With Separate Closure Attaching (e.g., Cap Or Plug) Patents (Class 53/471)
  • Patent number: 6726006
    Abstract: A flask-shaped package or container for packaging smoking articles, such as cigarettes, has a generally parallelepiped shape with slightly curved front and back body panels. The container comprises a body and a lid integrally molded in one-piece of a plastic material with an open bottom having an internal peripheral shoulder and a base made of a separate plastic/metal foil laminate that is bonded to the shoulder by induction heating a heat-activated adhesive covering the metal foil of the base. The body has a central internal front-to-back stiffening rib and an access opening in its top and front panels with a surrounding ledge to which is adhesively bonded a removable foil closure. After the access opening is closed with the foil closure, cigarettes are inserted into the container body through the open bottom thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas Amon Funderburk, Charles Ray Ashcraft, Walter Bohdan, Ellen Strickland Gossett, Nancy Harmon Hawley, Jane Cottrell Henson, William Edward Hazlett, Daniel Klaus Self
  • Patent number: 6722104
    Abstract: The method for forming a container that comprises the following stages: the forming of the sidewall blank from a blank by wrapping it in a form that is closed in its horizontal section and by seaming its opposite edges together; the sealing of the sidewall blank at one end with a lid member, which is equipped with a discharge hole; the sealing of the sidewall blank at the other end with a bottom member; and the filling of the container. At first the lid member, the discharge hole of which is completely sealed with an openable closing member, is inserted into the end of the sidewall blank. Thereafter the container is filled through the end of the sidewall blank that was left open, and the container is sealed to form a tight container by sealing the end that was left open with the bottom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: UPM-Kymmene Corporation
    Inventors: Jaako Häggman, Ensio Mykkänen, Hannu Aaltonen
  • Publication number: 20040055259
    Abstract: A port assembly for a paint or similar can, in which a port in the lid is fitted with a threaded collar and a threaded stopper that fits into it. The port assembly allows easy access to the contents of the can while maintaining a good seal around the rim. If the threaded stopper is transparent and colorless, a user may view the contents of the can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Caruso
  • Publication number: 20040040263
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing and supplying a net-moulded article of expandable syntactic material and a related shipping package are provided. The moulded article is formed at a manufacturing facility where the forming process can be controlled to ensure production of quality syntactic material articles. The moulded article is formed by dispensing the material into a mould having a cavity with a shape matching that of a desired syntactic article to be used in an assembly at a point of use. The mould and moulded article are covered with a protective film to form a mould kit which is shipped to the point of use location. At the point of use location the moulded article is removed from the mould and preferably immediately positioned in the assembly without significant cutting, trimming, forming or other labor intensive actions. Once positioned, the net-moulded article and the assembly are cured to integrate the moulded article with the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Arnold J. Lauder
  • Patent number: 6688515
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Todd H. Huffman, Christopher J. Parks, Christopher J. Hession, Jack Leong Hung Lum
  • Publication number: 20040020173
    Abstract: A method for assembling a medicine delivery system (10) includes providing a substrate (16) with a plurality of compartments (18), filling the compartments (18) with medicine (34), covering the compartments (18) with a cap (24), heating the system (10) at a relatively low temperature, applying a voltage bias (56) across the substrate (16) and the cap (24), and applying focused energy (54) to the substrate (16) and/or the cap (24) to seal them together and create a vacuum in the compartments (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Steven T. Cho
  • Publication number: 20040016208
    Abstract: A method of forming a package by heat sealing a trap-printed laminate to a support member (e.g., tray). The laminate has a free shrink in each of the transverse and machine directions of at least about 10% at 200° F. and at least about 21% at 240° F. The laminate has an oxygen transmission rate of no more than about 100 cubic centimeters. The outside layer of the laminate comprises at least about 40% of one or more relatively high-melt polymers each having a melting point at least about 25° F. higher than the lowest melting point polymer of the sealant layer. The first film has an oxygen transmission rate greater than the oxygen transmission rate of the second film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Edward L. Mumpower, John R. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20040016212
    Abstract: Method of packaging a perishable item wherein the perishable item is put into a liquid and gas tight container having an opening located above the perishable item, and the container opening is sealed with a liquid tight film of material permeable to gases with the film containing ingredients that will produce CO2 and ClO2 when contacted by moisture vapor. A package made of a liquid and gas tight container having an opening located in an upper portion, a perishable item located in the container below the opening, and a liquid tight film of material permeable to gases sealing said opening with the film containing ingredients that will produce CO2 and ClO2 when contacted by moisture vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Drayton Miller
  • Publication number: 20040000126
    Abstract: A method of filling a multilayer container includes providing a multilayer container that is subject to delamination, introducing product contents at an elevated temperature and a liquefied gas, and capping or otherwise sealing the container. The pressure within the container remains positive at temperatures at least as low as ambient, and preferably down to the lower range of household or commercial refrigeration temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Frank J. Schmidt, Armen Zakarian, John M. Rost, Prasad Joshi
