With Separate Closure Attaching (e.g., Cap Or Plug) Patents (Class 53/471)
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Publication number: 20020062626Abstract: A tamper-indicating closure of integrally molded plastic construction that includes a base wall having a peripheral skirt with internal threads for engaging external threads on a container finish. A tamper-indicating band is connected to the edge of the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced integral frangible bridges. A stop flange extends axially outwardly and radially inwardly from an edge of the band remote from the skirt for inversion and engagement with a bead on the container finish. The stop flange is in the form of a circumferentially continuous base of uniform thickness circumferentially of the band, and either uniform or increasing thickness radially and axially of the band. A plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs are integral with and extend from the base. The lugs widen uniformly from zero thickness at the band to a maximum thickness at the free edge of the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventor: James L. Gregory
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Patent number: 6382420Abstract: A sealing sheet for use to close in a reversible manner a plurality of individual pill containers formed in a plastic sheet. The sealing sheet has a top layer, an adhesive layer and a peelable backing. The top layer and the adhesive layer are made of paper. The adhesive layer has a plurality of spaced apart holes punched therein, which are surrounded by adhesive layer bands having an upper surface that is covered with an upper layer of pressure sensitive adhesive glue and is attached by this glue to the top layer, and a lower surface covered with a lower layer of removable re-positionable pressure sensitive adhesive glue. The peelable backing also has a plurality of spaced apart holes that are positioned, shaped and sized to be in exact superimposition below the holes of the pressure sensitive adhesive glue layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Dispill Inc.Inventor: Michel Bouthiette
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Patent number: 6381928Abstract: A closure and container package that includes a container having a finish with an external thread, and a closure having a base wall and a peripheral skirt with an internal thread for threadably engaging the external thread on the container finish. An internal rib on the skirt extends axially of the skirt between overlapping reaches of the internal thread for frictional engagement with the external thread on the container finish to retard rotation of the closure onto and off of the finish. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, there are diametrically opposed ribs on the internal surface of the peripheral skirt extending between overlapping reaches of the internal thread, with the ribs being of lesser radial thickness than the internal threads. A tamper-indicating band is coupled to the lower edge of the peripheral skirt by frangible bridges for engagement with a bead on the container finish.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: James L. Gregory
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Publication number: 20020050463Abstract: A tray for holding surgical fasteners comprises at least one well holding one of the fasteners and a film over the well. Preferably the film is weakened, as by scoring, or slit, over the well to more easily allow an instrument to penetrate the well to remove the fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventor: Christopher McDowell
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Patent number: 6371289Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
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Patent number: 6364102Abstract: 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 a beverage container of the kind typically having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid comprising two separate elements—an upper element and a lower element—adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then sealingly engaged to a beverage container of the cup type which is often sold or given away as a promotional item in connection with the purchase of a large fountain beverage. At least one of the two elements of the lid has a cylindrical inner structure 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 both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
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Publication number: 20020023409Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventor: Daniel Py
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Patent number: 6349821Abstract: 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 plug having a first chamber and a first opening for access into such first chamber and removable lid for closing such first opening and thus sealing the first chamber, and a second member or container having a second chamber and a second opening for access into such second chamber for the storage of other materials in such second chamber. The first chamber has an inner structure defining central support for the disc media by means of interaction of such inner structure with the annular opening at the center of the disc media, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
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Publication number: 20020020149Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Kerry W. Silvers, Timothy J. Boyd, George Calendine
