With Fugitive Preconditioning Of Cover Material Patents (Class 53/141)
  • Patent number: 11192767
    Abstract: A capping head for the application of caps on containers or bottles, as well as a capping assembly, are provided. The capping head comprises a hollow housing internally defining at least a first chamber in which a shaft rotating about a longitudinal axis is housed, the rotating shaft being coupled with the hollow housing through the interposition of a magnetic or electromagnetic decoupling assembly comprising at least a rotor and a stator. The decoupling assembly being suitable to allow a relative rotation between the hollow housing and the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft is subjected to a braking torque exceeding a threshold torque. Means for enhancing the thermal dissipation power generated by the decoupling assembly is located inside the hollow housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: AROL S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Caffa, Marco Cipriani
  • Patent number: 10960998
    Abstract: A method for securing a palletized load is provided. The method comprises dispensing a first stretch film vertically inserted over a first support member, dispensing a second stretch film having an upper lateral side edge and a lower lateral side edge and being vertically inserted over a second support member, edging at least one of the upper lateral side edge and the lower lateral side edge of the second stretch film to obtain an edged second stretch film, partially overlapping the edged second stretch film and the first stretch film, passing the combined stretch film through a pre-stretcher, and wrapping the combined stretch film around the palletized load. The height of the stretch film can be adjusted using a height adjustment device. A third stretch film can be dispensed and combined with the first and second stretch films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Phoenix Wrappers ULC
    Inventor: Graham Nicholson
  • Patent number: 10695451
    Abstract: A device for decontamination and detoxification by emitting light flashes rich in UV radiation, particularly UVC. The device includes: a flash lamp; a reflector, preferably placed behind the flash lamp, so as to reflect the light emitted by the lamp towards an output window; and a UV detector for measuring the UV radiation emitted by the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: HEALTHY PULSE
    Inventor: Georges Safraoui
  • Patent number: 9439996
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems, apparatuses and methods for use in disinfecting pneumatic tube system (PTS) components and/or disinfecting air displaced during the operation of a PTS. More specifically, various aspects are directed to the use of light source disinfection systems for disabling bacteria, viruses and/or other micro-organisms (hereafter “pathogens”) in a PTS. The light source disinfection systems allow of cleaning pneumatic carriers, cleaning the interior of pneumatic tubes and PTS components and/or cleaning air, which is used to propel pneumatic carriers in a PTS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: TRANSLOGIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel Robert Gross
  • Publication number: 20150068163
    Abstract: A method for reducing restoring forces of package sleeves in a filling machine, where flat-folded package sleeves are removed from a magazine of the filling machine, erected to form a package sleeve forming a parallelogram in cross-section and then transferred to a transport device for transporting the upright package sleeve along a transport path. In order to enable a reduction in the restoring force adapted to the particular material of the package sleeve without increasing the cycle time for the removal and unfolding of the flat-folded package sleeve, the restoring force is reduced by temporarily increasing the internal angle between the package walls at the outer fold edges to more than 90° whilst the upright package sleeve is located on the transport path of the transport device. The reduction of the restoring force can be accomplished during the movement or during a standstill of the package sleeve on the transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Klaus Baltes, André Vetters
  • Patent number: 8276350
    Abstract: Methods for placing apertures in a film material wrapping of soap bars so that the soap bar fragrance can be readily detected outside of the packaged soap bar. The apertures can be shaped apertures or slit apertures. The apertures can be placed in the film material at the time of the decoration of the film material or at the time of feeding the film material to be placed around the soap bar. The apertures can be any surface of the wrapped soap bar, but should be of an overall surface area to emit not more than 60% of the fragrance or 50% of the moisture content of the soap bar over a period of 6 months. In addition the surface of the film material adjacent the soap bar may contain a coating of the fragrance of the soap bar, or in the alternative the surface of an inner insert material such as a stiffener can contain a coating of the fragrance of the soap bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Camilo Bouzas, Todd VanGordon
  • Publication number: 20120174530
