Bag Filling Patents (Class 141/10)
  • Patent number: 11967438
    Abstract: Provided is a device and method for containing hazardous waste, including a container for hazardous waste, comprising a hangable bag having an interior volume, the hangable bag being constructed at least in part of collapsible material and configured to be lifted and configured to support an interior bladder, and the interior volume being variable; and an interior bladder, the interior bladder connectable with a through port to a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignees: WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS, LLC, AVANTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Dan Burns
  • Patent number: 11892001
    Abstract: An air pump is delineated for an inflatable product that can be selectively connected thereto. The inflatable product includes a shell located on a side wall. The shell includes an internal chamber for selective placement of the air pump and an air valve for selective communication with the air pump. When the air pump is located in the internal chamber it can be moved to switch between a first position and a second position. The air pump includes an air inlet and an air outlet such that the air inlet is in communication with the air valve in the first position to deflate the inflatable product and the air outlet is in communication with the air valve in the second position to inflate the inflatable product. The air pump can also be used externally via manual connection between the air inlet or the air outlet and other inflatable products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shuiyong Huang, Wanbin Qiu, Ruoxun Yin
  • Patent number: 11810314
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating dimensions of an approximately cuboidal object from a 3D image of the object acquired by an image sensor of the vision system processor is provided. An identification module, associated with the vision system processor, automatically identifies a 3D region in the 3D image that contains the cuboidal object. A selection module, associated with the vision system processor, automatically selects 3D image data from the 3D image that corresponds to approximate faces or boundaries of the cuboidal object. An analysis module statistically analyzes, and generates statistics for, the selected 3D image data that correspond to approximate cuboidal object faces or boundaries. A refinement module chooses statistics that correspond to improved cuboidal dimensions from among cuboidal object length, width and height. The improved cuboidal dimensions are provided as dimensions for the object. A user interface displays a plurality of interface screens for setup and runtime operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Nitin M. Vaidya, Hongwei Zhu, Daniel Moreno, Ben R. Carey, Nickolas J. Mullan, Gilbert Chiang, Yukang Liu, David J. Michael
  • Patent number: 11680573
    Abstract: An air pump is delineated for an inflatable product that can be selectively connected thereto. The inflatable product includes a shell located on a side wall. The shell includes an internal chamber for selective placement of the air pump and an air valve for selective communication with the air pump. When the air pump is located in the internal chamber it can be moved to switch between a first position and a second position. The air pump includes an air inlet and an air outlet such that the air inlet is in communication with the air valve in the first position to deflate the inflatable product and the air outlet is in communication with the air valve in the second position to inflate the inflatable product. The air pump can also be used externally via manual connection between the air inlet or the air outlet and other inflatable products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shuiyong Huang, Wanbin Qiu, Ruoxun Yin
  • Patent number: 11607654
    Abstract: Methods and systems of admixing hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline thereof. The system may include two or more tanks positioned at a tank farm each containing a hydrocarbon liquid therein. The system may include two or more first main pipes, each connected to one of the tanks. The system may include two or more main valves, each connected to one of the first main pipes. The system may include two or more second main pipes each connected to a corresponding main valve. The system may include two or more mixing jumpers, each connected to a corresponding first main pipe, each mixing jumper to, when a corresponding main valve is closed, control hydrocarbon liquid. The system may include a mixing pipe, connected to the second main pipes and the mixing jumpers, configured to transport hydrocarbon liquid from one or more of the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY LP
    Inventor: Kyle E. Miller
  • Patent number: 11465853
    Abstract: A bag transfer apparatus includes a plurality of holding units which include a first holding unit and a second holding unit provided to be adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction and are provided to be able to move, wherein each of the plurality of holding units includes: a left support unit which supports one side portion of a bag; and a right support unit which supports another side portion of the bag, and wherein one of the right support unit of the first holding unit and the left support unit of the second holding unit is positioned above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: PACROFT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kakue Nakamoto, Tohru Yoshikane
  • Patent number: 11440686
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for efficient filling of bulk containers with free-flowing bulk materials. The apparatus is configured to support multiple industrial containers and fill them with bulk materials stored in a batching hopper in an effective and expedient manner. The filled bulk material containers are transported away for storage or use. The apparatus includes a rotatable multi-container support assembly for rotating the empty containers into a filling station under the batching hopper. A controller and data logger may be provided to control the apparatus and record the type, quantity and/or weight of each batch of the bulk material dispensed into the industrial containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: DCL, Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhard Matye
