Patents Assigned to Sealed Air Corporation
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Patent number: 9189949Abstract: In an automated process for monitoring and controlling contamination in a production area, captured image data is processed to determine whether an individual is to wearing an article of contamination control equipment (e.g., gloves, face mask, etc) and whether the equipment is properly positioned on the individual. A determination that the contamination control equipment is not present or not properly positioned automatically activates a contamination control device such as contamination control means (e.g., shutting off power to machine) or an alarm or generates and sends a report of the contamination control protocol violation. An automated system for monitoring and controlling contamination includes a computer, an imaging sensor in communication with the computer, and a computer-readable program code disposed on the computer.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Nicholas De Luca, Koichi Sato
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Patent number: 9143843Abstract: A machine vision process monitors and controls safe working practice in a production area by capturing and processing image data relative to personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by individuals, movement of various articles, and movement-related conformations of individuals and other objects in the production area. The data is analyzed to determine whether there is a violation of a predetermined minimum threshold image, movement, or conformation value for a predetermined threshold period of time. The determination of a safety violation triggers computer activation of a safety control device. The process is carried out using a system including an image data capturing device, a computer and computer-readable program code, and a safety control device.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air CorporationInventors: Nicholas De Luca, Koichi Sato
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Patent number: 9085405Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may include a one-way valve including an internal valve opening, a channel, and an external valve opening. A locator aperture positioned in the channel may be surrounded by a valve position-retention seal. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or insertion into the one-way valve. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device configured to engage the locator aperture and position the one-way valve at a desired position with respect to an outlet of a source of pressurized air. The inflation device may detect when the inflatable structure is filled with a desired amount of air and automatically shut off the source of pressurized air.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Shawn Michael Frayne, Paul Chudy
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Patent number: 9033694Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a continuous molded article generally includes a pair of spaced-apart molding assemblies, which cooperatively generate a movable mold having a dynamic mold-cavity therein, each of the molding assemblies including a series of movable mold segments, which are adapted to fit together to form a portion of the dynamic mold-cavity, a drive mechanism for conveying the mold segments along a path, and a dispenser for dispensing a moldable, expandable material into the dynamic mold-cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Mark Garceau, Mark Kaltenborn, Alex Shafir, Robert Jennings
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Patent number: 9028238Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a continuous molded article or continuous series of molded articles generally includes a pair of spaced-apart molding assemblies, which cooperatively generate a movable mold having a dynamic mold-cavity therein, each of the molding assemblies including a series of movable mold segments, which are adapted to fit together to form a portion of the dynamic mold-cavity, a drive mechanism for conveying the mold segments along a path, and a dispenser for dispensing a moldable, expandable material into the dynamic mold-cavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Mark Garceau, Mark Kaltenborn, Alex Shafir, Robert Jennings
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Publication number: 20150119224Abstract: A supply structure for a supply of fan-folded sheet stock material, which is positionable relative to a cushion conversion machine to provide thereto the fan-folded sheet stock material for conversion thereof into packaging cushioning. The supply structure includes two or more supports, each of the supports including a base and a riser extending upwardly from the base. The base and the riser are structured and arranged to cooperatively accommodate a stack of the fan-folded sheet stock material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Thomas P. Orsini, Kostadin I. Kostadinov, Atul Arora
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Patent number: 9017799Abstract: The cellular cushioning article comprises a thermoformed film bonded to a second film, with the thermoformed film having thermoformed regions separated by a land area. The thermoformed film has a combination of (i) a layer containing a high melt point polymer and (ii) thermoformed regions exhibit a high average maximum birefringence. The high birefringence corresponds with high stress on the polymer chains. The combination results in cells of substantially increased burst strength. The cellular cushioning article can provide higher burst strength per mil of film thickness, or can be produced using less plastic than prior art cellular cushioning articles, while maintaining the same or comparable burst strength. Also disclosed is a process for making the cellular cushioning article.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Eva Chu, Robert J O'Dowd, Timothy Theodore Oberle, Edward Ackershoek, Michael Metta, Chitai Carey Yang
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Patent number: 9011607Abstract: An automated process for monitoring and controlling cleaning in a production area comprises tracking or identifying an object the production area, monitoring the movement of fluid in the production area, analyzing the interaction between the object and the fluid to determine a level of cleanliness achieved, and triggering an event based on at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (i) the interaction between the object or body part and the fluid or fluid-like medium and (ii) the level of cleanliness achieved. The event comprises at least one member selected from generating a report, activating an alarm, report, activating an alarm, inactivating equipment in the production area, and blocking access to at least a portion of the production area. The system employing a combination of computer(s), computer vision system(s), RFID tag(s), mechanical and electromechanical, chemical, electrical, or photonic device(s) to conduct the tracking, identifying, monitoring, and triggering.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Nicholas De Luca, Koichi Sato
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Patent number: 9004758Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a provided method of manufacturing. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may also include an external valve opening extending through multiple layers of the flexible film. The external valve opening may further be partially defined by edge portions of the flexible film formed by folding the flexible film. The external valve opening may be configured to align with an opening in a container or an inflation aperture in a pouch so that the inflatable structure can be inflated while inside the container/pouch. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. A hinged plate apparatus may assist in directing air into the external valve opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Shawn Michael Frayne, Paul Chudy