    Abstract: A debris sweep and dry assist device is for use with a strapping machine. The debris sweep and dry assist device is positioned between the strapping machine and an associated strap supply. The device includes a body having a strap inlet and a strap outlet and defining a strap path therethrough. The body has a first wall at about the strap inlet and a second wall at about the strap outlet. The body has a first manifold and a plurality of first branches extending between the first manifold and the first wall to provide a plurality of flow paths from the first manifold to the environs through the first branches. A compressed is gas directed into the first manifold and flows out of the first branches, and is directed onto strap material at a location at about the strap inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bruzzesi, Wayne J. Thas
  • Patent number: 7906056
    Abstract: A cup-shaped closing material having a convex section is fitted on a protrusion-like engagement section of a distal end of a mandrel with a gap from the engagement section of the mandrel, a molten resin is then disposed in a cavity of a molding die and a holepin having an outer peripheral section of a distal end that is smaller than an outer periphery of the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material is pressed against the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material, whereby the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material is pleated to form an annular protrusion section at the outer peripheral section, and the molten resin is caused to envelope the annular protrusion section, while being pushed and charged into the cavity, whereby the head part with the closing material attached thereto is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kansai Tube Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20100005760
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for treating bags to be filled with a product prior to filling the bags with a product. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas MATHEYKA
  • Publication number: 20090272073
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine with a forming station, which forms depressions in a sheet of film, wherein a heating element heats the sheet of film before the deforming, in which the heating element has a multiplicity of discrete heating means which can be activated individually or in groups, and so the sheet of film has temperature gradients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: CFS Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Meyer
  • Publication number: 20090044497
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus forms a completely sealed composite package. The apparatus employs a continuous process which involves conditioning a surface of the package substrate. The substrate includes an adhesive coating that can be reactivated by infra-red radiation and adheres the package substrate to a juxtaposed face of a second surface. The apparatus uses rollers (102, 104, 118, 120) to compress the two surfaces together to complete the construction process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Ladislav Falat, Rune Haraldsson, Benoit Poutot, Jean-Christophe Bonnain, Pierre-Yves Poget
  • Publication number: 20090007524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for producing deep-drawn packaging trays and a packaging machine provided with the inventive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Jorg Feisel, Klaus Meyer
  • Patent number: 7238300
    Abstract: A method comprises subjecting ant oxygen scavenger to actinic radiation; and then optionally storing the oxygen scavenger in a container, the container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The dosed oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, if stored therein, subjected to a second dose of actinic radiation to trigger the oxygen scavenger, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, untriggered, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: James A. Solis, Richard Dayrit, Scott W. Beckwith, Brian L. Butler, Ronald L. Cotterman, Drew V. Speer, Thomas D. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7222470
    Abstract: Various processes and relevant devices for causing polymer films, which are extensible to adhere to the edges of openings of plastic or PET or even metal containers, by releasing electrostatic charges opposite in sign to those of containers and/or the polymer films to be applied thereto. The processes derive from a single general inventive concept.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Ribi Pack S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guido Ribi
  • Patent number: 7174697
    Abstract: A system and process for packaging groups of products, such as spirally wound paper products are disclosed. During the packaging of groups, a continuous supply of a wrapping material is unwound and cut periodically in the edge regions. Optionally, a perforation line may also be formed into the wrapping material in between the two cut edges. The cut edges form flaps that are then wrapped around the product groups and sealed. The wrapping material is then broken along the perforation lines in order to form individual packages. Finally, the ends of the packages are folded and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank S. Hada, Brian J. Gingras
  • Patent number: 7114307
    Abstract: A filling and packaging machine capable of supplementing the shortage of heat quality without lowering package speed when a film is heat-sealed while being pressurized by a vertical sealing mechanism, comprising a film folding mechanism having an inner surface guide member for guiding the film laterally, formed on the inner surface side of the film folded up into two parts, a pair of right and left pre-heating block members having tilted support surfaces or are support surfaces formed along the width-direction of the film on the outer surface side of the film through a specified interval from the inner surface guide member so that the interval on the upstream side of the film in feeding direction is larger than the interval on the downstream side, and heaters installed in the pre-heating block members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Toshio Tada, Tohru Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 7089715
