container 202 can assist in fusing lid 204 to container 202 and / or in pressing lid 204 to the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 of container 202. In one embodiment, the translational and rotational movement of containers 202 at such speeds allows the commercial application of lids 204 to containers 202 at speeds of at least 400 or 420 containers per minute (CPM). In another embodiment, the translational and rotational movement of containers 202 at such speeds allows the commercial application of lids 204 to containers 202 at speeds of at least 500 CPM. In yet another embodiment, the translational and rotational movement of containers 202 at such speeds allows the commercial application of lids 204 to containers 202 at speeds of at least 600 containers per CPM. One or more additional parts of the assembly module 200 can be configured to rotate in synchronization with the lifting plate and / or container 202. For example, the mandrel 220 and / or the expansion collar 210 can rotate at substantially the same speed as the lifting plate and the container 202 during assembly of the container 202 with a lid to minimize frictional forces due to relative movement between the container 202, the mandrel 220, the expansion collar 210, and / or other parts of the assembly module 200. Additionally or alternatively, system 100 can lower mandrel 220 and expand collar 210 over the rim 205 of the open end 203 of container 202 to apply plug 204. In either case, the pressing force of container 202 on collar 210 and collar 210 on rim 205 of container 202 can be between approximately ten (10) and thirty (30) pounds of pressure. In one particular embodiment, the pressing force can be approximately twenty (20) pounds. Mandrill As noted above, the assembly module 200 may include a mandrel 200 coupled with an expansion collar 210. In one embodiment, the mandrel 220 may generally be cylindrical with indentations and / or cuts formed on its circumferential surface to form recesses for mating with the expansion collar 210. In one embodiment, the recess 220 may comprise an upper portion 220a and a lower portion 220b. The diameter of the upper portion 220a may be larger than the diameter of the lower portion 220b in one embodiment. The lower portion 220b of the mandrel 220, in one embodiment, may be the portion that is mated with the collar 210. MA / t / ZUZJ / Ul 1» / t In one embodiment, the mandrel 220 may further comprise a neck portion 220c disposed on the upper portion 220a. The neck portion 220c may have a smaller diameter than the upper portion 220a and / or the lower portion 220b. In some embodiments, the center of the 220 mandrel may comprise a portion of a central hollow (e.g., a through hole or bore) with internal threading for mounting the 220 mandrel onto the cooperating threaded parts of the 100 system. Expansion Collar The expansion collar 210 may be surrounded by the generally cylindrical lower portion 220b of the mandrel 220. In one embodiment, the expansion collar 210 may also be generally cylindrical and may comprise a plurality of individual collar segments 212. Portions of the expansion collar 210 may be inserted into indentations and / or recesses of the lower portion 220b of the mandrel 220, creating coupling between the expansion collar 210 and the mandrel 220. In some embodiments, the expansion collar 210 can be configured to rotate axially upwards and / or radially outwards when the rim 205 of the open end 203 of the container 202 moves axially towards the mandrel 220 and engages the expansion collar 210. The expansion collar 210 can have different expansion states. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the expansion collar 210 can have a rest or unexpanded state in which the collar segments 212 are initially unrotated. In the unexpanded state, the expanded collar 210 may have the smallest diameter and / or circumference compared to other expansion states. As shown in FIG. 8, the expansion collar 210 can have a fully expanded state in which the collar segments 212 are unable to rotate any further. In the fully expanded state, the expansion collar 210 may have the largest diameter and / or circumference compared to other expansion states. When the collar segments 212 rotate radially outward around the pivot point 213, the overall diameter and / or circumference of the expansion collar 210 may increase. In some embodiments, the diameter of the expansion collar 210 may increase by approximately 5% of the overall diameter (i.e., widest diameter) of the expansion collar 210. In one embodiment, the diameter of the expansion collar 210 may increase by approximately 5% at maximum collar rotation (i.e., when the collar is in the expanded state with the widest diameter). In some configurations, the 210 expansion collar can function similarly to a Hoberman sphere, expanding to its final desired shape with a single actuation. In some In these modes, the expansion collar 210 can be configured so that the drive from the unexpanded state to the fully expanded state occurs solely due to the force of the container 202 acting on the collar segments 212 of the expansion collar 210. In this way, the assembly module 200 may not require a separate controller to drive or expand the expansion collar 210 to perform the pressing and / or folding actions. Instead, the drive is integral to the construction of system 100. When the container 202 and mandrel 220 are carried together, the axial forces of the container / mandrel can convert the forces applied in the radial direction and / or to specific forces applied to certain portions of the lid 202.This can advantageously save energy and / or wear on the expansion collar 210 because when system 100 is used without a container 202 in place, the collar 210 will not expand. In some embodiments, the expansion collar 210 can only expand when a container 202 is pressed against the collar segments 212. In some embodiments, the action of the expansion collar 210 is resisted by the hoop force of the container 202. In some embodiments, the actuation and / or action of the expansion collar 210 relative to the mandrel 220 may be caused by the upward force of the rim 205 of the container 202 against specific portions (e.g., the flanges 215) of the expansion collar 210. In some embodiments, the resistance of the expansion collar 210 to its upward force may be adapted to the hoop force of the container 202. The hoop force of the container 202 may vary based on the thickness of the side wall 206, the diameter of the container 202, and / or the height of the container 202, for example. In some embodiments, the expansion collar 210 may be formed from a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic, ceramic, resin). For example, the collar segments 212 may be formed from nylon (e.g., nylon-12) or a combination of nylon and glass. The collar segments 212 may be formed individually using a three-dimensional (3D) printer and then assembled into the expansion collar 210 by coupling with the mandrel 220 and / or retainer 211. Forming the expansion collar 210 from a non-metallic material may aid in fusing the lid 204 to the container 202 in embodiments where induction heating is used. In this way, the non-metallic materials may not be heated by the induction heating. As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the assembly module 200 may include a membrane 260 arranged around the expansion collar 210 to prevent debris from entering between the collar segments 212 when the expansion collar 210 expands and small gaps are created between the collar segments 212. For example, the membrane 260 may be formed from silicone, rubber, and / or any other expandable material. In some embodiments, the membrane may be a sleeve that fits snugly over the expansion collar 210. In certain embodiments, the expansion of the expansion collar 210 causes small gaps to form between the collar segments 212. When the individual collar segments 212 are pressed against the inner wall of the container, ridges may form on the lid 204 between the collar segments 212. It should be understood that these ridges on the lid 204 do not pose a problem from a sealing point of view. The ridge is merely a compression mark on the paper. However, the membrane 260 can further reduce or eliminate ridge lines from forming on the lid 204, as the pressure from the individual collar segments 212 is distributed more evenly when the membrane 260 is in place. Collar Segments As noted, the expansion collar 210 may comprise multiple pivoting collar segments 212, the pivoting action of which provides the expansion of the expansion collar 210. Any number of pivoting collar segments 212 is included within the present description. In some embodiments, the expansion collar 210 comprises from approximately twenty to forty pivoting collar segments 212. In some embodiments, the expansion collar 210 comprises at least twenty pivoting collar segments 212. In some embodiments, the expansion collar 210 comprises thirty-two pivoting collar segments 212. Other numbers of collar segments 212 are possible (e.g., two, four). A larger number of pivoting collar segments 212 may provide gaps or smaller spaces between the segments, a benefit that will be explained herein. As shown in FIG. 10, a portion of each collar segment 212 can be inserted into a segment recess 222 formed on the circumferential surface of the lower portion 220b of the mandrel 220. The segment recess 222 can be configured to be larger than the collar segment 212, thereby allowing the collar segment 212 to move within the segment recess 222. In some embodiments, each collar segment 212 can have an individual segment recess 222 within the mandrel 220. For example, the mandrel 220 can include thirty-two segment recesses 222 formed on its lower portion 220b. In some forms, the number of segment 222 holes formed in the mandrel 220 may be less than the number of collar segments 212 in the expansion collar 210, so that multiple collar segments 212 share one segment 222 hole. Each segment 222 hole may include radially oriented side walls separating it from adjacent segment 222 holes. In this way, the side walls of the segment 222 holes can form rays emanating from the central axis of mandrel 220. Having side walls for the segment 222 holes can help maintain each segment of ML / E / ZuZo / u lU / I collar 212 to move circumferentially with respect to the mandrel 220 when the mandrel 220 rotates. In this way, the side walls of the segment recesses 222 can assist in the coupling of the expansion collar 210 with the mandrel 220. In addition to the side walls, each segment recess 222 may include a lower projection or front stop 229a, an upper projection or rear stop 229b, and a rear wall 229d. The rear wall 229d may be located radially inward toward the center axis of the mandrel 220. The rear wall 229d may include a curved inlet 229c into which a curved tip of the collar segment 212 engages toward the pivot point 213, around which each collar segment 212 rotates. Each collar segment 212 comprising the generally cylindrical expansion collar 210 can generally be wedge-shaped with two flat sides 212a and a peripheral surface 212b that wraps around the collar segment 212. The collar segment 212 can be oriented with respect to the mandrel 220 such that the flat sides 212a are parallel or substantially parallel to the radial direction of the mandrel 220 (and / or the side walls of the segment recesses 222) and such that the peripheral surface 212b is generally perpendicular