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Publication number: 20020005366Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
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Patent number: 6330943Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
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Publication number: 20010039786Abstract: There is provided a method for refilling a system and apparatus for dispensing wet wipes. The system may include a housing, a tray and a cartridge. The cartridge has the ability to be inserted into the dispenser in a pre-selected manner based on the desired orientation of the wipes contained therein. The use of identifiers on or associated with such produced is further provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Steven J. Romme, William Robert Newman, Herb F. Velazquez, Ligia A. Rivera, Michael John Faulks, Paige Annette Dellerman, Cherry A. Bochmann, Gerald P. DeGreen, Nick E. Stanca
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Patent number: 6298638Abstract: A process and apparatus for blow-molding, sterilizing, filling and capping plastic containers under conditions of positive control in a close-coupled, compact machine to enhance operational efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventor: Griscom Bettle
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Patent number: 6283298Abstract: A container adapted to seal the internal contents against exposure to the external environment when not is use includes a cover hingeably coupled to a base and a latch closure mechanism. At least one opening extends completely through the base. The interior surface of the cover is adapted to sealingly engage the opening in the base when the cover is pivoted against the base. A separate seal is provided to cover the opening at the bottom surface of the base to hold product within the opening between the interior surface of the cover and the seal.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Concept Workshop Worldwide, LLCInventor: Stewart Seidler
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Publication number: 20010011446Abstract: A dispenser package for fluent products such as cosmetics and lotions that includes an integrally molded plastic container having a flexible body with a sidewall, a closed bottom, and a top wall having a dispensing opening offset from the axis of the container body. A closure has a base wall and a peripheral skirt. In some embodiments of the invention, the closure is rotatably mounted on the container body, and has a dispensing opening in the closure base wall for selective registry with the dispensing opening in the top wall of the container body. Detent elements are provided on the closure and container body for selectively locking the closure in open and closed positions. In alternative embodiments, the closure includes a flip-top hinged to the base wall, with a plug extending therefrom for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening in the container body top wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: August 9, 2001Inventors: Craig E. McClean, Robert E. Harman
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Method and apparatus for manufacturing, filling and packaging medical devices and medical containers
Patent number: 6263641Abstract: Clean syringe barrels from forming device immediately transferred to a controlled environment to maintain a clean work area. The work area can be a clean room or localized area to avoid the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room. A localized area uses a housing assembly having a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of lubricant is applied to the inner surfaces of the syringe barrels. The syringe barrels or medical container can be filled with a substance and a closure member is attached.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Robert B. Odell, Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Jorge J. Campos, Mario de Aguero Servin, Patrick G. Carre, Mark A. German -
Patent number: 6250052Abstract: A housing assembly is provided to define a locally controlled environment to maintain a localized clean work area without the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room as in conventional clean rooms. The housing assembly includes a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter all of the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Prefillable medical containers, such as syringe barrels and syringe tip closures, are introduced into the housing assembly where the syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of a lubricant is applied to the inner surface of each of the syringe barrels. The syringe barrels can be filled with a substance.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Mark A. German, Robert B. Odell
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Patent number: 6250049Abstract: A sampler device having an upper compartment layer; a lower compartment layer; a seal attaching the upper compartment layer to the lower compartment layer, wherein the upper and lower compartment layers and the seal form a compartment or compartments, for containing sample material; and a reinforcement layer for protecting the compartment. The present invention also relates to an easy, inexpensive and reliable method of packaging sample material.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventors: Lyudmila Feldman, Steven Jeffrey Greenland
