Miscellaneous Patents (Class 53/393)
  • Patent number: 9056693
    Abstract: A machine to be incorporated in a packaging line for beverage packages such as wines and sparkling wines, in a stage after the entering of bottles into a box, and before the closing of same. The machine is formed into a fixed frame (B) interposed in the packaging line, the fixed frame defining a lower sector where the boxes carrying the bottles pass, and a higher sector having a carrier horizontal frame for at least one placing head (C). The dividers (S) each comprise at least a pair of flexible laminar plates with square format joined to each other through a central and vertical adhesive line disposed between their opposite faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventors: Marisa Rosana Lattanzi, Laura Isabel Lattanzi, Fernando Adrián Lattanzi, Carina Adriana Lattanzi
  • Patent number: 9032695
    Abstract: A lifting device for the movement of a chamber upper part of a chamber conveyor belt machine, the lifting device having first and second lifting mechanisms. The first lifting mechanism may be driven by a motorized drive, and the second lifting mechanism may be driven by an adjusting cylinder. The lifting device may further include a connection element for coupling the two lifting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Häring, Klaus Rothermel
  • Patent number: 8959878
    Abstract: A tablet inspecting device which can overcome counting and discrimination errors is provided. A medicine packaging envelope strip is formed by connecting in a strip shape multiple envelopes separated when a user takes tablets, and is imaged, thus counting the tablets. A conveyance passage along which the strip is conveyed in an associated longitudinal direction, conveyance mechanism, and gap forming part forming a gap between adjacent tablets, the conveyance passage including a horizontal passage, a first inclined passage with upward inclination extending from the horizontal passage, and a second inclined passage with downward inclination and an upper end spaced apart from an upper end of the first passage, the gap forming part including a rod body having projecting portions staggered throughout a peripheral surface thereof, being arranged at the space approximately orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and being rotatable about a center axis thereof, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ookuma Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Okuma
  • Patent number: 8707663
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of flexible, hose-like objects, such as bags, in which the processing devices are located on a guide track above the objects to be treated, which processing devices and guide track are suspended from a framework with an empty space underneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Matheyka
  • Publication number: 20130305661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum packaging machine for producing an evacuated packaging of a product, which is disposed between an upper film and a lower film, and which can also be reliably used for thicker cover films or hard packaging. This is solved by means of a vacuum packaging machine which contains a forming station and at least one tool lifter (10) with tools, comprising an upper tool part (13) and a lower tool part (12) and a lifting system, which enables a first and a second lifting or closing movement, wherein at least one tool lifting cylinder (19) for a vertical lift of the lower tool part (12) as well as a cylinder shaft (15) passed through the lower tool part (12) and having a locking cam (16) is provided, and the cylinder shaft (15) is passed through an opening (17) of the lower tool part (12), the cross-section of said opening corresponding to that of the locking cam (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Bill Sorensen, Paul Ammann
  • Patent number: 8479475
    Abstract: The invention provides a transportable bottling plant integrated into a container. The container has a separation wall dividing the container into a bottling room and a technical room. A preform feeder, a bottle blowing unit, a filling and closing unit and first and second transferring devices are mounted in the bottling room. A power generator, an air compressor and an air conditioning unit are mounted in the technical room. The preform feeder comprises a recipient for receiving plastic bottle preforms and an ordering unit for ordering the preforms and feeding them towards the bottle blowing unit. The first transferring device is provided for transferring the preforms from the preform feeder to the bottle blowing unit. The bottle blowing unit comprises a heater for heating the preforms and a blow-molder for blow-molding the preforms into bottles. The second transferring device is provided for transferring the bottles from the bottle blowing unit to the filling and closing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Conteno
    Inventor: Christophe Armand Van Steen
  • Patent number: 8333312
    Abstract: A method of separating opening devices supplied jointly in the form of a sheet and applied individually to respective packages of pourable food products involves feeding the sheet, which has a number of parallel rows of opening devices integral with one another, to a first station where a first row is detached from the rest of the sheet. The first row is fed to a second station where it is divided into individual opening devices, and a following second row of the sheet is fed to the first station as the preceding first row is being fed to the second station and/or is being at least partly divided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Jonas Dickner, Inge Nilsson, Stefan Bokander
  • Patent number: 8245486
    Abstract: A protective wrapping system for an object is disclosed that is comprised of a flexible, hardened material for wrapping around the object, a flexible magnetic strip adhered to either end that enables the system to adhere to ferromagnetic materials, and a series of holes that are placed through the material and the magnetic strips to protect it from scrapes and puncture damages when being moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Appliance Protection Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Wener, Ralph T. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20120103764