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant and method for filling bottles with a liquid beverage having a treatment device for beverage container caps. The treatment device for treating beverage container caps includes a first tower and a second tower provided with parallel axes and driven at the same peripheral speed. Transfer chutes are provided that emerge with their ends onto carrier rings of different towers, which chutes transfer caps from each tier of the first tower to a tier of the second tower, and from there, optionally via at least one additional tower and transfer chutes, to the next-lower tier of first tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- Und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Roland Topf
  • Patent number: 6955027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crinkling device comprising a slide rod (16), to which a second crinkling element (15) is fastened. The slide rod is guided in a frame (2) so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction between a lower position (L), in which the second crinkling element (15) is out of contact with the lower edge (4) of a foil web (1), and an upper position (U), in which the second crinkling element (15) deflects the lower edge (4) of the foil web (1) upwards so as to crinkle it. The slide rod returns to the lower position (L) when not exposed to a force acting in the upward direction. The device further comprises first coupling means (171, 181) for forming a releasable coupling between the slide rod (16) and a first drive element portion (8) when the drive element (7) is running in a first direction (11) to move the second crinkling element (15) to the upper position (U).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Oy M. Haloila AB
    Inventor: Yrjo Suolahti
  • Patent number: 6911122
    Abstract: A method for triggering an oxygen scavenging composition for use in packaging an oxygen sensitive article includes the steps of providing an oxygen scavenging composition comprising an oxidizable organic compound and, optionally, a transition metal catalyst, and exposing the composition to a source of pulsed light wherein each pulse has a duration of between 1 microsecond and 1 millisecond, a frequency of between 0.1 to 100 Hertz, and a total intensity of at least 350 mW/cm2 so that each pulse provides the composition with a dose of UV light of at least 0.1 J/cm2 so as to provide a triggered composition. The triggered composition can be applied to an article so as to provide an oxygen scavenging package. An apparatus and packaging system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip H. Cook, Jr., Melania M. Craddock, William A. Feehley, Nathanael R. Miranda, Drew V. Speer, Jeffrey Thomas
  • Patent number: 6843039
    Abstract: A method for the vacuum packaging of articles including at least the steps of: creating a plurality of recesses in a backing board; positioning at least one article on said backing board; placing a film substantially over said at least one article; and using a vacuum packaging machine to substantially package said at least one article, said at least one article being situated between the backing board and the film, wherein the thickness of the backing board is at least 2 mm. Also a packaged article, the article being packaged between a backing board and a film, wherein the backing board has a thickness of at least 2 mm and the backing board further has a plurality of recesses therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: James Hanmer
  • Publication number: 20040244336
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crinkling device comprising a slide rod (16), to which a second crinkling element (15) is fastened. The slide rod is guided in a frame (2) so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction between a lower position (L), in which the second crinkling element (15) is out of contact with the lower edge (4) of a foil web (1), and an upper position (U), in which the second crinkling element (15) deflects the lower edge (4) of the foil web (1) upwards so as to crinkle it. The slide rod returns to the lower position (L) when not exposed to a force acting in the upward direction. The device further comprises first coupling means (171, 181) for forming a releasable coupling between the slide rod (16) and a first drive element portion (8) when the drive element (7) is running in-a first direction (11) to move the second crinkling element (15) to the upper position (U).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Yrjo Suolahti
  • Patent number: 6775955
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of strong/tight packaging an object in order to prepare it for shipping. Initially, a substrate is applied to an object to create a smooth surface adapted to receive a sprayable plastic thereon. Then, the sprayable plastic is sprayed onto the substrate and the object to encapsulate the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Charles J. Smith, Thomas J. Nachtman
  • Publication number: 20040025476
