Abstract: A wrapping mechanism protection device which is adapted and configured to prevent a dispensed wrapping film to interface with crop debris of hay, straw, corn straw, etc. extending from a formed bale when the bale is being ready to be wrapped is disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure describes a film-carrying device which comprises a film-carrying main frame, a spool holder rotatably mounted on the film-carrying main frame for mounting a spool of the wrapping film thereon, and a wrapping mechanism protection device extending from the film-carrying main frame and being configured to prevent the bale received in the frame to interface with the wrapping film when the bale is being wrapped.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for producing encased products from flat-roll stock using an external user interface (i.e., a handle that is external to a housing holding the heat seal assembly that is attached to a horizontally oriented shaft that rotates a first gear in the housing to rotate an aligned second gear in the housing or an electronic control) that is attached to and/or in communication with (directly or indirectly) a heat-seal assembly with a heat-seal contact member, such as a heat-seal band, in the housing to allow a user to adjust a vertical height of the heat-seal assembly while the apparatus is operational and/or without requiring physical access to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus and method utilize a corner rotation angle-based wrap control that controls the rate at which packaging material is dispensed based on the rotational position of one or more corners of the load determined during relative rotation established between the load and a packaging material dispenser.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus and method recalculate the calculated location of at least one corner of a load at one or more elevations during relative rotation between the load and a packaging material dispenser to accommodate variations in length, width and/or offset of the load at different elevations.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the percentage of stretch of a stretch wrap film in a stretch wrapping machine includes a first sensor associated with the stretch wrap roll and configured to generate a first signal as the film travels from the roll to the pre-stretch roller assembly, and a second sensor associated with the load and configured to generate a second signal as the film is wrapped around the load. A processor is operable to: a) calculate a pre-stretch length of the film based on the first signal during a time interval; b) calculate a stretched length of the film as the film is wrapped around the load on the rotating platform during the time interval; and c) calculate a percentage stretch of the film based on the pre-stretch length and said stretched length.

Abstract: A one-way clutch arrangement may be provided on a packaging material dispenser of a stretch wrapping machine in part to provide differing rates of rotation for upstream and downstream pre-stretch rollers in forward and reverse directions of the packaging material dispenser.

Abstract: A method for generating data with a wrapping machine during wrapping of a load includes measuring a length of packaging material dispensed during wrapping of the load with a sensing assembly on the wrapping machine. The method further includes obtaining a value indicative of a weight of the packaging material per unit of length and determining a weight of the packaging material dispensed on the wrapped load based on the measured length and the obtained value without removing the packaging material from the load. The determined weight of the packaging material is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A corner post application system comprises a conveyor subsystem and an enveloping machine adapted to envelope the plurality of units with a material. The system further includes a swing arm, an applicator arm coupled to the swing arm and adapted to move linearly, a corner post gripper coupled to the applicator arm, and a controller. The controller rotates the swing arm about a vertical axis until a corner post held by the corner post gripper is aligned with adjacent sides that define a corner of the load. The controller thereafter stops rotation of the swing arm and moves the applicator arm linearly toward the corner of the load until the corner post held by the corner post gripper contacts the adjacent sides of the load. A sensor may be included for detecting a corner of the load, with the controller aligning the corner post based on detection by the sensor.

Abstract: A method for packaging a pack commodity, including providing a support element for supporting the pack commodity. The method also includes placing a first packaging material sheet onto the support element and disposing the pack commodity on the first packaging material sheet such that a portion of the first packaging material sheet comes to lie between the support element and the pack commodity, wherein the first packaging material sheet protrudes over the pack commodity. Next, a second packaging material sheet is placed onto an upper side of the pack commodity so that the second packaging material sheet protrudes over the pack commodity. The first packaging material sheet is joined, in some regions, to the second packaging material sheet. The first and the second packaging material sheets are adhesively joined in a respective, predetermined first region, along a periphery of the support element, such that they can be separated and re-joined.