    Abstract: A conveyor belt connector, adapted to connect first and second ends of an elongate flexible belt having a top and a bottom and operated substantially constantly under tension, includes a plurality of hooks, disposed at the first end of the belt, and a plurality of slots, disposed at the second end of the belt, configured to longitudinally pivotally attach to the plurality of hooks and connect the belt in a continuous loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Richard T. Price, Byron Larson
  • Patent number: 8042320
    Abstract: A workstation of a packaging machine comprises a lifting device (100) which is configured such that it is able to convert a rotary motion of a motor (8) into a translator motion of the workstation by a lever device (6). The stroke of the lifting device (100) is performable for this purpose by a pivotable lever (61) and a roller (32) which cooperates with an upper roller limit (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mutlivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Miller, Konrad Moessnang
  • Patent number: 8015778
    Abstract: In a method for filling bulk goods into containers designed to accommodate a certain number of bulk items, at least one bulk goods conveyor is used to transport the bulk goods towards at least two pickers which are consecutively arranged in the direction of transport. The pickers are used to fill the bulk goods into empty spaces in containers, transported on at least one container conveyor. When the supply of bulk goods decreases or is discontinued, the at least one picker arranged downstream in the direction of transport of the bulk goods conveyor gives preference to containers with a high filling level. Completely empty containers are preferably no longer filled. Thus the bulk goods conveyor can be emptied within a short period and almost all bulk goods are packed without necessitating manual filling of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Reto Tischhauser
  • Patent number: 7913476
    Abstract: A wrapping device 1 for packaging goods, specifically goods stacked on pallets or the like, with a tube-like film, with a film feeding device 4 with fusion and cutting systems to generate and feed a dome-like film cover within a device frame 6, where film feeding device 4 works in conjunction with a covering device 7 that moves vertically up and down within device frame 6, where covering device 7 is designed to grasp the film cover and place it to cover goods located in the lower segment of device frame 6, is characterized by having film feeding device 4 move vertically within device frame 6. This arrangement simplifies installation, maintenance and repairs, specifically to the film feeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Per Lachenmeier
  • Publication number: 20100251666
    Abstract: A quick-change tooling system includes a plurality of pickers each configured to pick specific items, and a plurality of magazines each configured to hold a stack of the items. A pick and place machine includes a carriage for moving the pickers between a picking location adjacent the magazine and a placing location. The carriage includes a quick-release clamp assembly that allows pickers for different items to be changed quickly and without the use of tools. The magazines and product support plates upon which items are also configured to be changed without the use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Leoncio Angel Gonzalez, Mitar Vojcic
  • Publication number: 20100212140
    Abstract: A beverage bottle handling machine construction method for constructing a beverage bottle handling machine, such as a beverage bottle cleaning machine, a beverage bottle treating machine, and a beverage bottle shrink wrapping machine in a beverage bottling plant and container handling machines corresponding to the beverage bottle handling machine. 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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Klaus Jendrichowski, Ulrich Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 7775019
    Abstract: An automated operation application module for a packaging machine comprises a frame, a suspension joined to the frame for rolls of packaging material, and a pre-unwinding unit for supplying the packaging material to the film storage unit. The application module has a film storage unit joined to the frame, a sealing station joined to the frame, a film pre-drawing unit joined to the frame for supplying the packaging material to the sealing station, and a film-forwarding unit joined to the frame for forwarding the processed packaging material to a packaging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Haak, Tobias Greif
  • Patent number: 7770365
    Abstract: A suture package retaining device having a housing with an interior space. Suture packages are located in an interior space of the housing and biased towards a top of the device. A top-most suture package is positioned at the top in alignment with an opening. The top-most suture package is held in position in the retaining device, permitting a user to access a suture of the package through the opening. When a user applies upward force to remove the suture, the suture package is maintained in a fixed position, allowing the user to disassociate the suture from the package. The device may include a slot through which suture packages may be inserted into or removed from the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Equinox Surgical Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: John Marcos Enriquez, III, Kenneth Warren Volker
  • Patent number: 7763213
    Abstract: A package for enclosing volatile corrosion inhibiting materials includes a first enclosure barrier being fabricated from one or more gas-impermeable materials and defining a first enclosed space. The package further includes a substrate having one or more volatile corrosion inhibitor materials disposed thereon, with the substrate being disposed within the first enclosed space. In some embodiments, a second enclosure barrier being fabricated from a gas-permeable, solid particle-impermeable material is disposed in the first enclosed space, and defines a second enclosed space inside of the first enclosed space. In such embodiments, the substrate is preferably disposed within the second enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Cortec Corporation
