With Separate Closure Patents (Class 53/281)
  • Patent number: 7401445
    Abstract: A conveyor moves in a horizontal transport direction through a closing station and has plates forming a succession of transverse rows of cutouts each holding a respective vessel. A stationary main frame at the station is traversed by the conveyor extends. A secondary frame is carried by guides on the main frame for movement of the secondary frame between a use position in the main frame above the conveyor and a service position projecting transversely from the main frame and supported horizontally transversely offset from the conveyor. A plurality of respective sealing heads carried on the secondary frame can put covers on the vessels when the secondary frame is in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hamba Filltec GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Hubert Bausch, Uwe Gerasch
  • Patent number: 7401444
    Abstract: Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having an information adding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Klaus Krämer, Siegmar Sindermann, Martin Schach, Winfried Schlüter
  • Publication number: 20080163590
    Abstract: A capsule orienting and separation apparatus is provided which allows a multiplicity of gelatin capsule shells to be uniformly oriented in a separable condition and for the caps of those shells to be separated from the capsule bodies. The apparatus allows a multiplicity of capsule shells all to be concurrently oriented in an upright disposition by a manually operated mechanism. The capsule caps are all uniformly oriented atop the capsule bodies and are exposed for gripping by a capsule cap lift assembly. The capsule caps are concurrently lifted from the capsule bodies while the capsule bodies remain in position in a matrix of openings in a capsule receiving tray. The capsules can then be filled with capsule filler material and tamped down as appropriate. The capsule caps are then all concurrently replaced on the capsule bodies and the capsule caps and capsule bodies are then concurrently permanently sealed together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Dene Barrett, Earle Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20080148686
    Abstract: A closing device for closing channels in which pressure fluid is conveyed in a housing. The closing device includes a sealing body that is designed as a sleeve member, the peripheral surface of which is arranged between the accommodating bore and the closing member for sealing purposes, and is subjected to a defined surface pressure in sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Christoph Voss, Christian Courth
  • Publication number: 20080141621
    Abstract: In a method and related capsule filling machine for producing sealed capsules (C), each defined by a body (1) coupled with a lid (2), the capsule body (1) is filled with a quantity or dose (3) of material, especially pharmaceutical material in liquid or powder form, and the capsule (C) is closed by placing the lid (2) over the body (1) so that their respective annular ends (1a, 2a) overlap. A sealing substance is applied to at least one of the overlapped ends (1a, 2a) of the capsule body (1) and lid (2) before the capsule (C) is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Caterina Funaro, Roberto Trebbi
  • Patent number: 7383673
    Abstract: A plant for the cold aseptic bottling of a liquid in bottles with a conveyor line on which bottles are moved by at least one bottle handling machine in a sterile space which is separated by a housing from at least one non-sterile space, whereby the housing is formed by at least one circulating part and one stationary part, and whereby at the transition between these parts, a siphon seal is provided which makes possible the relative motion of the parts, which siphon seal comprises at least one annular duct that concentrically surrounds an axis of the circulating part to hold a sealing or barrier fluid on a ring-shaped wall element on the other part of the housing that extends into the barrier fluid located there, with at least one inlet for the feeding of the barrier fluid into the at least one annular duct and with at least one outlet for the discharge of the barrier fluid out of the annular duct, wherein the at least one outlet is realized in the form of an overflow that sets the level of the barrier fluid,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Volker Till, Daryoush Sangi
  • Patent number: 7343724
    Abstract: An apparatus is used to dispense radiopharmaceuticals from a sealed source vial into capsules. The apparatus is particularly well suited for volatile radiopharmaceuticals such as radioiodine. This apparatus shields the operator from the radiopharmaceutical and also allows use of highly concentrated stock solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Williams, Russell A. Nemer
  • Patent number: 7331152
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles having a beverage bottle orientation and positioning arrangement. The orientation and positioning arrangement includes the use of cameras, and an evaluation and control system. A first camera is configured and disposed to scan the external or peripheral surface of the beverage bottle over a wide area. A second camera is configured and disposed to scan the external or peripheral surface of the beverage bottle over a narrower area than the first camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Herbert Menke
  • Patent number: 7328549
