Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: A process for heat sealing a water soluble film to a water soluble member, wherein an aqueous composition is applied to at least one of the surfaces of said film and said member before said surfaces are heat sealed together.

Abstract: Medical devices such as medical containers can be formed of glass and annealed which produces a clean device having a low bio-burden, or formed by plastic molding which produces a clean device. The clean devices are immediately transferred to a controlled environment such as a clean room or localized area to avoid the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. The syringe barrels can be filled with a substance and a closure member attached. While still in the housing assembly the syringe barrels can be formed into an array and placed in a clean outer container, which is then closed and sealed.

Abstract: A shipping case and display apparatus for transporting articles to a display and vending location, comprising a blank having bottom, rear, side and front panels therein, and further having a hook for releasably attaching said apparatus to a pegboard. Upon articulating the blank into a tray, the hook may be positioned in an undeployed orientation in a rear panel region, and the tray may be stocked with articles and sleeved for shipping. Upon arrival at the vending location, the hook may be positioned in a deployed orientation, the shelf may then be hung on a pegboard and the sleeve may then be removed.

Abstract: A carton pulling assembly pulls a partially formed carton from a mandrel on a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The machine has a vacuum source for providing a vacuum and includes a machine controller. The partially formed carton has a sealed bottom wall. The carton pulling assembly includes a carton puller element movable in a reciprocating manner toward and away from the mandrel. A vacuum head assembly is mounted to the carton puller element for reciprocating movement therewith. The vacuum head assembly includes a cylinder and a finger configured for reciprocating movement within the cylinder having a suction element mounted thereto. The finger has a vacuum channel for communicating vacuum from the cylinder to the suction element. The finger is movable between an extended position in which the suction element contacts and engages the partially formed carton sealed bottom wall and a retracted position in which the reciprocating finger pulls the carton from the mandrel.

Abstract: A device for packaging a product, particularly a make-up product. The device can be particularly advantageous for make-up samples, and includes a support preferably having a flat overall shape and two faces. The support has at least one cavity which opens onto at least one face through a first opening passing through the support, with the cavity containing the product. A lid is also provided, preferably also having a flat overall shape. The support and the lid are articulated by an articulation arrangement formed by: i) a sticker forming a mirror adhesively bonded onto one of the faces of the lid and onto one of the faces of the support; and/or ii) an adhesive sheet fixed onto one face of the lid and onto one of the faces of the support with the adhesive sheet closing off a second opening of the cavity, which is formed on the face of the support opposite from the face containing the first opening.

Abstract: Capsules, for example for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, are produced from two films (18) of a water-soluble polymeric material, by deforming the films to form a multiplicity of recesses, and filling the recesses with a flowable filling material. This is performed using two adjacent rotary dies (14, 15), with recesses (16) into which the films (18) are deformed. The dies (14, 15) also act as electrodes for welding the films together by dielectric welding to form filled capsules (30). The capsules (30) can readily be separated from the resulting web. The polymeric material may be gelatin, or a water-soluble cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and may also contain a plasticizer.

Abstract: A method for making and handling an improved intraoral x-ray film packet by forming a first outer and a second outer sheet from a thermoplastic material wherein the first outer sheet is made more rigid than the second outer sheet such that it has a tensile modulus of at least about 700 Kg/cm2. The two outer sheets are sealed together to form an envelope with a laminated perimetric edge wherein the laminated perimetric edge is substantially coplanar with the first outer sheet. This resultant planar surface on one side of the packet aids in the accurate positioning of the packet for subsequent operations and further enhances the ability to die cut the packet and maintain outside dimension tolerances. Individual film packets are transported to a Bernoulli fixture and a laminar air flow is generated across the surface thereof to accurately position the intraoral x-ray film packet against reference stops using the Bernoulli effect.

