With Venting Or Ventilation Means Patents (Class 383/100)
  • Patent number: 7337511
    Abstract: A biological hazard protection body bag comprises an non-transparent outer bag case and a transparent inner bag case, which transparent inner bag case provides a vacuum filtration device formed by a check valve and medical grade filter screen for achieving a vacuum state inside the inner space of the transparent inner bag case by air suction through the check valve of the vacuum filtration device, and the air extracted from the inner space of the transparent inner bag case is completely filtrated by the medical grade filter screen to prevent the pathogen from being extracted from the inner space of the transparent inner bag case to isolate the corpse inside the transparent inner bag case under nearly vacuum state with gastight bag case construction to achieve the purpose of prevent infection or dissemination of pathogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignees: Institute of Occupation Safety and Health, Kang-Ning Junior College of Medical Care & Management, Spring Environment Biotech Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chen Yu, Chin-Liang Lin, Cheng-Ping Chang
  • Patent number: 7331715
    Abstract: Provided is a valve element for venting fluids, such as gas or liquids, entrapped in a packaging enclosure. The valve element includes a base element having an aperture disposed through it and a membrane having a protruding raised portion. The membrane is attached to and overlays the base element. The raised portion is selectively configurable between a concave position and a convex position by applying an external force against the apex of the raised portion. When configured in the convex position, the raised portion is spaced apart from the aperture allowing fluid communication therethrough. When configured in the concave position, the raised portion obstructs the aperture preventing fluid communication therethrough. To vent air passing through the aperture into the environment, an expandable channel for providing a clearance is provided between the membrane and the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Richard T. Miller, Rebecca S. Giesfeldt
  • Patent number: 7322748
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing food and for keeping it warm and moist comprising a substantially water impermeable pouch that bounds an insulated food warming chamber, the pouch having opposing substantially coextensive lips capable of being moved apart for providing passage to the warming chamber and for providing a partial vapor lock for inhibiting moisture from building up in the warming chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Rubin
  • Publication number: 20080019617
    Abstract: A method of packaging manufactured stones comprises placing two layers of manufactured stones in a vented container and separating the two manufactured stone layers with a separator sheet made from a spun-bond, non-woven fabric having a desired moisture vapor transmission rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Clarence A. Rasquinha, Frank R. Fork
  • Patent number: 7311442
    Abstract: An air valve for a poly bag that permits the escape of air from the bag as it is filled by a filling tube. The air valve consists of a plurality of slitted openings in one top corner of the bag and a valve flap mounted in the poly bag near the slitted openings that closes and seals the openings as filling material engages and moves the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Moravek
  • Publication number: 20070269145
    Abstract: A bulk bag liner comprising a sidewall forming an enclosure having at least one relief valve mounted in the sidewall thereof for expelling excess gas from within the enclosure so as to prevent elevated pressure within the enclosure and reduce the chance that the liner will rupture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Bradley Matthew Eisenbarth
  • Patent number: 7294354
    Abstract: A gas release container comprises a container body having a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and terminating at an upper edge, a removable closure affixed to the upper edge in a substantially gas-tight manner, and a gas release valve in a wall of the container body and operable to release gas from the container when the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the container is sufficient to open the valve. The removable closure can include a flexible gas-barrier membrane sealed to the upper edge of the container body. A lower surface of the membrane and the upper edge of the side wall comprise heat-sealable polymer materials, and the membrane is heat-sealed to the upper edge, preferably by induction sealing. The closure can include an overcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gunter, Floyd Needham, James Scannella
  • Patent number: 7260871
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to interlocking closure devices including two closure elements arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length. The closure elements permit the venting of fluids when the closure elements are in their occluded vented position. The closure elements have an occluded closed position which creates a seal and prevents fluids from passing between the interlocking closure elements. The closure fastening device may be utilized with a flexible container and is advantageous in permitting a user to vent excess air from the interior of the flexible container prior to sealing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Borchardt, Peggy Golden, legal representative, Ewald A. Kamp, deceased