    Inventors: Boris A. Miksic, Cliff Cracauer, Brian Wuertz, Scott Bolton, Barry Haygood, Grant McEwan
  • Publication number: 20100154358
    Abstract: A method of separating opening devices supplied jointly in the form of a sheet and applied individually to respective packages of pourable food products involves feeding the sheet, which has a number of parallel rows of opening devices integral with one another, to a first station where a first row is detached from the rest of the sheet. The first row is fed to a second station where it is divided into individual opening devices, and a following second row of the sheet is fed to the first station as the preceding first row is being fed to the second station and/or is being at least partly divided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Jonas Dickner, Inge Nilsson, Stefan Bokander
  • Patent number: 7726097
    Abstract: The invention provides a packaging machine support device having a frame with side walls and feet which bear the latter, and having at least one workstation borne by this frame, the side walls being in profile form. The packaging machine support device in accordance with the invention is suited to comply with the increasingly stringent hygiene requirements for packaging machines. This is achieved according to the invention by providing a frame profile (7) that is essentially open at the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Publication number: 20100107572
    Abstract: A packaging machine with at least one pneumatic drive is proposed, which packaging machine is insensitive to dirt and is easy to clean. According to the invention, this is achieved by provision of an integrated structural unit (8, 9, 10) which comprises a pilot valve and a pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MULTIVAC
    Inventors: Tieme Jan Slomp, Elmar Eugen Ehrmann, Herbert Kirmse
  • Patent number: 7694494
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree support and cover system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a tree stand configured for efficient transportation of a tree. The tree stand includes two sets of wheels for use in translating the tree. A first set of wheels is disposed below the tree stand and allows for conventional translation with an erect tree. A second set of wheels is disposed on the side of the tree stand and allows for tipped translation. The tree stand may also include an optional electrical system with one or more electrical items including a timer, a Ground Fault Interrupter outlet, a remote controlled positioning system, etc. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a collapsible tree cover that can be used to efficiently transport and store the tree. The collapsible tree cover can be concealed within a tree stand or used as a skirt when it is collapsed below the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Treekeeper, LLC
    Inventors: Erik D. Bornemeier, Jared Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20100077703
    Abstract: A method of positioning containers in an installation for processing containers having mouth segments (103) of different cross-sections, the method comprising the step of moving the containers along a container movement line (1) in an installation while maintaining a reference point on each of the mouth segments on said movement line, the movement line being common to all mouth segment cross-sections, and the reference points on the mouth segments being the same regardless of the cross-sections of the mouth segments of the containers, wherein the reference point is situated on an outside side surface of the mouth segment in a manner such that the mouth segments are tangential to the movement line. A corresponding positioning device and an installation including such devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Xavier GOURLAOUEN
  • Publication number: 20100043351
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic medicine packing machine having a cleaning device for automatically cleaning dust generated in the packing machine while packing successively various medicines dose by dose. An automatic medicine packing machine includes a plurality of cassettes arranged in an upper portion of a body to receive medicines of various sizes and shapes, a hopper assembly arranged in a lower portion of the body to collect medicines discharged from the cassettes, a hopper mounting unit for mounting the hopper assembly to a lower portion of a frame of the body to be openable, a packing device for packing the medicines collected by the hopper assembly, and a hopper cleaning device for sucking dust generated from the hopper assembly during a medicine packing process to clean an interior of the hopper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: JVM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20100011718
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine, wherein at least one tool can be displaced to a lowered or to a lifted position by means of a lifting system, the lifting station being driven by at least one adjustable pneumatic/hydraulic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: CFS Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Günter Donges, Bruno Baumeister
  • Publication number: 20100006602
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Health Robotics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Werner Rainer, Daniele Baldassari, Alferino Gabbarini, Pietro Paluselli
  • Patent number: 7634896
    Abstract: A liner emptying device and a liner filling device as well as methods using them for contamination-free filling and emptying of a liner. This contamination-free filling and emptying prevents any danger to the health of the people working with the packaged substances. Both the liner emptying device and the liner filling device are connected to the liner via a fastening device and the residual films sealing off the device can be removed via an access port, whereby the liner can be filled or emptied without contaminating the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hecht Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Steven Multer, Karsten Weber