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Patent number: 6226962Abstract: A method of producing a container (201, 231, 350) having a plurality of apertures (eg 202, 232, 352) each containing a respective dose of powdered material, such as a medicament, involves placing an empty container in a position in which its apertures communicate with a reservoir (216, 84) of powdered material. The material is then passed, for example by the flow of gas, from the reservoir into the apertures to fill the latter, and the container is then separated from the reservoir and the apertures are optionally sealed with sheet material (204, 206, 321, 323). Since the apertures are filled, their volume determines the amount of each dose which therefore does not have to be measured prior to introduction into the apertures. The container may comprise a rigid or flexible plate and in latter case can be subsequently rolled into the form of a cylinder for use in an inhaler. Apparatus for performing the method, and an inhaler for use with a cylindrical container, are also shown.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Lipha SAInventors: Stephen William Eason, Clive Patrick Ashley Catterall, David Peter Griffin
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Patent number: 6216857Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
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Patent number: 6213388Abstract: Dispensing assembly for a carton with a sealed liner filled with product therein. A pour spout or flap is mounted to a dispensing opening to pivot between an open and closed positions. The liner is bonded to the pour spout or flap in a way that when the spout or flap is initially opened, that portion of the liner bonded thereto separates from the rest of the liner, providing access to the contents thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Kellogg CompanyInventors: David C. Ours, James O. Robotham, David L. Bradley, Michael Borgerson
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Method and apparatus for manufacturing, filling and packaging medical devices and medical containers
Patent number: 6189292Abstract: Glass medical devices such as medical containers are manufactured and annealed by heating in an oven which produces a clean device having a low bio-burden. Plastic medical devices and medical containers are formed by plastic molding devices which produce a clean device. The clean devices are immediately transferred to a controlled environment to maintain a clean work area. A localized area uses a housing assembly having a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of lubricant is applied to the inner surfaces of the syringe barrels.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Robert B. Odell, Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Jorge J. Campos, Mario de Aguero Servin, Patrick G. Carre, Mark A. German -
Patent number: 6176069Abstract: A container having a casing made from composite carton and constituting a container body, which is covered on its inside by a barrier layer and a plastic layer deposited thereon, is produced in such a fashion that the casing is rolled over in an outward direction at one end to form a curled edge and, subsequently, a membrane is sealed onto the upper crown of the curled edge. A bottom is attached to the opposite end after the container is filled. In order to guarantee a sealed closure, the casing is tapered inwardly in a conical manner at its one end along a length which is larger than the circumference of the curled edge in such a manner that the outer diameter in the vicinity of the tapered end is smaller by approximately twice the diameter of the curled edge than the outer diameter of the casing. The end is then rolled over in an outer direction to form a curled edge and is then sealed by the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Weidenhammer Packungen KG GmbH & Co.Inventor: Klaus Kössendrup
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Patent number: 6164044Abstract: A housing assembly is provided to define a locally controlled environment to maintain a localized clean work area without the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room as in conventional clean rooms. The housing assembly includes a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter all of the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Prefillable medical containers, such as syringe barrels and syringe tip closures, are introduced into the housing assembly where the syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of a lubricant is applied to the inner surface of each of the syringe barrels. The syringe barrels can be filled with a substance.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Mark A. German, Robert B. Odell
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Patent number: 6123189Abstract: A sachet for insertion into a beverage container prior to the sealing and pressurization of the beverage container. The sachet is made from a gas permeable and substantially liquid impermeable material. The article is positioned within this material and sealed with substantially no excess gas contained therein. The sachet sinks when dropped into the beverage container and subsequently floats after the container is sealed and pressurized as gas from within the container penetrates into the sachet until equilibrium is reached. The sachet then rises within the beverage container when the container is opened.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Robert J. Falkenberg, Georg Troska