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Patent number: 8991141Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The sheet engagement device may comprise one or more engagement rollers which may have a plurality of teeth thereon. A first plurality of rollers and a second plurality of rollers comprising the engagement rollers may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Laurence Sperry, Brian A. Murch
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Publication number: 20150075114Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable web, the web including opposing longitudinal edges and a pair of sheets sealed together by transverse seals that form a series of inflatable containers. The machine generally includes a support structure, a spool for supporting a roll of the inflatable web, a web conveyance system, an inflation system to inflate the containers, and a sealing device for sealing closed the openings of the containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Brian A. Murch, Jason D. Lepine, Laurence B. Sperry
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Patent number: 8978345Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The engagement device may include a first belt and an opposing second belt which may each have a plurality of teeth thereon. The teeth may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventor: Laurence Sperry
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Patent number: 8919613Abstract: A fluid dispensing device has a container made from a flexible material defining an interior fluid storage region and a flexible metering housing having a metering chamber in fluid communication with the fluid storage region, the flexible metering housing having a button heat sealed to a base plate. A unidirectional intake valve is disposed between the container and the flexible metering housing. A unidirectional output valve is in fluid communication with the flexible metering housing. The button has a stepped flange towards an outer edge of said circular shape and the base plate has a stepped flange corresponding to the stepped flange of the button.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventor: Robert J. Mileti
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Patent number: 8869859Abstract: A dispensing and sealing system generally includes a film-feed assembly with a support mechanism for a supply of film and a film-drive mechanism to advance the film along a path, a dispenser with an outlet port for dispensing fluid into the film, and a transverse seal mechanism for forming a seal in the film transversely of the path. A calendering device and a movable structure for the support mechanism are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Michael Knaak, Scott Rote, Mark Kurth, Dan Johnson, Kyle Koning, Dan Somen
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Publication number: 20140200127Abstract: A system for producing packaging cushioning generally includes a cushion conversion machine and a supply structure for a stack of fan-folded sheet stock material. The structure is positioned relative to the machine to supply thereto the fan-folded sheet stock material for conversion thereof into packaging cushioning, and includes an inclined, load-bearing support. The load-bearing support includes a base and a riser extending upwardly from the base, the base and the riser being structured and arranged to cooperatively accommodate the stack of fan-folded sheet stock material such that the sheet stock material is supplied to the cushion conversion machine from a top of the stack and a bottom of the stack is supported by the base. The riser is inclined at an angle relative to vertical such that the stack of fan-folded sheet stock material is also inclined at the angle, whereby, the stack is urged against the riser by force of gravity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: SEALED AIR CORPORATION (US)Inventors: Atul Arora, Thomas P. Orsini, Kostadin I. Kostadinov
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Patent number: 8763667Abstract: A packaging cushion insert is useful for cushioning a packaged object. The insert comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet; and a plurality of interior sheets between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the plurality of interior sheets are in stacked and laminated arrangement. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and plurality of interior sheets each comprise one or more materials selected from an air-cellular cushioning material, cellular foam material, and crumpled paper material.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventor: Nicholas P. De Luca
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Publication number: 20140171530Abstract: A method of making a foam from a polymerizable resin includes the following steps. A thermally-activated initiator having a temperature below the initiation temperature is combined with an elevated-temperature solution having the polymerizable resin and carbon dioxide at a temperature above a promoted temperature to create a resulting mixture having a temperature above the promoted temperature. The resulting mixture is expanded by decreasing the pressure of the mixture to create a froth having a plurality of cells formed by carbon dioxide that expanded out of solution. The polymerizable resin within the froth is cured to create a foam.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: William J. Mahon, Henry J. Ruddy
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Publication number: 20140158305Abstract: A dispensing and sealing system generally includes a film-feed assembly with a support mechanism for a supply of film and a film-drive mechanism to advance the film along a path, a dispenser with an outlet port for dispensing fluid into the film, and a transverse seal mechanism for forming a seal in the film transversely of the path. A calendering device and a movable structure for the support mechanism are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Michael Knaak, Scott Rote, Mark Kurth, Dan Johnson, Kyle Koning, Dan Somen
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Patent number: 8745960Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for inflating and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner having at least one inflation port, valve, or combination thereof through which a portion of gas can be introduced into the liner.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Charles Kannankeril, Ian Donegan
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Publication number: 20140154477Abstract: The cellular cushioning article comprises a thermoformed film bonded to a second film, with the thermoformed film having thermoformed regions separated by a land area. The thermoformed film has a combination of (i) a layer containing a high melt point polymer and (ii) thermoformed regions exhibit a high average maximum birefringence. The high birefringence corresponds with high stress on the polymer chains. The combination results in cells of substantially increased burst strength. The cellular cushioning article can provide higher burst strength per mil of film thickness, or can be produced using less plastic than prior art cellular cushioning articles, while maintaining the same or comparable burst strength. Also disclosed is a process for making the cellular cushioning article.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Eva Chu, Robert J. O'Dowd, Timothy Theodore Oberle, Edward Ackershoek, Michael Metta, Chitai Carey Yang