  • Patent number: 11324337
    Abstract: A method and device for carrying out the method of converting waste such as thermally bonded polyester fiber to bed cushioning. Such waste is fed to a fiber lofter which forms lofted fiber. The lofted fiber is pneumatically transferring to a hopper, and from the hopper to an injector, the injector having a lofted fiber input nozzle and output nozzle, the output nozzle being a low friction tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Tracy Rogers, Jacob Dominguez, Andrew Murrer
  • Patent number: 11325733
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for making packages from a web of interconnected bags includes an indexing mechanism, an opening arrangement, a pair of engagement devices, and a sealing arrangement. The indexing mechanism is configured to move the web of interconnected bags along a path of travel. The opening arrangement is configured to open a bag such that an opening is formed in the bag and a product can be placed into the opening of the bag. The pair of engagement devices are configured to engage the bag and close the opening of the bag. Each engagement device includes a base member, a first link, a second link, a sliding pivot member, and a finger. The first link is pivotably connected to the base member, and the second link is pivotably connected to the first link. The sliding pivot member is configured to allow the second link to slide through the sliding pivot member and pivot in relation to the base member. The finger is connected to the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Donald P. Shook, Jared A. Soster
  • Patent number: 11318659
    Abstract: Systems and processes for thermoforming an article and for preparing an article for thermoforming are disclosed. The system for thermoforming can include one or more heating stations and a cooling station. The system for thermoforming can further include an article movement mechanism that can couple to an article and rotate the article inside a heating chamber, inside a cooling chamber, or both. The system for preparing an article for thermoforming can include a vessel that comprises a port, and a negative pressure generation system coupled to the port. The system for preparing an article for thermoforming can further include a compression material that forms an interior portion for receiving an article. The negative pressure generation system can cause the compression material to expand to allow for insertion of the article into the interior portion of the compression material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Bianconi, Federico Zecchetto
  • Patent number: 11130601
    Abstract: A gas-sealed body with cushioning function is adapted to be inflated by a processing machine. The processing machine includes an inflation bar and pressing wheels adjacent to the inflation bar. The inflation bar is to inflate the gas-sealed body. The pressing wheels roll on a rolling track of the gas-sealed body for conveying the gas-sealed body. The gas-sealed body includes an inflation channel, gas inlets, pillow structures, and gas chambers. Each gas chamber includes one or more gas inlets, one or more cushion-part gas column, and a main-part gas column. When each of the inflation inlets is inflated, the corresponding one or more cushion-part gas column and the corresponding main-part gas column are inflated and expanded in order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: KUNSHAN AIRBAG PACKING CORP
    Inventors: Tai-An Liao, Kao-Hsiung Liao, Ping-Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 11123945
    Abstract: An inflatable packaging material includes two outer films, a plurality of valve films, and a non-sealable material positioned between the valve films. The films are sealed together by a plurality of seals, including a valve seal extending across the material. The seals define a plurality of air columns and an inflation passage in communication with the columns. The non-sealable material is arranged to form valve portions positioned along the valve seal and spaced passage portions positioned along the inflation passage. The valve portions provide valve passages through the valve seal, to allow airflow into each air column. The passage portions are arranged such that one side seal passes through a space between the passage portions to seal one end of the inflation passage, and the other side seal passes through one of the passage portions to create an open inflation port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Baines
  • Patent number: 11077965
    Abstract: A device for filling a reservoir. The device includes a cover portion comprising a septum window, and a bottom portion, the bottom portion configured to attach to a disposable housing assembly comprising the reservoir, wherein the cover portion and the bottom portion are rotatably attached in a locked configuration and wherein in a locked configuration, a septum is obscured through the septum window, wherein when the cover portion and the bottom portion are placed in an unlocked configuration, the cover portion rotates with respect to the bottom portion and the septum is visible through the septum window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Patent number: 11001402
    Abstract: Embodiments of a cell traverse for an aseptic region of a filling machine for filling packages with flowable products are provided. The cell traverse includes a frame structure with a first lateral longitudinal structure and a second lateral longitudinal structure opposite the first longitudinal structure. Also included are a plurality of transverse elements arranged between the first and second longitudinal structures and connecting the longitudinal structures. Between the longitudinal structures and the transverse elements a plurality of cells of the cell traverse are formed for receiving packages to be filled. The cell traverse also includes insert elements, which each have the frame structure, in particular at least one longitudinal structure and/or at least one transverse element, and at least some of the insert elements are detachably connected to the frame structure of the cell traverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SIG Technology AG