to the radial direction of the mandrel 220, as shown in FIG. 8. Each collar segment 212 may have different portions around its peripheral surface 212b, such as a cap contour surface 212c, a tilting portion 214a (which can engage with the segment recess 222 of the mandrel 220, forming a pivot point 213), a front stop portion 214b (configured to make contact with a front stop 229a of the mandrel 220 in its unexpanded state (unexpanded state shown in FIG. 7), a rear stop portion 214c (configured to make contact with a hard rear stop 229b of the mandrel 220 in its fully expanded state, as shown in FIG. 8), and / or a side stop portion 214d (configured to make contact with the side stop 238 of the peripheral sleeve 230 when the roller 250 pushes the peripheral sleeve). In some embodiments, the collar segments 212 may each include additional portions or elements within each portion, such as an annular compression recess 214e (configured to make contact and compress the O-ring (e.g., compressible back stop 227) before the back stop portion 214c strikes the hard back stop 229b of the mandrel 220) and / or a retainer corner 214f ​​(configured to receive the retainer 211 therein so that the collar segments 212 are retained in their engagement with the mandrel 220). Lid Contour Surface Advantageously, the collar segment 212 can be molded such that certain portions of the peripheral surface 212b (e.g., lid contour surface 212c), which are configured to contact (e.g., press and / or push) the lid 204, are molded in a way that mimics or reflects the desired final profile of the lid 204 on the container when assembled. In this manner, at least a portion of the lid 204 can be formed in the desired space for the final product during melting when the collar segments 212 are fully tilted and the expanded collar 210 is in its fully expanded state. For example, the lid contour surface 212c comprises three surfaces in one embodiment (e.g., two substantially horizontal surfaces 215, 216b and a substantially vertical surface 216a between them), forming two substantially right angles. Other profiles for the 212c lid contour surface are possible, such as a horizontal surface (horizontal can be useful as the orientation of the first surface to ensure stability of the 406 container assembly once inverted) followed by a larger angled surface that meets another horizontal surface. As another example, the 212c lid contour surface profile can include a horizontal surface followed by a long, arched surface, so that the lid creates a dome shape on the underside of the 406 container assembly. In yet another example, the 212c lid contour surface profile can include a sloped surface followed by another sloped surface meeting at acute angles or in a repeating pattern, so that the underside of the 406 container assembly bottom forms ridges for better seating on uneven surfaces.In some embodiments, the surfaces within the contour surface profile of lid 212c may include outward-extending ridges and / or other desired surface textures to be incorporated into the shape of the lid upon the container assembly 406. When the contour surfaces of the lid 212c of the collar segments 212 form at least a portion of the desired final profile of the lid 204, in the final product when the collar segments 212 are fully tilted and the expanded collar 210 is in its fully expanded state, it may be advantageous to minimize the gaps between the fully tilted collar segments 212. To minimize these gaps, in some embodiments, the expansion collar 210 may include a larger number of collar segments 212 (for example, at least twenty-four) to decrease the gap / interrupted lid profile between adjacent collar segments 212. In this way, minimizing the gap between the collar segments 212 can provide a more uniform pressure surface against and / or around the side wall 206 of the container 202. For example, as shown in FIG.8, the space 290 between the thirty-two segments of collar 212 may be approximately 0.06 cm (0.025 in). In some modalities, the space 290 may be in the range from approximately 0.03 cm (0.01 in) to approximately 0.64 cm (0.25 in). Flange Within the lid contour surface 212c, each collar segment 212 may include a flange 215 positioned to be engaged by the edge 205 of the open end 203 of the container 202. Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as where the lid 204 is configured to be assembled entirely within the open end 203 of the container 202 (for example, where no portion of the lid 204 folds over the edge 205 of the container 202), the flange 215 may be located outside the lid contour surface 212c, otherwise on the peripheral surface 212b. The flange 215 can be configured to receive the upward force from the flange 205 when the container 202 makes contact with the mandrel 220 and the collar 210 coupled to the mechanism. In some embodiments, the flange 215 can be slightly angled so that the substantially horizontal surface of the flange 215 is angled slightly toward the center axis of the expansion collar. In other words, the more radially outward end of the substantially horizontal surface of the flange (for example, the most distal end of the center axis of the expansion collar 210) is located lower than the radially inward end of the substantially horizontal surface of the flange 215. In this way, when the flange 205 of the container 202 causes the collar segment 212 to rotate, the substantially horizontal surface of the flange 215 can be tilted to be closer to horizontal.Having flange 215 oriented horizontally can aid in applying the upward force of the horizontal, flat rim 205 onto flange 215 by spreading the force over the larger surface area of ​​the entire rim 205. In other words, since both rim 205 and flange 215 are horizontal and flat, the pressure applied by the upward force of the container 202 can be distributed across the entire mating area between rim 205 and flange 215. For example, in configurations where the surface area of ​​rim 215 is equal to or greater than the surface area of ​​rim 205, the upward force can be dispersed across the entire surface area of ​​rim 205 where both rim 215 and rim 205 are horizontal when mated.Otherwise, the upward force is more concentrated at the inner or outer corners of the rim 205 if the flange 215 is angled from the horizontal to fit more closely with the inside or outside of the side wall 206 of the container 202. Additionally, having the flange 215 initially slightly angled so that the outer portion of the flange 215 points slightly downwards can ensure that any portions of the lid 204 (for example, a peripheral skirt 209) extending beyond the rim of the container are forced downwards over and / or around the rim towards the outer wall of the container. The flanges 215 of the collar segments 212 can form the most radially outward portion of the expansion collar 210, such that when the upward force ivia / t / zuzj / u ι iy / / of the flange 205 is applied, the distance of each flange 215 from the respective pivot point 213 of the collar segments 212 allows the upward force to apply a maximum torque on each collar segment 212. Applying a force (e.g., a constant upward force) against the flange 215 will provide the necessary torque on the collar segment 212 to cause tilting at the pivot point 213. In one embodiment, the flange 215 is located distally from the pivot point 213. Advantageously, the structural configuration of the collar segment 212 can be optimized to convert the upward force of the container 202 into the pressing forces required for assembly. and / or fold lid 204 into / around container 202.In some embodiments, the length of the substantially horizontal surface of the flange 215 of the collar segment 212 may be substantially similar to and / or slightly greater than the thickness of the side wall 206 of the container 202. The expansion collar 210 may be configured so that the outer circumference of the flanges 215 is substantially equivalent to the circumference of the container 202. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the flanges 215 may be less than the diameter of the inner surface 207 of the container 202, and the outer diameter of the flanges 215 may be greater than the diameter of the outer surface 208 of the container 202.Due to the axial alignment of the container 202 with the expansion collar 210, the coupling and upward force of the rim 205 of the container 202 with and on the rims 215 of the expansion collar 210 causes the collar segments 212 to all rotate radially outwards simultaneously. Adjacent to the substantially horizontal surface of the flange 215 toward the center axis of the expansion collar 210, each collar segment 212 may include a substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surface 216a as part of the cap contour surface 212c. The substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surface 216a may be part of an angled tip 216 of the collar segment 212. In some forms, each collar segment 212 may include an angled tip 216. The angled tip 216 may be positioned radially inward from and adjacent to the flange 215. In some embodiments, before the collar segments 212 are tilted and / or when the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded state, the substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surface 216a of the angled tip 216 may be angled away from the inner surface 207 of the container 202 and radially inward toward the center of the expansion collar 210. In other words, the substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surface 216a of the angled tip 216 may be angled such that the diameter of the upper portions of the substantially vertical, outward-facing surfaces ML / E / ZuZo / u lUf / radially 216a of the angled tips 216 near the flanges 215 is greater than the diameter of the lower portions of the substantially vertical radially outward-oriented surfaces 216a of the angled tips 216 distal to the flanges 215. In this manner, the substantially vertical radially outward-oriented surfaces combined 216a of all collar segments 212 can form a cross-conical section when the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded state. In some embodiments, the substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surfaces 216a of the angled tips 216 may be configured to press the inner mandrel wall 242 of the lid 204 against the inner surface 207 of the container 202 when the collar segments 212 are radially outward-rotated due to the torque applied by the upward force of the rim 205 of the container 202 on the flange 215. When the collar segments 212 are tilted, the substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surfaces 216a of the angled tips 216 may rotate to become progressively closer to the vertical (e.g., approaching 90°) until the substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surfaces 216a become parallel to the inner surface 207 of the container 202.In this manner, when the collar segments 212 are tilted, the substantially vertical radially outward-facing surfaces 216a of the angled tips 216 rotate outward toward the inner surface 207 of the container 202, thereby pushing the inner mandrel wall 242 of the lid 20 against the inner surface 207 of the container 202, forming a countersunk portion 244 (as shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C and 3). The expansion collar drive 210 can convert the pre-formed mandrel wall 242 of the cap 204 into a countersunk portion 244 by pushing, lengthening and / or pressing series of