Abstract: A flexible pouch for packaging a product includes a front panel and a back panel, each having an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and side edges extending therebetween the upper and lower edges, that are joined together at the side edges and the lower edges to contain the product. The front and back panels include an outwardly projecting crease that forms a guide pocket for separating the panels, prior to filling the pouch with the product, and the crease is straightened out when the upper edges of the front panel and back panel are sealed together. A method of forming and filling the flexible pouch includes the steps of forming the panel, and forming a crease in each of the panels that projects outwardly and extends longitudinally along each of the panels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for forming both backing and support members of a solid pharmaceutical product package as well as the blister portions for the packages. The disclosed solid pharmaceutical product packaging solutions utilize fewer machines and processing steps in order to form an overall solid pharmaceutical product package. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the manufacturing processing steps associated with the formation of the blister members in the clear plastic sheets is integrated in line with manufacturing of the backing material.

Abstract: To produce a two-chamber arrangement having a first chamber, which is filled with a first component, and a second chamber, which is filled with a second component, two separate bags are sterilized and filled independently of each other with the first/second component. Only after the bags have been sterilized and filled are they connected to each other in such a way that the component contained in one chamber can be transferred into the other chamber so as to be able to mix the two components together. Once they have been filled, the first and second bags are preferably sealed with an openable peel seam, after which the bag ends are welded together.

Abstract: A beverage reservoir for a personal hydration device is filled with a beverage, e.g., water, and sealed in a tamper-evident manner. As a result, the reservoir can be sold pre-filled and the user can use the reservoir confident that the beverage contains no mold, fungus, or residue from previously stored and consumed beverage. The reservoir can also include a port for re-filling such that the user can use the reservoir in a conventional manner after consumption of the previously sealed-in beverage.

Abstract: A multilayer sheet structure (10) comprises a front sheet (11), a net-like backing sheet (12), and sewing threads (14) for partially joining the front sheet with the backing sheet so as to form bag portions (13) between the front and backing sheets. Paddings (15) such as cotton, wool or the like can be stuffed through net clearances of the backing sheet into bag portions surrounded with sewing threads to form bulges (11b) at desired locations on the front surface of the front sheet. Thus, a quilted multilayer sheet structure (17) having bulges on the front surface thereof can be easily produced.

Abstract: A reclosable locking container and method for packaging dry materials, comprising a box formed from a foldable substrate and a molded reclosable, locking fitment, said fitment being lockable in the open or closed position. The container of the invention may be adapted to provide barrier packaging of materials to extend the shelf life thereof by incorporating a barrier material, fin seal closure elements and optionally a skived side seam, and a tearable perforated opening.

Abstract: According to a method for forming a blister band (1) for blister pack (10) in blistering machines (M), a band (1) of heat-formable material is moved stepwise through a preheating station (5), a forming station (6), where a regular series of blisters (20) is formed, a filling station (8), where the blisters (20) are filled with relative articles, a sealing station (9), in which the blister band is sealed with a covering band (11), and a cutting off station (13), where the blister band is cut into single blister packs (10). The method includes gradual heating, during the stepwise movement of the band (1) in the preheating station (5), of selected areas (24a, 24b, 24c) of the band (1). The areas (24a, 24b, 24c) are distributed regularly within a cold grid-like zone and have an extent suitably bigger than the extent of the blisters (2) made in the region of the heated areas (24a, 24b, 24c).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a wrapped tampon. A continuously moving wrapper material is provided with a longitudinal axis, width and a tear member. The wrapper material is maintained in a pre-determined rotational position. The wrapper material provided also has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that are folded and sealed together to form a longitudinal seal. The wrapper material is cut to form a pair of opposing transverse edges. The transverse edges are to form a transverse seal having a width defined by a first end and a second end. A tampon is provided and is inserted into the wrapper material through the unsealed opposing transverse edges that are subsequently sealed. At the end of the process, when the wrapper is sealed the tear member extends into the transverse seal adjacent to the first end.

Abstract: A pouch for dispensing a beverage. The pouch includes a pair of opposing walls with a first half and a second half. A valve is inserted within one of the walls at the first half of the pouch. The valve is configured to be operable with a beverage dispenser. The pouch also includes various elements for hanging the pouch by its second half such that the pouch may be hung and dispense the beverage through the valve.

