Abstract: The invention relates to a crumpled paper tube for use as a cushion in packing items, and to a method and apparatus for producing the same.

Abstract: An optical disc advertising and security method that includes the use of a promotional label that is coaxially aligned and adhesively attached to the top surface of an optical disc. The promotional label includes an upper label layer and a lower label layer. Attached to each layer is a laterally extending tab. Printed on the top layer surface of each label layer is promotional indicia. In one embodiment, the upper label layer is slightly larger in diameter than the lower label layer so that the lower label is covered and hidden from view by the upper label layer. In a second embodiment, the promotional label is made of two label layers permanently adhesively attached together with a RFID tag disposed between them.

Abstract: A package system which combines an article and a container in an integrated package with the article secured in nested relationship within a recess of the container. The recess has sufficient depth such that portions of the side walls of the container extend outwardly effectively beyond an exposed surface of the article so as to protect the article against damage. Alternatively, the package system includes a pair of spaced columns which are integrally formed with the side wall of the container and which extend outwardly from the side wall. A recess is formed between the column members which is configured to receive an article in nested relationship within the recess. Methods for securing the article in nested relationship within the recess of the container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A furniture assembly for compact and efficient packaging, the assembly including a sofa having component parts defining a sofa confine, the component parts including a back, a seat, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and a skirt, wherein the skirt and the seat are removable, at least one chair having component parts defining a chair confine, the component parts including a back, a seat, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and a skirt, wherein the seat is removable, a coffee table, an end table, an ottoman, and a plurality of cushions and pillows, wherein the furniture assembly is arranged such that the at least one chair, the coffee table, the end table, the ottoman, and the plurality of cushions and pillows are located within the confines of the sofa.

Abstract: An antenna packaging method is provided. First, a first dish, a second dish, a third dish, a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, a first arm, a second arm and a third arm are provided, wherein each of the first, second and third dishes has a central area. Then, a packaging unit is provided. Next, the first dish, the second dish and the third dish overlap with other. Then, the packaging unit is fixed to the first dish, the second dish and the third dish. Next, the first arm, the second arm and the third arm are fixed to the packaging unit. Finally, the first bracket, the second bracket and the third bracket are fixed to the packaging unit, wherein the first bracket, the second bracket and the third bracket correspond to the central area.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring selected items among agents within a materials handling facility. According to one embodiment, a method may include a number of agents moving along respective paths through an inventory storage area of a materials handling facility. While moving along a respective path, a first agent may select items from the inventory storage area to be delivered to a corresponding order processing area, where each of the selected items may be specified in a corresponding customer order and at least two of the selected items may be delivered to two different corresponding order processing areas. After the first agent selects a particular item, the first agent may transfer the particular item to a second agent, and the second agent or another one of the agents may deliver the particular item to the corresponding order finalization area.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of mixed packages and device for carrying out said method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Tandem, vertically-aligned vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) assemblies enable a method for manufacturing an ingredient package. An inner ingredient-bearing package is manufactured by a first superior VFFS assembly, which inner package is then downwardly displaced to a second inferior VFFS assembly. The inner package and a second ingredient are deposited (filled) into an open-ended outer packaging material being formed by the inferior VFFS assembly. After deposing the inner package and the second ingredient into the formed outer package, the outer package and inner package are sealed to one another at superior ends thereof to finally form an ingredient package. The finally formed package may be removed from partially formed packages in superior adjacency thereto. The finally formed package compartmentalizes the first and second ingredients for later consumer consumption.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling a transfer device in a packaging machine. The transfer device comprises a first conveying device which is moved in cycles, a second conveying device which is moved in cycles and extends, at least in sections, parallel to the first conveying device, and a pushing device which performs a pushing motion substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the conveying devices. A product is supplied by the first conveying device to a transfer location, is transferred by the pushing device to the second conveying device during a standstill phase of both conveying devices and subsequently further transported by the second conveying device. The pushing device is in a withdrawn position outside of the path of motion of the product disposed on the first conveying device and extends over the first conveying device and also at least partially over the second conveying device in an insertion position.

Abstract: A method for marking a pallet loaded with stacked goods includes fastening at least one marking element having information relevant to the marking to an intermediate layer, and disposing the intermediate layer between two layers of stacked goods during loading of the pallet. The marking element is fastened to the intermediate layer by a positive connection created by deforming the intermediate layer and the marking element.

