Abstract: Fastener for securing a tube to a patient having a sleeve of variable length capable when lengthened of gripping the tube.

Abstract: Packaging machines are disclosed including a web transport conveyor transporting a web of flexible packaging material from upstream to downstream locations through a series of stations. Packaging apparatuses are disclosed including a forming station and a closing station, each having movable die members that are counterbalanced. Methods of operating the packaging apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Packaging machines are disclosed including a web transport conveyor transporting a web of flexible packaging material from upstream to downstream locations through a series of stations. Packaging apparatuses are disclosed including a forming station and a closing station, each having movable die members that are counterbalanced. Methods of operating the packaging apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for closing a filling hole of a waste bin (1), which waste bin comprises a container part (2) and a cover part (3) and at least one filling hole (4) which is formed in a side wall of the cover part (3) and/or the container part (2). Between the cover part (3) and the container part (2) of the waste bin is arranged a retainer part (6), which retainer part keeps the cover part in a first position, whereby a passage via the filling hole (4) to a container space (24) of the container part is open and, after the temperature has reached a predetermined value (T2), the retainer part (6) moves to a second position in which the cover part (3) is released to move with respect to the container part (2) to a second position in which the passage via the filling hole (4) to the container space (24) of the container part is closed. The invention also relates to a waste bin.

Abstract: An air freshener device includes an open-cell, polyurethane foam body having a scent material interspersed in the foam body that is capable of diffusing out of the foam, and a flexible cover surrounding and conforming to the foam body having at least one hole in the cover to facilitate the release of scent. The foam body can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The flexible cover can have a fabric shell that is soothing to the touch, and may also have a non-porous inner liner to contain the scent material and prevent it from migrating out of the foam body. In addition, the air freshener can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape, and can be fashioned into the shape of a common sports ball, such as a baseball.

Abstract: A one-use, tamper-evident and tamper-proof package with an adhesive, seal-assist zip closure. The zip closure with an adhesive seal assist is suitable for transporting valuable and/or important items in a secure manner. The subject zip closure is a pressure joined, interlocking assembly. The interlocking assembly also comprises an adhesive, such as a microencapsulated adhesive or other specialty adhesive, that is activated when the interlocking zip assembly is secured. The adhesive provides a seal assist that prevents the interlocking assembly from being opened without tampering with or otherwise opening the packaging in a non-reusable manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine which seals a cover-film at a tray, which has been previously filled with a packaging item, whereas the packaging machine comprises an upper tool and a lower tool which are pressed together during the sealing of the cover-film to the tray, and which comprises means to detect misalignment of the packaging item in the tray, a misaligned tray in the lower tool and/or a foreign object between the upper and the lower tool prior to and/or during the sealing of the cover film to the tray.

Abstract: A container lid including a pleat for expanding and contracting a perimeter of a sealing section, the sealing section including a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, wherein when the container lid is sealed onto a container, the first sealing portion contacts an interior surface of the container and the second sealing portion contacts a top surface of the container.

Abstract: A freezable unit dosage delivery system, method of preparation, a solid unit dosage, method of treating symptoms and conditions, and kit is disclosed. The freezable unit dosage delivery system includes a composition, preferably containing one or more medicinal ingredients, having a freezing point less than 5° C.; a storage container comprising one or more cavity, each configured to receive a unit dosage quantity of the composition; and a sealing sheet for sealing engagement with the storage container. Upon freezing, the unit dosage quantity solidifies into a solid unit dosage that may be administered one of orally, rectally or vaginally for the local or systemic treatment of symptoms and conditions in a human.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated multi-stage end-to-end cytotoxin handling system includes a first stage for receiving a cytotoxin drug and for preparation of a dose of the cytotoxin drug; a second stage in selective communication with the first stage for further processing the prepared dose; and a third stage in selective communication with the second stage for further processing of the prepared dose. The third stage includes an automated apparatus for sealing the prepared dose in an enclosure. During the entire time from reception into the first stage for drug preparation thereof and to produce a cytotoxin dose to being scaled in the enclosure, the cytotoxin drug remains in a controlled, sealed environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing prepared medications in enclosures includes a tubular sleeve having an open first end, an open second end, and an outer surface. The first end includes at least one first locking member for securely attaching the tubular sleeve to another member. The apparatus also includes a length of a flexible packaging sleeve that is open at one end and has an open interior space. The packaging sleeve is disposed about the outer surface of the tubular sleeve in a compressed form. The open end of the sleeve is sealingly attached to the first end of the tubular sleeve. A tensioner device is disposed about an outer surface of the packaging sleeve and includes a first section that couples the first end of the packaging sleeve to the tubular sleeve and at least two elongated tensioner arms that extend along a length of the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible, reclosable bag includes a first bag web, a second bag web, and a pocket-forming web, which form a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for inserting a thermal influencing material. The pocket-forming web may contain a cut, thereby forming an opening in the pocket. The pocket and/or the flexible, reclosable bag may include a fastener, such as a zipper tape fastener or a zipper slider fastener. Additionally, a method for making a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for receiving a thermal influencing material is disclosed.