    Abstract: An in-line, continuously operating stand-up pouch forming, filling and sealing apparatus and process contemplates a continuously moving web and pouch train operating at rates in excess of 150 pouches or 500 to 600 web inches per minute, and at to at least about 1500 pouches or 4000 web inches per minute. Seal facilitating holes are continuously punched in a continuously moving web and side seams are formed by continuously sealing a continuous web. The stand-up pouches are positively opened by a continuous Coanda-Effect application or alternately by a combined vacuum/mechanical operation. Stand-up pouches are continuously formed, filled and sealed without intermittent web stops for web or pouch operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Frank G. Oliverio, Boris E. Makutonin, David P. Hizer, Lawrence K. Jones, Robert J. Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 6666001
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic beverage container, comprising neck, shoulder, body and base portions. A bulge is formed in one, or both, of the shoulder and base portions bulging to facilitate gripping and handling the container. Preferably, a respective bulge is formed in both the shoulder and base portions, forming a pair of bulges that bracket the container body. Also, preferably, grooves are formed in the shoulder and base portions of the container to facilitate formation of the bulges. The container is formed in a multi-step process from a preform that may have a conventional design. In this process, the preform is expanded into an initial container shape having a neck portion, a shoulder portion, a body portion, and a base portion. That container is filled with a beverage, and a bulge is formed in one, or both, of the shoulder and base portions of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: PepsiCo Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Mero
  • Patent number: 6625955
    Abstract: Methods of forming a thermoformed recloseable flat package for a pill-like product are provided. A first enclosure portion having a closing member is first operably engaged with a second enclosure portion so as to form an enclosure for containing the product therein. One or more components of a locking mechanism are then formed, following formation of the enclosure, wherein the locking mechanism generally comprises a first component operably engaging the closing member and a cooperable second component operably engaging the second enclosure portion. The components of the locking mechanism are further configured to be separable so as to allow separation thereabout of the closing member from the second enclosure portion to thereby define the recloseable package capable of selectively allowing the product to be extracted from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Aylward Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Aylward
  • Publication number: 20030172627
    Abstract: Method for packaging products being prone to decay, such as food products, more particularly vegetables and/or fruit in a synthetic foil, wherein the synthetic foil is perforated in an operation step, converted into a package and filled. The foil is thereby conveyed through a punching device, whereby perforations are punched in the synthetic foil, the perforated synthetic foil is formed as packages having the desired dimensions and these packages are filled with the products and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Stephanus Michael Marie Backus
  • Publication number: 20030056469
    Abstract: A material in the form of a sheet for enveloping a bale of agricultural material is coated with or contains a preservative in order to prevent spoilage of wrapped bales of agricultural material by aerobic organisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Armbruster
  • Publication number: 20030051440
    Abstract: A system and method for producing a partially perforated tear line on a substrate material uses an high energy beam to ablate the substrate material at a depth less than full depth of the substrate. By varying the output energy level of the high energy beam for varying time intervals, a substrate material is weakened to provide an easy open feature without significantly reducing the tensile strength of the substrate material. The ratio of partial perforated to unablated substrate material may vary according to almost any ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Preco Laser Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Chow, Dan B. Miller, Kurt A. Hatella
  • Publication number: 20020189204
    Abstract: A method of wrapping an object with a heat-shrinkable material. A sheet of the heat-shrinkable material is heated to its frosting temperature and then fitted around the object like a sleeve so that leading and trailing ends of the sheet overlap and are welded together. The object and the sleeve are allowed to cool to shrink the sleeve onto the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: BAUMER S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Gambetti
  • Patent number: 6474041
    Abstract: A method for packaging objects by the use of heat-shrink material, in which there is wrapped in the manner of a sleeve around the objects, a sheet of heat-shrink material, heated to a temperature which is at least equivalent to the “defrosting” temperature of the material, a front portion and a rear portion of the sheet being disposed overlapping one another, in which the two portions are welded to one another, and in which the object-sheet assembly obtained is allowed to cool until the sheet shrinks onto the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Baumer S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Gambetti
  • Patent number: 6449923