    Inventors: Bernd Lünnemann, Klaus Naber, Thomas Cramer
  • Patent number: 10913561
    Abstract: A flexible structure inflation device, comprising an inflation assembly configured for insertion between first and second overlapping film layers of a web of material, the inflation assembly having a fluid conduit configured directing a fluid in between the layers to inflate the web; and a cutting member held magnetically in an operative position adjacent the inflation assembly to cut the film passing over the inflation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLC
    Inventor: Thomas D. Wetsch
  • Patent number: 10807742
    Abstract: A vertically oriented barrier filling assembly for filling barrier tubing with a filling material and coiling filled barriers is disclosed. The barrier filling assembly includes a barrier filling device positioned above a barrier receiving device. The barrier filling device includes a coiler hopper that funnels the filling material to a barrel. An auger situated in the barrel includes a shaft and a fighting, with rotation of the auger feeding the filling material to empty barrier tubing attached to the barrel. Filled barriers are coiled on a vertically adjustable floor of the barrier receiving device as the barrier tubing is filled by moving the coiler hopper and/or the barrel in an orbital path. A system for filling and coiling barriers includes a supply hopper, the assembly, a processing station, and one or more conveyors, the system having a process flow from the storage hopper to the assembly to the processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Kurt Nienberg
  • Patent number: 10730650
    Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge control device, comprising a hopper (1) receiving a metered product amount where it is deposited, discharge control elements (3) movable between a closed position and an open position by a driving mechanism, and a fill tube (2) connecting the discharge control device with a fill nozzle of the form-fill-seal machine whereby a bag is filled with product, wherein the driving mechanism of the discharge control elements (3) comprise a motor (7) driving the movement of one of the discharge control elements (3), and a synchronizing connecting rod (9) synchronizing the movement of the discharge control element (3) driven by the motor (7) with the other discharge control element (3). The invention allows filling bags reliably and more quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: PAYPER, S.A.
    Inventors: Carmelo Curcó Masip, Gil Bonet Rosell
  • Patent number: 10696205
    Abstract: A beverage holder for a beverage container having a device adapted to communicate with a detecting unit. In order to achieve a quick cooling or heating of a beverage in the beverage container, a temperature control unit is operated in an extended temperature range once this has been communicated to a control unit by the detecting unit, wherein the control unit is in contact with the detecting unit and the temperature control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: DR. SCHNEIDER KUNSTSTOFFWERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Olaf Uhlenbusch, Claus Schinzler
  • Patent number: 10685322
    Abstract: The system includes an apparatus which automatically measures an inventory of a consumable good and tracks the inventory as it is used. The system may include a signaling device which creates a signal when a defined minimum amount of the consumable good has been reached. The apparatus may also send the user an electronic message that the defined minimum has been reached. The system may then automatically submit an order to a supplier for a replacement supply of the consumable good. This system may be used to track supply and reorder animal food, food staples, production supplies, manufacturing parts, or virtually any consumable good. Accordingly, a user may avoid the inconvenience and loss of time and money due to failure to timely replace a consumable good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ben Swenson, Jared Eggett, Hugo Tapia
  • Patent number: 10661921
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for compacting bulk material in an open container having a compacting device including a poker compactor, the poker compactor having an outer wall and being suitable to be inserted into an open container to cause the outer wall of the poker compactor to contact the bulk material and to degas and compact the bulk material in the open container. The outer wall of the poker compactor is at least partially formed by a gas-permeable, outer suction wall of a suction device and the poker compactor includes a vibration exciter to support degassing the bulk material by way of vibrating motion of the poker compactor generated by the vibration exciter. The vibration exciter is radially surrounded by a tube device and the suction wall surrounds the tube device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: HAVER & BOECKER OHG
    Inventors: Mark Wehling, Volker Schütte, Josef Van Bergerem
  • Patent number: 10640248
    Abstract: A weighing machine for products in a packaging assembly comprising a vibrating convex disc; a plurality of vibrating trays, a plurality of feeding hoppers, a plurality of weighing hoppers, and a plurality of chutes arranged in a circular pattern; each of the plurality of feeding hoppers comprising a cantilevered flap configured to rotate around a horizontal pivot axis, a counterweight member extending opposite the cantilevered flap, the counterweight member including a plate member configured to slide along at least one groove in relation to the horizontal pivot axis to adjust an effective weight of the counterweight member; a pair of alternating horizontal sliding conveyors; and a pair of transport conveyors positioned under the pair of alternating horizontal sliding conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Luc Belair
  • Patent number: 10220590