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Patent number: 6109447Abstract: A system for shipping and displaying small articles, the system having three parts consisting of rectangular display box with an open top; a metal rack to carry the goods thereon, which fits within the display box; and a shipping carton, which has an open bottom designed to slip over the top of the display box when the rack is in the box. When the goods are shipped hanging on the metal rack, the only step required for display at the retail end is removal of the shipping carton from the display box and placement of the display box, with the goods hanging from the display rack within the box, on the retail sales floor.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1996Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Rooster Products International, Inc.Inventor: Dan Cabana
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Patent number: 6109004Abstract: A device for receiving, filling, and seal-welding a high-pressure vessel that can be received and clamped between an upper lid and a lower lid. A filling chamber is provided in the upper lid. The chamber is open on one side to a filling hole in the facing wall of the high-pressure vessel and sealed tightly at the other end by a disk made of transparent crystalline material. An interruptible filling line terminates in the chamber, and with a welding energy radiation source being located above the disk, whose radiation penetrates the crystalline material, is simpler in construction and universally applicable as well as operationally more economical. The upper lid, on its side facing the high-pressure vessel, has an annular seal which can be brought into tight contact with the facing wall of the high-pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: MBB Airbag Systems GmbHInventors: Harald Bauer, Manfred Gebers, Peter Siebenrock
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Patent number: 6105341Abstract: A process is provided for displacing air from containers prior to seaming a lid to a container. In the process, a container body is filled with contents and is then injected with liquid nitrogen. A lid is immediately placed on the container body, and a biasing force is immediately applied against the lid to maintain the lid on the liquid nitrogen filled container bodies until the container body reaches the seaming mechanism. The biasing force is sufficient to allow a portion of nitrogen gas from vaporization of the liquid nitrogen to escape from the container body, and to allow air originally present in the container body to escape from the container body, while preventing surrounding air from entering the container body.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: ABC Seamer Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert H. Campbell
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Patent number: 6094890Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a receptacle from a generally flat thermoplastic blank has an upstream conveyor extending along a path in a transport direction through a loading station, a heating station downstream of the loading station, and a forming station downstream from the heating station. The conveyor has a plurality of supports forming a plurality of respective throughgoing apertures spaced apart in the direction. A supply at the loading station positions a respective blank atop each of the apertures of the conveyor with a central region of each blank exposed through the respective aperture and a periphery of each blank engaging and supported by the respective support A drive connected to the conveyor advances it and the blanks carried on it step-wise through the heating and forming stations. At the heating station at least the central region of each blank is heated to a softening point.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Erca S.A.Inventors: Bernard Michellon, Dominique Schwab, Philippe Macquet
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Patent number: 6092352Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a film cartridge inserting mechanism has a case holder for holding case nonrotatably in an assembling position, a film cartridge holder for holding the film cartridge nonrotatably and inserting the film cartridge into the case, and a guide mechanism having a guide cylinder for guiding the film cartridge therethrough into the case, the guide cylinder being rotatable to hold a film leader of a rolled photographic film housed in the film cartridge, around an outer circumferential surface of the film cartridge. The film cartridge with the rolled photographic film housed therein can automatically be inserted smoothly into the case through the rotating guide cylinder. The packaging apparatus is relatively simple in structure because it has no mechanisms for rotating the film cartridge and the case.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koozoo Tanaka
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Patent number: 6079189Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for making various packages that are easily assembled into arrays for use in small runs of articles that are to be stuffed in the packages. One type of package is particularly suitable for attachment to a header card another package is designed to facilitate the insertion of debit cards. An array of receptacles are formed and placed on a sheet and a pattern of adhesive formed on another sheet. The receptacles are registered with the pattern in such manner that top edges of the receptacles are in contact with and can pull of the adhesive so that the receptacles are conveniently placed on a header card. Several embodiments are shown and described.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Printmark Industries, Inc.Inventor: Alexander Sloot