Abstract: Triangular packaging comprising a flexible outer wrapper and an inner support means, in which the flexible outer wrapper comprises a bag formed from two panels, each of which has a first side, a second side extending from a first end of the first side at a first angle which is greater than 90 degrees to the first side, and a third side extending from a second end of the first side at substantially the same greater than 90 degrees first angle in the opposite direction, in which the first sides of the two panels meet, the second sides of the two panels meet and the third sides of the two panels meet such that a bag is formed, in which the inner support means is disposed inside said bag, and is mounted in compression between the two panels such that a complimentary packaging structure is formed in which the first sides of the two panels meet at a second angle which is substantially twice that by which the first angle exceeds 90 degrees.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for packaging a curable resin composition and a catalyst composition that react with each other when mixed, comprising providing a partitioned tube for receiving the resin composition and the curing agent in separate compartments; delivering a stream of a resin composition into one compartment of the tube; delivering a stream of a curing agent in the other compartment of the tube; advancing the partitioned tube and constricting and sealing the partitioned tube at spaced apart intervals and severing the sealed tube to produce a package partitioning the resin composition from the catalyst composition. Solid particulate is continuously added into the stream of at least one of the catalyst composition and the resin composition and mixing the solid particulate and stream to produce a mixed composition; and the relative amount of solid particulate in the mixed composition is controlled by continuously determining the mass of solid particulate added to the mass of the stream.

Abstract: A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank. Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual product conveyer is maintained.

Abstract: The use of a multi-shelved product transporter for transporting products, diverted from manufacturing lines, to a downstream packaging area is a cost effective way of assembling a packaged bundle of products.

Abstract: An accessory fixing member 15 to which accessories are fixed is arranged between the rear face of a flat panel television 100 and the inner wall of a packing box 11 when the flat panel television 100 is engaged with top reinforcing members 12 and 13 and a bottom reinforcing member 14 to be housed in the packing box 11. The accessory fixing member is formed such that the upper side of a strap cardboard is folded to U shape in cross section. The upper side of the accessory fixing member 11 supports a load of other packing boxes 11 piled on the upper face of the packing box 11.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting height of a crate or box made of flexible material, having a base and at least four side walls by folding. After the base has been placed in a generally horizontal, a horizontal crease is produced on each side wall, parallel to the base and at a height substantially equal to a top of a stack of objects. At least one oblique crease is produced in each corner of the crate, with one end located at the intersection between two horizontal creases and the other end located on an upper ridge of one side wall. The upper part of each side wall is folded towards the center of the crate, at an angle substantially equal to 90°. The various flaps are folded on one another, being separated by oblique creases, bringing the upper part of side walls in a substantially horizontal plane.

Abstract: An automated packaging system has a plurality of dunnage dispensing stations that can dispense dunnage and a transport network for conveying containers to and from at least two dispensing stations for dunnage to be placed therein. At at least one loading station upstream of a dispensing station articles are placed in the containers for shipping. Optionally, an intermediate void determination station determines how much dunnage to dispense.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of mixed packages and device for carrying out said method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A process to merge a plurality of streams of printed products. The process includes merging a first stream of printed products with a second stream of printed products according to a predetermined order that is recipient-based, and packaging selected printed products from the first stream while the printed products of the first stream are being merged with the second stream.

Abstract: A method for making a multi-compartment microwavable package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a multi-compartment bag having an internal permeable wall between compartments from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A food product can be placed into the first compartment and steam pack can be placed into the second compartment.

Abstract: A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system for transporting a plurality of medical containers including a tray that supports the medical containers and an air impervious flexible film defining an internal cavity. The air impervious flexible film completely surrounds the tray and the medical containers. The internal cavity is evacuated to a predetermined vacuum level below atmospheric pressure. A method for packaging the plurality of medical containers for transportation in the tray includes inserting the medical containers into the tray, inserting the tray filled with medical containers into the internal cavity, evacuating the internal cavity to a predetermined vacuum pressure and sealing the flexible film such that the predetermined vacuum pressure is generally maintained in the internal cavity.

Abstract: A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank. Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual product conveyer is maintained.

Abstract: A multi-compartment package attachment apparatus and method for coupling a plurality of items with a package, for example a food package. Printed items such as marketing materials or promotional flyers may be inserted into a first compartment while condiments, napkins, hand-wipes or utensils may be inserted into one or more other compartments. The apparatus may then be fixedly coupled with another package and may also cover or hold prizes for example. One or more compartments may comprise thermal protective layers to keep condiments from melting when hot food packages are stacked. Thermochromic materials may be used to show temperatures of items in compartments. Each compartment may utilize any technique for enclosing an item. Embodiments may be constructed from materials that allow underlying package branding to be visible when the embodiment is coupled with the package or may be coupled to an area of a package not covering existing branding.