  • Publication number: 20090260319
    Abstract: A packaging machine (1) having at least one registration device is described, in particular a log-in device (13, 16) for checking the personnel-related access authorization. In order that a log-in procedure for gaining access to the packaging machine (1) is associated with the smallest possible expenditure of time and/or effort, at least one of the log-in devices (13, 16) includes a reading unit for wireless and/or contactless reception of transmitted information from wireless and/or contactless readable portable data storage media (12, 18), as well as an alternative input device for the wired input of information. A data storage medium is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Claus Botzenhardt, Thomas Pfalzer, Christopher Kleinert
  • Patent number: 7603834
    Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
  • Publication number: 20090241486
    Abstract: A packaging machine includes a clamping arrangement, composed of a series of clamps designed to grip and release a web of flexible material, and which are coupled to a belt that is advanced along a predetermined path to advance the web of flexible through the machine. The belt is made up of side-by-side belt portions that are spliced together in axially spaced locations by the clamps, to withstand the forces and stresses placed thereon as the web material is advanced. Each clamp is formed of an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member that are pivotably interconnected together, in combination with a guide member the guides movement of the belt through the machine. The belts are independently driven by operation of a pair of motors, which are synchronously operated in order to advance the opposite edges of the web material at the same rate of speed through the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Raymond G. Buchko, Dwayne C. Long
  • Publication number: 20090217623
    Abstract: An automated operation application module for a packaging machine comprises a frame, a suspension joined to the frame for rolls of packaging material, and a pre-unwinding unit for supplying the packaging material to the film storage unit. The application module has a film storage unit joined to the frame, a sealing station joined to the frame, a film pre-drawing unit joined to the frame for supplying the packaging material to the sealing station, and a film-forwarding unit joined to the frame for forwarding the processed packaging material to a packaging machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Juergen Haak, Tobias Greif
  • Patent number: 7581370
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine, in which a horizontal bag-making machine and a packaging machine are provided, including a positioning conveyor for positioning bags fed out from the horizontal bag-making machine, a feed conveyor for feeding the bags to the packaging machine, and first, second, and third transport mechanisms provided between the positioning conveyor and the feed conveyor. The first transport mechanism lifts up the bags up and change their attitude to a vertical attitude with the bag mouths oriented upward. The second transport mechanism receives the bags from the first transport mechanisms, transports them, and rotates the bags to orient bag surfaces in the feed direction of the feed conveyor. The third transport mechanisms receives the bags from the second transport mechanisms, changes their attitude to a horizontal attitude, and places them on the feed conveyor with the bag mouths oriented in the feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoichi Koga
  • Publication number: 20090045092
    Abstract: This invention is a design for packaging (boxes or paper bags). The packaging is decorated with a bouquet of miniature mulberry paper flowers on the cover or side of the packaging. The miniature mulberry paper flowers can be roses, calla-lilies, daisies, rosebuds, lotuses, dahlia, poinsettias, gypsos, leaves, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, flat flowers, star flowers, tulips and decorating flowers. These flowers can be of different sizes or colors. The arrangement of the flowers' wires along the main stem's wire of the focal flower chosen allows for a 3-D arrangement. The flowers are arranged in the format of a fresh bouquet of flowers done by a western floral designer. This bouquet of flowers is glued onto the packaging box from the underside of the bouquet. There is the possibility of uncountable permutations of miniature bouquets of flowers. The flowers are bought ready-made from the internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: VIRGINA MARY HO
    Inventor: Virgina Mary Ho
  • Patent number: 7415809
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus 10 including a cabinet 11 provided with a door 12 which is movable relative to an axis opening 13. Within the cabinet 11 is a packaging machine 15 with which there is associated a former 14. The former 14 is movably supported for movement between an operative position aligned with the packaging machine 15, and a service position spaced laterally toward the access opening 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Alfred A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080178559
    Abstract: In an elongated strip of desiccant packages each package includes a body formed from spun bonded non-woven polyethylene; a lateral seal at each end of the body, the seal comprising a knurled direct, adhesive free, seal having intersecting sealing lines each of which is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the package; a longitudinal seal extending between the lateral seals printed indicia on the package disposed substantially between the lateral seals, and spaced from the longitudinal seal, the longitudinal and lateral sealing areas being substantially free of printing; at least one registration mark( on the body, the mark disposed at a known distance from at least one of the lateral seals, and outside of the sealing area; a sorbent material within the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen DeFedericis, Anthony J. Arnone, Peter R. Millen