    Abstract: A method for triggering an oxygen scavenging composition for use in packaging an oxygen sensitive article includes the steps of providing an oxygen scavenging composition including an oxidizable organic compound, and exposing the composition to a source of pulsed light wherein each pulse has a duration of between 1 microsecond and 1 millisecond, a frequency of between 0.1 to 100 Hertz, and an intensity of at least 350 mW/cm2 so that each pulse provides the composition with a dose of UV light of at least 0.1 J/cm2 so as to provide a triggered composition. The triggered composition can be applied to an article so as to provide an oxygen scavenging package. An apparatus and packaging system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip H. Cook, Jr., Melania M. Craddock, William A. Feehley, Nathanael R. Miranda, Drew V. Speer, Jeffrey Thomas
  • Patent number: 6421988
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing, sealing and cutting machine for plastic film comprising a film-delivery device mounted with a film tension adjusting button and a rolling needle delivery shaft such that the film is provided with a plurality of holes during the delivering of the film. A separation rod and an electrostatic elimination rod are provided along the path of the delivering of the film so that the delivery of the film is smooth. The front delivery seat is positioned by a teethed rack to adjust the movement of the packed object. The sealing and cutting knife driving device drive the vertical and horizontal knife to seal and to cut the film after an object is packed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Shao-Yi Chiu
  • Patent number: 6378273
    Abstract: A method for obtaining dimensionally and structurally stable objects, in particular disposable containers, from a flexible film rewindable on a reel, comprising the steps of preparing a flexible film rewindable on a reel, which, at least in those regions which in the obtained object are required to be substantially rigid, is associated with a structurally transformable substance inert with respect to the film and at least one passive activator therefor, forming an object from the film prepared in this manner, and during any one stage in a formation of the object, administering an energy compatible with the activator to start a structural transformation reaction of the substance and convert the regions from flexible to substantially rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignees: Gruppo X Di X Gruppo S.R.L., BP Europack S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Trani, Marion Sterner, Giovanni Manfre'
  • Patent number: 6343455
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing packaging bags having lateral bellows, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps consisting in: forming respective cutouts (150, 160) in each of the two lateral, bellows-forming zones of a packaging bag sheet (100) so that the bag has only two thicknesses superposed at the mouth of said bellows, at least over a portion of its width; and heat-sealing (184, 186) the adjacent edges of the sheet to the peripheries of the cutouts (150, 160) to close the bag. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the method and bags obtained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Georges Henri Bois
  • Patent number: 6296923
    Abstract: The invention provides polymeric films for the storage or packing of plant material, the film being perforate and having a water vapor permeability of not more than 800 g m−2 day−1 and an oxygen permeability of not more than 200000 cm3 m−2 day−1 atmosphere−1, both permeabilities being measured at 25° C. with a relative humidity of 75 percent. Examples of polymers which can be used to make the film are regenerated cellulose, homo and copolymers of polyolefins, e.g. with vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate, polyesters and polyamides. Various plant materials, for example carrots, tomatoes, calabrese and mushrooms heat sealed in packs of films of the invention have shown improved shelf lives compared with similar plant materials packaged for example in polyethylene cling film or polyvinyl chloride stretch wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sidlaw Flexible Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Michael George Reinhardt Zobel
  • Patent number: 6233903
    Abstract: In a multiple automatic packing machine comprising a slitter for slitting a wide sheet-like packing material supplied from a take-up roll into a plurality of packing films, a heat sealing device for seal molding each of the packing films into an elongated bag-like configuration by a vertical heat sealer and a lateral heat sealer, and a material filling device for filling a material to be packed into each of the packing films which has been seal molded into an elongated bag-like configuration through a feed pipe with a filling screw disposed therein which screw is rotatable by a motor, the slitting, heat sealing and material filling operations being repeatedly performed in a consecutive manner by the slitter, heat sealing device and material filling device, respectively, thereby a plurality of stick-like packing products are seal molded at a time automatically and in a consecutive manner, a packing film feeder for the multiple automatic packing machine being characterized in that the feed pipes constituting th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Sanko Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoichi Ide
  • Patent number: 6202384