Abstract: Self-contained wrap for a gift comprising, a first panel; a second panel, having a perimeter, fixed to the first panel along a first portion of the perimeter, so that a cavity is formed between the first panel and the second panel which is adapted to enclose the gift therein, and so that at least one opening to the cavity is defined along a second portion of the perimeter which is adapted to allow the gift to be passed through the opening into the cavity; and at least one flap, fixed to the second panel, which is adapted to fold over the opening and to adhere to the front panel; and method for using the wrap.

Abstract: A method for storing nuclear fuel in a container (10) including a concrete body and a fuel receiver embedded in the concrete body, comprises the steps of: providing formwork (62) for the concrete body and supporting the fuel receiver within the formwork; placing the formwork in an immersed position in a pool (54) containing a body of water; placing concrete in the immersed formwork (62); and removing the formwork with the concrete body cast therein from the pool (52).

Abstract: A method of packaging and transporting pizza for improved efficiency and crush-resistance, this method involving the steps of (a) providing a box blank erectable into a non-wall-engaged carton comprising a substantially rectangular bottom panel, a rear wall, a pair of left and right side wall structures each comprising a side wall having a free top edge and opposing front and rear free-swinging corner flaps, a front wall structure comprising a front wall and an ancillary panel, and a cover comprising a cover panel, left and right interior-disposed support-bearing cover side flaps, and a cover front flap; (b) erecting the blank into the carton by a unique folding method; (c) opening the carton and, thereby, providing a particular pre-folded opened rectangular carton in non-wall-engaged mode; (d) placing a pizza into the opened carton; (e) closing the carton by a unique closing method; and (f) transporting the loaded carton.

Abstract: A package, as well as a method an apparatus for manufacturing such a package and a product feeder which, for example, can be utilized for feeding the products to such a package. In normal circumstances, the method and apparatus work continuously, which considerably increases the capacity with respect to the known method and apparatus. Moreover, with the method and apparatus packages of different inner space dimensions can be manufactured. Not only the length of the inner space of the package can be varied, but also the height and the width thereof. Variation can take place without or with minimal resetting time.

Abstract: A package for the product where the package includes a sizing cavity where an article, upon which the product is to be applied, is to be insertable within a sizing cavity to determine that the particular product in that package is to be the correct size for that particular article. A method of packaging a product which comprises forming a housing within which the product is located and forming at least one sizing cavity within the housing of a specific size and shape which is to connect with a canister upon which the product is to be located. A method of merchandising a product comprising the steps of placing the product in a housing and forming in the housing at least one sizing cavity of a specific size and shape, attempting to place a canister separate from the housing within the sizing cavity, and if it fits there within, the product will be the correct size of product to be used with the canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling with high accuracy a finely divided powdered medicament having a particle size smaller than 10 &mgr;m into cavities having a size corresponding to the volume of powder to be filled, wherein said device comprises oscillating and rotating means for breaking down aggregates formed in the finely divided powdered medicament and filling and for compacting it in said cavities. The invention also includes a method of filling with high accuracy of a finely divided powdered medicament having a particle size smaller than 10 &mgr;m and to fill said finely divided powdered medicament into cavities, wherein the finely divided powdered medicament is transported and compacted in said cavities by oscillating and rotating means.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for populating transport tapes with electronic components includes a mold support having at least one recess over which a flat plastic strip is disposed. A heater heats the mold support and/or the plastic strip in an area of the recesses. An embossing tool, which has the electronic component in its embossing area, together with the electronic component, is embossed into the plastic strip in the direction of the recess into the mold support to form a tape pocket.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a package for containing and displaying cosmetic products and to a process for manufacturing the same. The package comprises a component (5) suitable to contain at least one cosmetic product (4). Said component (5) is made of a material that is poured and left to harden.

