With Heat Sealing Of Wrapper Patents (Class 53/463)
  • Patent number: 11331698
    Abstract: A self-contained web cleaning apparatus is disclosed herein. The self-contained web cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum assembly, the vacuum assembly including a vacuum source, the vacuum source configured to create a vacuum for removing particulate matter from a continuous web of material; and at least one particulate extraction device fluidly coupled to the vacuum assembly, the at least one particulate extraction device defining a slot therein through which the particulate matter from the continuous web of material is extracted. The vacuum assembly and the at least one particulate extraction device are disposed within a self-contained structure without any connections to an external vacuum source located outside of the self-contained web cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Richard D. DeRosa
  • Patent number: 9073653
    Abstract: A method and unit for folding a sheet of wrapping material about a group of cigarettes includes feeding the cigarettes and wrapping material into a pocket of a wrapping conveyor so the sheet of wrapping material folds into a U inside the pocket and has an outer end projecting from the pocket, and an inner end resting on a lateral wall of the cigarettes. The method also includes folding the inner end 90° so the inner end is perpendicular to the lateral wall. The method also includes folding the outer end into an L inside the pocket, onto the lateral wall of the cigarettes and onto the inner end perpendicular to the lateral wall so as to superimpose the outer end and the inner end and impart a tubular shape to the sheet of wrapping material. The method also includes heat sealing the outer and inner ends together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: G.D SOCIETA'PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Luca Cavazza, Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Michele Squarzoni, Andrea Biondi
  • Publication number: 20150089905
    Abstract: A packaging and method for controlling the seal strength between two cooperating thermo-sealable films at predetermined sealing portions, where a predetermined amount of heat is applied over a predetermined period of time. The resulting packaging is resealable after the first separation of two surfaces. The strength of the seal controlled by defining the number and dimensions of a plurality of restricted areas without a material cover that is resistant to the thermo-seal effect. The restricted area can be defined with a plurality of dots of predetermined selected shapes and dimensions. The resulting article facilitates the rupture of the packaging along a predetermined path. With this process, a fixed predetermined heat and residency time can be chosen and the seal strength can still be varied in different areas of a packaging. Non-sealable microdots with a predetermined amount of adhesive deposits also covered by a polypropylene powder deposit permit its resealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Nelson Luis Bertazzo Teruel
  • Patent number: 8955291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine with a sealing device, whereby a sealing-tool upper part or sealing-tool lower part can be excited to a vibration (S) approximately parallel to a sealing plane (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Richter, Elmar Ehrmann, Guido Spix
  • Publication number: 20140331617
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the production of sets of containers (10), wherein the apparatus has a packaging device (2) which wraps a plurality of containers (20) at least in part with a film-like packaging material (12) and thus forms a set of containers (10), with a shrinking device (4) which shrinks the packaging material (12) which wraps the containers (20) at least in part, with a conveying device (6) which conveys the containers (20)—wrapped by the packaging material (12)—in a pre-set conveying direction, and with an inspection device (8) which inspects the containers (20)—wrapped at least in part by the packaging material (12)—after the shrinking procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Christian Napravnik
  • Publication number: 20140305082
    Abstract: A packing method for applying a heat-seal overwrap to a package of tobacco articles having an inner container, which houses a group of tobacco articles; an outer container housing the inner container in sliding manner; and a hinged lid, which closes an open top end of the inner container; the packing method including the steps of folding a sheet of heat-seal wrapping material into a tube about the package to form a tubular wrapping; folding two ends of the tubular wrapping to complete the overwrap; stabilizing the overwrap with two transverse heat seals; and, at least when making the transverse heat seals, compressing a front wall of the outer container, so as to move at least part of a top edge of the front wall of the outer container beneath a top wall of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: G.D SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Fabrizio Alessandri, Luca Petrucci, Luca Federici
  • Patent number: 8763351