  • Patent number: 7243477
    Abstract: A method of disguisedly packaging an absorbent article includes the steps of: volumetrically reducing an absorbent article such that the volume of the absorbent article is less than a nominal volume of the absorbent article; and disposing the volumetrically reduced absorbent article within a package. The package includes a deceptive size and outward appearance such that it is not visually evident that an absorbent article is disposed therein. Indeed, the size of the package is substantially smaller than the nominal size of the absorbent article, whereby the size of the package contributes to the deceptive outward appearance of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Diaperoos, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Kay Snell
  • Patent number: 7036289
    Abstract: A wrapping machine and/or a top foil wrapping machine machine frame, which is supported on a fixed base and has upright vertical columns and horizontal cross members connecting the vertical columns to each other. Each vertical column has at least two column parts detachably joined together end on end, the column parts including a lower column part and an upper column part. Only the lower column parts of the vertical columns are connected to each other by the cross members while the upper column parts are not connected to each other. To store and/or transport the machine, the machine is reduced to a low size (A) for packaging, by detaching the upper column parts from the lower column parts of the vertical columns. The upper column parts may be reattached to the lower column parts to install the machine from the packaged size (A) to a full working size (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Oy M. Haloila AB
    Inventor: Yrjo Suolahti
  • Patent number: 7007442
    Abstract: A thin, flat package of heat sealed thermoplastic material is filled with plastic string trimmer line, with one end of the line accessible through an opening in the rear wall, and the other end of the line extending from a slot in the periphery of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: John R. Fogle
  • Patent number: 6948295
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for manufacturing and shipping goods using a work platform that easily converts into a protective cover for use during shipment of the finished good. The device of the present invention reduces waste generated by the manufacturing and shipping processes through the use of a platform capable of retaining a good during both assembly and shipment. When shipment is complete, the platform is preferably constructed of a material that is recyclable. During assembly, the work platform exists as a single, planar platform comprising a first support surface and a second support surface fixedly joined at an interface. During shipment, the protective cover exists as the first support surface and second support surface fixedly interconnected in a parallel orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Cardiac Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick L. Biggins
  • Patent number: 6848236
    Abstract: A treatment or manufacturing installation in a working area, comprising at least one machine having at least one workstation, particularly a beverage bottle treatment or manufacturing machine, which is fixedly disposed on a floor area, and comprising a machine protection device which comprises panes which cover at least the workstation in a supporting frame which comprises vertical pillars and which defines an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Erich Eder
  • Patent number: 6796106
    Abstract: A carousel device (10) has a rotatable platform (12) with vacuum assisted suction cups (14) placed circumferentially about the rotational axis of the spindle (32). The spindle protrudes through a bushing (30) and forms an annular chamber (46) therebetween that is connectable to a vacuum source to assist holding a box (20) down while an operator feeds cable (70) into the rotating box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Drago Bulich
  • Publication number: 20040149615
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive merchandising packaging that includes at least one opening formed therein whereby a user can test the utility of the packaged product with items external to the packaging without removing the product from the packaging. The at least one opening is dimensioned such that only a portion of the product is accessible for interacting with an external object and removal of the product is prohibited without causing damage to the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Eisenbraun
  • Patent number: 6726794
    Abstract: A pre-loaded disposable merchandiser (10), apparatus for producing merchandiser (10), and method for producing merchandiser (10). Merchandiser (10) includes strip (30), hanger (46) at one end of strip (30), and a plurality of items (12) connected to strip (30) in staggered locations. The apparatus includes strip material feeder (36), tape applicator (80) to apply piece (72) of tape (60) to a portion of strip (30) and a portion of an items (12). Items (12) may be heat sealed to strip (30) instead of taped. The method includes registering items (12) with strip (30) with items (12) being heat sealed to strip (30) or taped to strip (30). Merchandiser (10) is then cut from strip (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rudolph Foods Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Belt
  • Patent number: 6637749
    Abstract: A seal for the selective sealing of a rod which is reciprocatable within an opening through the wall of an enclosure such as the filling station of a packaging machine, the seal being actuatable to selectively provide a fluid-tight seal between the rod and the wall and release of the seal for free non-sealed movement of the rod within the opening. A method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Terrance Scherman
  • Publication number: 20020152718