actions. The length of the substantially vertical radially outward-facing surface 216a of the angled tip 216 may be equivalent or substantially equivalent to the predetermined countersunk depth 246 of the countersunk portion 244 of the cap 204 within the open end 203 of the container 202 when assembled. The coupling of the collar segments 212 of the expansion collar 210 with the mandrel 220 allows the upward force of the container 202 to result in the inner mandrel wall 242 of the lid 204 being pressed against the inner surface 207 of the container 202. The pressing action can help create a seal between the lid 204 and the container 202 during the fusion process. The collar segments 212 can be configured so that when the diameter of the expansion collar 210 is at its maximum diameter in the fully expanded state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8), the outside diameter of the substantially outward-facing radial vertical surfaces 216a and / or angled tips 216 of the collar segments 212 is substantially equivalent to the inside diameter of the container 202 (e.g., the diameter measured across the inside surface 207 of the container 202). For example, the inside diameter of the container 202 and the largest allowable diameter of the angled tips 216 can be approximately 7.32 cm (2.88 in.). The collar segments 212 may be configured such that when the diameter of the expansion collar 210 is at its maximum diameter in the fully expanded state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8), the outside diameter of the substantially outward-facing radial vertical surfaces 216a and / or angled tips 216 of the collar segments 212 is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the container 202 (e.g., the diameter measured across the inside surface 207 of the container 202). This ensures intimate contact between the collar segments 212, the container 202, and the lid 204, in preparation for sealing. In this embodiment, some minor elongation / expansion of the container diameter may occur, within the elastic limits of the materials involved. In addition, radially inward along the contour surface of cap 212c, adjacent to the substantially radially outward-oriented vertical surface 216a, the angled tip 216 may include a generally substantially horizontal downward-oriented end surface 216b located on the portion of the angled tip 216 that is farthest vertically from the flange 215. The end surface 216b may be configured to make contact with the cap 204 and push and / or tamp down inward into the corner created by the lower, countersunk portion 244 of the cap 204. The combination of the substantially horizontal surface of the flange 215 with the substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surface 216a and the end surface 216b of the angled tip 216 can form the cap contour surface 212c of a collar segment 212. Advantageously, the cap contour surface 212c can substantially delineate the desired bottom / end profile of the final product or container assembly 406 with the cap 204 and container 202 assembled together. When taken together in the expanded state of the expansion collar 210, the contour surfaces (e.g., the cap contour surface portion 212c) of the collar segments 212 form the desired shape of the cap 204 inserted into the container 202.For example, in some embodiments, the contour surface of lid 212c may include a specific radius of curvature between the various configured surfaces that are angled and / or curved as desired. In some embodiments, the desired bottom / end profile of the container assembly 406 may not be uniform along the circumference of lid 204, and thus the collar segments 212 may vary from one another to form specific indentations and annular grooves (e.g., logos, notches, stabilizing features) on lid 204. In some embodiments, the angled tip 216 may include an inward-facing surface 216c located radially inward from and adjacent to the generally substantially horizontal downward-facing end surface 216b of the angled tip 216. In some embodiments, the inward-facing surface 216c may be nearly vertical when the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded state, as shown in FIG. 7. In the fully expanded state of the expansion collar 210 (for example, as shown in FIG. 8), the inward-facing surface 216c may form an angle of nearly 45° with the axial and transverse planes. Moving radially inward and axially upward along the collar segment 212, the inward-facing surface 216c can change to a retainer recess 214f. The retainer recess 214f ​​can generally be a semi-circular cylindrical recess or a downward-facing U-shaped portion (as seen in cross-section) of the peripheral surface 212b of the collar segment 212. The retainer recess 214f ​​can be configured so that the retainer 211 (e.g., an O-ring) can be inserted therein. The expansion collar 210 may, in some embodiments, include a retainer 211 engaged with the collar segments 212 within the retainer recess 214f. For example, the retainer 211 may be an O-ring (e.g., an oil-resistant Buna-N O-ring with a fractional width of 3 / 16 in., 70A hardness, and an inside diameter of approximately 4.06 cm (1.6 in.)). The retainer 211 may be configured to drive the collar segments 212 to pivot radially inward so that the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded state with a minimum circumference and / or diameter (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7). Thus, without any upward force from a container 202 applied to the expansion collar 210 to overcome the resistance force of the retainer 211, the retainer 211 can keep the expansion collar 210 in its unexpanded state. In some embodiments, the retainer 211 may be expandable and comprises a material with elastic or resistive properties, such as rubber. The resistance of the expandable retainer 211 may be adjusted to the hoop force and / or upward force of the container 202. The resistance or driving force of the expandable retainer 211 through a predetermined expansion may be less than the hoop force of the container 202. In some embodiments, the assembly module 200 can be configured so that the expanding retainer 211 is expanded by the pivoting action of the collar segments 212 during a predetermined pivot angle range, thereby increasing the resistance force of the expanding retainer 211. The collar segments 212 can be molded so that the resistance force of the expanded retainer 211 due to its engagement with the expanded collar 210 in the retainer recesses 214f ​​causes the pressing force of the substantially vertical, radially outward-oriented surface 216a on the mandrel wall 242 of the cap 204 against the inner surface 207 of the open end 203 of the container 202 to be decreased.By decreasing the pressing force of the collar segment 212 and lid 204 against the inner surface 207 of the container 202 while maintaining the upward force of the rim 205 of the container 202 acting on the peripheral skirt 209 of the lid 204 and the flanges 215 of the collar segments 212, the complete insertion of the lid 204 into the open end 203 of the container 202 can be encouraged before allowing the mandrel wall 242 of the lid 204 to be fully pinched against the inner surface 207 of the container 202. In some embodiments, the assembly module 200 can be configured so that the coupling of the retainer 211 with the expanded collar 210 in the retainer recesses 214f ​​does not cause the retainer 211 to expand elastically when the collar segments 212 rotate due to the shape of the collar segments 212 and / or retainer recess 214f. In such embodiments, the retainer recess 214f ​​can be molded eccentrically and / or acts as a cam so that the retainer 211 maintains the same circumference and / or diameter when the collar segment 212 is rotated about the pivot point 213. In such embodiments, the collar segments 212 can be configured to rotate back towards their limit in the unexpanded state at the minimum circumference and / or diameter of the expanded collar 210 (for example, as shown in FIG. 7) due to gravity and / or other timed drive of the system. In some embodiments, in the unexpanded state of the expansion collar 210, the retaining recess 214f ​​may be located aligned (in the radial direction) with the front stop 229a of the mandrel 220. A radially inward-facing wall 214h of the retaining recess 214f ​​may extend downward opposite the inward-facing surface 216c of the angled tip 216 (for example, as shown in FIG. 10). The retaining recess 214f ​​may include a projecting surface 214g in its radially inward-facing wall 214h that projects toward the inward-facing surface 216c of the angled tip 216. The projecting surface 214g of the radially inward-facing wall 214h of the retaining recess 214f ​​may provide resistance so that the retainer 211 will not be unintentionally displaced from within the expansion collar 210.In some embodiments, the projection surface 214g of the radially inwardly projecting wall 214h may comprise a ridge, protrusion, retaining arm, extension, projection or the like. Front Stop Portion Additionally, radially inward from and adjacent to the retainer recess 214f, the peripheral surface 212b of the collar segment 212 may include a front stop portion 214b. The front stop portion 214b may contact the vertical (or substantially vertical) and / or horizontal (or substantially horizontal) surface of the front stop 229a of the mandrel 220 when the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 10, the front stop portion 214b can be molded as a right angle (or a substantially right angle), and the front stop 229a can be molded similarly to a disk (optionally with a square top corner) around the base of the mandrel 220 forming the lower projections of the segment recesses 222. At rest in the unexpanded state, the collar segments 212 of the expansion collar 210 can rotate all the way to their limit, which can be provided by front stop portions 214b of the collar segments 212 in contact with the front stops 229a of the mandrel 220 (for example, the lower projections of the segment recesses 222). In the unexpanded state, the collar segments 212 can be at a minimum pivot angle (for example, 0°). In some embodiments, the substantially inward-facing surface of the front stop portion 214b may generally be vertical. In some embodiments, the inward-facing surface of the front stop portion 214b may make contact with the vertical (or substantially vertical) surface of the front stop 229a of the segment recess 222 when the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded state. In some embodiments, the substantially downward-facing surface of the front stop portion 214b may generally be horizontal. In some embodiments, the downward-facing surface of the front stop portion 214b may make contact with the horizontal (or substantially horizontal) surface of the front stop 229a of the segment recess 222 when the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded state. Pivot Portion The expansion collar segments 212 can each be configured to rotate about a pivot point 213 such that the expansion collar 210 changes diameter when the collar segments 212 rotate between expansion states. As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the pivot point 213 can be centered within the radially innermost portion of the collar segment 212 and can be adjacent to the mandrel 220 (for example, on the back walls 229d of the segment recesses 222). In this manner, the pivot point 213 can be located on the radially innermost portion of the expansion collar 210, where it engages with the mandrel 220 (for example, at the curved inlet 229c). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, each collar segment 212 may have a curved tip (e.g., pivoting portion 214a) formed radially at its innermost portion. In some embodiments, the terminal end of the pivoting portion 214a may have a circular radius of curvature. MA / t / ZUZO / Ul 1» / The pivoting portion 214a may have a semi-circular cylindrical shape. The curved tip (e.g., pivoting portion 214a) may be inserted into a cooperating curved entry 229c of the mandrel 220 having substantially the same radius of curvature. In this manner, the interface between the curved tip (e.g., pivoting portion 214a) and cooperating curved entry 229c creates a pivot point 213 for each collar segment 212. Rear Stop Portion Additionally, radially outward from and adjacent to the pivoting portion 214a, the collar segment 212 may include a collar backstop portion 214c. The collar backstop portion 214c may be configured to engage the mandrel backstop 229b (e.g., upper projection of segment recess 222) of the mandrel 220 when the expansion collar 210 is in its fully expanded state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 13, the collar backstop portion 214c comprises a substantially vertical, substantially horizontal, or obtusely angled (nearly right-angle) portion that contacts the vertical surface, horizontal surface, and / or corner of the mandrel backstop 229b of the mandrel 220 when the collar 212 is expanded.For example, in one embodiment, a corner of the back stop portion of collar 214c can be made contact with a corner of the back stop of mandrel 229b, in an aligned manner, to stop any further expansion of collar 212. In some embodiments, a substantially fairy-oriented surface within 219a of the rear stop portion 214c may be nearly vertical (FIG 10). In some embodiments, the fairy-oriented surface within 219a of the rear stop portion 214c may make contact with the vertical (or substantially vertical) surface or rear wall 229d of the rear stop 229b of the mandrel 220 when the expansion collar 210 is in its fully expanded state. However, this contact is not required. In some embodiments, the substantially oriented surface above the rear stop portion 214c may generally be horizontal. In some embodiments, the oriented surface above the rear stop portion 214c may make at least partial contact with the horizontal (or substantially horizontal) surface (e.g., upper projection of segment recess 222) of the rear stop 229b of the mandrel 220, when the expansion collar 210 is in its fully expanded state. In the fully expanded state, the collar segments 212 of the expansion collar 210 can rotate all the way to their limit, which can be provided by backstop portions 214c of the collar segments 212 in contact with the backstops 229b of the mandrel 220 (for example, the upper projections of the segment recesses 222). In the state ML / E / ZuZo / u1» / I fully expanded, collar segments 212 can be at a maximum pivot angle (e.g., 45°). In this way, the maximum permissible diameter of the angled tips 216 (e.g., the expansion collar 210) can be controlled by the shape of the collar segments 212 and the coupling of the collar segments 212 of the expansion collar 210 with the mandrel 220. For example, the back stop 229b of the mandrel 220 can prevent the collar segment 212 from rotating further beyond the maximum pivot angle. The mandrel 220, and thus the back stop 229b, can be made of a rigid, incompressible material. In some embodiments, between the substantially upward-facing surface 217a of the rear stop portion 214c and the pivoting portion 214a, the peripheral surface 212b of the collar segment 212 may include a substantially vertical surface 219a as part of the rear stop portion 214c. The substantially upward-facing surface 217a and the substantially vertical surface 219a may form a nearly right angle. In some embodiments, the corner 219b formed between the substantially vertical surface 219a and the substantially upward-facing surface 219a of the rear stop portion 214c may be configured to make contact with the rear wall 229d of the segment recess 222 of the mandrel 220 when the expansion collar 210 is in its fully expanded state.This contact may also or alternatively be to the substantially inward-facing and / or substantially upward-facing surface of the rear stop portion 214c in contact with the vertical surface, horizontal surface, and / or corner of the rear stop 229b of the mandrel 220 when the expansion collar 210 is in its fully expanded state (e.g., when the collar segments 212 have rotated to their maximum pivot angle). Additionally, radially outward from and adjacent to the substantially inward-facing surface of the rear butt portion 214c, the peripheral surface 212b of the collar segment 212 may include a substantially upward-facing surface. The substantially upward-facing surface may form an approximately right angle with the substantially inward-facing surface of the rear butt portion 214c. The substantially inward-facing surface of the rear butt portion 214c and the substantially upward-facing surface may together form an annular compression recess 214e. In some embodiments, the compression annular groove 214e may be configured to abut a compressible backstop 227 on the mandrel 220 when the expansion collar 210 is in its partially expanded state (for example, as shown in FIG. 12). The assembly module 200 may include a compressible backstop 227 positioned between the upper portion 220a of the mandrel 220 and the expansion collar 210. More specifically, the compressible backstop 227 may be arranged or fitted within a backstop recess. 227a. The rear stop recess 227a may be formed on the underside of a molded-disc projection, wide in the upper portion 220a of the mandrel 220. In some embodiments, the rear stop recess 227a may comprise a downward-facing semi-circular or U-shaped cylindrical recess. In some embodiments, the compressible backstop 227 may have a retaining bead 227b formed on the radially inward-facing surface 227c of the backstop recess 227a. The radially inward-facing surface 227c may have a generally vertical radial cross-section (e.g., circular when viewed from a transverse cross-section), whereas the retaining bead 227b may form a quadrant of a circle when viewed as a radial cross-section (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). The retaining bead 227b may project from the radially inward-facing surface 227c of the backstop recess 227a onto the outward-facing surface 227d of the backstop recess 227a (e.g., toward the center axis of the mandrel 220).Similar to the radially inward-facing surface 227c, the radially outward-facing surface 227d of the back butt recess 227a may have a generally vertical radial cross-section (e.g., circular when viewed from a transverse cross-section). The radially outward-facing surface 227d may be an extension of the substantially vertical radially outward-facing surface of the top side or back butt 229b of the mandrel 220. The retaining bead 227b may be configured to support the compressible back butt 227 in place within the back butt recess 227a. In some embodiments, the retaining bead 227b of the back butt recess 227a may comprise a ridge, protrusion, retaining arm, extension, projection, or the like. When the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded state (for example, as shown in FIG. 7), the compressible rear stop 227 can be positioned vertically over the collective compression annular groove 214e of the expansion collar 210, so that there is space or distance between the compressible rear stop 227 and the compression annular grooves 214e of the expansion collar 210. In its unexpanded state, the compressible rear stop 227 can be uncompressed. When the expansion collar 210 is in its partially expanded state (for example, as shown in FIG. 12), the compressible rear stop 227 can be positioned adjacent to the collective compression annular grooves 214e of the expansion collar 210. In some embodiments, the compression annular grooves 214e of the expansion collar 210 rotate upward through the space or distance between the compressible rear stop 227 and the collective compression annular grooves 214e, towards the compressible rear stop 227, until they make contact with the compressible rear stop 227. In this partially expanded state (for example, as shown in FIG. 12), the compressible rear stop 227 may be uncompressed or at least partially compressed. The compressible backstop 227 may be configured, in some embodiments, to resist tilting of the collar segments 212 after they have rotated through a predetermined pivot angle (or predetermined upward distance from the container 202), so that the pressure force of the angled tip 216 on the mandrel wall 242 of the lid 204 against the inner surface 207 of the open end 203 of the container 202 is reduced when the compression annular indentations 214e compress the compressible backstop 227.By decreasing the pressing force of the lid 204 against the inner surface 207 of the container 202 while maintaining the upward force of the rim 205 of the container 202 against the lid 204 and the flanges 215 of the collar segments 212, the complete insertion of the lid 204 into the open end 203 of the container 202 can be encouraged before allowing the inner mandrel wall 242 of the lid 204 to be fully pinched against the inner surface 207 of the container 202. The pressing force of the lid 204 against the inner surface 207 can provide a better seal of the lid 204 to the container 202. In some embodiments, the compressible rear stop 227 can prevent the angled tip 216 of the collar segments 212 from exerting excessive pressure on the inner surface of the container 207, thus preventing distortion of the inner surface 207. In one embodiment, the pressing force of the lid 204 against the inner surface 207 can be between approximately 400 and approximately 500 pounds of pressure. In a particular embodiment, the pressing force can be approximately 475 pounds.In one embodiment, the pressing force of the container 202 within the collar 210 or the collar 210 within the rim 205 of the container 202 can be approximately twenty pounds of pressure, which can be transferred into a pressing force of the lid 204 against the inner surface 207 of approximately four hundred and seventy-five pounds in total (e.g., approximately 1000 PSI). In one embodiment, the invention provides a transferred pressure of approximately twenty-three to twenty-four times that which is exerted. In one embodiment, each of the segments 212 can be pressed against the container 204 with approximately fourteen to fifteen pounds of pressure. In some embodiments, the compressible backstop 227 may be an O-ring made of foam, rubber, silicone, and / or other compressible material. For example, the compressible backstop ΊT1 may be an oil-resistant Buna-N O-ring with a fractional width of 3 / 16", 70A hardness, and an inside diameter of approximately 4.06 cm (1.6 in). The compressibility of the compressible backstop 227 through a predetermined compression pivot angle may be matched to the hoop strength and / or lifting force of the container 202. The compressibility of the compressible backstop 227 through the pivot angle of MA / t / ZUZO / Ul 1» / l compression or predetermined compression can be kept lower than the hoop force of the container 202, so that the upward force of the rim 205 on the flanges 215 of the collar segments 212 causes the collar segments 212 to rotate and compress the compressible back stop 227 without damaging the side wall 206 of the container 202. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, when the rim 205 of the container 202 engages the rims 215 of the collar segments 212, the upward force of the rim 205 can cause the collar segments 212 to rotate the predetermined pivot angle before the substantially upward-facing surface of the compression elongation 214e makes contact with the compressible back stop 227 and then rotate the compressible pivot angle while compressing the compressible back stop 227 before the back stop portion 214c makes contact with the hard back stop 229b at the predetermined maximum pivot angle. In some embodiments where the retainer 211 reduces the pressing force of the substantially vertical outward-facing surface 216a across the predetermined pivot angle range, the assembly module 200 may not include a compressible backstop 227 and / or a compression elongation 214e. Alternatively, the assembly module 200 may have a compression elongation 214e with a different configuration. Although the collar segments 212, mandrel 220 and compressible back stop 227 have been described with specific reference to the figures, it should be understood that any shape and / or geometry which meets the characteristics established herein is included in this description. Side Stop Portion In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the side stop portion 214d may include two surfaces angled in different radially-outward directions - an upper surface 241a and a lower surface 241b. In the unexpanded state of the expansion collar 210 (for example, with the collar segments 212 not rotated and abutting the front stop 229a of the mandrel 220), the upper surface 241a of the side stop portion 214d can be positioned to be contacted by the side stop 238 of the peripheral sleeve 230. In the fully expanded state of the expansion collar 210 (for example, with the collar segments 212 rotated against the hard rear stop 229b of the mandrel 220), the lower surface 241b of the side stop portion 214d can be positioned to be contacted by the side stop 238 of the peripheral sleeve 230. As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the side stop portion 214d and / or one or both flat sides 212a of each collar segment 212 may include a nesting tab 218a and a cooperating nesting depression 218b. The nesting tabs 218a and depressions 218b can assist in assembling the individual collar segments 212 together in the appropriate orientation / alignment, particularly while the retainer 211 is positioned within retainer recesses 214f ​​of collar segments 212 and / or while the pivoting portions 214a of the collar segments 212 are inserted into the cooperating curved inlets 229c of the mandrel 220.In some embodiments, the nesting tabs 218a and depressions 218b can assist in the substantially uniform expansion of the expansion collar 210 in the event of a defective rim 205 on a container 202 - such as one that is non-uniform, torn, bent, or otherwise does not engage all the rims 215 of the expansion collar 210 simultaneously. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the assembly module 200 may include an assembly bar 235. In some embodiments, the assembly bar 235 can initially position and insert the cover 204 into the container 202 when the container 202 is raised toward the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210 (or when the mandrel 220 and collar 210 are moved toward the container 202). The assembly bar 235 may be cylindrical and may be positioned concentrically within the hollow center portion of the mandrel 220. The assembly bar 235 may be configured to move axially to ensure proper positioning of the lid 204 relative to the container 202. Specifically, the assembly bar 235 may be configured to push a center portion 240 of the lid 204 into the open end 203 of the container 202 when the container 202 is raised toward the mandrel 220.The assembly bar 235 may be integral with and / or further include a centering disc 236. The centering disc 236 may generally be cylindrical and may be wider than the assembly bar 235. The centering disc 236 may be configured to initially make contact with the central portion 240 of the lid 204 when the lid 204 is pushed into the open end 203 of the container 202. In some embodiments, the assembly bar 235 may contain helical screws on its outer surface that can engage with corresponding helical screws on the inner surface of the mandrel 220. Similarly, in some embodiments, the centering disc 236 may comprise helical screws on its inner surface that are configured to engage with helical screws on the outer surface of the assembly bar 235. In some embodiments, the centering disc 236 may be axially movable independently of the assembly bar. In other words, the assembly bar 235 may have a maximum extension length, and the centering disc 236 may extend axially beyond the maximum extension length of the assembly bar 235. In some embodiments, the assembly bar 235 and centering disc 236 can assist in removing the assembly module 200 from the cover 204. That is, after assembly is complete, the assembly bar 235 and / or centering disc 236 can remain in place. ML / E / ZuZo / u1» / l its place after the mandrel 220 is moved away from the container assembly 406 and / or the container assembly 406 is moved away from the mandrel 220. The assembly bar 235 and / or the centering disc 236 can retain the positioning of the lid 204 and then finally release it from the surface of the lid 204. Peripheral sleeve As shown in FIG. 12 (and several other figures), the assembly module 200 may include a peripheral sleeve 230 around the mandrel 220 and the expansion collar 210. The peripheral sleeve 230 may be configured to fold a peripheral skirt 209 of the lid 204 over the rim 205 and around the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 of the container 202. FIGS. 50 to 51 illustrate an alternative configuration for the peripheral sleeve 230, which operates in the same manner described herein. The peripheral sleeve 230 may generally be cylindrical in nature and may extend vertically from at least the top of the mandrel 220 to approximately the base of the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 50 to 51, the peripheral sleeve 230 may comprise a neck portion 230a which is narrower in diameter than the body portion 230b. The neck portion 230a may be integral with and / or disposed on the body portion 230b. A shoulder portion 230c may be connected to the neck portion 230a and the body portion 230b. When the expansion collar 210 is in its unexpanded, folded / rest state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7, 10 to 11, and 15), a wing 237 of the peripheral sleeve 230 may be arranged adjacent to radially outward-facing side-stop portions 214d of the collar segments 212. When the expansion collar 210 is in its partially expanded state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12), the wing 237 of the peripheral sleeve 230 may be arranged vertically beneath the flanges 215 of the collar segments 212. In these configurations, the peripheral sleeve 230 may not move vertically. Instead, the flanges 215 of the collar segments 212 are tilted upward by the rim of the container 202, and the position changes.In this way, when the peripheral skirt 209 of the lid 204 moves upward with the flanges 215 of the expansion collar 210 and the edge 205 of the container 202, the peripheral skirt 209 is folded over the edge 205 of the container 202 and pushed or squeezed between the peripheral sleeve 230 and the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 of the container 202. The inner wing surface 237a of the peripheral sleeve 230 may be disposed on the inner side of the wing 237 and configured to make contact with the folded peripheral skirt 209 of the cap 204. The inner wing surface 237a may include a grooved or gripping surface texture to grip the peripheral skirt 209 of the cap 204 and minimize any slippage. ML / E / ZuZo / u lU / I which could be caused by the rotating parts. In another embodiment, the wing surface 237 need not be grooved or have a gripping texture. In this embodiment, the skirt 209, when folded down and forced within a small circumference, may tend to sag and crease / wrinkle as it occupies a smaller area. In yet another embodiment, a grooved inner wing surface 237a may force these wrinkles into a frequently repeatable pattern and amplitude and may be more likely to appear intentionally manufactured. In some embodiments, the peripheral sleeve 230 can be formed from a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic, ceramic, resin). For example, the peripheral sleeve 230 can be formed from nylon (e.g., nylon-12) or a combination of nylon and glass. Forming the peripheral sleeve 230 from a non-metallic material can aid in fusing the lid 204 to the container 202 in embodiments where induction heating is used. In some models, the internal diameter of the peripheral sleeve 230 may be larger than the external diameter of the container 202. In some embodiments, the assembly module 200 may include one or more O-rings (e.g., O-ring 232, 234, 238) positioned between the mandrel 220 and the peripheral sleeve 230. In some embodiments, the O-rings (e.g., O-ring 232, 234, 238) may be made of foam, rubber, silicone, and / or other compressible material. For example, each O-ring (e.g., O-ring 232, 234, 238) may be an oil-resistant Buna-N O-ring with a fractional width of 3 / 16 inch, 70A hardness, and an inside diameter of approximately 1.6 inches. In some embodiments (see Figures 50 to 51), many of the O-rings may be optional. For example, O-ring 211 may be provided while the other O-rings are omitted. The peripheral sleeve 230 can be rotationally and laterally movable along the O-rings 232, 234 relative to the mandrel 220. The peripheral sleeve 230 can be configured to remain stationary in the axial direction relative to the mandrel 220. For clarity, while the peripheral sleeve 230 can be axially stationary, it can rotate continuously about its axis and / or rotate about the turret center of the machine. In an embodiment shown in Figures 37 to 38, the peripheral sleeve 230 may comprise a plurality of teeth 231 on its inner axial surface. In one embodiment, these teeth 231 may replace one or more O-rings of the system. For example, the O-ring 232 could be replaced by tooth 231. Tooth 231 may extend radially inward from the inner surface 233 of the sleeve 230 in one embodiment. In another embodiment, tooth 231 need not extend the full vertical distance of the sleeve 230. Tooth 231 may be positioned at a discrete circumferential location within the inner surface of the sleeve 230. For example, contrary to Figure 37, tooth 231 may not extend toward the upper surface 239 of the sleeve. ML / E / ZuZo / u lUf / and can be placed vertically lower than the upper surface 239. Tooth 231 may be axially inward oriented and may be straight, angled, and / or have a non-zero radius of curvature. In one embodiment, tooth 231 is arranged in a spiral pattern. A plurality of teeth 231 may be provided. In some embodiments, each of the teeth 231 has the same angle or radius of curvature. In some embodiments, some of the teeth 231 may have different or alternating angles or radii of curvature. In one embodiment, tooth 231 can engage mandrel 220. Tooth 231 can extend from sleeve 230 so that it is in contact with an external surface 223 of a neck 221 of mandrel 