Abstract: A custom fabricated (e.g. custom shaped and dimensioned) primary wound dressing part that matches a corresponding, pre-mapped integumentary wound is combined with dressing extension parts to form a composite wound dressing system. The primary wound dressing part may include one or more liquid flow barriers composed for example of a hydrophobic and high viscosity liquid embedded in a layer of the primary wound dressing part. The dressing extension parts may include interconnect portals for operatively interconnecting with the primary wound dressing part so that liquids may be securely moved between primary wound dressing part and the extension parts.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate composed of at least a) a backing, b) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and c) a sealable layer, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer being located between the backing and the sealable layer, and wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive comprises a polymeric binder having a glass transition temperature of ?60 to ?0° C. and a gel content of less than 50% by weight (and referred to below for short as adhesive polymer).

Abstract: Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member. The web may be reverse indexed to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.

Abstract: A combination of a transparent resin and a paper cover sheet and a coupling method thereof. The combination comprises a piece of transparent resin having a receiving space, which is defined in the center portion thereof, and marginal portions, which are formed in the periphery of the center portion and are folded inward such that upper and lower bonding parts are formed; and a paper cover sheet inserted between the upper and lower bonding parts of the marginal portions of the piece of transparent resin and having one or more through-holes which are defined through peripheral portions thereof, wherein, after the paper cover sheet is inserted into the piece of transparent resin, the upper and lower bonding parts of the piece of transparent resin are bonded with each other through the through-holes in the paper cover sheet.

Abstract: A packaging for active substance-containing films. The packaging comprises a carrier layer and a covering layer connected releasably to the latter, has in a paired arrangement two opposite surface regions which are separated from one another by a web and within which the covering layer is not connected to the carrier layer. Two spaces are formed, separate from one another and enclosed on all sides, for receiving the films in pairs. Within the web, a further surface region is present, in which the carrier layer is not connected to the covering layer, with the result that a cavity enclosed on all sides is formed. At least one perforation line is present within the web.

Abstract: The invention provides an interlinked device for producing sealed packaging units, with a clocked delivery device for web-like material, with a separating device for separating in each case at least one portion of the web-like material, with a clocked packaging device, and with a sealing device, the sum of the stoppage intervals per cycle of the delivery device differing from the sum of the stoppage intervals per cycle of the packaging device, and a method for producing such a packaging unit. For this purpose, the device comprises an intermediate conveyor device which, in the material flow, is arranged between the delivery device and the packaging device. An optical inspection device is also arranged on the intermediate conveyor device and used at least for geometric inspection of the separated portion. With the present invention, a device and a method are disclosed for producing packaging units in an interlinked device, in which the content of the packaging unit can be inspected.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of sealing a bag (8) comprising (a) gripping the neck (10) of the bag (8) (b) passing the gripped portion of the bag neck (10) around a rod (6) approximately a complete revolution (c) continuing to revolve the gripped portion of the bag and moving the gripped portion axially away from the distal end of the rod (6) until generally a further 2-300 degree revolution has been completed so that the neck (10) of the bag (8) is wrapped around the rod (6) (d) opening a recess (14) in the rod and placing the free end of the neck (10) into the recess, and (e) holding the free end in the recess (14) whilst withdrawing the rod (6) through the wrapped portion of the neck. The invention also provides apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting height of a crate or box made of flexible material, having a base and at least four side walls by folding. After the base has been placed in a generally horizontal, a horizontal crease is produced on each side wall, parallel to the base and at a height substantially equal to a top of a stack of objects. At least one oblique crease is produced in each corner of the crate, with one end located at the intersection between two horizontal creases and the other end located on an upper ridge of one side wall. The upper part of each side wall is folded towards the center of the crate, at an angle substantially equal to 90°. The various flaps are folded on one another, being separated by oblique creases, bringing the upper part of side walls in a substantially horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a container packing filler are provided, which ensure that a net can be correctly and speedily rolled up into a bulk or ball shape. A stretchable tubular net (N) is fitted around a columnar support member (6). Then, a distal portion of the net is forcibly folded radially outward or inward by a plurality of roller belts (30) disposed circumferentially of the net (N), while the roller belts (30) are moved toward a net proximal side axially of the net (N), whereby the net (N) is rolled up radially outward or inward with the distal portion thereof being forcibly folded by circular rotation and axial movement of the roller belts (30) to form an annular roll portion (C).