    Abstract: A process by which low viscosities liquids are filled into syringes without gas bubbles utilizing lowered temperature and valves to isolate the filling system from the vacuum. The liquid may be drug, device, pharmaceutical, and/or biotech products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hyaluron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Kinney, Andrea Wagner
  • Patent number: 7322170
    Abstract: An apparatus for the sterile filling of containers sterilizes the containers before supplying them, with their caps on, to a substantially airtight chamber for filling. A precision lead screw precisely positions each container under the appropriate capping/uncapping mechanism and the appropriate filling needle. Filling and capping of each container is individually controlled so that each container is filled with a precise amount of liquid, and each cap is applied with the proper torque. The minimized number of components of the system minimizes the potential openings through which unfiltered air may enter the apparatus. Keeping the containers capped except while they're actually being filled minimizes the opportunity for any bacteria or viruses to enter the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mediatech, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Tomalesky, Lance Barland, Mark C. Peastrel, Joel C. Slazyk, Douglas C. Logeman
  • Patent number: 7299607
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a filling element for filling bottles with a liquid beverage and a filling machine having such a filling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 7269930
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles or containers with a liquid beverage which has a labeling device for labeling the bottles or containers. The labeling device has at least two labeling stations, wherein at least one labeling station can be moved from an operating position to a rest position when its supply of labels is exhausted, while at least one other labeling station can be moved from a rest position to an operating position to permit a substantially continuous feed and application of labels to bottles or containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Paul-Gerhard Kahlisch, Klaus-Friedrich Stock, Heinz Thielmann
  • Patent number: 7255141
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container filling machine, and a filter apparatus for filtering a liquid beverage. The filter apparatus has a plurality of filter chambers which are each provided with an individual valve in the outlet for filtered liquid from a filter chamber to optimize filtration. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Hans Becker
  • Patent number: 7234494
    Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers such as capsules comprises an assembly for orienting and separating capsules including double blind capsules which have a longer cap length and shorter body length wherein such assembly has a top sheet for loading the capsules and a bottom sheet for orienting the capsules loaded therein and such said sheets capable of being relatively displaced with respect to each other. Slots are provided in the top sheet for limiting such displacement by setting free configuration for orientation of the capsules. An open closable gate is mounted to the top sheet for enabling easier loading and containment of the capsules within the top sheet, for orienting the capsules. The filler assembly has at least a pair of sheets having profile cut portions and profile-cut strip for gripping the body of the capsules especially capsules having a longer cap length and shorter body length such as double blind capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Raj Vikram Tahil, Santosh Puransingh Bhagat, Poovakkala John Oommen
  • Patent number: 7200975
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, having a transfer device for the transfer of containers from a transfer starwheel to the carousel of a container handling machine. A transfer device for container handling machines such as fillers, rinsers or cappers for the handling of containers with a neck ring, with a circulating carousel on which there are handling spaces for the container, with at least one infeed starwheel, whereby the transfer device comprises a rigid transfer arm and optionally a drive system to move the transfer arm back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Patent number: 7117654
    Abstract: A process is provided for minimizing moisture accumulation in a product package that is sprayed with a cool water shower. The product is placed in a container, and a closure is installed on a container. The product is heated before it is placed in the container or during its placement in the container, or after it is placed in the container, or while the closure is being installed on the container, or after the closure has been installed on the container. The internal atmosphere within the closed closure is allowed to expand from the heat and to vent through a vent channel. The package is cooled with a cooling water shower, and the vent channel minimizes the transient pressure differential so as to minimize the amount of water infiltration into the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Danks
  • 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: 7082738
    Abstract: The capsule filling-sealing apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a filling unit in which various mechanisms for carrying out filling processing for empty capsules are functionally disposed, a sealing unit for securely sealing filled capsules, and a connection unit for transferring the filled capsules from the filling unit to the sealing unit, wherein the filling unit, the connection unit and the sealing unit are disposed organically and integrated substantially, and the sealing processing is carrying out sequentially after the filling processing on the same production line without requiring unnecessary storage and transfer after the filling processing for capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Shionogi Qualicaps Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Konishi, Takashi Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 7051491