220 (see FIG. 12). In this embodiment, the neck 221 of mandrel 220 can be narrower than the remainder (or portions thereof) of mandrel 220. The tips of tooth 231 can contact the neck 221 of mandrel 220 when sleeve 230 is in a neutral position (FIG. 12). The tooth 231 / neck 221 contact can maintain sleeve 230 in the neutral position unless external forces are applied. This contact between tooth 231 and neck 221 can provide the necessary spacing between sleeve 230 and collar segments 212 so that lid 204 and rim of container can be inserted between them.Without tooth 231 (or a similar mechanism, which is also included herein), the sleeve 230 could inadvertently move laterally before insertion of the container rim and prevent proper insertion of the container rim and lid 204, potentially blocking the system. Therefore, it is essential that the sleeve 230 be held in a neutral position until contact with the roller 250 and return to a neutral position after contact with the roller 250 ceases. Tooth 231 ensures this positioning. Tooth 231 can skew the peripheral sleeve 230 to a laterally neutral and / or stationary position (see FIG. 12), but tooth 231 can flex somewhat to allow the peripheral sleeve 230 to move laterally when pressure is applied by roller 250 (see FIG. 14). Thus, when roller 250 presses against the outer surface of sleeve 230, at least those teeth 231 adjacent to the portion of sleeve 230 receiving the pressure can flex inward and allow sleeve 230 to move axially (laterally) inward. When roller 250 and / or sleeve 230 rotates, the corresponding adjacent tooth 231 flexes inward. Similarly, when tension is released from a circumferential portion of sleeve 230, the corresponding circumferential tooth 231 can relax to its neutral position. This process is repeated through rotations. In one embodiment, tooth 231 provides a spring-like mechanism. In a particular embodiment, tooth 231 can prevent rotational movement of the peripheral sleeve 230 in a direction opposite to the desired direction. For example, tooth 23 shown in FIG. 36 may allow sleeve 230 to rotate counterclockwise but prevent rotation in a clockwise direction. Thus, the tooth can flex in one direction but cannot flex in the other, preventing that rotation. In other embodiments, sleeve 230 can rotate in any direction, but the tooth angle / curve is directionally related to the rotation of sleeve 230. For example, tooth 23 shown in FIG. 36 may be designed for a sleeve 230 that rotates counterclockwise even if it does not prevent rotation in a clockwise direction.As shown in FIGS. 13 to 14, the O-ring 234 can be placed in a downward-facing O-ring recess formed on the downward-facing surface within the peripheral sleeve 230. The upward-facing surface of the upper portion 220a of the mandrel 220 can be placed under the downward-facing O-ring recess to retain the O-ring 234 in place. The O-ring 232 can be placed in an inward-facing O-ring recess formed on an inward-facing surface toward the top of and within the peripheral sleeve 230. The radially outward-facing surface of the neck portion 220c of the mandrel 220 can be placed adjacent to and within the O-ring 232, which can help retain the O-ring 232 within the inward-facing O-ring recess. Inward-facing and downward-facing O-ring recesses may have a simple U-shaped cross-section with some square corners. When the peripheral sleeve 230 moves laterally relative to the mandrel 220, the O-ring 234 can slide along the upward-facing surface of the upper portion 220a of the mandrel 220. In some embodiments, when the peripheral sleeve 230 moves laterally relative to the mandrel 220, the O-ring 232 can make contact with the radially outward-facing surface of the neck portion 220c of the mandrel 220, thereby resisting the lateral movement of the peripheral sleeve 230 and acting as a compressible lateral stop. In other embodiments, the one or more O-rings (232, 234, 238) could be replaced with a lightweight, toothed steel spring insert. In such an embodiment, the steel spring insert may be less prone to compression set and may be better able to recenter the sleeve 230 after it has been eccentrically driven. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the one or more O-rings (232, 234, 238) could be replaced with numerous small springs located lateral to the shaft. Roller With further reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 and 51, the assembly module 200 may include a roller 250 configured to press laterally against the peripheral sleeve 230 and thus ML / E / ZuZo / u lUf / Press a portion of the folded peripheral skirt 209 of the lid 204 against the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 of the container 202. Pressing the peripheral skirt 209 against the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 can aid in the fusion process discussed in further detail herein. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the roller 250 can press laterally against the body portion 230b of the peripheral sleeve 230. In other embodiments (see FIG. 51), the roller 250 can press laterally against the neck portion 230a and / or neck portion 230c of the peripheral sleeve 230. In either case, the pushing and compressing action of the peripheral sleeve 230 functions similarly. The roller 250 can be configured to move laterally relative to the mandrel 220 to push against the peripheral sleeve 230 using a thrust force. The peripheral sleeve 230 can be configured to offset eccentrically relative to the expansion collar 210 and / or the mandrel 220 when pushed by the roller 250. In this manner, when the roller 250 applies its thrust force to the peripheral sleeve 230, the thrust force causes the peripheral sleeve 230 to offset eccentrically and engage a portion of the folded peripheral skirt 209 of the lid 204 between the inner flange surface 237a of the peripheral sleeve 230 and the outer surface 208 of the container 202. As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the radially outward-facing surface of roller 250 may include one or more O-rings. The roller O-rings can be tightly fitted into curved grooves formed around the radially outward-facing surface (e.g., circumference) of roller 250. In some embodiments, the roller O-rings can be expanded and stretched to fit into curved grooves on the outward-facing circumference of roller 250. In this way, the contact force of the roller O-rings can help to hold the roller O-rings in place within the grooves. In some embodiments, the roller O-rings can be made of foam, rubber, silicone, and / or other compressible material.When roller 250 moves laterally toward the peripheral sleeve 230 and mandrel 220, the roller O-rings can be placed in contact with the substantially vertical, radially outward-facing surface of the peripheral sleeve 230. The lateral force of roller 250 on the peripheral sleeve 230 can cause the roller O-rings to be at least partially compressed. The at least partially compressed roller O-rings can help provide a controlled pressing action of roller 250 on the peripheral sleeve 230, and thus the peripheral sleeve 230 against the peripheral skirt 209 of the lid 204 and outer surface 208 of the container 202. When roller 250 forces peripheral sleeve 230 to move laterally relative to mandrel 220, O-ring 232, acting as a compressible lateral stop, can resist the thrust force of roller 250 against peripheral sleeve 230. The thrust force of roller 250 can cause the radially inward-facing surface of the inward-facing recess of the O-ring to compress O-ring 232 against the radially outward-facing surface of the neck portion 220c of mandrel 220. In this way, O-ring 232 can help minimize any damage to mandrel 220 caused by peripheral sleeve 230. Additionally, the resistance of O-ring 232 can assist in the controlled pressing action of peripheral sleeve 230 against the peripheral skirt 209 of lid 204 and outer surface 208 of container 202. Additionally, roller 250 can be configured to rotate freely. In this way, when roller 250 makes contact with the peripheral sleeve 230, which is substantially rotating in sync with the rotational speed of container 202, roller 250 can also rotate to minimize any damage or reduction of frictional forces between roller 250 and the peripheral sleeve 230. The expansion collar 210 can be configured to resist the thrust action of the roller 250 through its engagement with the mandrel 220. In one embodiment, the hoop strength of the container can additionally resist the thrust action of the roller, working to retain its manufactured diameter. In some embodiments, the assembly module 200 can include a side stop 238 (for example, a compressible O-ring) positioned between the peripheral sleeve 230 and the expansion collar 210 to minimize any damage that might otherwise be caused by the thrust action of the roller 250 offsetting the peripheral sleeve 230 against the expansion collar 210, particularly when there is no cap 204 and / or container 202 present to rotate the collar segments 212 of the expansion collar 210.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the expansion collar 210 can be timed and / or otherwise synchronized with the system so that the collar segments 212 of the expansion collar 210 are automatically offset without requiring upward force from the container 202. After assembly, the lid 204 is vertically countersunk downwards with respect to the rim 205 of the container 202, forming a lower portion and a countersunk portion 244. The countersunk portion 244 comprises the mandrel wall 242 folded and pressed against the inner surface 207 of the open end 203 of the container 202. The lower portion comprises the center portion 240 extended across and inserted into the open end 203 of the container 202. The lower portion and countersunk portion 244 may each extend below the rim 205 of the container 406 (for example, as shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, after assembly, the lid 204 may form an outer wrapped portion comprising the peripheral skirt 209 pressed and / or folded over (and around) the rim 205 of the container 202.The outer wrapped portion may also comprise the peripheral skirt 209 pressed against the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 of the container 202. As illustrated, the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210 of the assembly module The mandrel 200 is placed on top of the container 202; however, it should be noted that other orientations are possible. For example, the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210 can be aligned horizontally and axially, and the containers 202 are then transported laterally and moved toward the mandrel 220 from the left and / or right. As another example, the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210 can be mounted at approximately 45° or another downward and sideways angle, while the containers 202 are transported toward the mandrel 220 and expansion collar 210 at a substantially equivalent angle, thus axially aligning each container 202 with the expansion collar 210 during the assembly of a container 202 with a lid 204. Although described in terms of rigid paper-based composite containers and paper-based end caps, the containers 202 and caps 204 used with the assembly module 200 can be made from other materials (e.g., plastic, metals, pulps, resins). As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the assembly module operation may include the expansion collar initially in its unexpanded state, where the collar segments rest