  • Patent number: 7220053
    Abstract: A flexible composite bag for use with vacuum packaging appliances is disclosed. The flexible composite bag includes an inner bag that is enclosed by an outer bag. Two patterned panels make up the inner bag such that intercommunicating channels are formed when the two panels are superimposed on one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Hongyu Wu
  • Patent number: 7063255
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying a presentation instrument such as a gift card, and for establishing and maintaining an account associated with the gift card. The gift card is packaged with a card carrier for display at a retail establishment, with both the card and the card carrier each having an account identifying element, such as a magnetic stripe or bar code. The identifying element on the card may be electronically read in order to conduct transactions against the account. The identifying element on the card carrier may be electronically read to activate the account, but not conduct transactions, thereby reducing the opportunity for fraudulent transactions against the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Algiene
  • Patent number: 7004632
    Abstract: A storage bag for food products with a venting structure to expel excess air trapped inside the bag after the bag has been closed or sealed. After the excess air is removed, the venting structure is covered and sealed to prevent air from re-entering the bag or other objects from entering the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Peter Hamilton, Michael Borchardt, Rebecca Giesfeldt, Kenneth S. McGuire
  • Patent number: 6945392
    Abstract: A container includes a housing for containing an O2-generating composition. The housing includes a venting layer and a structural layer associated with the venting layer. The venting layer has a venting layer O2 passage rate and a venting layer surface area, while the structural layer has a structural layer O2 passage rate and a structural layer surface area. The venting layer O2 passage rate is greater than the structural layer O2 passage rate, and the structural layer surface area is less than the venting layer surface area. Alternatively, the structural layer may include a plurality of apertures and a patch associated with each aperture, instead of a venting layer. Each patch has a patch O2 passage rate and the total O2 passage rate of the container includes the sum of each patch O2 passage rate. The total O2 passage rate is at least about 0.2 L/(m2*24 hours).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Shizuka Furukawa, Yukio Nanno
  • Patent number: 6896410
    Abstract: Flexible and semi-rigid refuse containers are provided for long term storage of refuse in environments where permafrost conditions prevail. The preferred containers are formed from woven fiberglass coated with a UV resistant polymer such as PVC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: JPS Converter and Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: H. Landis Carter, Shobha Murari
  • Patent number: 6837268
    Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, air-tight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. A filter is placed on the valve body to prevent small particles from the bag from clogging the valve or the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Janet L. Skeens, Gerald W. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6835257
    Abstract: Method of preparing an adsorbent containing package and package made thereby. The method comprises providing a mounting surface of the package and heat fusing the mounting surface via ultrasonic welding to provide a multiplicity of depressed hard seal portions and relief surfaces on the mounting surface. The ratio of hard sealed portions to total seal area is within 10-60%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Flow Dry Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Glenn D. Perrine
  • Publication number: 20040252918
    Abstract: A biological hazard protection body bag comprises an non-transparent outer bag case and a transparent inner bag case, which transparent inner bag case provides a vacuum filtration device formed by a check valve and medical grade filter screen for achieving a vacuum state inside the inner space of the transparent inner bag case by air suction through the check valve of the vacuum filtration device, and the air extracted from the inner space of the transparent inner bag case is completely filtrated by the medical grade filter screen to prevent the pathogen from being extracted from the inner space of the transparent inner bag case to isolate the corpse inside the transparent inner bag case under nearly vacuum state with gastight bag case construction to achieve the purpose of prevent infection or dissemination of pathogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicants: CHIN-LIANG LIN, INSTITUTE OF OCCUPATION SAFETY AND HEALTH, KANG-NING JUNIOR COLLEGE OF MEDICALCARE & MANAGEMENT, SPRING ENVIRONMENT BIOTECH INC.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chen Yu, Chin-Liang Lin, Cheng-Ping Chang
  • Publication number: 20040234171
    Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes a body portion having first and second opposing bag walls, wherein each bag wall has an internal side. First and second closure mechanisms are disposed on the internal sides of the first and second bag walls, wherein the closure mechanisms are parallel to one another and spaced apart between about 0.3 inch (7.62 mm) and about 0.6 inch (15.24 mm). The pouch further includes a venting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, James C. Pawloski, John S. Trent
  • Patent number: 6814491
    Abstract: A sealing bag is formed by a nylon film and a PE film added with chemical static solution is formed as a double layer compound material. Thereby, the edges of the double layer compound material can be sealed. The opening of the sealing bag contains a seal-retaining element. The area near the bottom of the bag is formed with at least one stop portion having a predetermined length and at least one vent. At least one gap channel is formed between the stop portion and the edge of the bag. An air channel is formed between the stop portion and the vent. The vent and the air channel are alternatively arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Tang
  • Patent number: 6729473
    Abstract: An air-evacuable bag has a one-way valve therein having two layers of valve film, neither of which is the sidewall of the bag. By forming the one-way valve of smooth, double-layered valve film, unwanted air gaps caused by textured surfaces in the sidewalls of the bag are avoided, thereby minimizing air leakage back into an evacuated bag. A method for the manufacture of such air-evacuable bags incorporates a roll supplying a first valve film layer, a roll supplying a first sidewall layer, a roll supplying a second valve film layer, and a roll supplying a second sidewall layer. As the film coming off the first valve film layer roll passes the roll supplying the first sidewall layer, both the sidewall layer and first valve film layer move in close proximity to one another until the valve film is tacked to the first sidewall layer. The second film and second sidewall layer are processed simultaneously in a like manner, and all four layers are joined at a sealing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: CTI Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Brent Anderson
  • Patent number: 6692147
    Abstract: A reclosable bag has a bag body and a reclosable, zipper-type closure. The reclosable closure has extruded male and female interlocking profiles extending along opposing sides of an opening of the bag and are constructed to releasably interlock. The closure also has an extruded valve flange extending from one side of the closure to engage an opposing surface of the closure when the profiles are interlocked. The flange and opposing surface are constructed to separate in response to pressure within the bag for venting the bag with the profiles interlocked, and to increase a contact pressure therebetween in response to presence of a vacuum in the bag. The closure also defines a vent passage extending from an air space between the opposing sides of the opening and between the interlocking profiles and the valve flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Nelson
  • Publication number: 20030210838
    Abstract: A flexible package generally including a front panel portion, a back panel portion, a first side panel portion, and at least one access device. The flexible package can further include a second side panel portion, a bottom panel portion, and a top panel portion. Additionally, one or more of the portions can be shaped and/or manufactured substantially as a gusset. Each of the panel portions comprise two longitudinal sides or edges. The access-device can be attached to at least one surface of at least one of the side panel portions such that the device is in transverse orientation to the longitudinal sides. The device can be manually attached to the side portions, or attached with existing and/or specially designed manufacturing machinery. Attachment of the access device to a side portion of the package is achieved using heat bonding techniques, adhesives, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Steele
  • Patent number: 6637939
    Abstract: A microwave cooking container includes a bag portion having an open end for access to an interior of the bag and a closure mechanism for sealing the open end having elongated interfitting elements extending adjacent the open end of the bag. The container also includes a valve assembly providing controlled discharge of pressurized fluid from the bag interior when a positive pressure equal to or exceeding a predetermined pressure is created within the bag interior. The valve assembly includes a vent member and a flow limiter. The vent member is located at the open end of the bag adjacent an end of the closure mechanism such that the first end of the internal passage is in fluid communication with the bag interior. The internal passage provides an exit path for discharge of a pressurized fluid from the interior of the bag. The flow limiter may include an end portion of a closure clamp adapted to receive the vent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Huffer
  • Publication number: 20030198406
    Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Hynetics LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Bibbo, Gregory P. Elgan, Michael Goodwin, Bradley H. Buchanan, Jim A. Austin
  • Publication number: 20030152296