  • Patent number: 6668524
    Abstract: A packaging system and a method of populating a transport belt with a tool for enclosing electronic components in a carrying belt, is described. For this purpose, the device has a heated punch with a structured punch face that has a plurality of mutually spaced punch face strips, which do not cover openings in the carrying belt. One of the punch face strips provided on an upper side of the carrying belt is not covered by the covering film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Peter Roider
  • Patent number: 6647700
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for transferring material from an isolated environment into a storage carrier through a conduit that can be sealed with a plug. The plug and conduit can then be severed to provide a hermetically sealed storage carrier containing the material which may be transported for storage or disposal and to maintain a seal between the isolated environment and the ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Tibrea, Joseph A. D'Amelio, Brent A. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6647696
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped media such as a CD-ROM or DVD, together with a cup-type beverage container of the kind typically having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then engaged to the beverage container. The lid includes a cylindrical support structure disposed on the upper surface thereof defining central support for the disc media by means of the annular opening at the center of the disc, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media. The cylindrical support structure includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. The lid also includes an annular shelf around the perimeter thereof, the inside diameter of which is larger than the outside diameter of the disc media, and the peak of which is coplanar with the peak of the inner structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20030200727
    Abstract: A packaged liquid-filled plastic tube is provided to achieve a desirably long shelf life. The tube is formed from PET, polypropylene or otherknown plastics that exhibit high liquid permeability. A liquid additive of a specified volume, concentration and/or solubility is placed in the tube and the tube is sealed. Loss of liquid through the permeable tube is prevented by a moisture barrier film that is sealed around the tube. The moisture barrier film maintains a high relative humidity adjacent said tube and substantially minimizes transport of liquid vapor through the plastic of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Yong Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 6637176
    Abstract: A container and closure package includes a container having a body with a finish surrounding a fill/dispensing opening, and a closure having a peripheral skirt removably secured to the container finish. The closure has a base wall with a fill opening aligned with the fill/dispensing opening in the container when the closure is secured to the container and a recessed ledge surrounding the fill opening. A seal is provided at the underside of the base wall in sealing engagement with the fill/dispensing opening of the container. A disk has an electrically conductive underlayer that is induction fusion welded to the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Krall
  • Publication number: 20030182901
    Abstract: Filling and sealing devices and methods of aseptically filling containers are disclosed herein. More specifically, the filling and sealing devices include a sterile filling chamber and an induction sealing device provided within the filling chamber. The induction sealing device is capable of withstanding and operating in the adverse conditions required to maintain the sterile environment within the filling chamber. Within the filling chamber, the container may be uncapped, filled, recapped, and foil sealed by an induction sealing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Chester Savage, Dan B. Gudz
  • Patent number: 6625959
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a recording media together with other materials in a stacked relationship. The packaging device comprises a first member having a center column for its upper portion and a means for receiving and retaining the other materials as its lower portion, which first member is slidably inserted through the opening of and into the chamber of an elongated second member. A cover is provided to close the opening of the second member, thereby sealing the contents of both members. A central support structure for the disc media acts in combination with the annular opening at the center of the disc media so as to allow the disc media to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Patent number: 6626288
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which packaging device may be attached to any container used for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The first member includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber, said means comprising a fugitive glue or other temporary adhesive applied to the non-media surface of the disc-media, allowing the disc-media to be removably attached to the interior surface of the chamber. The disc-shaped media may be sealed within the inner chamber by means of shrink-wrapped plastic, a foil seal or a paperboard seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6625958
    Abstract: Method for transferring products from a manufacturing unit to a packaging unit, comprising at least the phases of feeding a determined quantity of said product coming from said manufacturing unit, preventing contact between the product and the external environment, inside a hermetic containment case comprising a sealing opening and, respectively, closing stopper, located in correspondence with a station for filling a first loading device, transferring pneumatically and along a first determined route said full case from said first loading device to a station for receiving a second off-loading device, through first sealed pneumatic transfer means able to connect pneumatically, preventing contact between the case and the external environment, said first loading device to said second off-loading device, off-loading said determined quantity of said product from said case inside said packaging unit preventing contact between the product and the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Zanchetta & C. S.r.L.