Abstract: Oxygen scavenging materials incorporated into or attached to a package such as a gable-top or rectangular carton, used to package foods, beverages or other oxygen sensitive materials, and thereby increase shelf-life by decreasing oxygen in the headspace of the package, and decreasing oxidation of the packaged product.

Abstract: A method for providing a thermally processed commodity in a plastic container. The container is exposed to elevated temperatures to form an—intermediate finish section. A commodity is dispensed within the plastic container. A closure engages the intermediate finish section. The container and the commodity are thermally processed. The finish section being within a predetermined range whereby the finish section and the closure result in retaining a hermetic seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bag for packaging food products whose materials can be easily recycled. A bag for packaging food products is formed of a laminated film having a structure of polyester-type sealant layer with a low melting, point/barrier layer (vapor-deposited layer of ceramic or metal)/polyester-type heat resistant layer with a high melting point. The bag is formed by heat sealing the film such that the polyester-type low melting point sealant layer forms an inner side.

Abstract: A cost-effective package is described that creates a visual impression of a packaged item floating within a frame. The package includes a chassis having a compartment for holding the item and a frame for holding the chassis. The chassis includes a front panel and a rear panel. The chassis compartment is formed by a cavity in the front panel and a corresponding cavity in the rear panel. The chassis further includes a flange for installing the chassis into the frame. The flange is formed by first and second flange flaps that extend respectively from the front and rear chassis panels. The frame for holding the chassis includes a series of panels that fit around the outer perimeter of the chassis. One of the panels includes a guide channel and slot for receiving the chassis flange. The package is formed by sliding the chassis into the frame and folding the frame closed around the chassis.

Abstract: A composite container having a detachable liner and a method for making the container are provided according to the present invention. The method includes providing a tubular body ply formed of a paperboard material and adhering the liner ply using a standard adhesive applicator. The method also includes heating a heat-releasable adhesive disposed between the liner ply and the body ply such that the liner ply substantially releases from the body ply. The liner ply remains adhered to the opposed ends of the container, thus providing a free medial portion between the opposed ends that can move inwardly if a negative pressure is created within the sealed container, thus equalizing the pressure within the container with that outside the container.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing in which a fluent material is dispensed to an article such as a container from a flexible bag The fluent material is dispensed directly to the container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus acts on the bag to dispense and does not act on the fluent material. Thus, the apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine The flexible bag is preferably formed with multiple outlets permitting simultaneous dispensing to multiple containers.

Abstract: A packaging web is disclosed. The web is an elongate, flattened plastic tube having face and back sides delineating the faces and backs of a set of side by side bags. The tube includes an elongated top section and spaced sets of side seals each extending transversely from the bottom to a location near the top section. The side seals of each set delineate sides of adjacent bags such that the sides and bottoms delineate the perimeters of a set of open top bags. The top section is essentially a bottom open tube for providing bag support when the web is fed into a bag loading machine. The web includes superposed, spaced lines of weakness in each of the face and back sides delineating tops of the bags. Each such spaced line of weakness extends substantially across an associated bag top and terminates in spaced relationship with an associate one of the spaced lines of weakness to leave solid sections in the face and back sides.

Abstract: A lottery product comprises a row of pouches formed by an upper and lower layer of heat sealable plastics material which is sealed along both edges and at spaced transverse heat sealed lines to define a series of separate pouches each containing a lottery ticket. The pouches are perforated in the transverse heat sealed lines to allow separation by tearing. The tickets are numbered consecutively in the row. The pouches are folded at each perforation line so as to form a fan folded structure with each ticket lying on top of the next adjacent ticket. A tear notch is provided at the top of each pouch between the heat seal and the top of the ticket to allow transverse tearing to remove the ticket from the pouch. The row of tickets is supplied in a dispensing machine and the strength of the perforations and the tear notch is arranged so that the row can remain intact while it is dispensed and can be easily manually separated without effecting tearing at the notch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a slider-equipped zipper on a pouch in a form/fill/seal operation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a foldable slider is employed, and is shifted from an open configuration to a closed configuration for installation on zipper strips on the pouch. Stops are preferably provided at the ends of the zipper strips by application of heat and pressure to form a boss on one side and a corresponding recess on the other, without requiring additional material. A hermetic peelable seal preferably is provided beneath the zipper strips. The slider preferably is applied to the zipper strips immediately before or immediately after filling, or immediately after formation of the peelable seal. Means may be provided to shift the position of the slider to close the zipper.