    Abstract: A microwave cooking container includes a bag portion having an open end for access to an interior of the bag and a closure mechanism for sealing the open end having elongated interfitting elements extending adjacent the open end of the bag. The container also includes a valve assembly providing controlled discharge of pressurized fluid from the bag interior when a positive pressure equal to or exceeding a predetermined pressure is created within the bag interior. The valve assembly includes a vent member and a flow limiter. The vent member is located at the open end of the bag adjacent an end of the closure mechanism such that the first end of the internal passage is in fluid communication with the bag interior. The internal passage provides an exit path for discharge of a pressurized fluid from the interior of the bag. The flow limiter may include an end portion of a closure clamp adapted to receive the vent member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Huffer
  • Patent number: 6602529
    Abstract: A dough product suitable for storage by refrigeration or freezing that includes a package constructed as a chub from a substantially gas impermeable material closed at opposite ends around a dough portion containing at least flour, a liquid, and a leavening system. The package includes at least one gas transfer passage. The leavening system at least partially proofs the dough after insertion into and closing of the package, such that the dough expands to a volume substantially equal to the volume of the package and has a high raw specific volume. The proofed dough bears against and seals the gas transfer passage to thereby arrest further proofing and prevent oxygen entry into the package. The dough product is then stored at refrigeration or freezing temperatures for later baking, without additional proofing, into a bread product having a high baked specific volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Pillsbury Company
    Inventors: Dennis Arthur Lonergan, Michael R. Perry, Tammy L. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20030116466
    Abstract: A deaerator-carrying compression bag (1) capable of deaerating even when a deaerating pump nozzle is not inserted deep into a bag body, comprising a resin bag body (10) formed at one edge of the outer peripheral edge (1) thereof with an opening (11A) for storing an article to be stored (16), a fastener (12) provided on the inner surface of the bag body (10) and acting as an occluding tool for blocking the opening (11A), and a resin deaerator (13) for exhausting the air inside the bag body (10), wherein the deaerator (13) is welded to the bag body (10) at the base end (13A) of the deaerator (13), and the deaerator (13) has a back-flow preventing means (15) for preventing the back-flow of air into the bag body (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Shuichi Goto
  • Patent number: 6582123
    Abstract: A bag(1) to define a containment region for food, said bag formed of a multiply plastics film to define a front panel and back panel and being square or rectangular in shape wherein said side edges(12) and bottom edges(6) of each panel are sealed to each other said bag further comprising at said sealed bottom, a vent passage(2) to allow the escape of some fluid from the containment region of said bag during heating, the vent passage provided between said front and back panels where a region(5) of the internal most ply(4) of said multiply plastic film of at least one of said front or back panels is of a less or non-heat sealable nature to the remainder the material of the internal most ply at the sealed bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Tecksom International Limited
    Inventor: Luen Sing Tang
  • Patent number: 6550966
    Abstract: A recloseable multibag freezer bag including an inner liner bag and an outer support bag. The inner liner bag is a thermoplastic with a thickness of less than 2 mil and a specified secant modulus, has a mouth through which the interior of the inner liner bag is accessible, and is joined by a mouth seal to the throat of the support bag along the entire length of the mouth of the liner bag substantially enclosing an air space between facing walls of the inner liner bag and outer support bag. The outer support bag is a thermoplastic, and has a mouth and a throat. A recloseable mouth seal is affixed to its mouth to provide recloseable access to the interior of the liner bag through the outer bag while maintaining the enclosed air space between the inner and outer bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Zain E. M. Saad, Douglas P. Gundlach, Virginia D. Karul, Roger D. Vrooman, Roger V. McIntosh, Richard Dawkins, David A. Smith, Michael A. Babinec, Linda W. Allison, Claudia J. Gerardo
  • Publication number: 20030066267
    Abstract: A reclosable bag has a bag body and a reclosable, zipper-type closure. The reclosable closure has extruded male and female interlocking profiles extending along opposing sides of an opening of the bag and are constructed to releasably interlock. The closure also has an extruded valve flange extending from one side of the closure to engage an opposing surface of the closure when the profiles are interlocked. The flange and opposing surface are constructed to separate in response to pressure within the bag for venting the bag with the profiles interlocked, and to increase a contact pressure therebetween in response to presence of a vacuum in the bag. The closure also defines a vent passage extending from an air space between the opposing sides of the opening and between the interlocking profiles and the valve flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Nelson
  • Publication number: 20030016888