Abstract: A process for preparing a water-soluble container comprising at least two compartments which comprises: a. providing at least two compartments, each compartment being filled with a composition, and covering each compartment with a lid such that the compartments are joined by a folding portion; and b. folding the folding portion such that the lids of each of the compartments adhere to each other.

Abstract: A device for inserting and removing securing fittings for twist-lock containers includes a support plate for containers, which is provided with a pneumatically or hydraulically driven screwing mechanism with a slot gripper for each expected position of a securing fitting for the twist-lock container.

Abstract: A loading system (10) for loading packaging cards (14) with blister cards (22), which system comprises a magazine (15) for holding a supply of blister cards and operable controllably to release sequential blister cards onto a stationary runner (32) disposed around a portion of a feeder wheel (24), at an input position of the feeder wheel, the feeder wheel having means (30) to convey the blister cards in sliding contact with said runner to a transfer position of the feeder wheel, and means (26) sequentially to transfer conveyed blister cards for loading onto packaging cards during synchronized movement between the transfer means and the packaging cards.

Abstract: A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid. The system comprises a substantially planar surface supporting the base portion of the container and a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid of the container and to exert a closing force on the lid in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the sidewall.

Abstract: A reclosable package having a zipper closure that includes areas of weakness that, upon opening of the zipper closure, permanently damage at least one of the closure members that form the zipper closure. The package user can readily discern if the zipper closure has been previously opened.

Abstract: A crimping system for a fill tube of an industrial process transmitter system comprises a collar, a fill tube and crimp jaws. The collar comprises a passageway for receiving the fill tube, and a seat surrounding the passageway. The fill tube extends through the passageway and seat of the collar. The crimp jaws are positioned within the seat to surround the fill tube, and are inserted into the seat to crimp the fill tube.

Abstract: Additives that could interfere with the sealing of a cover onto a contact lens package are delivered separately from the bulk saline delivered into the lens package, thereby allowing more precise control of the additive delivery, reducing the incidence of additive in the seal area of the lens package, and improving the seal integrity.

Abstract: A thermal barrier liner is provided to maintain a beverage within a container at a desired temperature. The thermal barrier liner is installed so to make intimate contact with the internal surface of the container. The thermal barrier liner may be provided in various embodiments including a closed cell substrate, a base layer having gas or liquid filled microcapsules, a base layer having microencapsulated solid-liquid phase change material, or combinations thereof. In the closed cell substrate embodiments, when the thermal barrier liner is under pressure within the container such as prior to the container being opened, the thermal barrier liner maintains a minimum profile or thickness. However, when the container is opened and as pressure is released within the container, the barrier liner expands to achieve equilibrium. The expanded or thickened barrier liner provides an effective thermal barrier thereby maintaining the beverage at a desired temperature for a longer period of time.

Abstract: A method of packaging thermally labile goods. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a legend correlating thermally labile goods with a PCM panel color, (b) locating the thermally labile goods to be packaged on the legend and identifying the correlated PCM panel color, (c) obtaining thermally conditioned panels of the correlated PCM panel color from amongst a plurality of differently colored thermally conditioned panels color coded in relation to the phase change temperature of the phase change material contained within the panels, (d) lining the retention chamber of a thermally insulated container with the obtained thermally conditioned PCM panels, (e) placing the thermally labile goods to be packaged into the lined retention chamber, and (f) closing the container.