    Inventor: Vittoriano Marcheschi
  • Publication number: 20030159403
    Abstract: A hermetic package having a fitment having base coupled to a lid. The base is composed of a collar having a recessed groove, the base of the fitment defines an opening which provides access to the contents of the hermetic package. The lid is a planar structure having a first face and a second face. The lid includes a sealing member extending from the second face of the lid and engages the recessed groove on the base of the fitment to provide an airtight seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Rocklin Verespej, Luke Hartman, Simon Edwards
  • Publication number: 20030159408
    Abstract: A cap chute end for capping a plurality of in-line containers in an ambient atmosphere includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of first manifold apertures for injecting a first fluid into the plurality of containers. A fluid shoe is operatively adjacent the fluid manifold and has a plurality of shoe apertures for dispensing a second fluid into the plurality of caps and plurality of containers. A frame that supports the fluid shoe is configured to receive a plurality of caps at a receiving end of the frame. A wiper supported at a dispensing end of the frame has a pair of arms operatively adjacent the fluid shoe. The pair of arms is configured to orient the plurality of caps to the plurality of containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Robert B. Seebeger, Frank M. Knafelc, Ronald E. Heiskell, Kenneth T. Felipe
  • Publication number: 20030155271
    Abstract: A clear package for enabling a packaged product to appear to be floating therein in an appealing and highly visible form. The package of the present invention comprises a sleeve having two pairs of opposing flat walls extending from a base, one pair being relatively thin and the other being relatively wide. At each end of each pair of relatively thin walls is an orifice. The package also comprises a pair of caps, one being placed on each end of the sleeve and comprising a pair of flat sides and a pair of convex, curved sides. On each flat side lies a protrusion having a triangular cross-section, corresponding to the orifice on each end of the sleeve. The package additionally comprises a support therein having an intermediate portion, which in turn has an indented envelope for holding the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Cosmoda Concept Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Z. Menceles
  • Patent number: 6604342
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles in card and blister packages is disclosed, the card and blister package comprising a first or blister piece of clear pre-formed plastic with a shaped cavity for receiving small articles, and a flat flange portion along its perimeter. The second piece of the package is a flat rectangular chipboard card, appreciably larger than the card and blister piece and having printing on one or both sides. The flange of the card and blister piece can be bonded to the surface of a card to form a card and blister package for the enclosed articles. Apparatus for producing a plurality of packaged articles includes a plurality of package holders mounted on the surface of a conveyor belt that is porous to UV light, the holders made of a UV light transparent material and having upper surfaces with shaped recesses for removably supporting the plastic card and blister pieces with their cavities upwardly faced and for supporting the cards in position above the card and blister pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Appelbaum
  • Patent number: 6598741
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member or wafer having an annular first chamber and a first opening for access into such first chamber and an annular protective element for closing such first opening and sealing the first chamber, and a second member or container having a second chamber and a second opening for access into such second container for the storage of a beverage in such second chamber, which second chamber is closed by a cover having an opening at the center thereof for the insertion of a straw. The first member has a cylindrical inner structure defining central support for the disc media and defining a device for penetrating the cover opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Publication number: 20030136083
    Abstract: A bendable lollipop stick which enables the placing of the lollipop into a small container. Using such a packing method for lollipops enables the use of simple automatic or mechanical vending machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Naftali Lobl
  • Patent number: 6588182
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a container with an opening at one end thereof and a removable cover that is adapted to nestingly seat within and close the opening in the container. The cover has a surface for seated mounting of the disc-shaped media thereon and the container has at least one internal lower chamber for receiving the other materials. When the cover is seated within the opening in the container, the disc-shaped media is disposed within the container. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Publication number: 20030115836
    Abstract: A supply unit supplies a film strip from a film roll, and a winding unit cuts off a film strip into a fixed-length film and winds the fixed-length film around a spool to produce a wound-film assembly. An assembling unit introduces the wound-film assembly into a one-open-sided cartridge, and mounts and crimps a cap on the one-open-sided cartridge to produce a wound-film-loaded cartridge. After a pullout resistance of the film and a film length to be exposed are inspected, the wound-film-loaded cartridge is unloaded as a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chiaki Suzuki, Yasuhiro Sekizawa, Kenichi Imoto, Nobuyasu Akiyoshi