    Abstract: To provide a bag having a novel degas structure that is highly valuable as a commercial product with a high sales point and a method for producing the bag. In the bag body having the degas structure for receiving granules 1 such as grains or manure, a fold-back overlap portion 3 that is folded back and kept under an overlap condition is provided at a predetermined position of the bag body 2, a through-hole is provided in overlap portions 5 forming the fold-back overlap portion 3, and the through-hole is used as a degas hole 4 for discharging air held in an interior of the bag body 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: EMUPACK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yamada
  • Publication number: 20030015452
    Abstract: A vacuum receiving bag is formed by a bag body, a sealing edge installed at an opening of the bag body and an airtight valve at a selected position of the bag body. When the plug cover of the airtight valve is pressed by a hand, the airtight valve will conduct, so that air in the bag body will be absorbed and thus the bag will approach to a vacuum state. On the contrary, after the air absorbing tube is taken away, the airtight valve will close automatically. Next, the airtight valve can be used with an air tap, thereby, an operator may operate a pump manually to achieve the object of absorbing air. Moreover, the seal edge at the opening of the bag body is formed by two matched seal strips, and therefore, a preferred air seal effect is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Fu-Long Su
  • Publication number: 20030016887
    Abstract: A receiving bag with a seal opening and a sealing clip is disclosed. One end of the receiving bag is installed with a sealing opening. A bag opening at another end of the receiving bag has a sealing track and a sealing strip matching to the sealing track. The sealing track and the sealing strip are tightly engaged so as to seal the opening. In the seal opening of the receiving bag, one end of a flow path is installed with a vent valve, and another end is installed with a vent. A sealing cover and an adhering piece seal the hole of the vent. Thereby, outer air can not flow into the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Fu-Long Su
  • Patent number: 6499600
    Abstract: A compression sack constituted by non-breathable front and back sheets and having an opening formed in a part of the compression sack. The opening includes an access port for articles and air outlet, and closing means provided therein for tight closing and opening purposes. The access port and air outlet are separated by a separating member at which the front and back sheets are firmly joined together. The separating member extends from a side of the opening inwardly of the compression sack, thereby forming a deaeration passage between the air outlet and the inside of the compression sack. A spot seal is provided more inwardly of the sack than the end at the interior side of deaeration passage, and the separating member is bent at the end of the interior side of the deaeration passage in a direction of the deaeration passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Kashiwara Seitai, Yugen Kaisha Appeal
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 6491433
    Abstract: A vented bag includes a length of tubular gas-impervious material sealed to closure at at least one end thereof by a plurality of spaced apart seal lines each including a discontinuity proximate one end thereof. The discontinuities in adjacent ones of the seal lines are disposed proximate opposite ends of the lines so that the discontinuities, the lines and the adjoining material form a tortuous channel providing communication between the interior of the bag and the exterior of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Lyle F. Shabram, Jr., Richard C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20020147091
    Abstract: The reclosable bag has a gusset side structure so that the bag can be self-supporting on its bottom surface. The reclosable structure can be an internal structure or an external structure. As an external structure the front and rear walls extend above the reclosable seal and are bonded together above the reclosable seal. This extended wall structure is removed to remove these tamper evident seal. If within the bag the tamper evident seal is composed of a loop of film extending downward from each side of the reclosable seal to seal the contents of the bag. This loop must be broken to open the bag. The preferred reclosable seal is a zipper with bonded stays or each end to maintain the zipper on the bag. The bag has diagonal seals at the lower corners for forming a flat bottom to the bag and at the upper corners to provide vents for pressure equalization. The bags are made by a process where all processing is on line except for forming the zipper which is constructed off-line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Steven Michael Healy, Thomas Heaslip
  • Patent number: 6451590
    Abstract: A plant propagation apparatus is disclosed which comprises a flexible transparent enclosure. The enclosure is disposable, and could be formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. The enclosure would have at least two walls, formed of flexible material that facilitates transmission of light through the walls. Plant material is sealed within the enclosure, and nutrient solution is made available within the sealed enclosure for the plant. The enclosure is a low cost and effective method for propagating young plants and transporting them between the laboratory environment and a greenhouse or field. The enclosure may be configured to receive gas or carbon dioxide on its inner surface to a predetermined level of pressure, thereby affording the enclosure a flexible but stiff mechanical resistance that protects the young plant while it is growing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Adelberg, Maria P. Delgado