Abstract: A case for holding a DVD or other device may include a flexible clip arm for, e.g., retaining printed information about the DVD, holding the DVD, and/or locking one or more DVDs in place. An apparatus includes a body configured to retain a first disc. The apparatus further includes a retention device coupled to the body and configured to apply pressure to material disposed between the retention device and the body and thereby to assist in retaining the material between the retention device and the body. A method includes inserting a first disc into a container configured to retain the first disc. The method further includes securing material within the container using a retention device coupled to the container and configured to apply pressure to the material and thereby to assist in retaining the material within the container. Other implementations focus on holding or locking a DVD, or other device.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is to provide an adhesive composition for application to a paperboard carton via water-based flexographic printing and subsequently be activated (i.e., melted) by RF radiation during a carton sealing operation. The activated composition provides water- and heat-resistant bonding.

Abstract: A side seal assembly for a shrink wrap packaging system is located downstream in the feed direction from a wrapping station to join first and second plies together and enclose each of the products in individually wrapped packages. The side seal assembly includes a heated side seal mechanism to form the side seal weld and separate the selvage film. The assembly includes an indexing mechanism to index the side seal mechanism and expose a clean surface to the film without removal or extensive servicing of the assembly and the heretofore requisite downtime for the system. The sealing and cutting functions are combined into a single, stationary component thereby reducing the number of movable parts. Moreover, indexing the side seal mechanism operatively exposes a clean, free of resin build-up, peripheral edge of the side seal mechanism to the plies, without the need to stop production for extended periods of time while consistently producing a thin side seal weld on the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.

Abstract: A package having an improved yield is provided. The package includes a support on which a plurality of biochips are disposed, and a cover bonded to the support and defining a reaction space for each of the plurality of biochips together with the support, the cover including at least one inlet/outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reclosable package 10 which includes a rigid base member 11, a product 50 placed over said rigid base member, a cover film 13 laid over product 50 and sealed to rigid base member 11 wherein removable reclosure means 14 (114) are embedded in rigid base member 11 and cover film 13 is also sealed to removable reclosure means 14 (114). Also disclosed are a rigid base member 11 having removable reclosure means 14 (114) embedded therein and a method of making the reclosable package 10.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a non-rectilinear flexible package comprising an in-line process including application and selective sealing of a semi-rigid strip to an inner wall of the package and further including a dual-stage die-cutting technique to remove and cut a non-linear shape into a formed web of film. The semi-rigid strip is sealed to one interior wall of the package but not the other to provide a reinforced opening to the package through which a material can be dispensed. Additionally, the dual stage die-cutting method comprises first cutting and removing a portion of the web material prior to filling the package and again cutting and removing a portion of the web material after filling, resulting in a package having a narrowed neck adjacent the closed reinforced opening at an upper portion of the package and a body of the package that is tapered towards the reinforced opening.

Abstract: A base structure having a bearing surface defining a bearing plane and an inner portion spaced apart from the bearing surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bearing plane. The inner portion includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from said first surface, and a step merging said first surface with second surface.

Abstract: A one-piece clip for flexible bags intended both to prevent the contents from spilling out and to prevent the migration of air through the bag. A method for closing flexible bags.

Abstract: A device is provided for interconnecting a support and a connector through a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the support as a user re-connects the unit back to the support. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the unit to the support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lid structure comprising a metal lid in the form of a disc (20) and a plastics ring (1). A lug (6) on the ring is snap-fitted around the exposed edge (25) of the lid. The lid structure can be fitted onto a filled container by application of a downward force until a lower profile (7) on the ring is forced around a curl or other feature on the top edge of the container. Outward expansion of the lid structure provides further retention on the container. The plastics ring of the lid structure has one or more weakened regions which can be torn to release the lid structure from the container without the need for any tool.