  • Publication number: 20030101692
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening cover tape prior to the cover tape being sealed to a carrier tape. The apparatus includes a cover tape flattener with a leading edge angled in the direction of the moving carrier tape and cover tape. The method and apparatus provide for smoothing the cover tape and sealing the cover tape to the carrier tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Merlin E. Behnke
  • Patent number: 6571943
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a base with an opening at one end thereof and a removable cover that is adapted to nestingly seat within and close the opening in the base. The cover has at least one internal upper chamber and the base has at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. When the cover is seated within the opening in the base, the upper chamber of the cover is disposed within the base. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Patent number: 6568156
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Schmalbach-Lubeca AG
    Inventors: Kerry W. Silvers, Timothy J. Boyd, George Calendine
  • Patent number: 6561345
    Abstract: Packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a recording media disc together with other materials in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member having a first chamber and a first opening for providing access thereto and a second member having a second chamber and a second opening for providing access thereto, wherein the first member is adapted to be removably attached to the second member about the second opening to thereby cover this second opening. These complementary compartments are adapted to be attached to each other at the edges thereof by means of an interlocking structure such as a common hinge, such that the first member resembles a clam-shell configuration. The compartments include means for retaining the first member in a closed position. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20030084648
    Abstract: A closure cap that is particularly suited for use with plastic containers in packaging malt based beverages such as beer and ale includes an upper portion and a generally cylindrical sidewall that depends downwardly from the upper portion. The cylindrical sidewall defines a threaded inner surface, which permits the closure cap to be threaded onto a threaded finish portion of a container. Most advantageously, the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall is stylized to resemble a conventional crown closure. In the disclosed embodiment this is accomplished by molding a plurality of fluted ribs into the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall. A method of packaging a beverage and a packaging assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas M. Seidita
  • Patent number: 6533114
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Publication number: 20030041568
    Abstract: A closure cap that is particularly suited for use with plastic containers in packaging malt based beverages such as beer and ale includes an upper portion and a generally cylindrical sidewall that depends downwardly from the upper portion. The cylindrical sidewall defines a threaded inner surface, which permits the closure cap to be threaded onto a threaded finish portion of a container. Most advantageously, the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall is stylized to resemble a conventional crown closure. In the disclosed embodiment this is accomplished by molding a plurality of fluted ribs into the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall. A method of packaging a beverage and a packaging assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas M. Seidita
  • Publication number: 20030041565
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of tubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a positioning device that directs a tube from a hopper to a labeler where a label is applied to the tube. The positioning device further directs the tube to one of a plurality of filling stations where a continuous flow of filling material is dispensed into the tube. The tube is then directed to a capping device where a cap is applied to an end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David P. Banks, Darrell D. Jones
  • Publication number: 20030037514
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for processing containers or other articles by using continuous rotation of processing heads in a circular path about a single vertical axis and controlling the processing heads to independently rotate about a swivel axis causing them to move in a straight-line path while the heads are lowered to engage a group of containers or articles arranged in parallel rows. In this manner, a higher production apparatus and method are provided which is simpler, more reliable, requires less floor space, and easy to reconfigure for different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Patterson Hartness, Richard M. Wiernicki, Robert Leslie Dillard, David Lee Scott
  • Publication number: 20030029140
    Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment method and a bottle-treatment installation (1) consisting of one or more bottle producers (2), at least one bottle transfer device (4), several trays (5) for the bottles (26, 30), a transport device (11) and at least one treatment station (15). The bottles (26, 30) are transported in stackable trays (5) which have closed side walls (24) and surround the bottles (26, 30) sealingly on all sides. The box-shaped trays (5) are stacked on top of each other for transportation, the trays in the stack (27) sealingly closing each other and the top tray (5) being sealed with a lid (31). The trays are separated at the treatment stations (15) and then restacked after the bottle treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Herwig Hirschek