  • Publication number: 20020090151
    Abstract: A flexible, evacuable storage bag has a storage portion, an airtight seal, and a one-way valve. The valve includes a strip sandwiched between top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The strip is bonded along the edges to the top and bottom sheets so as to form passageways extending from the storage portion to outside the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Janet L. Skeens, Brent G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6403174
    Abstract: A sheet element is provided for the formation of bags for packing food products and not under vacuum. The layer or film (12) intended to form the inner surface of at least one side of the bag has seams (13, 23) which are facing not in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bag and each having a plurality of transverse cavities or notches (16) and at least one longitudinal groove to promote the evacuation of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Giovanni Copeta
  • Publication number: 20020060179
    Abstract: A filter package having a long shelf-life and containing substantially no contaminants comprises a filter cartridge, a flexible bag surrounding the filter cartridge having walls comprising a polymeric material impervious to microorganisms and liquid water, a venting mechanism formed in a wall of the flexible bag, and sanitized water sealed inside the flexible bag and immersing substantially 100% of a volume of the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a porous filter medium having a plurality of pores through which a fluid can pass between an upstream side and a downstream side of the filter cartridge and the sanitized water substantially permeates the pores of the filter medium. The venting mechanism includes a vent filter preventing the passage of microorganisms into the flexible bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: PALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott D. Hopkins, Daniel W. Spencer, Joseph A. Peri
  • Publication number: 20020044702
    Abstract: In conventional compression sacks having an access port for articles and an air outlet formed in a part thereof, according to the air stream produced during deaeration, some of the contents may be caught in the air outlet by the force of the air stream. In a compression sack including an air outlet coated with adhesive matter, the foregoing action may cause a risk of articles contained in the sack being damaged by touching the adhesive matter according to the position of the articles. In this connection, by providing a point seal in the end at the interior's side of the deaeration passage, articles, such as clothing, contained within the compression sack can be prevented from being caught in the deaeration passage during the deaeration. The provision of an auxiliary deaeration passage in the separating member may allow a quick removal of air present in a space inside the access port of the sack, thus securing smooth deaeration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 6357915
    Abstract: A flexible, evacuable storage bag has a storage portion, an airtight seal, and a one-way valve. The valve includes a strip sandwiched between top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The strip is bonded along the edges to the top and bottom sheets so as to form a single passageway extending from the storage portion to outside the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: New West Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6352365
    Abstract: A bag suitable for relatively small amounts of products has a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall and rear wall attached through a pair of gusset sidewalls. The bottom of the bag is sealed to provide a base that will support the bag. The top of the bag has a lateral seal which at each end is a seal of the front wall and rear wall to a portion of the gusset sidewall. An end portion of the top lateral seal is removable through a weakened area to open the bag. When opened the upper part of the gusset sidewall is folded outward to form a spout. After product is dispensed form the bag, the gusset sidewall is pushed inward to substantially seal the bag. For subsequent dispensings, the gusset sidewall is pulled outward to open the bag and form the spout and then pushed inward to substantially close the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Colgate Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Steven Michael Healy, Kendall William Petrie
  • Patent number: 6341688
    Abstract: Storage and cleaning apparatus for dentures comprising a plastic bag, the plastic bag including two ends, a top end and a bottom, and two side edges, a first side edge and a second side edge, and the plastic bag also including a triage of reusable seals, the triage being located near the top end and including an upper seal, a middle seal, and a lower seal, each of the seals including a male portion and a female portion, each of the seals extending parallel to each other and located approximately 1 centimeter to ½ inch from each other. In addition, the apparatus includes a cleaning agent assembly, the assembly being located on the inside of the plastic bag. The apparatus also includes a release valve incorporated into a side edge of the plastic bag, and includes pleating located on the lower half of each side edge of the plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Sandra P. Graham