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping blown containers is provided. The top surfaces of a snap-on cap are preferably engaged sequentially by pressure members that traverse different segments thereof. The pressure members urge the cap over the neck of a container as they traverse the cap. The pressure members are preferably mounted to a support that is positioned above an initially loosely capped container, and resiliently urge the cap in a downward direction. The pressure exerted by each pressure member on the cap may be adjustable. The surfaces of the pressure members for engaging the cap are preferably substantially spherical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ultraseal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel E. Wohlgemuth, William Michael Rebstock
  • Patent number: 6998094
    Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handling assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails makes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be carried out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Genetix Limited
    Inventors: James Keith Haslam, Paul Noble, Keith Melvin Ebel
  • Patent number: 6959524
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-treated plastic pressurized container that is resistant to polar liquids and impact stresses and the process for making such container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Su Yon Chang, Michael Thomas Dodd
  • Patent number: 6905265
    Abstract: In a loading position of a manufacturing apparatus, a cartridge attracted and held by a magnet of a holding member of a cartridge loading mechanism is held on a vertically movable table of a case holding device while being guided by a tapered inner circumferential surface of a rotating guide tubular body, and is inserted into a case disposed in a guide tubular body while being guided by a tapered opening. The cartridge that is inserted in the case is attracted by a magnet mounted on the vertically movable table and having stronger magnetic forces than the magnet, and is released from the magnetic attraction by the magnet and loaded into the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chiaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6843962
    Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handing assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails rakes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be cared out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Genetix Limited
    Inventors: James Keith Haslam, Paul Noble
  • Patent number: 6834475
    Abstract: A capsule filling machine (1) for the production of hard gelatine capsules (C) of the type with a capsule lid and a capsule body and containing a product, preferably a pharmaceutical product, comprises at least a first station (2), rotating with a stepping motion, for supporting and moving at least one capsule body (3) to a second station (4) for feeding and dosing the product, the second station (4) rotating with a stepping motion synchrozised with that of the first station (2) and having at least one cylindrical hole (5) containing a dose (6) of the product; between the first station (2) and the second station (4) there being slide means (7) for supporting and moving the capsule body (3) between a first operating position, in which the capsule body (3) is distanced from a lower end (5a) of the cylindrical hole (5), and a second operating position, in which the capsule body (3) is exactly below the lower end (5a) of the cylindrical hole (5), allowing the dose of product (6) to be released into the capsule bo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Trebbi, Salvatore Fabrizio Consoli
  • Publication number: 20040206052
    Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine bottom fills a carton. The machine includes a lid application station for applying a lid to the carton open top at an upper edge and means for removing the carton from the mandrel. The carton is positioned on a conveyor and is conveyed to a filling station disposed along the conveyor for filling product into the carton. After filling, the carton is indexed to a bottom flap folding station for folding the bottom flaps toward one another and a bottom fin sealing station for sealing a portion of the bottom wall flaps to one another to form an elongated fin. A bottom panel folding station folds the bottom panels toward one another to form a sealed bottom wall and a discharge station discharges the packages from the machine. A method for forming the carton and a carton formed by the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Gary Shean, Brian Kaczor, Manfred Schmid, Tommy Ljungstrom, Eric Lemanski
  • Publication number: 20040194431
    Abstract: Beverage filling plant comprising a plurality of beverage filling positions, each beverage filling position comprising a beverage filling device for filling bottles with liquid beverage filling material; said filling devices comprising apparatus being configured to introduce a predetermined flow of liquid beverage filling material into the interior of bottles to a substantially predetermined level of liquid beverage filling material; said apparatus configured to introduce a predetermined flow of liquid beverage filling material comprising apparatus being configured to terminate the filling of beverage bottles upon liquid beverage filling material reaching said substantially predetermined level in bottles; a first conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed to move inspected bottles from said inspection machine to said filling machine; a closing station being configured to close filled bottles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Kramer, Lutz Deckert, Thomas Stienen