Abstract: Devices and apparatuses for packing, shipping, and/or storing containers, as well as methods of producing and using same, are disclosed.

Abstract: A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port. Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening when the port is open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container sleeving method for arranging sleeves around a plurality of containers, the method includes: transporting an array of containers past a sleeve discharge unit; arranging a sleeve of heat shrinkable foil around a container passing by the sleeve discharge unit by shooting the sleeve from the sleeve discharge unit towards the container; detecting whether the sleeve has been correctly arranged around the container; and, if the sleeve has not been arranged correctly around the container, continue transporting one or more containers along the sleeve discharge unit and discontinue shooting one or more sleeves towards the containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of packaging a curved product with a concave back surface that includes positioning the curved product in contact with a suspension pad that includes a notch on the top and bottom edges then stretch wrapping a stretch film around the curved product and the suspension pad with the wrap received in the first and second notches to secure the curved product to the suspension pad which bends the suspension pad to form a planar curve shape that conforms to the periphery of the back surface of the product and minimizes the distance between the product and the pad and increases the surface contact area between the product and the pad.

Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on one or more spools and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A primary roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a primary spool core, and a plurality of secondary rolls of stretch film may be positionally coupled to one or more secondary spool cores. The wrapping machines may include a plurality of guides positioned to narrow the stretch film from the plurality of secondary rolls to form a plurality of ropes fully overlapping a web of the primary roll of stretch film when wrapped around a palletized load.

Abstract: A method for packaging a large component into a protective case, which has a first and second reclosable access and a plurality of protective-case parts, wherein the large component has an access opening, comprising the following steps: providing prefabricated protective-case parts; attaching the protective-case parts to the large component; welding the transitions between the protective-case parts; shrinking the protective case; and arranging the first reclosable access in the protective case over the access opening. The packaging process is significantly accelerated compared to the known methods due to the prefabrication of the protective-case parts before the start of the method. Furthermore, the prefabrication provides the advantage that the prefabricated parts can be produced in series. As a result, the protective-case parts for several large components of the same type can be produced or purchased more cheaply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drawing a tubular film (1) over a stack of goods (2), wherein the tubular film is first gathered on a gathering device (R/Ü). The gathered tubular film is then drawn over the stack of goods using a covering device, in that the covering device is moved along the stack of goods and the tubular film is thereby ungathered. After reaching an end region of the stack of goods, the covering device is moved along a segment of the stack of goods (?) opposite the covering direction, so that a first tubular film segment (15) is laid on the tubular film already contacting the stack of goods. The covering device is then moved along at least part of the segment of the stack of goods in the covering direction again, so that a second tubular film segment (16) is laid on the first tubular film segment.

Abstract: A device and method for improved electrical distribution load center packaging and shipping is described. The device of the present teachings a distribution load center, a load center trim assembly enclosure, end caps coupled thereto, and shrink wrap applied thereon. Any convenient shrink-wrap processing techniques may be used to practice the present disclosure.

Abstract: A packaging module for wrapping packs or article groups with packaging film. The packs or article groups to be wrapped are transported in an upright position on a horizontal conveying device to a packaging station. A film wrapping device includes at least one wrapping rod extending perpendicular to the transport direction and is guided on both long sides of the horizontal conveying device by continuous traction devices. The continuous traction devices each includes guiding sections that define the position and the deflection of the continuous traction device. The corresponding guiding sections of the two parallel continuous traction devices are adjustable pair wise in the same direction in their vertical and/or horizontal position and/or in their angular position about a pivot point.

Abstract: A package for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes a flexible carrier having an array of container receiving apertures formed in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks wherein each container receiving aperture engages with a respective container of the plurality of containers and includes an outer band having a sufficiently narrow width to result in permanent yield following stretching engagement with and application to a respective container and a secondary package positioned with respect to the carrier and containers to form a unitized package.