  • Publication number: 20020009240
    Abstract: A flexible, evacuable storage bag has a storage portion, an airtight seal, and a one-way valve. The valve includes a strip sandwiched between top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The strip is bonded along the edges to the top and bottom sheets so as to form a single passageway extending from the storage portion to outside the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Brent G. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20010045372
    Abstract: A compressible pet product in a packaged system including both methods and specific types of packaging addresses the need for a fully recoverable, reduced-volume package. The system may involve initially folding the pet product and the like and wrapping the pet product for insertion into a bag or other flexible encasing. This bag may then be compressed externally or through evacuation. If the compression occurs through evacuation, the flexible encasing may act in conjunction with the ambient pressure environment to hold the pet product in a compressed state. An outer encasing may then be placed over the compressed pet product to hold it in a compressed state before releasing the compressed pet product to the ambient pressure environment. Alternatively, the compressed pet product may be compressed without an encasing such as through a mechanical compression element and extruded into an outer encasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: DENNIS M. CURLEY, CHRIS M. BOOS
  • Publication number: 20010021281
    Abstract: A vented bag includes a length of tubular gas-impervious material sealed to closure at at least one end thereof by a plurality of spaced apart seal lines each including a discontinuity proximate one end thereof. The discontinuities in adjacent ones of the seal lines are disposed proximate opposite ends of the lines so that the discontinuities, the lines and the adjoining material form a tortuous channel providing communication between the interior of the bag and the exterior of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Lyle F. Shabram,, Richard C. Harris
  • Patent number: 6214392
    Abstract: A packaged product comprises a packaging article and a product surrounded by the packaging article. The packaging article comprises a flexible packaging film. The packaging article has a seal along one edge thereof, the seal comprising two seals each having a gap therein, i.e., a vent, which allows air within the package to escape during stacking of the bags on, for example, a pallet. The vents also allow air to reenter the bag so that the bags maintain a uniform appearance for display and sale. The vents are offset from one another, to provide a tortuous path into and out of the packaging article, to minimize the escape of the product and the entry of foreign objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M Ramirez
  • Patent number: 6200027
    Abstract: A bag formed of flexible thinwall sheet material for washing and/or dewatering comestibles having an upper compartment and a lower compartment connected by at least one opening. The bottom of the lower compartment is formed by a zipper-type closure. The members of the closure resist separation under elevated hydrostatic pressure generated in the lower compartment by centrifugal force. The closure may include a slider for providing controlled engagement and disengagement of the members, to permit use of the bag both for washing and dewatering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Darlene N. Jones
  • Patent number: 6170985
    Abstract: A vented bag includes at least one rectangular sheet of substantially gas-impervious material having a top edge, a bottom edge opposite said top edge, and a first side edge folded over an opposite second side edge to form a tube. The tube has a longitudinal seam including at least first and second overlapping sheet portions joined together along a plurality of seal lines extending longitudinally from said top edge of said sheet to said bottom edge of said sheet. The bag is sealed to closure at one end of said tube. Each of the plurality of seal lines includes a discontinuity proximate one of the top and bottom edges of the sheet. The discontinuities in adjacent ones of the seal lines are disposed proximate opposites ones of the top and bottom edges of the sheet such that the plurality of seal lines, the discontinuities, and the first and second overlapping sheet portions form a tortuous channel providing communication between the interior of the bag and the exterior of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Lyle F. Shabram, Jr., Richard C. Harris
  • Patent number: 6116781
    Abstract: A flexible, evacuable storage bag has a storage portion, an airtight seal, and a one-way valve. The valve includes a strip sandwiched between top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The strip is bonded along the edges to the top and bottom sheets so as to form two passageways extending from the storage portion to outside the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: New West Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Janet L. Skeens