    Abstract: An inflatable packaging material includes two outer films, a plurality of valve films, and a non-sealable material positioned between the valve films. The films are sealed together by a plurality of seals, including a valve seal extending across the material. The seals define a plurality of air columns and an inflation passage in communication with the columns. The non-sealable material is arranged to form valve portions positioned along the valve seal and spaced passage portions positioned along the inflation passage. The valve portions provide valve passages through the valve seal, to allow airflow into each air column. The passage portions are arranged such that one side seal passes through a space between the passage portions to seal one end of the inflation passage, and the other side seal passes through one of the passage portions to create an open inflation port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Baines
  • Patent number: 10124931
    Abstract: A closure (10, 20) has two profiled strips (11, 12; 21, 22) for an at least panially flexible container (1, 2) for connecting a first container (1) to a second container (2) in an environmentally sealed manner and in a closed docking position, and for conducting a flow in a flow direction (D) through the closure (10, 20) from the first container (1) into the second container (2) in an environmentally sealed manner and in an open docking position. The second container (2) has an identical closure (10, 20) facing the first container (1), and, in the open docking position, is in engagement with the closure (10, 20) of the first container (1). Together with the closure (10, 20) of the first container (1), a flow channel (3) is defined for the through flow in the flow direction (D). The closures (10, 20) can be docked to each other and opened jointly in a single step by a separate slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: FLECOTEC AG
    Inventor: Martin Koch
  • Patent number: 10124919
    Abstract: A method and device for opening spout attachment portion of a bag being set up such that films on both sides of a spout attachment portion (2) of a bag (1) are suction-held up by a pair of suction cups (8), and the spacing between the pair of suction cups is widened to open the spout attachment portion, after which a gas is blown from the spout attachment portion into the bag by a gas blowing member (9); and when the gas is blown into, a clamping member (19) clamps a position under the gripper that is on the top edge (6) side of the bag from both sides of the bag, thus suppressing outflow of the gas blown into the bag from the top edge, thus allowing entire bag to inflate for its entirety substantially and the spout attachment portion to be kept opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Yoshikane, Jyunji Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 9950825
    Abstract: An apparatus is for filling bags having a bag mouth extending in a direction of width with loose material. The apparatus includes grippers, suction cups, valves, and a pair of first carriages. The grippers are for gripping opposite edges of a bag, which are arranged opposite each other relative to a vertical axis of symmetry and are movable symmetrically towards and/or away from each other with respect to said vertical axis of symmetry in a direction parallel to the direction of width of the bag. The suction cups are for gripping side portions of the bag. The suction cups are movable symmetrically towards and/or away from each other along a direction perpendicular to the direction of width of the bag for opening and/or gripping the bag mouth of the bag. The valves can rotate from a closing position outside the bag into an opening position inside the bag mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Concetti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Teodoro Concetti
  • Patent number: 9931260
    Abstract: A physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care. It starts with a long plank that bridges between the start and finish point and then the plank has a movable, rotating disk with an optional back and leg rest. The disk slides from Point A start to Point B finish and is actuated by an electric motor powered with a battery or electricity from a plug-in receptacle. The whole device is portable with a foldable leg structure to securely and safely support the patient. The use and method of the device anticipates transfers such as a patient in a bed or wheel chair transfer to a tub, shower, toilet or other place for some personal or medical need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Dumisani Mlungwana
  • Patent number: 9809386
    Abstract: An ore chute system, comprising: a chute box for collecting material and having a chute opening formed therein for discharging the material therethrough; a chute press gate mounted over the chute opening and moveable between an opened position to allow discharge of the material from the chute box and a closed position to prevent discharge of the material from the chute box; a chute press gate actuator coupled to the chute press gate and controllable to move the chute press gate between the opened position and the closed position; and, a chute press gate counterweight system coupled to the chute press gate and configured to move the chute press gate from the opened position to the closed position upon failure of the chute press gate actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: NORDIC MINESTEEL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Paul Elliott, Bryan Jay Keslo
  • Patent number: 9739511
    Abstract: Display cabinet for frozen products including a magneto caloric unit having cold end with a primary cold heat exchanger and a hot end with a primary hot heat exchanger, and a cabinet suitable for containing frozen products. The cabinet including an inner wall limiting a volume wherein frozen products can be stored, the cabinet having a secondary heat exchanger, wherein the secondary cold heat exchanger includes an exchanger circulator for circulating a low freezing point liquid between the secondary cold heat exchanger and the primary cold heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CONOPCO, INC.