on the mandrel without rotating. When the container moves axially toward the mandrel, the edge of the container actuates the expanded collar, thereby rotating the collar segments about their respective pivot points until the expansion collar reaches its fully expanded state, where the mandrel structure prevents the collar segments from rotating any further. In some embodiments, the mandrel and / or expansion collar may include a resisting feature (e.g., a compressible backstop 227) that resists rotation of the collar segments at some point before they reach their maximum rotation angle.The strength feature may allow the expanded collar to provide a controlled pressing action of the lid against the inner surface of the container, as the container continues to move axially toward the mandrel. In embodiments where the lid 204 is a recessed lid (see FIG. 2D), the pressure of the expansion collar against the lid 204 and the inner wall 207 of the container 202 is sufficient to seal the second deformed surface 204d of the lid 204 against the inner side wall 207 of the container 202. In this embodiment, there is no portion of the plug 204 (i.e., a skirt) that is folded over the rim 205 of the container. In one embodiment, a benefit of the expansion collar system described herein is that it can be used with containers having varying diameters and thicknesses (of the side wall, that is) and with lids having varying diameters and thicknesses.The system can close and seal one set of containers and then be used to close and seal a different set of containers with different side wall thicknesses, container diameters, lid thicknesses, and / or lid diameters. This provides a dynamic system that can be used for more than one. MA / t / ZUZJ / Ul 1» / t a type of container. In one embodiment, the expansion collar system can effectively close and seal a container and lid that is 0.010 mm thick, within a tolerance of ± 0.25 mm, which could represent as much as 25% of the total assembled wall thickness. This is a significant improvement over equipment known in the art that requires significantly less material thickness variation. In other embodiments, however, while the container is moving axially towards the mandrel to drive it to its fully expanded state, the edge 205 of the container 202 forces the peripheral skirt 209 of the lid past the wing 237a of the peripheral sleeve 230, thereby folding the peripheral skirt 209 of the lid around the edge 205 of the container between the inner wing surface of the peripheral sleeve and the outer surface 208 of the container. In some embodiments, after the expansion collar is in its fully expanded state (e.g., when the container is fully actuating the expansion collar and is no longer moving axially toward the mandrel), as the roller moves laterally toward the mandrel, the roller's O-rings push against the outside of the peripheral sleeve. The lateral thrust force of the roller causes the peripheral sleeve to become eccentrically offset with respect to the mandrel's center axis, thereby pressing the folded peripheral skirt of the lid between the inner wing surface of the peripheral sleeve and the outer surface of the container. The roller can then move laterally away from the mandrel to return to its initial position, thus allowing the peripheral sleeve to re-center itself with respect to the mandrel's center axis. In the embodiment where the lid 204 is recessed within the container body 202, as shown in FIG.In Figure 2D, the roller and peripheral sleeve can operate against the outer side wall 208 of the container without any intervening portion of the lid (i.e., skirt). In the configuration where the lid 204 is recessed within the container body 202 as shown in Figure 2D, the roller and peripheral sleeve may not be present and / or may not be operated. After the lid has been fully assembled with the container 202 to form the container assembly 406, the container assembly can be moved axially away from the mandrel 220. When the container assembly 406 is moved axially away from the mandrel 220, the collar segments 212 can rest on the end of the container assembly as they rotate back to their unexpanded positions. Figures 42 and 43 show an alternative embodiment of the roller 250 and peripheral sleeve 230 configuration. In this embodiment, instead of the roller 250 pressing against a side wall 249 of the peripheral sleeve 230 (see Figure 15), the roller 250 presses against a neck portion 247 of the peripheral sleeve 230. Thus, in this embodiment, the neck portion 247 of the peripheral sleeve 230 is narrower circumferentially than the remainder of the peripheral sleeve 230. The radially inward pressure that the roller 250 places on the neck 247 of the sleeve ML / E / ZuZo / u lUf / peripheral 230 is sufficient to cause the actions described herein. In addition, this configuration may provide more space for the fusion module, described below. This configuration may allow the fusion module to be placed adjacent to the sealing side of the container (outside of sleeve 230). Fusion Module In another embodiment, the system may include a fusion module 300 for fusing the lid 204 (e.g., a paper-based end cap) to the container 202 (e.g., a rigid composite can). In some embodiments, the fusion module 300 may be integrated with the assembly module 200, so that the lid 204 can be fused to the container 202 concurrently with the assembly and pressing methods. In some embodiments, the fusion module 300 may comprise induction coils 302 that are physically integrated into the assembly module 200, such that the lid 204 can be fused to the container 202 using a combination of assembly and pressing methods and the induction coils 302. As noted, the fusion module 300 may employ inductive heating techniques to fuse the lid 204 to the container 202. In such embodiments, the fusion module 300 may include at least one induction coil 302. In some embodiments, the induction heater may include a coil through which a high-frequency alternating current is passed, thus creating a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field. The metal layer of the lid 204 and / or the container 202 is exposed to this alternating electromagnetic field, which induces eddy currents (also called Foucault currents) within the metal, causing Joule heating due to the metal's resistance. This heating of the metal layer then causes heat transfer by conduction to anything in contact with the metal, including any heat-sealable material(s) on the lid and / or side wall. In one embodiment, a 304 composite conductor can be used to concentrate or focus the inductive energy of the 302 coil(s) toward the container 202 / lid 204. As shown in Figures 42 and 43, the 304 composite conductor can have a curved body that directs and reflects the energy and magnetic field lines from the 302 coils toward the container 202 / lid 204. The specific curvature of the 304 composite conductor can be based on the design of the 302 coils. For example, in some embodiments, the 304 composite conductor can comprise a crescent, U-shape, or C-shape. In some embodiments, the 304 composite conductor can have one or more sections that can be continuous or discontinuous. For example, if two 302 coils are present, two separate 304 composite conductors can be used. The composite conductor 304 may comprise ferrous material suspended in a compound, which is then baked and hardened into the desired shape. That is, the composite conductor 304 may comprise any conductor known in the art. In one embodiment, the composite conductor 304 may be attached to induction coils 302. The coils 302, in turn, may be adjacent to the peripheral sleeve 230. In one embodiment, the lid 204 may comprise at least one metal or metallized layer and at least one heat-sealable layer. In one embodiment, the side wall of the container 206 may comprise at least one metal or metallized layer and at least one heat-sealable layer. When the metal layer(s) are heated by induction heating, the heat-sealable layer(s) are heated by conduction, causing the heat-sealable material to soften or melt. In some embodiments, induction heating of the joint, followed by cooling (which occurs rapidly upon cessation of the electromagnetic field or movement of the container away from the coil), can result in two areas of thermal fusion between the lid 204 and the side wall 206 of the container 202. There may be an internal seal between the inner surface 207 of the side wall 206 and a portion of the mandrel wall 242 that lies parallel to and makes intimate contact with the side wall 206, and there may be an external seal between the outer surface 208 of the side wall 206 and a portion of what was the peripheral skirt 209 of the lid 204 before assembly. Similarly, in embodiments with recesses as shown in FIG. 2D, the induction heating system can thermally fuse only the second deformed portion 204d against the inner surface 207 of the container 202. In one embodiment, the induction coils can be arranged in a manner that optimizes the sealing function of the system. Examples of such coil arrangements are shown in Figures 19 to 35. In some embodiments, the induction coils can comprise single-turn coils. In one embodiment, the coil configuration is a hairpin coil. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 45, the coil can comprise a flattened coil, such as a coil having a rectangular cross-section. In some models, the induction coils apply heat for approximately 0.1 to 1.0 seconds. In other models, the induction coils apply heat for approximately 0.3 to 0.6 seconds. In some embodiments, the mandrel 220 and / or the expansion collar 210 described herein are non-metallic (for example, they may comprise a polymeric material) to prevent heating / overheating of these components. In some embodiments, after induction sealing, the container 202 is sealed and ready for discharge from the chamber. Many modifications and other embodiments of the present description set forth herein will come to mind for those skilled in the art to which these descriptions pertain, with the benefit of the teachings presented in the preceding descriptions and associated drawings. It is therefore to be understood that the present description is not limited to the specific embodiments described and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. - An assembly module for assembling at least one container and at least one lid, comprising: a mandrel configured for axial alignment with the container, wherein the container comprises an open end circumscribed by a rim; an expansion collar coupled with the mandrel and including a plurality of pivoting collar segments, each configured to rotate simultaneously radially outwards about a pivot point and comprising: a flange positioned to be engaged by the rim of the open end of the container, and an angled prong positioned radially inwards from the flange and shaped to press a countersunk portion of the lid against an inner wall of the container when the collar segments rotate radially outwards;and an actuator configured to bring the container and mandrel axially together, wherein when the container and mandrel are brought axially together, the rim engages with the flanges of the collar segments and causes the angled tips of the collar segments to rotate outwards towards the inner wall of the container, thereby pushing the lid towards the open end of the container and pressing the countersunk portion of the lid between the angled tips of the collar segments and the inner wall of the container.

2. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a peripheral sleeve surrounding the mandrel and the expansion collar and configured to fold a peripheral skirt of the lid over the edge and around an outer wall of the container.

3. - The assembly module according to claim 2, further characterized in that the peripheral sleeve has an internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the container.

4. - The assembly module according to claim 2, further characterized in that the peripheral sleeve further comprises: an inner edge with a gripping surface texture configured to make contact with the folded peripheral skirt of the lid.

5. - The assembly module according to claim 2, further characterized in that the peripheral sleeve is made of a non-metallic material.

6. - The assembly module according to claim 2, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: at least one o-ring positioned between the mandrel and the peripheral sleeve, wherein the peripheral sleeve is rotationally and laterally movable along the o-ring relative to the mandrel.

7. - The assembly module according to claim 2, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: at least one roller configured to move laterally relative to the mandrel and push the peripheral sleeve against a portion of the folded peripheral skirt of the cover.

8. - The assembly module according to claim 7, further characterized in that the container is configured to rotate axially with respect to at least one roller.

9. - The assembly module according to claim 7, further characterized in that the expansion collar resists the pushing action of the roller.

10. - The assembly module according to claim 7, further characterized in that the peripheral sleeve is configured to be eccentrically offset with respect to the expansion collar and the mandrel when pushed by at least one roller.

11. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: an assembly bar positioned concentrically within the mandrel and the expansion collar and configured to move axially to push a central portion of the lid into the open end of the container when the container and the mandrel are brought axially together.

12. - The assembly module according to claim 11, further characterized in that the assembly bar includes a centering disc that makes contact with a center of the lid when the lid is pushed towards the open end of the container.

13. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that when the plurality of collar segments rotate radially outwards about the pivot point, the diameter of the expansion collar increases.

14. - The assembly module according to claim 13, further characterized in that the diameter increases by approximately 5% of the total collar diameter.

15. - The assembly module according to claim 14, further characterized in that when the diameter of the expansion collar has increased to the maximum collar diameter, an outer diameter of the angled tips of the plurality of collar segments is substantially equivalent to an inner diameter of the container.

16. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the containers are paper-based.

17. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the covers are made of paper.

18. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the mandrel is axially stationary. ML / E / ZuZo / u lUf / 19. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the sleeve is axially stationary.

20. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a compressible rear stop positioned to resist rotation of the plurality of collar segments after a predetermined rotation distance.

21. - The assembly module according to claim 20, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a secondary rear stop positioned to prevent rotation of the plurality of collar segments after a predetermined secondary pivot distance, wherein the predetermined secondary pivot distance occurs before the predetermined compression.

22. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the length of the angled tip correlates with a countersunk depth of the cap within the open end of the container when assembled.

23. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the expansion collar further includes an expandable retainer configured to drive the plurality of collar segments to rotate radially inwards, and the open end rim of the container has a hoop resistance greater than the drive force of the retainer through a predetermined expansion.

24. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pivot point of each of the collar segments is located where the expansion collar engages with the mandrel.

25. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the expansion collar is made of a non-metallic material.

26. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a membrane arranged around the flanges and angled tips of the expansion collar to prevent debris from entering between the collar segments.

27. - The assembly module according to claim 26, further characterized in that the membrane is formed from at least one silicone and rubber.

28. The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the flange comprises a substantially horizontal surface configured to come into contact with the edge of the container.

29. - The assembly module according to claim 1, further characterized in that the angled tip has an end close to the flange and an end distal to the flange and is angled such that the expansion collar has a diameter at the end close to the angled tip which is greater than a diameter at the distal end of the angled tip.

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