Abstract: A knitted netting for wrapping an object is provided. When wrapping the object the knitted netting may have an indicated target elongation. The knitted netting includes first longitudinal franzes, first lateral schusses, at least two second longitudinal franzes, and at least one second lateral schuss. The schusses are knitted with the franzes to form the knitted netting. The first longitudinal franzes and the first lateral schusses are configured such that the spacing of the first longitudinal franzes decreases by less than 10% when elongating the knitted netting by 50% of the target elongation, the target elongation being from 15% to 300% of the length of the knitted netting. The second lateral schuss is an indicator schuss. The second longitudinal franzes are indicator franzes. The indicator schuss is knitted with the indicator franzes to form an elongation indicator for indicating the amount of longitudinal stretching of the knitted netting.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a film comprising a blend of about 90% to 99% polyester and about 1% to 10% biodegradable aliphatic or aromatic polyester (by weight). It has been surprisingly discovered that polymeric films comprising the disclosed blend exhibit improved flexibility and impact strength compared to polyester films known in the art. Films with the disclosed blends also advantageously do not adversely affect recyclability of the film. The disclosed films can be used in a wide variety of areas, including (but not limited to) shrink sleeve applications.

Abstract: A method of determining a wrap force or payout percentage at which to wrap a load with packaging material may include dispensing packaging material. The method may also include forming a tear in a portion of the packaging material. The method may further include identifying a first payout percentage at which the tear exhibits a first behavior. The method may also include identifying a second payout percentage at which the tear exhibits a second behavior. The method may further include selecting a third payout percentage between the first payout percentage and the second payout percentage, for wrapping the load.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading material into a stent strut can comprise a cover sleeve. The cover sleeve is elastic so that it can reduce in diameter so as to press against the stent strut, and expand in diameter so as to be spaced apart from the stent strut. The stent strut can include a lumen into which material is injected. When pressed against the stent strut, the cover sleeve seals side openings to the lumen and prevents injected material from leaking out of the side openings during the injection process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gathering-up a tubular film portion on at least two gathering fingers of a packaging machine and to a gathering apparatus of a packaging machine for carrying out the method as claimed in the invention. The method is distinguished in that the tubular film portion is expanded at least in a part region when being gathered-up onto the gathering fingers. The gathering apparatus as claimed in the invention is distinguished in that the gathering fingers can be driven into a gathering-up position for gathering-up the tubular film portion, in which gathering-up position the tubular film portion is expanded at least in a part region.

Abstract: The invention is a sleeve and cover for small glass bottles of the kind used to distribute and store nail polish and similar cosmetic products. A thin silicone sleeve is fitted to a particular size of nail polish bottle. The sleeve features a hole that may be positioned over the product label and through which the product label may be read. The sleeve further features a widened portion at the base of the bottle neck where the cap is inserted. The sleeve further features a concave tab that may be pulled up over the container cap. The result is that a shock-absorbing sleeve covers the whole bottle, including the fragile neck and cap, reducing the risk of breakage if the bottle is dropped.

Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on one or more spools and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A first roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a first spool core, and a second roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a second spool core. Rotationally coupling of the first and second spool cores to each other results in the rolls of film and the spool cores all rotating at the same rate when the stretch film is unrolled and passed through a plurality of a guides.

Abstract: A molded polyethylene component that comprises polyethylene having a melt flow index of about 3.5 g/10 min or greater as measured by ASTM D1238 at 190° C./21.5 kg weight and having an ash content of about 500 ppm or less may be useful biomedical devices, including kits and methods relating thereto.

Abstract: Packaging tools, which, in various embodiments, are adapted to assist a user in applying material from a roll of packaging material (e.g., packing tape, stretch wrap or shrink wrap) to an item or group of items. The packaging tool is typically adapted to move between: (1) a first orientation in which the packaging tool does not substantially restrict the rotation of the roll of packaging material adjacent the packaging tool; and (2) a second orientation in which the packaging tool does substantially restrict (e.g., prevent) the rotation of the roll of stretch wrap tool adjacent the packaging tool. A user typically maintains the packaging tool in the first orientation as the user wraps the packaging material about an item. The user may then move the packaging tool into the second orientation, which allows the user to pull the packaging material tight and separate the applied length of packaging material from the roll.