    Inventors: Rene Joachim Buter, Ashvinikumar Vishnukumar Mudaliar, Georgios Tetradis-Mairis
  • Patent number: 9630223
    Abstract: A system for capturing dust during the movement of sand between a container and a fracing blender includes a conveyor system having a lateral portion for transporting sand discharged from the container, a lifting portion for lifting sand received from the lateral portion, and a spout for discharging sand received from the lifting portion into a bin of the fracing blender. An enclosure encloses a substantial length of the lateral portion of the conveyor, with portions of the enclosure disposed above and along opposing sides of a belt of the lateral portion of the conveyor system. A manifold is supported on the ground and is coupled in fluid communication with a flexible conduit, which has an inlet disposed in an area proximate a discharge end of the spout. An air system is coupled in fluid communication with the manifold and the flexible conduit for drawing air through the inlet of flexible hose to capture dust around the discharge end of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Sierra Dust Control, LLC
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9550609
    Abstract: A container comprising a first material and a second material, the first material being a flexible material and the second material being a rigid or semi-rigid material and at least partially defining an interior compartment for keeping a fluid inside the container characterized in that the flexible material and/or the semi-rigid or rigid material have thermoplastic properties and wherein the flexible material and the semi-rigid or rigid material are joined together by a seal or joint which comprises a heat seal and an adhesive seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Shujian Yi, Rolf Hjorth, David Ronnholm, Thomas Falkman
  • Patent number: 9387944
    Abstract: A packaging system (20) for forming and filling a transportable container (22) of plurality of bulk goods includes a frame (26) having a bottom support (48) and an upper support (32). An upper turntable (34) is rotatably supported within the upper support (32) and a lower turntable (50) is rotatably supported on the bottom support (48). A drive system (58) includes at least one pulley system (62, 64, 66) interconnected to the upper and lower turntables (34, 50) for simultaneously driving and synchronizing rotation of the upper and lower turntables (34, 50) with the at least one pulley system (62, 64, 66). A slip frame former (42) extends downwardly from the upper turntable (34) and a roll of stretch wrap (92) is disposed in overlapping relationship with the slip frame former (42) and the bottom support (48) during simultaneous and synchronized rotation of the turntables (34, 50) with the at least one pulley system (62, 64, 66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: David C. Ours, Paul D. Drouin, Gary W. Gunia, Stephen Michael Aloff
  • Patent number: 9187259
    Abstract: A method of automating unloading for a mobile farm implement is presented. The method includes determining whether the speed of the mobile farm implement is below a first threshold. In response to a determination that the speed of the mobile farm implement is below the first threshold, a conveyor is moved to an operating position, where it is used to unload agricultural material from the mobile farm implement. Upon termination of the unloading of the agricultural material, the controller folds the conveyor to a storage or transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 9185845
    Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 9090364
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for packaging polycrystalline silicon, in which a plastic bag is filled with polycrystalline silicon by means of a filling device, which has a freely suspended energy absorber consisting of a nonmetallic low-contamination material, wherein the plastic bag is pulled over the energy absorber and filled with polycrystalline silicon, and the plastic bag is lowered downward during the filling, so that the silicon slides into the plastic bag. Also disclosed is a method for packaging polycrystalline silicon, in which a plastic bag is filled with polycrystalline silicon by means of a filling device, wherein a storage container has an opening through which it is filled with silicon, the plastic bag being pulled over the storage container after filling the storage container with silicon and the storage container subsequently being rotated so that the silicon slides out of the storage container into the plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Wacker Chemie AG
    Inventors: Matthias Vietz, Rainer Hoelzlwimmer
  • Patent number: 9038855
    Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering fluid-containing feed materials to process equipment are disclosed. A liner-based pressure dispensing vessel is subjected to filling by application of vacuum between the liner and overpack. Multiple feed material flow controllers of different calibrated flow ranges may be selectively operated in parallel for a single feed material. Feed material blending and testing for scale-up may be performed with feed materials supplied by multiple liner-based pressure dispensing containers. A gravimetric system may be used to determine concentration of at least one component of a multi-component solution or mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Lurcott, John E. Q. Hughes, Peter Wrschka, Thomas H. Baum, Donald D. Ware, Peng Zou