Abstract: A method for automatically making bags equipped with matching closure profiles comprising the steps of: unwinding a supply of at least a film for forming the bag walls; unwinding a supply of closure assembly comprising a W-shaped support sheet, constituting an inner U-shaped tear band provided on its inner surface opposite respectively the matching closure profiles, and the external lateral webs extending beyond the closure profiles and the U-shaped inner band, the closure assembly being further pre-equipped with a series of sliders actuating the closure profiles distributed over the length of the unwinding closure assembly; and fixing the resulting closure assembly via the external lateral webs on the film forming the bag walls.

Abstract: The present invention provides at low cost a production management system having a production line that includes a combination weigher and a bagger and is capable of using image information for monitoring.

Abstract: An exemplary pocket spring assembly comprises a plurality of elongate fabric tubes disposed adjacent each other. Each fabric tube has a plurality of pockets, with at least some of the pockets of adjacent fabric tubes being welded together at midpoints on the adjacent pocket. Further, a spring is disposed in each of the pockets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tubular package is disclosed. A longitudinally advancing strip of film material is guided about a mandrel so as to form a tubular body. As the film advances, margins of the film at the longitudinal edges are guided together into a fin and the fin is guided against the tubular body portion. The edge margins are then welded to each other and to the tubular body portion to form a tube closed cylinder. Individual packages may be formed and filled using conventional form, fill and sealing equipment.

Abstract: A pouch-like container with faces made of materials having different consistencies and/or characteristics, particularly for solid, granular or fluid products. Conveniently, one of the two faces is produced from a scarcely flexible sheet, while the other face is produced from a much lighter and preferably transparent sheet in order to show the contained product. The low-flexibility face has ribs to preset a deformability and set the final shape that the container will assume. The container is manufactured by coupling, along longitudinal lines (lateral borders) and transverse lines, two sheets which are unwound continuously from two rolls. The tougher sheet is pre-ribbed along lines which force a controlled deformation, forming the container when it is filled with the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a pack, particularly intended for undergoing preservation treatment, from at least one film (10) comprising two plastic layers, an upper (11) and a lower (12), which form the outer and inner faces of said pack, and a light-metal central layer (13) sandwiched between said upper and lower layers. According to the invention, prior to the operations to make said pack, a laser beam is applied solely to the lower layer of said film, said lower layer forming the inner face of said pack, in order to produce, virtually in the entire thickness of said lower layer, at least one perforation (14) forming at least one precut line.

Abstract: A method for obtaining dimensionally structurally stable objects, in particular disposable containers, from a flexible film rewindable on a reel, comprising the steps of preparing a flexible film rewindable on a reel, which, at least in those regions which in the obtained object are required to be substantially rigid, is associated with a structurally transformable substance inert with respect to the film and at least one passive activator therefore, forming an object from the film prepared in this manner, and during any one stage in a formation of the object, administering an energy compatible with the activator to start a structural transformation reaction of the substance and convert the regions from flexible to substantially rigid.

Abstract: A system for packaging articles, such as stacks of greeting cards or the like, includes an article handler, a group of film handlers, and a side sealer. Each of the film handlers includes a film roll holder, which is adapted to hold a roll of folded over film having a closed side and an open side. The film handler also includes a film holding arrangement adapted to hold open the film along an open side, and cross cutter including an end cutting and sealing blade arrangement positioned transverse to the length of the film and adapted to cut and seal an end of the film adjacent an end of an article. The article handler is positioned adjacent the film handlers.