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Patent number: 6073422Abstract: A lidding machine and method for filling containers with a flowable food product is disclosed. Extraneous tabs extending from the container lids after the lids are cut apart are trimmed closely using knives with a blade curvature that matches the curvature of the edge of the containers. One or more "feet" are used to hold the lids in place during the cutting process. A two-layer lid may be used for such containers, the inner lid having openings through which the food product may be dispensed, and the outer lid being removable. The outer lid may be designed so that it partially covers the inner lid, and has a tab that does not extend beyond the edge of the container. The consumer may open the container by pulling this tab back across the inner lid.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Osceola Foods, Inc.Inventors: Samuel M. Massey, Richard Phillips, David Thompson, Paul Ballentine, Jim Garner
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Patent number: 6065270Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filled syringe body within a single continuous manufacturing line in a self-contained environment with controlled conditions. The method includes the steps of injection molding the syringe body, sealing the one end of the syringe body, siliconizing the barrel of the syringe body, filling it, sealing the other end of the syringe, and sterilizing it. With this new "injection mold-fill-seal" method, a syringe body can be manufactured as a mass-produced article in one manufacturing line in an inexpensive manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Schott GlaswerkeInventors: Michael Reinhard, Ralf Bouffleur, Michael Spallek
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Patent number: 6058682Abstract: A food container includes a recessed film membrane which seals the container. The recessed film membrane is applied with an apparatus which includes a container holder and a film membrane applicator. The film membrane applicator applies the film membrane to the container and seals the film membrane to the container. The applicator includes a sealing head which places the film membrane into the container. The sealing head seals an edge of the film membrane to an inner wall of the container using heat. The film membrane is moved through the applicator and cut. The sealing head includes two lips to provide a double seal between the film membrane and the inner wall of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1996Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: The Pillsbury CompanyInventors: Bernard W. Pajak, Richard A. Kennedy, Paul K. Bowers
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Patent number: 6029427Abstract: An apparatus and a method for receiving and transporting semiconductor chips. The chips are placed in pockets on a top surface of a first carrier. A similar carrier has an adhesive sheet placed on its top surface, and it is inverted and placed on the first carrier. A vacuum is pulled on orifices leading to the pockets. The vacuum pulls the flexible sheet into contact with the chips. The second carrier is then removed from the first carrier. Air pressure may be introduced to assist in the removal. A cover may be placed over the second carrier.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1999Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Michael Freund, George John Przybylek, Dennis Mark Romero
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Patent number: 6023916Abstract: A kit to sort out pills, tablets or capsules, which comprises a recessed support, a container-defining sheet designed to fit into the support, and a sealing sheet made of self-adhesive paper as having substantially the same dimension as the container-defining sheet, so as to close the same. Positioning elements are provided on the sealing sheet and on the support and/or the container-defining sheet in order to facilitate proper fixation of the sealing sheet on top of the container-defining sheet. A pill-sorting device made of two sliding panels with hollow bottomed recesses can be used to insert the pills into the containers of the container-defining sheet.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Dispill Inc.Inventor: Michel Bouthiette
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Patent number: 6021629Abstract: A registration system for a packaging machine, which machine seals tray tops with thermoplastic film. The trays are carried through the machine on a moving conveyor and the sealing film is fed in a ribbon from a feed roll to move in a position above the line of trays carried on the moving conveyor. The film ribbon carries printing or decorations, in repetitive segments, which must each be centered on a respective tray top when the film is sealed thereto. Repetitive registration marks carried on the film ribbon indicate the position of each film segment as it moves toward a heat seal station. The registration marks are optically sensed in time with the timing pulses of the packaging machine. When miss-registration is sensed the film position, relative to the leading edge of the tray adjacent to and next to enter the heat seal station, is indexed forward a predetermined increment by a downward operating blade and then a heat bar contacts the film and tacks it to the leading edge of that tray.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: SKS Equipment Co, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Sterner, Sr.