    Abstract: Packaging machine and especially intermediate elements installed therein for fixing active elements such as for example robots, transposing apparatuses, conveyor belts and the like to a main frame structure of a packaging machine such as for example a CNC-top loading machine, in which both simple and flexible assembly of the modules is possible and the modules can be displaced both in the longitudinal direction and also transversely with respect to the packaging path and can be fixed at any desired locations, wherein the intermediate elements comprise profile members respectively arranged in pairs in parallel mutually juxtaposed relationship, the intermediate elements are held at a defined spacing by means of clamping plates, the clamping plates have projections which stick up laterally of the profile members, and the clamping plates are clamped by means of a clamping mechanism which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate elements between the profile members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: GERHARD SCHUBERT GMBH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schubert
  • Patent number: 6405778
    Abstract: A pre-loaded, disposable merchandiser, a machine for producing the merchandiser and methods for producing the merchandiser and for packaging items to be sold for display. The merchandiser comprises a strip, a hanger at one end of the strip for suspending the strip, and a plurality of items to be offered for sale, adhesively connected to the strip in staggered locations on the strip. Apparatus for producing the merchandiser comprises a strip material feeder operable to deliver or feed strip material to a station, a tape arm operable to advance tape, a tape cutter operable to cut off a piece of the tape, and an install pad operable to apply the piece of tape to a portion of the strip and to a portion of an item to be sold or to packaging for the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Rudolph Foods Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Belt
  • Patent number: 6226960
    Abstract: Method of cleaning packaging machines, in particular cigarette packaging machines, with the aid of cleaning bodies (22) which are directed through the packaging machine instead of pack contents and packaging material. The cleaning bodies (22) are thus configured and dimensioned in approximately the same way as the pack contents—cigarette group—or pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Foche & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Irmin Steinkamp
  • Patent number: 5927045
    Abstract: A cover forming apparatus for forming a flower pot or flower pot cover from a sheet of material by engaging a sheet of material about the outer surface of a mold, die or pot. The cover forming apparatus includes a plurality of pivotable forming members resting in a surface which supports a sheet of material upon which is positioned a flower pot mold or flower pot. When the forming members are pivotally moved from the storage position to an extended position, the forming members cause the sheet of material to be appressed to or engaged with the mold or pot. The article formed in accordance with the present invention may be separable from the mold or pot and usable as a flower pot or flower pot cover or may be more or less securely attached to the pot by adhesive, cohesive, barbs, friction pinches or other securing means thereby forming a decorative cover connected to a flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Franklin J. Craig
  • Patent number: 5606848
    Abstract: A method for halting the function of a high speed packaging machine of the type having a conveyor based article infeed line conveying articles to a flight bar based selection line. The method is useful for performing a clean out procedure used during maintenance, and product or packaging change over. The method comprises the steps of terminating the operation of the infeed line conveyor at a predetermined position; placing an article follower behind a terminal article in each input lane; activating the operation of the infeed line conveyor whereby the articles in each input lane are conveyed to the selection line; and halting the conveyance of the article follower in the input lane prior to the selection line. An article follower and follower system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce D. Domino, Richard E. Balder
  • Patent number: 5400572
    Abstract: A scooping and packaging assembly adapted to scoop up and package poop deposited on a surface by a pet animal on a surface so that one may then dispose of the poop. The assembly consists of a loop provided with a handle, a hand-held wand and a rectangular plastic-film bag whose dimensions are such that when the loop and wand are inserted into the bag through its open end, they are separated from each other to an extent permitting manipulation of the wand relative to the loop. In operating the assembly, the user, who in one hand grasps the handle of the loop, and in the other grasps the wand while holding onto the open end of the bag, advances the closed end of the bag along the surface toward the poop and manipulates the wand to push the poop onto the outside of the bag in the region within the confines of the loop, the poop depressing the region to form a pocket depending from the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventors: Joel S. Peck, Jeffrey Kapec, Allan B. Chcochinov, Kazuna Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5343672
    Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing freeze dried pharmaceutical tablets in blister packs is disclosed. Liquid dosages are introduced into a multilayer laminated blister sheet having an impermeable intermediate layer that is positioned between first and second outer layers, each of which has substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion. The properties of the outer layers of the blister sheet are such that there are no inter-layer stresses that will cause curvature of the blister sheet when it is subjected to temperature changes during the freezing and freeze drying steps. Following the introduction of the dosages into the depressions of the blister sheet, the dosages are frozen and freeze dried. A lidding sheet is then attached to the blister sheet to seal the solid dosages into the blister pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventors: Patrick Kearney, Andrew R. Thompson, Richard J. Yarwood