  • Patent number: 9042778
    Abstract: A powder refilling device includes a refill powder chamber to accommodate a powder bag containing powder, an opener to open the powder bag inside the refill powder chamber, and a squeezer to squeeze the opened powder bag to discharge powder therefrom and reduce a volume of the opened powder bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Saitoh, Akio Kosuge, Hirokatsu Suzuki, Ryuji Yoshida, Takuya Suganuma, Tetsuto Ueda, Taichi Urayama, Sho Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 9010073
    Abstract: The main objective of this invention is a Mobile plant for dosing, mixing and packaging of powdery products, characterized because it is comprised of a carrying structure and several areas for: reception and weighing, loading, mixing, sack filling, sewing and labelling, metal detection, palletizing and cleaning. This invention is included within the industrial plants technical sector of manufacturing and mixing of powdery products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Inversiones HIK16, S.L.
    Inventors: Henrik Stamm Kristensen, M. Maravillas Martinez Lopez
  • Patent number: 9004116
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for inflating a chamber within an inflatable avalanche safety system. The method includes providing an inflatable avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber; receiving a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system; transmitting ambient air from an external region to within the inflatable chamber; and inflating the inflatable chamber entirely with the transmitted external ambient air to a particular internal pressure and shape configured to protect the user from burial during an avalanche. The transmission of ambient air within the inflatable chamber may be accomplished with a fan or an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipmnt Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Walker, David K. Blackwell, Derick J. Neffsinger, James Thomas Grutta, Nathan Miles Kuder, Peter Thomas Gompert, Robert John Horacek
  • Publication number: 20150048093
    Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to disposable bucket liners for storing solid or liquid content. One embodiment provides a flexible bag configured to conform to an interior of a common painting bucket and overlap an open top end of the bucket so as to provide stability for the bag and protection for the bucket. The bag includes a reusable closing member that allows the bag to be removed from the bucket and stored to facilitate repeated use before disposal. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Brannon K. Aki
  • Patent number: 8919731
    Abstract: A valve for inflation and deflation of an air bag that is operable to allow air pressure to open the valve to allow air to enter the air bag with subsequent sealing of the valve upon removal of the air pressure source. For deflation, a common coin is insertable into the valve insert which is subsequently turned into a locked-open position, allowing egress of the air within the air bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Dunnage, LLC
    Inventors: Lonnie Langston, Cengiz Cesur
  • Publication number: 20140311623
    Abstract: Packaging machine and method for filling open-mouth bags comprising a filling spout, wherein by way of a motion oriented upwardly relative to the filling spout an open-mouth bag can be appended to the filling spout. A dosing device and a weighing device are provided for weighing a pre-defined quantity of a product intended for bagging. A volume flow control device is provided to control during the filling process a strength of the volume flow into the open-mouth bag in dependence on the time. The volume flow control device comprises a filling element and a control device to control during the filling process a strength of the volume flow into the open-mouth bag in dependence on the filling process so as to keep the top bag wall of the open-mouth bag substantially free of product intended for bagging. The filling element serves as a dosing device to transport the product intended for bagging from a dispensing silo into the open-mouth bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: HAVER & BOECKER OHG
    Inventor: Mark Wehling
  • Publication number: 20140305542
    Abstract: A packaging machine and method for filling bags with a supporting structure to which at least one filling box is fastened which includes a conveyor element and to which a weighing device and a filling spout are assigned. A control device is provided. The filling box is retained non-communicating with the supporting structure and the assigned filling box and is weighed separately by the assigned weighing device to discharge from the filling box a predefined quantity of intended fill product by way of differential weighing and to fill it into the bag through the tilling spout. The control device controls the strength of a volume flow into the bag over the time of the filling process so that the intended fill product is maintained at a high fill height while overflow is simultaneously prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Willi Vollenkemper