    Abstract: An arrangement for sterilizing a flat web of a packing foil, which comprises a sterile casing having an inlet and an outlet, a rod-shaped UV radiator disposed in the sterile casing, a guide for guiding the web in a circular path around the UV radiator, the UV radiator being centrally arranged within the circular path and the guide being radially equidistantly spaced from the UV radiator, and deflecting elements at the inlet and the outlet of the sterile casing for deflecting the web into the circular path at the inlet and out of the circular path at the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hassia Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Kurth, Ingo Sabotka
  • Patent number: 6192660
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying and applying cap bodies (51) to a packaging container includes a gas supplying device (11) which supplies a hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture obtained by electrolyzing water, a burner unit (22) that is connected to the gas supplying device (11) for receiving hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture from the gas supplying device (11) and burning the hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture and a pickup apparatus (80) which transports a cap body (51) to a heating position above the burner unit (22). The burner unit (22) is provided with a plurality of nozzles (31) that are arranged in a pattern that corresponds in shape to the shape of the underside periphery of the cap body (51). A shield plate (57) is positionable above the nozzles (31) to deflect the hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture emitted from the nozzles (31), and an igniter (32) is disposed adjacent one of the nozzles (31), to ignite the mixture emitted from the nozzle (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Moriyama, Elmar Mock, Michio Sugata, Shigeo Katsumata
  • Patent number: 6138437
    Abstract: Cigarette packs (10) are usually provided with an outer wrapper (13) made of thin, transparent or clear film. Furthermore, cigarette packs (10) are furnished with a (revenue) stamp (25). This is attached to the inner side of the outer wrapper (13) with glue or by other means. A tear-off strip (28) for the outer wrapper (13) is laid in place so that it severs the stamp (25) when torn off. This is connected to the pack by gluing its inner side to the facing side wall (16) of the pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Thomas Hafker, Jurgen Schwecke
  • Patent number: 6095959
    Abstract: In a method and unit for feeding, in a product wrapping machine, a continuous band of wrapping material, the surface of which is pre-impregnated with an aromatizing substance, the band is unwound from a reel of wrapping material and is fed, along a given path, to a cutting station where the band is cut into lengths, each defining a sheet of wrapping material for a relative product; along the path there is a device for cleaning the band, designed to remove the aromatizing substance from a given portion of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fausto Negrini, Giuliano Corazza
  • Patent number: 5946882
    Abstract: With the method according to the invention for manufacturing cigarette packets of the hinge-lid type, piles of blanks 10 are mechanically and/or pneumatically handled in a packaging machine before being processed. A cleaning station 26 has for this purpose brush systems 27, 28 acting on the piles of blanks 10 and detaching the impurities from the piles of blanks. In addition, the cleaning station 26 has extraction devices 35, 36 for pneumatically handling the piles of blanks 10. With the aid of the extraction device, the impurities detached by the mechanical cleaning members are sucked away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Jurgen Focke
  • Patent number: 5930975
    Abstract: Bottom wrap/three-quarter wrap apparatus having an automatic web feeder for safely advancing a web fed from a supply roll to a main web feeder. The main feed rollers advance one length of the web and a cutter cuts the advanced length, completing one cycle of operation, after which the bottom wrap/three-quarter wrap apparatus is placed under control of a bundle feeder. The main feed roller pair are displaced from one another when the web passes between creasing rollers. When a predetermined length of web has been advanced to the creasing rollers a cutter cylinder moves a blade mounting plate in the cutting direction. A resilient clamping assembly arranged on the mounting plate momentarily clamps the web between the mounting plate and a web guide just prior to severing of the web by the blade, maintaining the web taut during cutting. The cutting blade is rapidly moved back to a position displaced from the web in preparation for a subsequent cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Quipp Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Medardo Espinosa, Christer A. Sjogren
  • Patent number: 5916109
    Abstract: Bottom wrap/three-quarter wrap apparatus having an automatic web feeder for safely advancing a web fed from a supply roll to a main web feeder. The web free end is inserted between a pair of rollers, one being driven by a motor and the other being free-wheelingly mounted. The free-wheeling roller swings about a pivot shaft. A cylinder normally maintains the free-wheeling roller displaced from the drive roller. The insertion of the web past the nip formed by the initial feed rollers is detected by a proximity sensor to pull the free-wheeling roller toward the motor-driven roller pinching the web therebetween. A small motor drives the driven roller, moving the web upwardly and into a nip formed by a main feed roller pair. The small motor is then turned off and the main feed rollers advance one length of the web and a cutter cuts the advanced length, completing one cycle of operation, after which the bottom wrap/three-quarter wrap apparatus is placed under control of a bundle feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Quipp Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Medardo Espinosa