Abstract: A folded food carton is formed from a matable, lay flat blank for retaining, transporting and serving hot food such as pizza. The blank includes an arrangement of end panels, side panels and cover panels foldable relative to a bottom panel such that, in the erected carton, the cover panels overlap and are interlocked with the side panels by means of offset locking tabs. The end panels slant upwardly and inwardly from the bottom panel to add rigidity and save material for the carton. The side panels flare upwardly and outwardly from the bottom panel and extend above the cover panels to enhance stackability and prevent shifting of stacked cartons one on top of the other. Several methods of packaging pizza in the folded carton are disclosed.

Abstract: A folded food carton is formed from a matable, lay flat blank for retaining, transporting and serving hot food such as pizza. The blank includes an arrangement of end panels, side panels and cover panels foldable relative to a bottom panel such that, in the erected carton, the cover panels overlap and are interlocked with the side panels by means of offset locking tabs. The end panels slant upwardly and inwardly from the bottom panel to add rigidity and save material for the carton. The side panels flare upwardly and outwardly from the bottom panel and extend above the cover panels to enhance stackability and prevent shifting of stacked cartons one on top of the other. Several methods of packaging pizza in the folded carton are disclosed.

Abstract: A container or container dank (100, 200, 300) comprises a pair of opposed side wall portions and an opposed front wall portion and rear wall portion, each wall portion being connected to a base portion at a fold line and at least one opposed pair of walls being provided with a lid section. At least one portion has a web of material (12, 230, 330) adapted to retain an article within a container formed from the blank (100, 200, 300). Apparatus for and methods of forming a container blank having a web attached thereto and apparatus for and methods of forming a container from a material web lined dank are disclosed with reference to the direction in which the improved tension characteristics of the web are applied. An apparatus and method for filing, closing and sealing an open-mouthed container is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of packaging to reduce decomposition of particulate products, such as dry flake cereals that are often crushed, compacted, or pulverized during shipping and handling, by distributing the product across a multiplicity of structurally isolated cellular storage sections within the package.

Abstract: Provided is a method for shipping a parcel from a primary to a secondary location in a reusable container, and returning the container to a tertiary location. The parcel is packaged in the container which includes a label construction. The label construction includes a base substrate for securing to the container, a sleeve overlaying the base substrate, and a transparent viewing window having an exposed surface for removably receiving an address label. A first removable label is adhered to the transparent viewing window and includes information corresponding to an address for the secondary location. A second removable label is placed inside the sleeve and includes information corresponding to an address for a tertiary location. The package is delivered to the secondary location where it is un-packed and the first label is removed thereby exposing the second label for viewing through the window for delivery to the tertiary location.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) and methods for segmenting a blood-filled tube (42) into multiple, blood-containing, sealed segment are disclosed. The apparatus (20) includes a tubing locating surface (22) for mounting the tubing and sealing means (24) cooperatively associated with the tubing locating surface (22).

Abstract: A method of packaging merchandise items for shipment and display provides a box shaped merchandising container is formed including an enclosure with four quadrilateral sides and open top and a bottom closed by flaps. In preparation for shipment, the merchandise is loaded into an open bottom end of the container, opposite the end in which an information panel is installed, and then a removable cap is installed. The product information panel at a top corner of the enclosure is exposed when an enclosure cap is removed from that end of the enclosure. The information panel disposed at a corner of the rectangular open end of the enclosure is dimensioned to permit flat merchandise, such as home type air filters, to be withdrawn from the enclosure without destructive effect on the information panel when the closure cap is removed from the container.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a toner container provided with an opening, said method includes a filling step of filling the toner container with toner through an opening; a closing step of setting a cap member and closing the opening with the cap member, after said filling step; a sealing step of sealing the opening by vibration welding of the cap member to the toner container by a welding jig, wherein the cap member is welded to the toner container while imparting a relative movement of the welding jig relative to the toner container toward an un-welded portion.

Abstract: An assembly line for manufacturing filter canisters is disclosed. The method for assembling filter canisters provides a unique serial number for each canister and a database that associates the component lot numbers, activated charcoal weight, and quality assurance test results with the serial number for the filter canister. The manufacturing method can be adapted for assembly of canisters with activated charcoal and an aerosol HEPA filter, canisters with activated charcoal only, and canisters with an aerosol HEPA filter only. Some embodiments can also enable different testing conditions and specifications, activated charcoal loading requirements, labeling specifications, and packaging requirements.