Abstract: A container for containing a product includes a base including three sides and three faces extending from the base. The faces form an apex opposite to the base and each face has three sides. One of the sides of each face is adjacent to a respective one of the sides of the base and the other two sides of each face are adjacent to a respective one of the sides of another face. The container further includes first, second, and third sealed seams. The first sealed seam includes adjacent sides of two of the faces. The second and third sealed seams each include one of the sides of the base and the corresponding adjacent side of one of the faces.

Abstract: An optical reagent format with a precise capillary channel is made by molding a format on a carrier of a precise predetermined thickness. The carrier includes an insert at least a portion of which is molded in the format. Once the format is made, the insert is detached from the carrier and removed from the format leaving a precisely dimensioned capillary channel with an inlet and vent. A reagent may be applied in the capillary channel and the format used to measure the analyte in a fluid such as blood.

Abstract: A protective covering for a lumber stack is constructed by providing an appropriately sized sheet of heavy duty heat shrinkable plastic material, folding the side edges of the plastic sheeting material inwardly along spaced apart longitudinally extending lines to form top and bottom layers and joining the ends of the top and bottom layer to define a top layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width and a bottom layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width except for an opening extending along the longitudinal center line of the bottom wall from one end to the other. A lumber stack is received through the opening in the bottom wall thereby forming initially outwardly extending triangularly shaped panels which are folded downwardly and secured to the ends of the lumber stack. The portions of the plastic sheeting extending adjacent the ends and the corners of the lumber stack are then heated to shrink the plastic sheeting into secure engagement with the lumber stack.

Abstract: A process for blow-molding and coating plastic containers under conditions of positive control in a close-coupled, compact machine to enhance operational efficiency. According to one of the preferred methods, the containers are coated promptly after the containers are discharged from hot molds to take advantage of the residual heat of the freshly blown containers to enhance curing/drying of the coating and to enhance bonding of the coating to the container surface. According to another one of the preferred methods, the containers are aseptically filled and capped either before or after the containers are coated. Alternatively, the process can include hot-filling and capping of containers in which the containers are coated promptly after being hot-filled to take advantage of the elevated temperature of the hot-filled containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the bottom of a carton on a form, fill and seal packaging machine such as the TETRA REX® packaging machine includes a sealing station for a bottom forming station that includes a pair of rotating spindles. Each spindle has a pre-folding member and a final folding member for infolding the bottom panels of the carton. The sealing station also includes a guide plate for guiding the final folded bottom panels of the carton to a sealing plate for permanent sealing. The bottom formed carton provides a tight seal, particularly for an over-folded carton, for use in packaging a product.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed container is provided with a dispensing nozzle terminating in an aperture surrounded by locking lugs. A removable closure portion unitary with the dispensing nozzle and delineated by a frangible web that circumscribes the opening is provided as well so that the closure portion may be severed from the cap portion at the frangible web. An apparatus for fabricating such container is provided which includes a main mold assembly for molding the container body and dual seal mold assemblies for molding the container cap portion and container closure. The main seal mold assembly includes a top surface having a knife edge and an annular cavity. After the main seal mold assembly is closed during the molding process, a forming assembly including a mandrel is extended through the parison into abutting contact with the parison over the top surface of the main seal mold assembly.

Abstract: A method for obtaining dimensionally and structurally stable objects, in particular disposable containers, from a flexible film rewindable on a reel, comprising the steps of preparing a flexible film rewindable on a reel, which, at least in those regions which in the obtained object are required to be substantially rigid, is associated with a structurally transformable substance inert with respect to the film and at least one passive activator therefor, forming an object from the film prepared in this manner, and during any one stage in a formation of the object, administering an energy compatible with the activator to start a structural transformation reaction of the substance and convert the regions from flexible to substantially rigid.

Abstract: A belt device for forming a packaging arrangement including at least one stack of goods has a sling that includes a central suspension loop. The belt is formed as a closed loop and has a width substantially equal to the transverse width of the stack.