  • Publication number: 20020190109
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packing drum containing a moisture cross-linking melt adhesive (8) which is surrounded by a moisture-tight can comprising a lid (2) made of a composite material, PE- or PP-coated white sheet metal consisting of a casing (1) and a floor. The floor has the form of a moisture-tight flexible membrane (3). The packing drum can in particular be charged in a very economic manner with adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Mrgan, Gerald Petry, Franz-Georg Henrichs
  • Patent number: 6488149
    Abstract: A point-of-sale storage device for an electronic heating pad includes a storage tube and a lid that removably attaches to the storage tube. The storage tube may be clear plastic, and coloring may be added to distinguish different models of electronic heating pads. A method for storing the electronic heating pad includes coiling a cord and controller assembly attached to the pad, placing the coiled cord and controller assembly along an edge of the pad parallel to straight sections of heating wire within the pad, rolling the pad in a direction so as to roll the pad around the coiled cord and controller assembly, inserting the rolled pad into the storage tube, and closing the storage tube with the lid. Optionally, the rolled pad may be inserted into a cloth sleeve prior to inserting the rolled pad covered with the cloth sleeve into the storage tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Montagnino
  • Patent number: 6481573
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device comprises a first member having a first chamber and a first opening providing access thereto, said first chamber including means to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, and a second member for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media, said second member including a second chamber and a second opening providing access thereto. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Patent number: 6481187
    Abstract: A carrier tape drive used in conjunction with a pick and place module. The drive advances carrier tape to a desired position in two steps. The first step includes substantially stopping a carrier tape compartment short of a loading position, and the second step includes moving the compartment into the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Merlin E. Behnke, Steven J. Alexander, Donald P. McGee, Todd K. Pichler, John Novak
  • Publication number: 20020166790
    Abstract: A thermoformed package for a pill-like product is provided. Such a package comprises a first enclosure portion defining a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle being adapted to house the product therein. A sealing layer operably engages the first enclosure portion so as to seal each of the receptacles. A second enclosure portion operably engages the first enclosure portion so as to form a plurality of cells, wherein the second enclosure portion defines a plurality of caps corresponding to the plurality of receptacles. Each cell comprises one of the plurality of receptacles sealed by the sealing layer and the corresponding one of the plurality of caps operably engaged with the receptacle. The plurality of receptacles and/or the plurality of caps are separably engaged so as to allow the cells to be separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Aylward Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Aylward
  • Patent number: 6474040
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding a filled and sealed liner to an interior wall of a carton. The carton having the filled liner therein is heated under vacuum such that the pressure difference between the atmosphere under vacuum and the filled liner allows the liner to expand and bond to an interior wall of the carton by means of an adhesive provided there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Michigan State University
    Inventors: David C. Ours, David L. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20020139088
    Abstract: A syringe having a syringe body of a norbornene and ethylene copolymer, the body defining a chamber for containing water and having an opening, a plunger seal of a halobutyl-based elastomer sealing the opening; and wherein the syringe meets all requirements of the United States Pharmocopoeia for sterile water for injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Archie Woodworth, John Falzone, John Darvasi, Amy W. Gillum, James Kamienski, Margaret J. Barnato, Robert Gliniecki, Neervalur V. Raghavan, Craig Sandford, Deborah McClelland
  • Patent number: 6454087
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a compact disc or a DVD, together with other materials, in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of the disc-shaped media in a first chamber and a second member or container for the storage of a beverage in a second chamber sealed by a cover having an opening at the center thereof for the insertion of a straw. The first chamber includes a cylindrical inner structure defining central support for the disc media and includes an aperture that aligns with the opening of the cover when the wafer is in place on the cover. The disc-shaped media is sealed within the annular inner chamber of the wafer by means of a circular protective element. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Publication number: 20020112449