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Patent number: 5992130Abstract: The invention relates to a process for packaging reactive hot-melt adhesive, which consists of pouring the adhesive composition in the molten state directly into a container (1) coated with a material (2) which is abherent on its inner face and with a material (3) which is moistureproof on its outer face, the container being provided with at least one easy-opening start device; and in securing a moisture-proof lid (4) to the free face of the container. It also relates to the packaged adhesives.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: ATO Findley S.A.Inventors: Celine Lardoux, Christian Laurichesse
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Patent number: 5983601Abstract: A machine and a method for the automated packaging of armed sutures or; in effect, surgical needles having sutures attached thereto and, more particularly, an automated machine for the high-speed individualized packaging of single or individual surgical needles each having an attached suture into a tray and detachable cover providing a suture package utilized for the packaging of the individual or single needles and attached sutures. Additionally, the automated packaging machine incorporates operative mechanism adapted to wind the sutures into a peripheral channel of the tray and facilitating the attachment of the cover to the tray which contains the single needle and attached wound suture, and which cover concurrently constitutes a product-identifying label as a component of the tray, and upon removal of the cover enables a user to gain access to the contents of the tray; in essence, the armed suture.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: John F. Blanch, David D. Demarest, Robert A. Daniele, Anthony Esteves, William F. Smith, Michael G. Hodulik, Teresa M. Shaw, George Horst Reinemuth, Richard Paul Branco, Matthew Cafone
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Patent number: 5964075Abstract: A machine for the automated packaging of armed sutures or; in effect, surgical needles having sutures attached thereto and, more particularly, an arrangement and a method for applying covers to package trays in an automated machine for the highspeed individualized packaging of single or individual surgical needles each having an attached suture into a tray and detachable cover providing a suture package utilized for the packaging of the individual or single needles and attached sutures.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Daniele, Anthony Esteves
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Patent number: 5947278Abstract: A thermoformed dual-compartment flexible package and method for storing and dispensing the components of a polymerizable system such as the base and catalyst portions of an addition cured dental impression material. Mutually reactive constituents are isolated during storage. A first embodiment of the package includes two thermoplastic cups each having an open mouth circumscribed by an annular groove, separated by a slotted aperture. The package further includes a thermoformed flexible closure having a central projection between two annular projections. Two seals are formed by engaging the annular projections within the grooves. A second embodiment includes two thermoplastic cups separated by a slotted aperture, with each cup having an open mouth from whose rim depends an outwardly canted wall terminating at a recessed lip.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Discus Dental Impressions, Inc.Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Lance Hussey
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Patent number: 5943844Abstract: The present invention has several aspects. One aspect relates to a method of wrapping a package containing a food product which is attractive and serves to present the food product in an appealing setting. The package includes a preformed tray and a heat sensitive transparent film sheet which is attached at at least one attachment region to the tray without wrinkles in the film sheet. A packaging machine, a cutting and heating assembly and the package itself comprise the other aspects of the invention. In each case, the transparent film sheet is wrinkle free.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Ross Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M. Wilhelm, Daniel E. Keene
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Patent number: 5930984Abstract: A band seal is formed between a body and a cap of a capsule by fitting the cap on the body, and applying a gelatin-base sealant at least one time in the form of a band spanning the cap and the body. Band sealing is carried out by at least one of the following steps (A) to (E): the step (A) of applying the sealant at a temperature of 30-40.degree. C. at least when the sealant is first applied, the step (B) of applying the sealant at a viscosity of 50-200 centipoises at 50.degree. C. at least when the sealant is first applied, the step (C) of after the sealant is applied, blowing cold air at a temperature of up to 10.degree. C. to the band seal to cool the band seal below 10.degree. C., the step (D) of reducing the joint distance between the body and the cap shorter than the standard capsule length, and the step (E) of applying the sealant to only an edge adjacent portion of the cap surface when the sealant is first applied. The invention prevents bubbles from generating in the band seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Shionogi & Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Furuya, Takao Enomoto, Koji Sato, Taiichi Mizuta