Abstract: A gift basket assembly is provided with a preformed insert, the insert being a self-contained plurality of independently prepackaged products and a base within a shrink-wrap casing. Shred is disposed in one of the insert and the gift basket, such that the insert can be operably engaged with the basket and an outer wrap, including a shrink-wrap, is disposed about the basket and the insert to form the assembly.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for highly-compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3). The packaging device (1) has a sheathing device (16) for applying a shrink wrapping, which has at least one prepared and diverted stretching hood (4), to the compressed bales (2). A bale compression facility is also provided having at least one bale press (6) for generating highly compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3), and having at least one packaging device (1) according to the invention. A process is provided for packaging highly-compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3), wherein said compressed bale (2) is provided with a shrink wrapping, wherein at least one prepared and diverted stretching hood (4) is applied to said compressed bale (2) using a sheathing device (16).

Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on a single spool and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed of rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A first roll of stretch film may be used with a second roll of stretch film, where the second roll of stretch film is narrowed into ropes and combined with a web from the first roll of stretch film. The combination of film from the first roll of stretch film and narrowed film from the second roll of stretch film may be pre-stretched prior to be applied to a load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. A four-sided compaction mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.

Abstract: A hydraulic filter element may include cylindrical filter body having a filter material folded in a star-shaped manner. A cylindrical inner frame may be radially supported on an inside of the filter body. A cylindrical sleeve may be permeable to a respective hydraulic medium and arranged radially against the outside of the filter body under prestress, wherein the sleeve may include a knitted textile material.

Abstract: A film wrapping machine or apparatus wherein various operational conditions and data can be detected, determined, and subsequently utilized for diagnostic, operational performance, and safety characteristics, as well as for implementing improvements in operational performance so as to not only achieve optimal or predetermined performance characteristics but to also achieve economical usage of the wrapping or packaging film.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a starter roll for a baler includes a continuous chevron-shaped rib provided on a contact surface of the starter roll. The rib may include a center portion arranged generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the starter roll and outwardly and rearwardly extending wings. A plurality of ribs may be provided to form guide channels for guiding wrapping material that is provided to the bale and engaged by the starter roll outward to cover the edges of a bale and distribute the wrapping material over the lateral surface of the bale.

Abstract: A container, utilized for the storage and transport of articles, includes a body comprised of one or more sidewalls drawn in a generally longitudinal fashion and two end pieces, disposed distally on either end of the container body. A plurality of ribs are disposed between the end pieces to facilitate inward compression of the container body. In his manner, the container volume can be permanently or temporarily altered to take up the tolerance between the volume of articles and the otherwise fixed volume of the package.

Abstract: A packaging system including a heat shrinkable flexible wall container and a heat shrinkable label is described. The label can be applied to the container prior to heat shrinking. Upon subjecting the labeled container containing the items or goods of interest to a heat shrink operation, the label and flexible wall container both undergo shrinking. The shrinkage characteristics of the flexible wall container and the label are matched to one another. Also described are various methods of packaging using the noted systems.

Abstract: A hygienic cover for a hair brush is an elastic plastic netting of lycra polyester stitched into a tunnel shape with open and closed ends. This cover is rolled on a hollow insert with two open ends. A hairbrush is inserted into and through the insert. The closed end of the cover hits the end of the brush and the cover is stretched over the brush and slides off the insert and compresses around the brush head. The cover is porous and the holes grow when stretched, allowing the brush bristles to pass through the cover. When allowed to slide off the insert and collapse around the brush, the cover closes tightly around the bristles to prevent debris from reaching the brush head. The cover protects the brush in use. After each use, the hygienic cover can be taken off and replaced by a new cover.

Abstract: A vacuum table (18) includes an introduction section (102) in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber (120) and a compartment (139) dividable by an adjustment partition (156) into primary and secondary vacuum chambers (139a, 139b). Adjustment plates (130) having adjustment apertures (138) are positionable over apertures (128) of the conveying surface (100) of the vacuum table (18) generally perpendicular to the conveying direction. Film (20) extends from between the nip of pinch rollers (12, 13) to the conveying surface (100) and is tensioned therebetween to be cut in excess of 105 cuts per minute by a servo motor controlled rotary cutter (30) which stops after each cut. The shaft (32) of the rotary cutter (30) includes a bore (310) extending from the idle end to provide servo-control loop stability.

Abstract: A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port. Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening when the port is open.

Abstract: A packaging assembly includes a frame member and a retention member which is not permanently affixed to the frame member. The frame member can include a variety of features which allow the retention member to be tightened around an article to be packaged and thus protected from shocks and impacts during transport, display, and/or retail use. The retention member can be formed as a sleeve or with pockets for engaging the frame member.

Abstract: A stackable packaging unit includes a pack having a length and a width. The pack also includes a plurality of individual use containers positioned in the pack. The individual use containers include a base having a base center axis, a body and an offset top load support surface having an offset center axis. The base center axis and the offset center axis are spaced apart and extend substantially parallel to each other. The offset top load support surfaces of the containers adjacent to an outside periphery of the pack along the length and width of the pack are positioned in the pack such that the offset center axis is closer in proximity to the outside periphery of the pack than the base center axis. The configuration of containers in the packs provides an increased stability of the pack when placed in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: In the area of manufacturing peel-off lids (28) out of lid rings with a peel-off foil (25) sealed on it, a part of the sealing surface (26) is bent up in the direction of the lid edge in order to tension the sealing surface with the peel-off foil. A clamping tool (30, 31) is provided in order to clamp the sealing surface with the peel-off foil and a pressing tool (35) in order to bend up the unclamped sealing surface section (26?).

Abstract: A method of applying stretch film wrapping to an agricultural bale (10) which is of rectangular cross section and using a bale wrapper apparatus which comprises: a table which supports the bale (10) and which operates to rotate the bale generally about its longitudinal axis (11) during a wrapping cycle; a dispenser reel arrangement (12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25) from which stretch film wrapping is withdrawn so as to form successive overlapping windings of film which cover the bale; and means which applies relative rotation between the table and the dispenser reel arrangement about a second axis (14) which extends substantially perpendicular to said first axis during the wrapping cycle; in which: each winding of film includes a longitudinal edge strip portion and an adjoining longitudinal strip portion; and the longitudinal edge portion has different deformation properties from the deformation properties of said adjoining portion so as to be more readily extensible under a given load than said adjoining port

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material to a load are disclosed. An amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed by a packaging material dispenser is determined based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed is determined, a ratio of relative rotational speed to packaging material dispenser speed can be set and mechanically controlled. In an alternative embodiment, the ratio is electronically controlled.

Abstract: A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by disposing an outer wrap around a bottom support and a portion of a vertically spaced slip frame former. One of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As bulk goods are added to the transportable container, the position of the slip frame former is radially adjusted to modify the shape of the transportable container. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container. Additional portions of outer wrap are disposed around a portion of the slip frame former to maintain the transportable container for receiving bulk goods as the previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged.

Abstract: Provided are films wherein at least one layer of the film comprises a first polymer component and a second polymer component. The first polymer component comprises propylene-derived units and ethylene-derived units and/or a C4 to C20 alpha-olefin. The second polymer component comprises ethylene-derived units and a units derived from a co-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated ester. The films are particularly useful in stretch hood applications.

Abstract: A method and a dental floss device for floss the teeth of a user, and a production process of the dental floss device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The dental floss device includes a single use dental floss packaged inside a dental tubule. The dental tubule does not practically limit the bending capability of the dental floss.

Abstract: A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by vertically spacing a slip frame former from a bottom support. An outer wrap is disposed around the bottom support and a portion of at least one former wall to initially form the transportable container prior to the addition of the bulk goods into the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container and lock together the bulk goods disposed in the transportable container.