    Abstract: A method of laminating a part and a laminated packaging part are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Greene, Tweed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Corrado
  • Patent number: 8650843
    Abstract: A method of packaging products, in particular moist products, wherein an areal packaging material is positioned at the outer surfaces of a product while forming fold lines such that the product is completely surrounded by packaging material. The packaging material is first folded adjacent to a lower side region while forming side surface regions and end face regions such that a container open at one side is formed. Sections of the packaging material that project beyond the rim of the container open at one side in the regions of mutually oppositely disposed product side surfaces are folded so far over one another while covering the product upper side of the product until they contact one another in order then to be sealed with one another in a first sealing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alpma Alpenland Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Glas, Walter Föstl
  • Publication number: 20140020340
    Abstract: Methods and machines are provided for forming a five-sided carton of packages of smoking articles. A piece of film material is applied to a plurality of packages of smoking articles such that five sides of the plurality of packages are at least partially covered by the film material, but the sixth side remains uncovered. The film material is applied such that the group of packages is sufficiently tightly bound so that none of the packages may slip free from the carton. The sixth side of the plurality of packages in the carton remains exposed so that tax stamps may be easily applied. The film of material may be applied so that a gap is formed relative to the sixth side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Jerry Wayne Pipes, Mark Shane Hatcher, Wesley Steven Jones
  • Publication number: 20140013715
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and facility for packaging products (10), said facility comprising a linear transporter (20) that includes a set of endless conveyor belts (20a) associated with a belt having synchronizing cleats (20b), with a linear pusher (20c) actuated by a parallelogram mechanism (20d) imparting rectilinear motion thereto, as well as with a counter-pusher (20e) which is provided for gripping the product and the sheet of packaging material, and which is driven by a cam or the like. The products are placed in one of the receiving jaws (21a) of a first revolver (21) so as to enter a first heat-sealing station (30) which is designed to seal the fold along the longitudinal edge of the product (10). At the outlet of a folding box, the products are transferred into the recesses (23a) of a second revolver (23) which rotates in the direction opposite the direction of rotation of the first revolver (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Cesar-Carlos Cermeno
  • Publication number: 20130313266
    Abstract: Method to improve the barrier properties of composite gas cylinders and high pressure gas cylinder having enhanced barrier properties. The instant invention pertains to a new method for improving the barrier properties of composite gas cylinders for the storage of gas, by wrapping the outer surface of a composite gas cylinder with a plastic film comprising a barrier material in a winding process. The composite gas cylinder comprises an inner liner made of polyolefin and an outer fibre-reinforced, pressure supporting layer. The barrier material may comprise polyamide, polyester, halogen substituted polymer, EVOH or a metallization. The invention pertains also to a high pressure composite gas cylinder having enhanced barrier properties and its use as a fuel tank in gas driven automotive vehicles equipped with a combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Andernach, Thomas Lindner
  • Patent number: 8568842
    Abstract: One embodiment of a wrapping film comprises a polymer film having, on at least one surface thereof, at least one sealing area comprising at least one varnished area; and a plurality of individual unvarnished areas; wherein, within the sealing area, the area ratio of the unvarnished areas to the varnished area (PV:V) is ?1; and wherein, within the sealing area, the largest individual unvarnished area is ?30 mm2. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Dennis W. Anderson, Patti L. Ewing
  • Publication number: 20130219833
    Abstract: A heat sealable coated nylon film comprising a layer having a first and a second surface, the layer consisting essentially of nylon, and a coating on the first surface of said layer, wherein the coating is water-based and adapted for making the coated nylon film heat sealable and wherein the coating comprises a polyurethane and a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, EVA, EAA, ethylene methacrylic copolymer, and a combination thereof. A processes of forming said coated nylon film, a packaged product comprising a product and said heat sealable coated nylon film in which the product is wrapped, and a process of packaging said product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Honeywell International Inc.