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Patent number: 5907946Abstract: An opening part cuts a periphery of a package which contains a bundle of PS (photosensitive) plates. Then, a lifter separates a top piece of the package from the bundle of the PS plates, and a cartridge body, which has been transferred by the lifter, is put on the bundle of the PS plates from which the top piece of the package has been separated. An inverter inverts the top and bottom faces of the bundle of the PS plates covered with the cartridge body, and then, the lifter separates the bottom piece of the package from the bundle of the PS plates. A cartridge lid, which is transferred by the lifter, is put on the bundle of the PS plates from which the bottom piece of the package has been separated.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirohiko Oishi, Seiichiro Kuretoko
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Patent number: 5896729Abstract: A container for shipping and handling devices is described. The container is particularly well suited to store sliders used in magnetic storage systems. The container includes a bottom piece and a detachable top piece. The bottom piece includes a base with a channel (also referred to as a device chamber) and two side walls. At least one device is stored in a channel in the base. The detachable top piece is secured to the bottom piece with a locking device. The locking device may include two substantially straight edges and two curved outer ridges. When the top piece is attached to the bottom piece, each of the curved outer ridges of the locking device extends into a groove in the inner surface of the side walls. The devices are contained within the container by a pair of slider stop devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1998Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: International Business Machine CorporationInventors: Sonny Bell, Buddy Chang, Xavier Charles Lelong, Edward Joseph Pacheco, Bruno Alejandro Valdes, Michael Zung
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Patent number: 5894711Abstract: A box handling apparatus having particular application in the packaging of semiconductor wafers, includes a box opening assembly which can unlatch a lid from a bottom of the box and separate the lid from the bottom. Arms can grip an article, such as a wafer cassette, in the bottom of the box and lift it out. The cassette can be loaded, or wafers already in the cassette unloaded. The apparatus can replace the loaded cassette in the bottom of the box and latchingly re-engage the lid.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.Inventors: James P. Davidson, Andrew Paul Lunday, Gordon P. Hampton, James C. Lenk, Gary L. Anderson, Larry W. Shive
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Patent number: 5884457Abstract: A method of automatically producing a plurality of prefilled, sterile delivery devices with a desired quantity of fluid. The sterile delivery devices each include a hollow barrel with a dispensing nozzle at one end and an open opposite end. A piston plunger is positioned within the open end and is slidable in sealing engagement with the barrel to retain a fluid therein. A tip is secured to the dispensing nozzle. A plurality of the sterile delivery devices are automatically fed along a predetermined path. Tips are then removed from the dispensing nozzles of the sterile delivery devices. The hollow barrels of the sterile delivery devices are then filled through the dispensing nozzles with a desired is quantity of fluid. The dispensing nozzles of the sterile delivery devices are then closed and sealed after the filling step to provide sealed sterile delivery devices with sterile fluid contents.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: SmithKline Beecham CorporationInventors: Jose A. Ortiz, Kenneth J. Sylvester
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Patent number: 5875615Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink cartridge for use in an ink jet recorder including positioning a container body having a bottom wall and an opening on a pallet such that the bottom wall faces upward, the container body including a porous member, a foam chamber for accommodating the porous member therein, and an ink supply port, having an inlet formed in the bottom surface of the foam chamber and an outlet; inserting packing into the ink supply port; sealing the ink supply port outlet; resetting the container body on the pallet by turning the container body upside down such that the opening faces upward; affixing a filter to the ink supply port inlet; inserting the porous member into the foam chamber; bonding a cover to the opening of the container body; injecting ink into the foam chamber; and sealing the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kazunori Ito, Seiichi Takada, Masahide Matsuyama, Yuichi Nakamura, Masakazu Sato, Tadatoshi Honzawa, Hisashi Koike, Taeko Nishimura, Masahiko Fukazawa, Kazuo Yamada, Shinichi Yanagisawa, Morio Sato, Kiyoshi Kitahara, Takashi Hara, Takao Kobayashi
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Patent number: 5875891Abstract: A packaging for golf balls that acts as a moisture barrier inhibiting moisture absorption by a golf ball during storage. In one embodiment, the packaging includes a sealing member that defines an internal closed volume that is configured to receive a golf ball. The sealing member preferably has a laminate structure that includes a moisture barrier layer, a sealing layer and a structural layer. Another aspect is a method of packaging golf balls to minimize moisture absorption during storage.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventor: Dean A. Snell
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Patent number: 5851346Abstract: The present invention fulfills the above stated needs, as well as others, by providing a automated container sealing apparatus that automatically removes seals from a backing and applies the seals to the container. The seals are pre-cut and have a size corresponding to the size of the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for sealing containers, the containers defined by a generally planar sealing surface and one or more receptacles, wherein each of the one or more receptacles include an opening coplanar with and defining corresponding openings in the sealing surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1997Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.Inventor: John R. Hitch