    Abstract: The invention herein provides for a blister pack which confines the movement a dosage form in order to resist damage thereto during handling and transportation while permitting removal of the intact dosage form, and apparatus and methods for the same. In particular, the invention provides a blister pack wherein the blister includes a protruding region between the opening and the base, thereby producing a constricted area or “neck” in the blister. In a preferred embodiment, the protruding region comprises an inwardly directed annulus formed in the blister wall. Accordingly, vertical movement of the dosage form is confined as a result of the protruding region, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the dosage form caused by agitation of the blister pack. The invention is particularly useful in packaging frangible pharmaceutical dosage forms formed in situ within in the blister, such as freeze dried dosage forms and rapidly dissolving oral dosage forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth Heath, Kevin William Greaves
  • Patent number: 6418701
    Abstract: An automatic bulk filling machine is provided having a container input end which includes a fill station for filling a container in accordance with weight or volume requirements followed by a lid dispensing and attachment station wherein the lids of the container are placed over the container in registry with the lip of the container and closed onto the bulk container by a piston cylinder combination having a lid pad for pressing and deforming the center of the lid onto the bulk container before press fitting the bulk container lid onto the bulk container which filled and sealed bulk container is then transferred to an optional labeling station and subsequently transferred to the output end of the conveyor to complete the automated filling, sealing and labeling operations for removal of the container from the automated bulk filling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Ramon Munoz Navarro
  • Publication number: 20020083682
    Abstract: An aseptic filling system receives preformed containers through an intake sanitizing lock into a closed system. The containers move through sanitizing and sterilizing zones to a filling and closure zone. Filled containers exit the system through a discharge sanitizing lock. Both intake and discharge sanitizing locks are subjected to flooding with sterilant each time a container enters or leaves the system and provide a seal to prevent the entry of airborne contaminants or micro-organisms when the locks are opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: N. E. CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Paul Edwards, Jacqueline M. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20020073652
    Abstract: There is now provided a method and an apparatus therefor for stabilizing products in containers in a continuous container flow by stationary, sequential sections by means of overflowing liquid, whereby the sections are graduated with respect to one another in terms of their liquid temperature, and for purposes of efficient liquid recycling are organized in pairs, so that the liquid is transported by overflow among sections, and to set the desired temperature of the overflowing liquid, liquid is added to the liquid being transported, characterized by the fact that the excess liquid in the at least one zone overflows in a cascade fashion from zone to zone of increasing overflow temperature and into liquid reservoirs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Ulrich Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20020071923
    Abstract: A food package comprising a two piece sealed package including metal free container and peelable lid portions which are readily separable from each other. The container is cup shaped and has a top opening and a substantially flat peripheral rim around the opening. The lid comprises a composite film having a shape which conforms to the shape of the opening and is attached to the rim. The film has a first outer polyamide or polyolefin layer attached to an inner layer of either an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer or a blend of a polyamide with an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, which is attached to a second outer polyamide or polyolefin layer. The metal free packaged product allows the detection of metal contaminants inadvertently mixed with the food by scanning the product in the container to determine the presence of metal contaminants in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: VIRGINIA A. GARNER CULLISON, ALFIERI DEGRASSI, DELROY G. BLISSETT, SIMON J. PORTER
  • Patent number: H2088
    Abstract: A method for reducing or eliminating plate-out during the process used to produce stretch blow molded containers from polyester preforms by crystallizing the low molecular weight polyester molecules in or on the preform exterior surface before stretch blow molding the preform into a container. The molecules are crystallized using a crystallization process selected from (1) treating the outer surface of the preform with a solvent that is capable of crystallizing low molecular weight polyester molecules in polyester or (2) heating the outer surface of the preform to a temperature and for a time suitable for crystallizing low molecular weight polyester molecules in polyester. Plate-out is reduced because the crystallized molecules do not migrate out of the preform and form plate-out deposits on the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Steven Lee Stafford, Lavonna Suzanne Buehrig, Louis Thomas Germinario, Terrill M. McGee, Gary Wayne Minnick, Eric Jon Moskala, Michael Eugene Donelson