  • Publication number: 20040187444
    Abstract: Disclosed are flexible pouches including a process for manufacturing said pouches from preforms. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing and filling said pouches wherein the preform/pouch is handled via the neck portion throughout the production line. In one embodiment, the filled pouch is further dressed, decorated, or inserted into a rigid outer container, for example a box. In a preferred embodiment, the production line is a modified version of the type commonly used for handling rigid containers, such as those used to manufacture and fill soft drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald A. Hutchinson, Robert A. Lee
  • Patent number: 6739111
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of tubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a positioning device that directs a tube from a hopper to a labeler where a label is applied to the tube. The positioning device further directs the tube to one of a plurality of filling stations where a continuous flow of filling material is dispensed into the tube. The tube is then directed to a capping device where a cap is applied to an end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David P. Banks, Darrell D. Jones
  • Publication number: 20040011001
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine equipped with a stocker apparatus which receives spout-equipped bags that are successively fed out from a bag-making apparatus, stacks a predetermined number of bags, and supplies the stacked groups of bags to a packaging apparatus. The stocker apparatus has stocking sections made of rails that are capable of stocking bags in groups, and such stocking sections as a whole can be raised and lowered simultaneously. When the operation of the packaging apparatus is temporarily stopped, groups of bags are successively stocked in the stocking sections of the stocker apparatus; as a result, the operation of the bag-making apparatus can be continued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Hiramoto
  • Patent number: 6675555
    Abstract: In a unit for feeding articles to a blister band, a casing has two apertures for a blister band to enter and come out of the casing. The casing supports and contains operative means for feeding articles to blisters made in the blister band. The casing is connected to a blistering machine for feeding the articles, and is removed from the blistering machine for cleaning and/or sterilizing the casing and the operative means in a suitable area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 6655109
    Abstract: A filler device sub-assembly comprising: a first cap gripping arm and a second cap gripping arm, wherein each of the first and second cap gripping arms include a second end, and wherein the second ends of the first and second cap gripping arms cooperatively define a cap retaining region; a pivot opening associated with each of the first and second cap gripping arms, wherein the first and second cap gripping arms are pivotable about the pivot opening; and means for guiding a cap into the cap retaining region, wherein the cap guiding means facilitates outward pivoting of at least one of the first and second cap gripping arms by a cap which results in directing a cap into the retaining region toward retention thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignees: Fogg Filler Company, Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Resterhouse, Simon P. Edwards, Robert B. Szabo, II
  • Publication number: 20030188512
    Abstract: The method comprises viewing by means of a magnetic recording camera the zone for the opening of vials and for metered filling thereof and continuously recording said zones visually during the operation of the installation and simultaneously carrying out the identification marking of each full glass container, with indelible marking means, at the outlet of the installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: PROBITAS PHARMA S.A.
    Inventors: Javier Jorba Ribes, Jose Ramon Sanchez Sabate, Ramon Morales Perez
  • Publication number: 20030182901
    Abstract: Filling and sealing devices and methods of aseptically filling containers are disclosed herein. More specifically, the filling and sealing devices include a sterile filling chamber and an induction sealing device provided within the filling chamber. The induction sealing device is capable of withstanding and operating in the adverse conditions required to maintain the sterile environment within the filling chamber. Within the filling chamber, the container may be uncapped, filled, recapped, and foil sealed by an induction sealing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Chester Savage, Dan B. Gudz
  • Patent number: 6624540
    Abstract: Brushless motors for portable information equipment that can be simultaneously reflow-soldered to a substrate and efficiently and densely mounted thereon in such a way that the coupled portion between the motor and the substrate has a high impact resistance, thereby providing small and reliable portable information equipment having a high productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Fukuda, Koji Kuyama, Toshio Uehara, Kazuhito Itakura, Chiaki Yamamoto, Shigeru Yoshida, Hiroyasu Fujinaka, Mikio Umehara, Noriyoshi Sato