  • Patent number: 5884455
    Abstract: A method of overwrapping a product having an outer wrapping of dielectric material; the method providing for feeding a sheet of dielectric overwrapping material past an opening of a passage for the product; feeding the product into engagement with the sheet and subsequently, together with the sheet, through the passage to fold the sheet into a U about the product; and stabilizing the sheet so folded by feeding the sheet and the product through an electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Draghetti, Mino Cesari, Mario Turra
  • Patent number: 5842320
    Abstract: A packing machine is equipped with an improved hole punching device and an adjustable sealing mechanism. The hole punching device is equipped with a roller shaft having a number of spaced grooves for respectively housing a number of corresponding seats on which punching needles are secured so as to make a roll of film continually delivered for packing purpose to be punched with air passage holes; and an adjustable L-shaped locking device is fixed to the underside of a delivery set so as to make the delivery set easily adjusted and positioned in practical operation in proper alignment with the sealing mechanism. A piston connected sealing mechanism making the same opened and closed repeatedly can be adjusted of the opening extent by way of a wheel controlled screw rod with which the piston is engaged so as to permit articles of different sizes to be accommodated with readiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Shao-Yi Chiu
  • Patent number: 5794412
    Abstract: A method of folding a portion of dielectric sheet material, the method including the steps of mating with a support a sheet including the portion for folding; folding the portion onto an outer surface of the support; and generating an electrostatic force of attraction between the portion and the outer surface of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: CO.ME.SCA. Costruzioni Meccaniche Scarperia S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Ronconi
  • Patent number: 5768853
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for food product preservation by deactivation of microorganisms and enzymes by applying high-intensity, short-duration pulses of polychromatic light in a broad spectrum to packaging material surfaces. In some embodiments, a photodiode is employed for detecting the intensity of the light, and a control circuit is used to adjust power delivered to a flashlamp if the intensity of the light needs adjustment. In some embodiments, an outer safety glass is employed to protect the flashlamps. The outer safety glass may include coating materials at ends thereof. In addition, several variations of lamp assembly geometries accommodate small diameter packaging material tubes by, for example, using an fill pipe having offset first and second portions with a transitional region thereinbetween, or be eliminating the water jackets and using an outer safety glass to contain water as it is passed over flashlamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Purepulse Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Bushnell, H.ang.kan Moller, R. Wayne Clark, Miriam Gersten, Don Meader, Lars-.ANG.ke Naslund, H.ang.kan Mellbin, Par Olanders, Olof Stark
  • Patent number: 5735105
    Abstract: A continuous solvent free gelatin encapsulation apparatus and process includes an oil roll back assembly (20) for applying a controlled amount of a food-approved lubricant to a first side of the gelatin ribbon and an applicator guide bar assembly (40) for applying a controlled amount of food-approved lubricant to a second side of the gelatin ribbon. Two opposing food-approved lubricant coated gelatin ribbons are then united in a die assembly (50) to form gelatin capsules which are then dried and recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: R. P. Scherer Corporation
    Inventors: Norman S. Stroud, David J. Walker, Kelvin R. Garnett, Arthur J. Burnett, Anthony J. Wood
  • Patent number: 5704190
    Abstract: To simplify the operation of an input unit of a filling apparatus and achieve accurate filling of packaging containers with a liquid food. The filling apparatus includes a read-out unit which reads out packaging material information from a magnetic recording medium layer mounted on the packaging material, a sealing unit for sealing the packaging material, and a filling unit for charging the liquid food supplied thereto. Also included is a filling unit controller, which outputs control signals to the sealing unit and the filling unit in accordance with a predetermined program based on the packaging material information and liquid information sent from the read-out unit. The filling apparatus reads out necessary packaging material information from the magnetic recording medium layer at the time of filling, and charges the liquid food in accordance with the packaging material information and liquid information, and seals the packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Masamichi Kaneko, Jan Papina
  • Patent number: 5675960
    Abstract: A method for creating a stable, palletized unit of trays of multipackaged containers. The containers are multipackaged with a flexible ring-type plastic device. The trays are of corrugated paperboard which have been pre-compressed or embossed in predetermined areas of the base of the tray so that any tendency of the tray to compress under pressure from the base of the containers during a palletization is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: William N. Weaver