Abstract: A temporary packaging method and a resultant package are provided for comprising temporarily bonding containers on a flat base member to stabilize the containers for further packaging, the method comprising the steps of providing a base member, providing containers, temporarily bonding the containers to the base member with a hot melt adhesive, advancing the base member with containers through the packaging or handling system so that further processing of the containers may optionally be effected, encapsulating the base member and bonded containers with a plastic shrink film to complete the package, followed by release of the containers from the bond to base member within minutes after shrink wrapping, with the adhesive remaining bonded to the base member.

Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for hermetic packaging of glass sheets, that includes applying to the glass sheets surfaces that will be in contact with other adjacent glass sheets, from the cutting line, an anti-humidity chemical treatment that includes a watery solution from 1 to 2% in weight of a mixture of adipic and malic, adipic and citric, or malic and citric acids 50-50 in a dosage preferably between 100 and 400 mg/m2, to protect glass against condensation humidity or rain. Sprinkling over said surfaces of the glass sheets, 500 to 700 mg/m2 of separating powder of a selected granulometry less than 300 microns, forming a group of glass sheets. Placing a strip of cushioning material, such as the known as Polybubble Plastic, or corrugated cardboard, around the sides of the group of glass sheets, to provide a cushioning condition to the group of glass sheets during shipping and handling.

Abstract: A packaging object supplying apparatus for supplying a packaging object to a packaging unit for packaging the packaging object into a predetermined fashion and specifically, a packaging object supplying apparatus comprising a packaging object combining portion for forming a combination of the packaging objects by combining two or more kinds of the packaging objects by a predetermined quantity in a predetermined array and a packaging object introducing portion for introducing the packaging objects combined by the packaging object combining portion to the packaging unit, a boxing apparatus comprising foldable box body supplying means, opening forming means, box body holding means, packaging object loading means, and lid forming means, a box body supplying apparatus for supplying a box body to the boxing apparatus.

Abstract: A cuboidal cigarette pack with a large-surface-area pack side, namely rear side (13), is provided with a blank (23), which serves as a printing carrier, in the region of this rear side (13). The blank is positioned between an outer wrapper (19) of film and the pack (10). A top region of the blank (23) is connected to a detachable top part of the outer wrapper, namely a film cap (22), and is also removed when the pack (10) is opened for the first time.

Abstract: The combination of a plurality of streams of printed products. The first stream of products is selectively inserted into a packaging device while being merged into a second stream of products.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.

Abstract: A packaging machine with a movable centering and lowering device for inserting partitions between groups of bottles or cans and a method of operation thereof. The movable centering and lowering device is designed to move with a group of bottles or cans and insert a divider between the bottles or cans in the group as the group moves through the packaging machine. The movable centering and lowering device is also adjustable to permit handling of dividers of different size and configuration.

Abstract: A method of disguisedly packaging a diaper includes: disposing a diaper within a substantially air impermeable encasement; creating a vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement; and sealing the encasement such that the diaper is completely enclosed within the interior space of the sealed encasement, thereby vacuum-sealing the diaper within the encasement. The encasement includes a deceptive outward appearance such that it is not visually evident that a diaper is disposed therein. Alternatively, the encasement is disposed within a second encasement, and the second encasement includes a deceptive outward appearance such that it is not visually evident that a diaper is disposed therein.

Abstract: A method for making a vertical stand up package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag that can stand upright having an internal compartment from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A different product can be placed into the compartment. The compartment can also be used as a dipping well. In one aspect a multi-compartment package can be made.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus (20) for accumulating different types of individual articles (28) can include a delivery device (132) which provides an initial-plurality (134) of an initial-type of individual articles. At least a first-accumulator mechanism (142) can be automated to provide a first-plurality (144) of a first-type of individual articles. The first-type of articles differ from the initial-type of articles, and at least a first-transport device (146) can move the first-plurality of articles to a first-packing location. Additionally, an automated assembly mechanism (136) can be configured to operatively combine the first-plurality (144) of articles with the initial-plurality (134) of articles.

Abstract: An injection molded container for storing and transporting wafers includes a base having a wafer area upon which to place a stack of a plurality of wafer assemblies, wherein each wafer assembly includes a wafer frame upon which is mounted a wafer. A protective wall apparatus is positioned around the wafer area, and includes at least one wall contour artifact. Each wafer frame according to the invention includes a corresponding opposite/mating artifact. The wall apparatus and wafer frame are configured so that the wafer frame must be oriented to mate the wall and frame artifacts in order for the wafer frame to be installed in the container.