  • Publication number: 20030159408
    Abstract: A cap chute end for capping a plurality of in-line containers in an ambient atmosphere includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of first manifold apertures for injecting a first fluid into the plurality of containers. A fluid shoe is operatively adjacent the fluid manifold and has a plurality of shoe apertures for dispensing a second fluid into the plurality of caps and plurality of containers. A frame that supports the fluid shoe is configured to receive a plurality of caps at a receiving end of the frame. A wiper supported at a dispensing end of the frame has a pair of arms operatively adjacent the fluid shoe. The pair of arms is configured to orient the plurality of caps to the plurality of containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Robert B. Seebeger, Frank M. Knafelc, Ronald E. Heiskell, Kenneth T. Felipe
  • Patent number: 6546702
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for encapsulating medicinal products and methods of using these devices to form the encapsulated product. More specifically, the present invention includes improved closing and/or ejection pins for use with a conventional capsule closing device. The closing pins may be hollow down a longitudinal interior diameter and may include a chamfered capsule contacting surface. The closing and/or ejection pins may be removably mounted to a pin plate and may be manufactured from a polymer. The pin plate may be attached to an actuation shaft in a non-rotational fashion, such as with a non-circular shaft profile and set screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Nutricia Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley Wayne Pickett
  • Publication number: 20030041565
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of tubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a positioning device that directs a tube from a hopper to a labeler where a label is applied to the tube. The positioning device further directs the tube to one of a plurality of filling stations where a continuous flow of filling material is dispensed into the tube. The tube is then directed to a capping device where a cap is applied to an end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David P. Banks, Darrell D. Jones
  • Patent number: 6481187
    Abstract: A carrier tape drive used in conjunction with a pick and place module. The drive advances carrier tape to a desired position in two steps. The first step includes substantially stopping a carrier tape compartment short of a loading position, and the second step includes moving the compartment into the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Merlin E. Behnke, Steven J. Alexander, Donald P. McGee, Todd K. Pichler, John Novak
  • Publication number: 20020162300
    Abstract: The transfer device has a means of securing the grip of the lifting device on the lid (14), in the form of an elastic suction pad (11) with narrowing and widening aperture and a suction line (21). The closer (8) can grip the lid and exert suction on it. There is a monitoring device, possibly with a sensor, to monitor the seating of the lid on the lifting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: ARTHUR NUSSBAUMER, MARKUS SCHNEUWLY
  • Patent number: 6474040
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding a filled and sealed liner to an interior wall of a carton. The carton having the filled liner therein is heated under vacuum such that the pressure difference between the atmosphere under vacuum and the filled liner allows the liner to expand and bond to an interior wall of the carton by means of an adhesive provided there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Michigan State University
    Inventors: David C. Ours, David L. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20020073652
    Abstract: There is now provided a method and an apparatus therefor for stabilizing products in containers in a continuous container flow by stationary, sequential sections by means of overflowing liquid, whereby the sections are graduated with respect to one another in terms of their liquid temperature, and for purposes of efficient liquid recycling are organized in pairs, so that the liquid is transported by overflow among sections, and to set the desired temperature of the overflowing liquid, liquid is added to the liquid being transported, characterized by the fact that the excess liquid in the at least one zone overflows in a cascade fashion from zone to zone of increasing overflow temperature and into liquid reservoirs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Ulrich Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 6367228
    Abstract: A capsule part carrier in a filling and sealing machine for two-part capsules comprises a lower segment for capsule bottom parts and an upper segment for caps. In each of the segments, two stepped bores embodied of bore portions are provided, which form a seat for the capsule bottom part and the cap. In the bore portions of the lower segment, a plurality of longitudinal grooves are formed, which communicate via a suction bore with a vacuum source. Via the longitudinal grooves, the negative pressure applied in the lower segment can also act on the upper segment and the cap. Instead of longitudinal grooves, separate through bores can also be provided, which communicate with the suction bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Wurst, Manfred Kuhnle
  • Patent number: 6355290
    Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen, Dale A. Panasewicz