  • Patent number: 8484937
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to foiiuing food packages with a lap seal. A continuous, peelable hermetic seal is formed by activating a conductive element to emit an electrical impulse while contacting the overlap region of a pouch. The overlap is sealed by the heat generated from the activation of the conductive element, for example a wire. The conductive element is placed longitudinally along the overlap area of the pouch, which results in a sealed line. A second parallel sealed line may also be made to add redundancy, thereby better sealing the pouch. The disclosed method results in a package with an unsealed flap between first seal line and the film edge that allows for easy opening of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Land O'Lakes, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: 8479478
    Abstract: A sealable polymeric film structure comprising (a) a core layer including a thermoplastic polymer, the core layer having a machine side and a product side that is on a side of the film opposite from the machine side; and (b) a sealable skin layer positioned on the product side of the core layer, the sealable skin layer including a thermoplastic polymer, wherein an exterior surface of the sealable skin layer has a receding Cahn value of at least about 0.48; and wherein in some heat—sealable embodiments, the sealable skin layer sealed to itself has a MST of from about 175° F. to about 220° F., with a jaw pressure of 20 psi for 0.75 seconds and a minimum acceptable seal strength of 200 g/in at 175° F., on a Wrap-Ade™ Crimp Sealer Model J or K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Dale Cleckner, Scott P. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20130167484
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for the production of a container surrounding an interior, comprising the steps a. provision of a planar composite comprising i. a carrier layer, ii. a barrier layer of plastic joined to the carrier layer, iii. at least one layer of thermoplastic plastic KSa joined to the barrier layer of plastic, the at least one layer of plastic optionally being a plastics mixture of at least two plastics, b. folding of the planar composite to form a fold with at least two fold surfaces adjacent to one another and c. joining of respectively at least a part region of the at least two fold surfaces by heating the part region to form a container region, and a container obtainable by this process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Michael Wolters, Stefan Pelzer, Matthias Kaul, Günther Lorenz, Olivier Peterges, Holger Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130126462
    Abstract: A beverage container includes a recyclable, multilayered, polymer bottle covered by an ultraviolet-absorbent, biodegradable and removable overlay. The container is thus both suitable for light sensitive products, such as beer, and ecologically sound in design for recycling. In one embodiment the bottle is a polyethylene terephthalate bottle covered by a biodegradable plastic, upon which has been printed various materials desired by the producer or consumer. The biodegradable plastic is removed by the consumer before disposal to facilitate the recycling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: WiSys Technology Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: WiSys Technology Foundation, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8438819
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a package containing a compacted particulate composition, comprises wrapping a compacted particulate composition with a first film and treating the wrapped compacted particulate composition at an elevated temperature to shrink the film such that it clings to said composition. The resulting packages may be made using low compaction pressures and consequently may have low friability and be fast dissolving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Frederic Moreux, Gunnar Noding, Marion Schleicher
  • Patent number: 8375688
    Abstract: A package for a cryopreservation container including at least an adhesive fluoropolymer film. The package for a cryopreservation container makes it possible to store blood, rare cells and vital tissues in a very low temperature environment without any damage to the container. Further, the sealing strength resulting from heat sealing after placing a cryopreservation container in the packages is very good. Therefore, liquid nitrogen can be inhibited from entering the inside and thus contamination with bacteria, viruses or the like contained in liquid nitrogen can be avoided and the package can be prevented from being broken by expansion of intruder liquid nitrogen on the occasion of thawing. Also disclosed is a method for packaging a cryopreservation container and a method of producing a package for a cryopreservation container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Nipro Corporation, Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Ishihara, Hideaki Murahashi, Naomi Nakatani, Yoshihiro Yoshikawa, Akio Shirasu, Hidenori Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8234767
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing packaged lancets. The steps of the process include providing a tape comprising a plurality of lancets comprising a lancet tip and a lancet body, enveloping at least the lancet tip with at least one foil, whereby the at least one foil forms a first and a second portion that overlap at least partly, and sealing the at least one foil with a laser beam at least at the edges of the first and second portion of the overlapping foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagonostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Roeper, Werner Finke, Herbert Harttig, Bernd Hiller, Hans List
  • Publication number: 20120174534
    Abstract: A method and unit (11) for folding a sheet (5) of wrapping material about a group (2) of cigarettes, the method including the steps of: feeding the group (2) of cigarettes and the sheet (5) of wrapping material into a pocket (14) of a wrapping conveyor (12), so the sheet (5) of wrapping material folds into a U inside the pocket (14) and has an outer portion (8) projecting from the pocket (14), and an inner portion (9) resting on a lateral wall (?a) of the group (2) of cigarettes; folding the inner portion (9) 90° with respect to the lateral wall (6a) of the group (2) of cigarettes, so the inner portion (9) is perpendicular to the lateral wall (6a); folding the outer portion (8) into an L inside the pocket (14), onto the lateral wall (6a) of the group (2) of cigarettes and onto the inner portion (9) perpendicular to the lateral wall (6a), so as to superimpose the outer portion (8) and the inner portion (9) and impart a tubular shape to the sheet (5) of wrapping material; and heat sealing the outer portion (8)
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Luca Cavazza, Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Michele Squarzoni, Andrea Biondi
  • Patent number: 8096096
    Abstract: In a packaging machine, typically a cellophaner for overwrapping packets of cigarettes, each of the packets is enveloped by a wrapping unit in a heat shrinkable wrapper presenting at least two opposite faces disposed parallel one with another. The machine also comprises a unit by which heat is applied to the wrappers, equipped with a pair of belt conveyors that present two branches, facing one another and set in motion in such a way as to transport the packets by gripping the two opposite faces of each wrapper, and at least one heating head associated with each transport branch; the heating heads are faced with a leaf of lamellar graphite bonded to the head on one side and offered in direct contact on the other to the respective branch of the corresponding belt conveyor, so as to minimize friction between the belt and the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: G.D. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Spatafora, Salvatore Carboni
  • Publication number: 20110192119
    Abstract: The present invention describes an improved side-sealing machine for use with heat sealable films. Briefly, a cutting and sealing element is located between a set of cooperating guide and alignment members. The downstream guide and alignment member also includes a compression mechanism. This compression mechanism serves to compress the seal created upstream, and to draw the heat away from the film. In some embodiments, the downstream guide and alignment member also serves to separate the film into a surplus portion and a remaining portion, where only the remaining portion is subjected to compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SHANKLIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas P. Orsini, Joseph T. Powers, John A. Dextraze
  • Publication number: 20110192738
    Abstract: A film wrapper comprising a tear tape, wherein an end of the tear tape terminates at a side edge of the film wrapper, and wherein a pull portion of the film wrapper is provided in the form of a protrusion at the end of the tear tape and the protrusion comprises an outer edge. An incision in the film wrapper is provided at one side of the pull portion as a continuation of the outer edge of the pull portion. A container is disclosed which comprises the aforementioned film wrapper, wherein the film wrapper is wrapped around the container. Further, a method for producing a film wrapper and a knife arrangement are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Ramiro Uribe, Gustavo Blanco
  • Publication number: 20110179753
    Abstract: A process for making an individually packaged absorbent article. The process includes providing an absorbent article and a wrapper material, providing an opening area in the wrapper material, and applying an overlabel over the opening area. A tube having a longitudinal axis and two ends is formed, the tube having at least one permanent side seal, the permanent side seal being provided parallel to the longitudinal axis. The absorbent article is then loaded into the tube and the two ends are permanently sealed, such that an individually packaged absorbent article is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas Toms, Limin Song, Jeremy Robert Basham
  • Patent number: 7913895
    Abstract: A wrapping paper for a roll having two opposed roll ends, the wrapping paper includes: a paper layer; and at least one exposed strip having adhesive properties. The at least one exposed strip is proximate to a side edge of the paper layer and covers at least a portion of one of the roll ends when wrapped around the roll. A method for wrapping a roll having a pair of spaced roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cascades Conversion, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Scott Bowden, Denis Aumais, Michel Labbé
  • Publication number: 20110030697
    Abstract: The condom of the present invention is manufactured, tested, assembled and packaged using the apparatus and method of the present invention with an integrated condom applicator assembly. That is formed of two strips or tabs of flexible material rolled into the rolled condom such that tab ends protrude from the roll. The tab ends are provided with a touch distinctive tactile or textured surface on one side thereof so that a user can orient the rolled condom in the proper direction in the dark. A method of condom assembly is included in which the tabs are manufactured and rolled into the rolled condom to form the tab applicator assemblies using a custom designed machine. The inventive process next contemplates a packaging machine, which wraps the combined condom and applicator assembly in a sealed package. The marketing aspect of the invention is structured using manufacturer's representatives. Finally, the process includes instructing the consuming public on the method of use of the condom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Beau Thompson
  • Patent number: 7877963
    Abstract: A method of producing a sealed bundle containing consumer articles such as smoking articles comprises the steps of wrapping a sealable material around an outer surface of a sleeve; at least partially sealing the sealable material while being wrapped around the sleeve at its bottom and along its length; pushing a group of smoking articles through the sleeve to remove the partially sealed sealable material from the sleeve; and sealing the partially sealed sealable material at the top so as to form the sealed bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Gregory Messing, Philippe Bourgoin, Pierre-Yves Gindrat
  • Patent number: 7877965
    Abstract: In order to package flat objects (1) with the aid of a quasi-endless packaging material web, the packaging material web is placed around a row (4) of the objects (1), in which these objects are conveyed one after the other and in an interspaced manner, whereupon longitudinal seams are made in the packaging material web and transversal seams are made between the objects (1) whereby separating the packaged objects from one another. In contrast to prior art packaging methods during which the row is formed before the packaging material web is fed thereto, the invention provides that the row is directly formed on the packaging material web (2) during which the objects are, by acceleration, separated out from a supply stream (3), in which they are fed while overlapping one another, and directly placed upon or pushed onto the packaging material web (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Werner Honegger
  • Patent number: 7856793
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assembling a wrapper to a foam cup to form a wrapped foam cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Dart Container Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Dart, Roger E. Payne, Steven C. Hills, Steven K. Makela, Brent M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100285180
    Abstract: A heat-in package with doneness indicator for heating applications, such as microwave heating of foods or sterilization applications. The doneness indicator comprises indicia printed with thermochromatic ink on the heat-in packaging. The doneness indicator can be sealed from front to back on the heat-in packaging in such a way that the heat transfer to the sealed area is controlled so that the contents contained within the heat-in packaging has adequate time to heat before a color change or other visual transformation is observed in the doneness indicator. Furthermore, the sealed area containing the thermochromatic ink is not in direct contact with the contents within the packaging. The ink changes due to heat conduction through the film. A venting system can further be incorporated to prevent excessive pressure build-up within the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: ANTHONY GAYLOR, Thomas C. Hoese, Tim Reppe, Steve Straus
  • Publication number: 20100272938
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, a hydraulically-formed nonwoven sheet, a package comprising such sheet, a method of packaging a medical device using a package with such sheet and a method of manufacturing such sheet are provided. This nonwoven sheet comprises first and second non-cellulosic polymeric fibers. The first non-cellulosic polymeric fibers have an average diameter less than about 3.5 micron, an average cut length less than about 3 millimeters and an average aspect ratio of about 400 to about 2000; the second non-cellulosic polymeric fibers have an average diameter greater than about 3.5 micron and an average aspect ratio of about 400 to about 1000. In a second embodiment, a hydraulically-formed nonwoven sheet is provided. This nonwoven sheet comprises binding material, non-cellulosic polymeric fibers and cellulosic based materials. The non-cellulosic polymeric fibers have an average diameter less than about 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Bemis Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin Glenn Mitchell, Marvin Lynn Mitchell, Christopher Rene Jansen, Paula Hines Mitchell, Amber Layne Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20100273698
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a package containing a compacted particulate composition, comprises wrapping a compacted particulate composition to sealing same with at least one film. Thereafter treating the resultant seams of the sealed composition to produce a package that is suitable for handling by a user than known packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Gunnar Noding, Frederic Moreux
  • Patent number: 7815878
    Abstract: An air freshener device includes an open-cell, polyurethane foam body having a scent material interspersed in the foam body that is capable of diffusing out of the foam, and a flexible cover surrounding and conforming to the foam body having at least one hole in the cover to facilitate the release of scent. The foam body can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The flexible cover can have a fabric shell that is soothing to the touch, and may also have a non-porous inner liner to contain the scent material and prevent it from migrating out of the foam body. In addition, the air freshener can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape, and can be fashioned into the shape of a common sports ball, such as a baseball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20100242412
    Abstract: Cigarette packs of the hinge-lid-box type with an outer wrapping of shrinkable film are transported through a shrinkage station (22) in two pack rows (26, 27), in each case comprising individual packs. In the region of said shrinkage station, shrinkage elements, namely heating plates (24, 25; 45, 46), subject the upper side and/or lower side of the packs (10), during a standstill phase of the same, to (contact) heat. The packs (10) are transported such that the lower side and the upper side are simultaneously or consecutively exposed for contact by the heating plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FOCKE & CO. (GMBH & CO. KG)
    Inventors: Martin Stiller, Burkard Roesler, Jens Schmidt, Jürgen Schwecke
  • Publication number: 20100222799
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing packaged lancets, comprising the steps: providing a tape comprising a plurality of lancets comprising a lancet tip and a lancet body, enveloping at least the lancet tip with at least one foil, whereby the at least one foil build a first and a second portion that overlap at least partly, sealing the at least one foil with a laser beam at least at the edges of the first and second portion of the overlapping parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Roeper, Werner Finke, Herbert Harttig, Bernd Hiller, Hans List
  • Publication number: 20100189938
    Abstract: A sealable and peelable film comprising a four layer coextrudate comprising a core layer contributing predominantly towards the thickness of the film, a first sealing layer provided on one side of the core layer and a second sealing layer, or alternatively a laminating layer, provided on the other side of the core layer, and the film comprising a peeling layer in between the first sealing layer and the core layer and/or in between the second sealing layer, or alternatively the laminating layer, and the core layer, and wherein the peeling layer is adjacent the first sealing layer and/or the second sealing layer and/or the laminating layer, and wherein the relative thickness of the peeling layer and its adjacent sealing and/or lamination layer (p:s/l ratio) is from 1:10 to 5:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: INNOVIA FILMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jonathan Hewitt, Martin Richard Cockroft
  • Patent number: 7757461
    Abstract: In order to package flat objects (1) with the aid of a quasi-endless packaging material web, the packaging material web is placed around a row (4) of the objects (1), in which these objects are conveyed one after the other and in an interspaced manner, whereupon longitudinal seams are made in the packaging material web and transversal seams are made between the objects (1) whereby separating the packaged objects from one another. The invention provides that the row is directly formed on the packaging material web (2) during which the objects are, by acceleration, separated out from a supply stream (3), in which they are fed while overlapping one another, and directly placed upon or pushed onto the packaging material web (2). Forming the row (4) directly on the packaging material web (2) eliminates additional conveying steps thereby shortening the entire required conveyor lines and rendering stabilizing means for stabilizing the objects (1) during conveyance unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Werner Honegger
  • Publication number: 20100150481
    Abstract: A package is made from a polymer film that includes a breachable bubble. The package can be flexible. The breachable bubble is for opening the package. In particular, the bubble, once breached, causes two opposing layers to separate. The separated layers form peelable portions that can be peeled apart in order to access the contents of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Willaim S. Perell, Leif Sorenson
  • Patent number: 7722730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for heat-sealing windows into folding carton blanks for producing liquid-proof folding cartons having film windows. Pieces of film that are cut to measure are placed on the window openings of the folding carton blanks and the edges of the pieces of film are heat-sealed with the folding carton blanks so as to be liquid-proof using heated pressure segments or heat-sealing dies. The folding carton blanks, together with the pieces of film, are fed to a tail pulley for a transport belt by means of the transport belt and are inserted in the gap between the tail pulley and the transport belt resting thereon. In this gap, the blanks and pieces of film are continuously heat-sealed together by means of at least two heated pressure segments that are disposed on the outer periphery of the tail pulley and push radially from inwards against the transport belt in the area of deflection of the transport belt and thus onto the edges of the pieces of film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Julius Schröder-Frerkes
  • Patent number: 7707805
    Abstract: A machine for packaging groups of products ordered in one or more layers, which includes a magazine for the supply of the group of products; apparatus for supplying a packaging sheet the sheet being set vertically to a front face of the product, a pusher for unloading the product; a first-folding spindle set downstream of the wrapping sheet; a pair of horizontal conveyors, set on top of one another, set downstream of the first-folding spindle; a vertical folder, which operates in the short space between the folding spindle and the pair of conveyors; and apparatus to superimpose on the bottom of the product the last transverse end flaps of the packaging sheet; and apparatus for fixing the bottom flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: KPL Pack{dot over (a)}ging S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giordano Gorrieri
  • Patent number: 7707804
    Abstract: Soap bars that are not of essentially a square or rectangular shape, but of a generally rectangular shape, can be packaged using a single plastic film wrapper. This plastic film preferably is biaxially oriented polypropylene of from about 60 micron to about 180 microns. It can be a monolayer or a multilayer laminated. However, any plastic film having a Taber stiffness of more than about 5 and preferably about 7 to 20 can be used. The soap bar in order to facilitate making an effective longitudinal seal on the bottom of the soap bar package should have a planar surface adjacent to the position of the overlapping longitudinal edges of the wrapping film. This provides a surface for the sealing plate to seal the longitudinal edges against.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Steven Johnson, Todd VanGordon
  • Publication number: 20100083620
    Abstract: A method for packaging a mattress in a package, comprising: retaining, in a first step of operation, a fixing element below a resting surface and causing the advancement of a mattress from a first conveyor toward a second conveyor for producing the wrapping of a sheet in a loop around the mattress and the perimetric closure by heat-sealing and cutting of the sheet and the formation of a first wrapping, which is separate from the sheet unwound from the reel, lifting, in a second step, the sheet fixing element above the resting surface and transferring the mattress onto the advancement conveyor, returning, in a third step, the fixing element below the resting surface and in a fourth step, producing the advancement of the mattress on the second receiving and transfer conveyor in order to wrap a second sheet around the first wrapping and perform consequent heat-sealing and cutting of the sheet, forming a second wrapping that is separate from the first one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Roberto Resta, Paolo Resta
  • Patent number: 7690174
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article through a hot air chamber of a shrink packaging machine comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor. Each conveyor includes a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the plurality are interconnected together to form an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for advancing the endless conveyor belt in a first direction, and a track member having a surface disposed in engagement with particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt. Each of the particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt rolls over the surface of the track member when advanced through the shrink packaging machine. The first conveyor is located over the second conveyor in opposing facing relation therewith such that a compressible item to be shrink wrapped may be compressed and conveyed through the shrink packaging machine between and by the first and second conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: KPC-Master's Craft International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Anderson, Jeff Bockus, Timothy Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20100043358
    Abstract: Filling and packaging machine (10) includes supply pipe (13) for supplying contents into film (10), squeeze rollers (16) for feeding film (1) downward and horizontal seal mechanism (100) for sealing in the contents supplied into film (1). Horizontal seal mechanism (11) includes heating unit (120) having a pair of seal bars for heat-sealing film (1) and cooling/cutting unit (140), placed under the cooling/cutting unit, having a pair of cooling bars for cooling a heat-sealed portion of film 1. Cooling/cutting unit (140) is movable in a vertical direction so that the cooling bars can be positioned between the seal bars while the seal bars are opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Orihiro Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Orihiro Tsuruta, Shunji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100037564
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat panel display package method. Firstly, a flat panel display and an electronic baseplate are prepared; the electronic baseplate is assembled to the flat panel display to provide a driving signal for the flat panel display and form a display module, and the display module defines a module package plane. Next, a first package film and a second package film are respectively provided for the flat panel display and electronic baseplate; the first package film and the second package film both outside the module package plane are respectively defined to be a first join region and a second join region. Next, a hot-pressing machine is used to apply a hot-pressing temperature and a hot-pressing pressure to the first and second join regions and seal them airtightly. Thereby, the present invention can prevent external humidity entering and damaging the flat panel display and the electronic baseplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Chien, Jung-Hsiu Chen
  • Publication number: 20100024364
    Abstract: A method of operating a shrink wrapping machine in a container filling plant for disposing portions of patterns at a substantially predetermined location and orientation on each shrink wrapped flat of containers, before and after a roller exchange, and apparatus therefor. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Tuchwat SCHAGIDOW, Manfred VAN TRIEL
  • Publication number: 20090241476
    Abstract: Device for packaging items, in particular confectionery, such as for example lollipops, comprising a packaging conveyor having a series of holders rotating along a movement path for holding each item and its associated packaging sheet securely during conveying, a feed station for feeding the items and the packaging sheets to the packaging conveyor and a discharge station for discharging the items packaged on the conveyor, the packaging conveyor being provided with means for closing the packaging sheet on the respective item and with a series of heat-sealing means co-rotating with the holders for heat-sealing the closed packaging by supplying heat, each of the heat-sealing means comprising a sheet gripper which is provided with a heating body, the device furthermore comprising means for heating each heating body and means for controlling the heating means, the control means being designed for controlling the heating means for each heating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CFS Weert GmbH
    Inventor: Joseph Johan Maria Van Rens
  • Publication number: 20090211203
    Abstract: A method and device for finishing packets having respective overwrappings of heat-shrink material, whereby the overwrappings are sealed about the respective packets and then heated to shrink and adapt to the configuration of the packets; after being heated, the overwrappings are cooled to set and so reduce the risk of damage to the overwrappings at subsequent processing stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Stefano Negrini
  • Publication number: 20090183469
    Abstract: The wrapper for a ream of paper has an inner surface coated with polyethylene. When the wrapper is formed about a ream of paper, the inner layer overlaps and contacts the outer layer along a longitudinal seam. The polyethylene layer is used to create a seal with the application of heat. Areas of the inner surface in proximity to a heat source during the heat sealing process and where a seal will not be beneficial are covered with a heat shield, such as a varnish. In this way, damage to the paper is avoided. The varnish includes Styrenated Acrylic polymer, with Kaolin Clay and ink. The varnish is applied to the wrapper during the same manufacturing process as the polyethylene coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Gary H. Knauf