Abstract: The invention comprises a packet placing system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include packets with products being automatically packaged, such as various bread products. The system may comprise various magazine orientations and arrangements for holding packets, a packet placer, and a gluing system. Preferably, the packet placer includes a vacuum system configured to pick a packet from the magazine. Glue is applied to a face of the packet, which is then placed on the outside of the wrapper of the packaged product. The system may be used in conjunction with a packet insertion mechanism in order to both insert a packet inside the wrapper and removably affix a packet to the outside of the wrapper. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: A method of advertising on wine and spirits bottles, which provides both advertising and a way to protect the bottles from damage in a shopping bag or box, in which bottle packaging dividers are imprinted with advertising material, and then distributed to retail sellers of wine and spirits so that employees may use the bottle packaging dividers to cushion the wine and spirit bottles sold by them to consumers, while at the same time providing an advertising vehicle.

Abstract: A product packaging method utilizing a form-fill-seal packaging apparatus is disclosed. The method includes providing a backing member upon which a product is adhereingly attached, providing an adhering material for adhering the product to the backing material, applying the adhering material to the backing member for adhering disposing the product, and disposing the product upon the backing member in preparation of encasing the product and the backing member in a package. The method further includes encasing together the product and the backing member with a flexible plastic material so as to package the product and the backing member.

Abstract: An endless drive belt storage and display module enables a plurality of endless drive belts of different sizes to be placed circumferentially, one inside the other, in a way that makes optimal use of available space, causes minimal belt bending, enables easy removal and replacement of any given belt, maintains organization among the belts placed therein, and protects the belts from exposure to elements such as dust and sunlight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of packaging stone cell plate, in which four steps as follows: the first step is to cut the stone plate into a size that the cust omers can lay over directly; the second step is to lay a crash pad on the bottom side of the stone cell plate, in which said crash pad is made of fiber board or expanded material; the third step is to encapsulate the stone cell plate and the crash pad together with plastic film so that the surface of the stone cell plate is covered by the plastic film, and the stone cell plate and the crash pad are tied tightly together. The present invention simplifies the packaging process, and facilitates to operation, and the customers looking at and selecting.

Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.

Abstract: Creased paper board packages are unstacked, separated and conveyed. Discs are loaded into dimensionally controlled trays using relatively fine alignment, placement and assembly tolerances. Subsequently, the disc-loaded trays are assembled onto less dimensionally controlled tray-holding panels on creases paper boards using relatively less stringent tolerances. Booklets are inserted in pockets in panels adjacent the disc-holding panels, and the paper board packages are closed.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: A medical procedure kit incorporates one or more surgical tools necessary to perform at least part of a medical procedure, along with a container having a quantity of a medical adhesive. Medical adhesives are useful as an alternate or an adjunct to surgical sutures and/or staples in wound closure, as well as for covering and protecting surface wounds such as lacerations, abrasions, burns, stomatitis, sores, minor cuts and scrapes, and other wounds. As such, the inclusion of such an adhesive into a composite medical procedure kit can be of great assistance to a medical doctor or surgeon by providing in single kit form, tools necessary to complete many medical procedures, without having to use multiple procedure kits. The adhesive may be independently sterilized and wrapped from the other surgical tools of the resultant kit, and then associated into kit form, or assembled and sterilized together as a unitary kit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a consumer product package that contains an affixed, yet removable, promotional offering that is invisible to the consumer at purchase but is one that can be processed through an established financial network once removed.

Abstract: A method for introducing a cover sheet (2) between a transparent sheet (3) and a book-like container (4), which is substantially formed by a pair of closure members (4a, 4b), externally wrapped within the film (3), includes: opening the container (4) by opening said closure members (4a, 4b) by an angle wider than 180°; detaching the transparent film (3) from the outer surface of said closure members (4a, 4b); making a transversal corrugation in a cover sheet (2) situated beside said opened container (4), near an area (2) delimited by said opened members (4a, 4b) and the detached film (3); introduction of gripping means (10), situated on a side opposite with respect to said corrugated cover sheet (2), into said area (Z); gripping said corrugated cover sheet (2) and pulling it, by said gripping means (10), into said area (Z); releasing said cover sheet (2) into said area (Z), which cover sheet consequently spread across said area Z; defining a flattened configuration of the closure members (4a, 4b) s

Abstract: A promotional article for insertion into a carton containing beverage bottles or cans. The article comprises a premium attached to a tray-like member which is provided with means to engage and be borne by one, but preferably more, of the bottles or cans to accurately position the premium within the carton without distorting any wall thereof. The invention also provides a promotional package comprising the article and beverage-filled bottles or cans in a carton and a method of producing same.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.