  • Patent number: 6341469
    Abstract: An installation for the packaging of a product in containers closed with a stopper, including in particular a filling machine (1), a stopping machine (3) and, upstream of this, a device (6) for the dynamic storage of stoppers suitable to drive the stoppers continuously and with a pre-specified pitch, the number of stoppers present simultaneously in the device (6) being at least equal to that of the containers present in a pre-specified part (7) of the installation, means (8) for the control of the supply of stoppers being provided upstream of the device (6) to control a device (10) for supplying containers located upstream of the pre-specified part (7); thus, for every container engaged in the pre-specified part (7) corresponds a stopper present in the device (6) supplying the stopping machine (3) and, in the event of an incident in the supply of stoppers upstream of the device (6), the supply of containers from the pre-specified part (7) is controlled (9, 10) while maintaining the operation of the terminal p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Sidel
    Inventors: Philippe Derouault, Patrick Mie, Jean-Louis Pellegatta
  • Patent number: 6308494
    Abstract: A drug filling machine has a plurality of feeders containing a plurality of different kinds of drugs. A plurality of drugs are discharged from one or some or the feeders into a vial. A sealing unit is provided for sealing the mouth of the vial with a transparent sheet. The sealing unit includes a sheet presser for pushing the transparent sheet into the mouth of the vial to form a sealing sheet having a tray-shaped section, a cutter for cutting the transparent sheet into a predetermined shape, and a heater for fusing the transparent sheet to the top end of the vial to seal the mouth of the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Hiroyasu Hamada
  • Patent number: 6226962
    Abstract: A method of producing a container (201, 231, 350) having a plurality of apertures (eg 202, 232, 352) each containing a respective dose of powdered material, such as a medicament, involves placing an empty container in a position in which its apertures communicate with a reservoir (216, 84) of powdered material. The material is then passed, for example by the flow of gas, from the reservoir into the apertures to fill the latter, and the container is then separated from the reservoir and the apertures are optionally sealed with sheet material (204, 206, 321, 323). Since the apertures are filled, their volume determines the amount of each dose which therefore does not have to be measured prior to introduction into the apertures. The container may comprise a rigid or flexible plate and in latter case can be subsequently rolled into the form of a cylinder for use in an inhaler. Apparatus for performing the method, and an inhaler for use with a cylindrical container, are also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Lipha SA
    Inventors: Stephen William Eason, Clive Patrick Ashley Catterall, David Peter Griffin
  • Patent number: 6213388
    Abstract: Dispensing assembly for a carton with a sealed liner filled with product therein. A pour spout or flap is mounted to a dispensing opening to pivot between an open and closed positions. The liner is bonded to the pour spout or flap in a way that when the spout or flap is initially opened, that portion of the liner bonded thereto separates from the rest of the liner, providing access to the contents thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: David C. Ours, James O. Robotham, David L. Bradley, Michael Borgerson
  • Patent number: 6205743
    Abstract: The parisons (P) manufactured by an extrusion group (1,1″) are gripped between the mould and the counter-mould (S,S′) mounted, together with the associated actuating mechanisms, on a carriage (19) which, after receiving the parisons, moves into a blowing station (Z1) for the formation of the bottles which then remain suspended from the nozzles of this station. By means of a set of three self-centring closing and opening grippers (P1, P2, P3), the groups of bottles are then transferred from the said blowing station to a sprue-removal and mouth-calibrating station (Z2), to a quality control station (Z3) and then to a filling station (Z4). By means of a fourth self-centring gripper (P4) with an independent movement the filled bottles are finally transferred into an end capping station (Z5). A conveyor (59) which collects together and removes all the production waste is provided underneath the various work stations which are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Techne Technipack Engineering Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Castellari
  • Patent number: 6185910
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for high-purity bottling of beverages and an apparatus for carrying out such a method. For achieving high-purity bottling within a confined space and for reducing the operating expenses in comparison with conventional plants, it is suggested that an immersion bath sterilizer should be connected directly to a rotary filling machine and that the rotary filling machine should be arranged in a clean room, whereas in the area of the bottle conveying path through said clean room ultraclean-room conditions are created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Achhammer
  • Patent number: 6167682
    Abstract: Drums or vessels with bungs or orifices having generally cylindrical walls with edges capable of being sealed-against are sealed with closures that deform into contact with those edges and provide seals that are tamper-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Robert B. Moon