  • Patent number: 8857675
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the metered filling of bulk material having a metering screw (16), which is arranged in a hollow cylinder shaped metering tube (12) and which can be slid in a longitudinal axis (L) of the metering tube (12), having a closing head (18) for closing a metering opening (14), wherein the closing head (18) has a substantially conical surface (20) and the metering tube (12) transitions after the metering opening (14) into a hollow cylinder shaped mouthpiece (32) having a larger inner diameter (DMi) compared to the inner diameter (dRi) of the metering tube (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Gysel, Hansruedi Frueh, Tobias Bury
  • Patent number: 8839474
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for a user to adjust a pressure in an inflatable device. The method includes acts of adjusting the pressure in the inflatable device with a control device to a pressure preferred by the user, where the pressure preferred by the user has a first value, and establishing a first setting corresponding to the pressure preferred by the user with the control device, and automatically establishing a second setting corresponding to a second pressure having a second value once the first setting is established, where the second value differs from the first value by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20140261871
    Abstract: An flexible structure inflation and sealing assembly that can comprises a driver configured for engaging the flexible structure to drive the structure in a downstream direction longitudinally along a material path and a nozzle configured for reception in an inflation channel that extends through the flexible structure. The nozzle can define a nozzle channel extending therethrough and can have a longitudinal outlet aimed from the body upstream along the path and a lateral outlet disposed downstream of the longitudinal outlet and aimed from the nozzle laterally with respect to the path. The nozzle can have a connection portion configured to connect to a fluid source to deliver the fluid through the channel and expel the fluid from the outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING INC.
    Inventor: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING INC.
  • Publication number: 20140237947
    Abstract: A support structure for a sealable plastic bag, the structure comprises a receptacle having a top and a bottom, the bottom of the receptacle adapted to contact a surface so that the receptacle is capable of standing in an upright position, the top of the receptacle comprising an elliptically-shaped opening, the elliptically-shaped opening being defined by a rim of the receptacle and having two opposing narrower ends at the rim; the rim of the elliptically-shaped opening having at least two notches, wherein one of the said two notches is disposed at the first of the two narrower ends of the elliptically-shaped opening, and wherein a second of the said two notches is disposed at the second of the two narrower ends of the elliptically-shaped opening in the receptacle. A method of filling a sealable plastic bag utilizing the support structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Lisa Tomiko Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20140230954
    Abstract: At least one exemplary device includes a tubular mesh enclosure formed from a mesh material having a nominal opening size of less than 0.5 inches, a ratio of a length of the mesh enclosure to a diameter of the mesh enclosure greater than 40, having an opposing pair of ends, at least one of the ends sealed, the enclosure surrounding a filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Conwed Plastics Acquistion Company V LLC
    Inventor: Rodney W. Tyler
  • Patent number: 8794272
    Abstract: A granular filler transfer device is provided for transferring granular fill material from a source container into a destination container. The device includes a tubular member having a first end portion flared outwardly approaching a first end of the tubular member and a second end portion flared outwardly approaching a second end of the tubular member. A first strap is removably coupled to the tubular member proximate the first end portion. The first strap is configured for securing around an opening of a source container holding a granular filler material. A second strap is removably coupled to the tubular member and positioned proximate the second end portion. The second strap is configured for securing around an aperture of a destination container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Karen L. Foley, David Darryl Roberts
  • Patent number: 8763843
    Abstract: A water storage assembly is disclosed including a flexible bladder having a water storage cavity, a water inlet in fluid communication with said cavity, a water outlet in fluid communication with said cavity, and a rigid frame adapted to support said bladder wherein said bladder wherein said bladder is secured to said rigid frame and said bladder is adapted to expand and contract upon flow of said water into and out of said cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Graeme Alexander Marett, Andrew Waudby
  • Publication number: 20140174596
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ICU MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen