Abstract: The present invention regards a package (1) for food products comprising a flexible container (2) having a first wall (5) and a second wall (6) opposite each other and peripherally sealed along at least the respective side edges (5a, 6a, 5b, 6b), a space (8) inside said walls containing, optionally in sterile conditions, a food product (73), and a gusset element (10) extended between the upper edges (5c, 6c) of said first wall (5) and of said second wall (6), said gusset element (10) defining a pocket (14) turned towards the interior of said flexible container (2), characterised in that it comprises an opening and closing device (3) housed in said pocket (14) and constrained to said flexible container (2), said opening and closing device (3) comprising a pourer body (15) associated with an opening and closing cap (16), and cutting means (42) suitable to perforate said flexible container (2) at the time of the first opening of said packaging (1).

Abstract: A flexible pouch including first and second flexible sheets and first and second seal arrangements is provided. The first and second flexible sheets are permanently sealed to one another along less than the entire periphery thereof and define a storage compartment therebetween. The first seal arrangement has a first portion on the first flexible sheet and a second portion on the second flexible sheet. The first and second portions extend across the un-sealed portion of the periphery. When the first and second portions are mechanically locked, a permanent seal is around the entire periphery preventing access to the storage compartment absent visible destruction of the flexible pouch. The second seal arrangement has a third portion on the first flexible sheet and a fourth portion on the second flexible sheet. When the third and fourth portions are mechanically locked, a reclosable seal is provided preventing access to the storage compartment.

Abstract: A container with adjustable enclosed volume is provided that's comprised of two identical collapsible containers interlocked together at their top rims or faces where both of the identical containers have connecting-means on their top rims or faces for locking or connecting the collapsible containers together, and a method of forming and using a collapsible and expandable container with adjustable enclosed volume is also provided.

Abstract: In a bag filling and packaging method and apparatus, first and second bag pressing members being provided a specific distance apart in the lengthwise direction of a bag and respectively having pressing components that extend in the width direction of the bag. The bag pressing members are moved toward a rear plate which is provided on the rear side of the bag, so that the pressing component of the first bag pressing member and an end face of the rear plates hold the bag, and the pressing component of the second pressing member pushes a position of the bag above a receiving face of the rear plate, allowing the bag face including the print part to be taut along the receiving face of the rear plate, and printing or print inspection is performed in this configuration.

Abstract: By creating a slurry of biodegradable material, forming it in a mold under a vacuum, a channel may be created in the lid which can be release-ably connected to a traditional rolled lip coffee cup, among other common liquid holding vessels but be made out of biodegradable material. The resulting lid may be elastic enough such that the lid will give to allow a complementary cup to fit into the channel to create a seal between the cup and the lids. It also will be firm enough to withstand the weight and pressure of the liquid inside the container and from pressure from consumers while using the container. The lid also may be sufficiently heat resistant to withstand desired temperatures and liquid exposure for a time long enough for a consumer to enjoy the contents of the container but also be biodegradable.

Abstract: A package (10) for packaging a food product is made from a sheet (12) of foldable material. The sheet (12) defines a base area on which a food product (14) may be positioned and three or more side wall regions (20) about the base area that are folded upwardly and inwardly to form a parcel for surrounding and containing a product positioned on the base area. The side wall regions (20) converge towards a point located substantially centrally above the base area and an external fin seal (24) is provided between each adjacent pair of side wall regions. The fin seals (24) may be formed by bonding at least part of the opposing inner surfaces of the material forming each fin seal together using a peelable adhesive.

Abstract: An adjustable pouch machine comprises a vertical sealer module forms transverse seals between two plies of a pouch web to partially define a plurality of pouches. Rollers selectively tension and relax the web on the vertically oriented wheel, allowing them to drop away from heated lands on emergency and cycle stops. A filler wheel has a plurality of adjustable gripper units mounted directly thereon for transporting independent separate pouches cut from the pouch web. An adjustable knife is selectively provided with changeable knife hub sets to handle a variety of pouch sizes where a filler wheel alternately first fills and seals pouches in a train. Gear linkage accommodates variation in distance between hubs of different sets. Various embodiments, apparatus and methods are described.

Abstract: A fillable gel pack includes a first side panel having a peripheral region characterized by a first boundary and a second side panel having a peripheral region characterized by a second boundary. The fillable gel pack also includes a sealed periphery joining a portion of the peripheral region of the first side panel shorter than the first boundary with a portion of the peripheral region of the second side panel shorter than the second boundary. The sealed periphery includes one or more outwardly disposed convex portions. The fillable gel pack further includes an unsealed periphery disposed at an unsealed portion of the peripheral region of the first side panel and an unsealed portion of the peripheral region of the second side panel. The unsealed periphery provides a fluid conduit passing from a region external to the fillable gel pack to a region internal to the fillable gel pack.

Abstract: A sealing jaw for producing sealed packages of a food product from a tube of packaging material includes a supporting body, and a first work surface which interacts, in use, with a second work surface on a further jaw to grip the material to be sealed and perform a sealing operation; one of the jaws defines an anvil, and the other of the jaws defines heating means; the jaw has connecting means for connecting the first surface to the supporting body; the connecting means define a curved third and a curved fourth surface made of rigid material and cooperating mutually to allow the first surface to oscillate with respect to the supporting body when gripping the packaging material prior to the sealing operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.

Abstract: A method, system and article for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. A method includes the steps of: disposing at least one material at the interface of the adhesive seal between the flap and the body portion of the envelope, which material radiates thermal energy when combined with an activating agent. The envelope is then sealed by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope and combining the material with the activating agent at the sealing interface so as to change the thermal energy radiated therefrom. The seal is then inspected to determine whether the thermal energy radiated from the activated material has changed thereby confirming that a seal has been produced between the flap and body portion of the envelope. The system and article are directed to the various modules of a mailpiece fabrication system employed to produce the mailpiece including an inspection module for confirming that a seal has been formed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for providing end seals on vertical stand up packages that prevents pleat formation and gusset variation. A clamping device is mounted below sealing jaws. A bottom end seal is made by the sealing jaws to form an open-ended tube. The open-ended tube is moved downward. The clamping device engages the tube to prevent twisting when product is placed into the tube. Product then enters an open-ended tube of flexible film packaging and the top seal is made.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.

Abstract: An ice bagging system is described.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a secure access; easy opening tamper evident feature for sealable bags. The tamper evident feature provides dual zones for tamper-detection and may be sealed within a bag to form a package in such a manner that allows for the filling of product into the package and the handling of the package to be safely made, as the tamper evident feature may be positioned away from deleterious contact with the product. The package may be a combination of the tamper evident feature and a flexible bag. The package may include an easy opening end configuration for secure access inside the bag when the tamper evident feature is exposed and subsequently torn open by an end-user along the dual zones for tamper detection. The package may be formed with bags having side gussets or, alternatively, with folded-closed end. Methods for making and filling such packages are also provided.

Abstract: A machine for forming, filling, and sealing sacks has an unwinding device for a plastic tube, a cross-cutting device that cuts the tube perpendicularly to its principal axis of symmetry and creates tubular pieces in the process, a bottom forming means for forming a sack bottom at one end of the tubular piece, transport equipment to transport the resulting sacks through the machine, a filling station with a feeding element for filling the product in the sack, means of reducing the distance between the product discharge opening of the feed element and the bottom of the sack to be filled, and sealing means to seal the filled sack. The means of reducing the distance is a sack lifting device with which the sack can be lifted in the filling station such that an upper edge of the sack is located above the product discharge opening of the feed element.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting, by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through first and second axially aligned product chutes; (b) pulling covering material from an exterior surface of a covering material chute residing about the second product chute to automatically enclose the object in the material as the object exits the second product chute; (c) applying at least one clip to the material to secure the object in the material; and (d) pivoting the covering material chute and second product chute together to load a sleeve of material onto the covering material chute.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a protective cover case for hermetically sealing an article having a body section and a contoured section. The protective cover case includes a body portion defining an internal chamber for receiving the article and an access opening allowing the article to pass therethrough. The body portion is formed of an elastic material and capable of snuggly fitting onto at least a portion of the body section of the article. The protective cover case also includes a contoured portion fixedly joined to the body portion. The contoured portion is configured to receive and accommodate the contoured section of the article. The protective cover case is capable of hermetically sealing the enclosed article after the access opening on the body portion is sealed.

Abstract: A display device includes (a) a first mounting member containing a first film-mounting surface, wherein the first film-mounting surface demarcates a first opening in the first mounting member; (b) a second mounting member containing a second film-mounting surface, wherein the second film-mounting surface demarcates a second opening in the second mounting member; (c) a first elastomeric film mounted to the first film-mounting surface and extending across the first opening; (d) a second elastomeric film mounted to the second film-mounting surface and extending across the second opening; and (e) a chassis configured for supporting the first mounting member and the second mounting member. The first opening and the second opening are configured for oppositional alignment in the chassis, and the first elastomeric film and the second elastomeric film are configured to retain a display object in a region defined by an oppositional alignment of the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel formed with an aperture, the holding vessel being configured and dimensioned to receive and house ice pieces produced by an operatively associated ice supply, an ice metering device, and an ice transferring device at least partially disposed within the holding vessel that facilitates movement of ice pieces located therein in a first direction toward the aperture thereof, and movement of ice pieces in a second different direction from the aperture to the ice metering device, which is adapted and configured to meter a quantity of ice pieces into a readily transportable container. Methods and automated methods of delivering ice to consumer(s) are also included.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aseptic pouch (1) for packaging food products, comprising two walls which are bonded together so as to define an internal space (2) which is sterilized and hermetically closed. The pouch (1) further comprises at least one sealing (7; 12) which joins together said walls, extending between opposite sides (5, 6) of the pouch, (1) and defines a neck portion (8) of said internal space (2) and two border portions (9) external to said internal space. Said neck portion (8) is suitable for providing, after opening of the pouch (1), an access to said internal space (2) and said border portions (9) are suitable for providing grips for handling said pouch. The invention also relates to a method for packaging a food product in said aseptic pouch (1).

Abstract: A method for operating a package emptying station having a work station, in which an emptying step is performed, an inlet via which the package to be emptied is inserted into the work station, an outlet via which the emptied package is ejected, and a product outlet through which the emptied contents of the package is discharged. Continuous tubular film packs are provided both at the inlet and also at the package outlet which seal off the inlet and the outlet and encase the package to be emptied or the emptied package during the insertion or corresponding ejection of the package. The film is sealed off and severed between individual packages such that the interior and the exterior do not come into contact. In this manner, both contamination of the package contents by environmental substances and also any contamination of the environment by the package contents can be avoided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protected transportation of agricultural commodities to preserve quality and prevent moisture damage of the commodities due to increase in moisture content or to condensation during shipping in containers are provided. The protected transportation is accomplished through the use of a thin, lightweight hermetic liner inside a shipping container. The liner is sealed at a first end and open at a second end, and the liner is positioned within the shipping container with the sealed first end at a back end of the shipping container and the second open end at a front, open end of the shipping container. A top portion of the liner is held to the ceiling of the shipping container via an attachment mechanism or via inflation of the liner and/or ribs in the liner. The bagged or bulk commodity is introduced through the open end and into the liner. The liner is then hermetically sealed, and the container is closed. After shipping, the agricultural commodity may be removed by unsealing the liner.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for bagging material into a stretchable bag having an open end, comprises a movable bag stretching structure (18) displaceable between a first position for receiving the bag and a second position for holding the bag in a stretched state, wherein said stretching structure (18) is provided with elongated corner members (70, 72) for accumulating the bag thereon, each of said elongated corner members (70, 72) being provided with a movable strap-like member (210) extending along the length of the corner members (70, 72) to facilitate loading and unloading the bag on and from the corner members (70, 72).

Abstract: A liquid containing bag includes a liquid filling opening part having a tube configuration through which an inside of the liquid containing bag is filled with liquid. The liquid filling opening part is melt-sealed from directions which face each other in a part of the liquid filling opening part. The part which is melted has a non-symmetrical configuration.

Abstract: A cover for a camera that is mounted to the camera adjacent the camera lens. An exemplary embodiment includes a ring mounted to the camera and a second ring mounted to the first ring. A bag is captured between the first ring and the second ring, and the bag includes a closure proximate an opening for receiving the camera. Embodiments may include a tear-away portion temporarily covering the camera lens. The camera cover may be utilized in an operating room to permit photography within the sterile field, for example.

Abstract: A ribbon of packaging comprises individual packages (11) adjacently and separably arranged for separation prior to filling. The ribbon is preferably drawn under tension from a reel, and the packages are linked by mechanical couplers (FIG. 11) which are separable in a direction orthogonally to the traction force. The packages have a closure (FIG. 8) which is removed and replaced to permit filling. Also disclosed are preferred package couplers, and filling and dispensing arrangements.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an ice-bagging apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises an ice maker for making ice and hopper for receiving the ice from the ice maker. The apparatus further includes a drawer system, operatively associated with the hopper, for measuring the ice and delivering of the ice. The drawer system includes top door and drawer. A bag delivery mechanism for placing the ice in a bag is also included, with the bag delivery mechanism including a bag supply mechanism, a blower engaged to open the mouth of the bag to receive the product, and a sealer that seals the open mouth of the bag once the bag is filled with the ice. A control device is included that manages and monitors the drawer and bag delivery mechanism and allows transmission of the collected data to the Internet.

Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel formed with an aperture, the holding vessel being configured and dimensioned to receive and house ice pieces produced by an operatively associated ice supply, an ice metering device, and an ice transferring device at least partially disposed within the holding vessel that facilitates movement of ice pieces located therein in a first direction toward the aperture thereof, and movement of ice pieces in a second different direction from the aperture to the ice metering device, which is adapted and configured to meter a quantity of ice pieces into a readily transportable container. Methods and automated methods of delivering ice to consumer(s) are also included.

Abstract: A method for gas filling a handle portion of a container of a collapsible type. The handle portion being defined by two opposite side walls of the container and communicating, via a duct defined by the side walls, with an opening formed in one of the side walls. The method including the steps of supplying, at a gas filling station, a gas to the handle portion via the opening and the duct, blocking the duct by a squeezing action to retain the gas supplied to the handle portion, transporting the container to a sealing station while maintaining the squeezing action and, at said sealing station, sealing the duct while maintaining the squeezing action, so as to permanently enclose the gas in the handle portion. The disclosure further concerns a container of a collapsible type.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising filling a retort pouch with molten material, folding the top of the pouch over near or at the molten material line to expel air from the pouch, and sealing the pouch. Also disclosed herein is a molten material and package combination.

Abstract: An end plug to be inserted axially into the centre of an end of a roll of paper, includes a holding element adapted to hold and/or guide the end of the roll of paper in correct position in a dispenser. The end plug includes an outer sleeve having an outer end and an inner end and the holding element is connected to the sleeve by elements allowing the holding element to be axially moved from a first position to a second position, in which the holding element protrude outwardly from the outer end of the sleeve, the holding element being releasably held in the first position when moved thereto. A roll of tissue paper including such an end plug and a dispenser provided with such a roll are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway between the two and a plug member which is sized to be received in the passageway. The plug member also has a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with the first end of the spout member when the plug member is received in the passageway.

Abstract: Systems for enclosing at least one target product in a covering material, include an elongate product chute having an outer surface and opposing receiving and discharge end portions with an interior cavity extending therethrough and an elongate breech loading chute alignably positioned generally above the product chute, the elongate loading chute configured to direct at least one target product into the product chute.

Abstract: A liquid pack with a filling gland having a post fill sealed membrane interposed between the product and the, or a, surround of the opening into die filling gland. An insertor integral part of the filling gland defines a dispensing gland, piercing adaptor and/or collar. This has been both (i) engaged to said filling gland if not integral therewith and (ii) had a surround of its opening sealed to said membrane. In use a suitable piercer to be guided by or received said dispensing gland, piercer adaptor and/or collar can pierce said membrane to allow egress of the product.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing and filling sacks with at least four longitudinal seams provide a more cost-effective approach to producing and filling sacks. The material that forms the sacks is supplied from an unwinding device in the form of a tubular material to a sack forming device. The tubular material is provided with longitudinal seams in the sack forming device, with the seams extending over a major part of the sacks.

Abstract: A packaging body comprising a bag body filled with a compound of the following formula (1) and further filled with an inert gas so as to occupy 80 vol % or more with respect to the total capacity of an internal space formed by the bag body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination drape and carrying bag unit including a singular sheet or plurality of joined sheet of pliable materials, both permeable and impermeable, of size to define a mat to accommodate a working medical procedural area thereon, upon which may be placed in single or combination, medical equipment and patient. The sheet has a drawstring casing extending about its periphery. The casing has openings therein on opposite sides of the mat and a drawstring is received in the drawstring casing and is of size to extend continuously about the periphery of the sheet when it defines a mat. The drawstring is slidably received in the drawstring casing so that when portions of the drawstring are pulled out of the drawstring casing through the openings, the periphery of the sheet forms gathers adjacent the casing to permit the periphery to reduce in size whereby the unit forms a carrying bag.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a powder supply device, a powder filling packaging machine and a method of manufacturing a powder package capable of high-speed operation while suppressing false operations. [Means to Attain the Object] A powder supply device includes: a member 1 including a plate portion having holes 2 formed to penetrate through the plate portion; a moving mechanism 18 that moves the member 1 in such a manner that top openings of the holes 2 move along a specific moving path; an opening/closing member 5 that makes bottom openings of the holes 2 in closed state and opened state as the member 1 moves; a powder filling unit 14 that fills a specific amount of powders 3 in each of the holes 2 within a predetermined section in the moving path; and a sensor 4 that is provided above a path within a section other than the predetermined section in the moving path and that continuously monitors the moving path on the plate portion.

Abstract: There is provided a packaged roast and ground coffee product comprising a lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container made of laminated plastic material comprising a moisture barrier and an oxygen barrier, and a quantity of roast and ground coffee disposed within the container. The container comprises a finish that includes a top surface and one or more snap beads positioned below the top surface. A plurality of snap bead segments may be circumferentially spaced from one another. A sealing member may be sealed to the top surface. The sealing member may include a one-way valve permitting venting of CO2 resulting from off-gassing of the roast and ground coffee while preventing ingress of air. A removable overcap comprising a top wall and a depending skirt may be affixed to the finish.

Abstract: A container holding a supply of plastic, tubular stock for the incremental withdrawal of portions thereof, said container comprising a malodor counteractant.

Abstract: A method of retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct, the method includes disposing a strap about a closed flexible container enclosing a longitudinally compressed duct to circumferentially restrict a circumferential dimension of the flexible container and a corresponding circumferential dimension of the longitudinally compressed duct intermediate a first end of the longitudinally compressed duct and a second end of the longitudinally compressed duct. The method further includes opening an end of the flexible container to allow expansion of the longitudinally compressed duct intermediate the opened end of the flexible container and the strap.

Abstract: An automated filling system for introducing crushed polysilicon fragments into shipping bags without significant contamination positions a freely suspended energy absorber into a freely suspended bag of non-contaminating material prior to filling, and following filling, the energy absorber is removed, and the bag is sealed. The system can replace manual packaging which has been required for semiconductor applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a selected beverage into a flexible pouch 8, sealingly closing the pouch 8 and dispensing the closed pouch 8. The apparatus comprises a housing 4 adapted to, in use, accept a plurality of reservoirs 10 of beverage concentrate. Each reservoir 10 has a concentrate pump 12 provided with a diluent inlet and a mixer for mixing pumped concentrate with diluent to produce a mixed beverage. Leading from each pump 12 is flexible conduit 14 terminating in a nozzle 68 for dispensing the mixed beverage.

Abstract: A flexible pouch having a removable cap for use with the tube spout fitment and a method of filling the flexible pouch is provided. The removable cap is formed from a tube of pliable material, and has a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings each have a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of the first opening is configured to engage the outer surface of the tube spout fitment. The peripheral edge of the second opening is pressed onto itself and sealed so as to form a flattened edge. The method includes the steps mounting the removable cap onto the tube spout fitment. Filling the pouch, and sealing the second opening of the removable cap so as to form a flattened edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood bag system, a method for its manufacture, and a process for reducing pathogens and leucocytes in biological fluids in particular in therapeutic quantities of platelet concentrates (PC) contained in the blood bag system, using UV-light and agitation, wherein part of the plasma of the PC is optionally exchanged against a platelet additive solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a packaged cementitious product including a bag formed of a polymeric material. The bag has first and second sealed ends. The first end has a first tab extending therefrom defining at least one aperture therethrough so that the first tab defines a first handle. The second end has a second tab extending therefrom defining at least one aperture therethrough so that the second tab defines a second handle. A cementitious product is sealed within the bag, and wherein the first and second handles facilitate the handling of the packaged cementitious product.

Abstract: A container packaging apparatus includes a side edge chuck member that positions and holds both side ends of an opening of a packaging bag in place during a deaeration operation, suppressing development of crimps in a sealed area of the packaging bag. A high level of sealing of the packaging bag and thus the packaging of a container case with a resultant high level of quality in a stable manner can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.