Abstract: Products (2) presenting bevelled or rounded corner edges (35) are advanced singly and in succession along a predetermined path (P), each enveloped in a wrapper (11) of parallelepiped box-like shape, and directed ultimately into a station (15) where each product (2) is subjected to a finishing step that consists in deforming at least one part of the wrapper (11) and causing it thus to adhere to the surface of the relative product (2), in particular at the bevelled or rounded corner edges (35); thereafter, the finished products (2) are stacked and wrapped in respective stick packs (36) of which the longitudinal corner edges (38) will hug the corner edges (35) of the stacked products (2), adapting to the contours of the bevelled or rounded profile.

Abstract: An end sealer shifting assembly, comprising a transmission, a push rod assembly which is driven by the transmission, and end seal compression jaw in driving engagement with the push rod assembly, and a compliance assembly for jaw compliance with a contact member (e.g., a heater wire cutter cross cut jaw) when the jaw is driven into a compression relationship with the contact member. The compliance device preferably includes springs and the transmission assembly preferably includes a cam device with a second spring working to retain a contact relationship and work together with the compliance spring. A method of assembling such a device and operating such a device is also featured.

Abstract: A folding method and device, whereby a tubular wrapping is formed about a product by inserting the product inside a U-shaped pocket together with a sheet of wrapping material, a first lateral portion of which is interposed between the product and a first lateral wall of the pocket, and a second lateral portion of which, opposite the first, is folded outside and beyond the pocket and crosswise to the first lateral portion; the tubular wrapping being closed by moving the first lateral wall of the pocket outwards, simultaneously moving a contrast member onto the first lateral portion, and then folding the second lateral portion, by means of an external folding member, onto the product and so as to overlap the first lateral portion; and the tubular wrapping being fixed inside the pocket by withdrawing the external folding member, simultaneously closing the first lateral wall onto the product, and withdrawing the contrast member (34) from the pocket.

Abstract: In order to be able to easily exchange the fill pipe in a vertical tubular bagging machine, where a flat foil web is reshaped on a forming shoulder into a foil tube running over a fill pipe, a forming shoulder is suggested which can be opened. A shoulder sleeve out of two separate sleeve parts is formed by this forming shoulder, a shoulder connection consists of two separate connection parts, each one sleeve part and adjoining connection part form one component, the two components describe the forming shoulder, and one component can be removed from the other component in order to be able to remove the fill pipe transversely with respect to the transport direction from the forming shoulder.

Abstract: A compact and stackable package for displaying and protecting food and other consumer products is produced by a method wherein the package can be built around the consumer product utilizing primary components which can be shipped to the assembly location in essentially flat condition to thereby minimize shipping costs. The method includes providing a platform member upon which the consumer product is placed, and then adhering a sleeve member around the periphery of the platform member to impart a cubic form to the package. Also, the consumer product can be covered with a transparent film wrap to secure the product to the platform member.

Abstract: A process of forming dunnage is disclosed. A chain of interconnected plastic pouches (38) are fed along a path of travel to a fill and seal station (24). The pouches (38) are sequentially opened as each pouch is positioned in the fill station. Each pouch is opened by directing a flow of air through a pouch fill opening (50) to separate a face (46) from a back (48) of each such pouch and continuing the flow of air through each such opening to inflate each opened pouch. Each such inflated pouch is then sealed to create hermetically closed and inflated dunnage units (56). Novel web and dunnage units are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a slider-operated zipper on a moving filled package, comprising means for performing the following steps: conveying a package forward in a straight line; guiding a slider on a zippered portion of the package through a channel as the package moves forward; blocking forward movement of the slider at a predetermined position inside the channel as the package continues to move forward; and releasing the slider when the force being exerted by the slider in the forward direction reaches a level substantially equal to a predetermined threshold. This apparatus can be employed in association with a continuous band sealing apparatus. The means for blocking forward movement of the slider at a predetermined position inside the channel are a pair of spring-loaded plungers, e.g., ball plungers. If the slider end stop is weak, the slider will be pulled off the advancing package and will fall onto an ejection ramp.

Abstract: For packaging flat objects (4) using a packaging material (7) being supplied as a quasi-endless web, a string of bags (7?) being open on three sides and closed on one side is continuously formed and conveyed in a conveying direction. During conveyance the bags (7?) are each charged with at least one object (4), are severed from each other, and are then sealed with seams corresponding with the open bag sides. The depth of the bags during the step of forming the string of bags (7?) and/or the distance between the two lateral seams during the step of sealing are adjusted to the format of the object to be packaged (4), or to the width of the packaging material (7), respectively.

Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque sensor 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially, a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque sensor 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.

Abstract: The oxygen-absorbing package of the present invention is produced by packaging an oxygen-absorbing composition comprising, as an effective component, an iron powder containing a fine iron powder passing through a 200-mesh standard sieve in an amount of 5% by weight or less by an air-permeable packaging material using an automatic filling-packaging machine. By using the above oxygen-absorbing composition, the iron powder is prevented from being partially scattered to attach to the outer surface of the oxygen-absorbing package during the industrial packaging operation using the automatic filling-packaging machine of high productivity, thereby enabling to obtain an oxygen-absorbing package capable of preserving products for a long period of time without contamination and color change during the storage.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for sealing an envelope. A sealing nip is formed by an upper roller and a lower roller. The upper roller is mounted on an upper shaft and the lower roller is mounted on a lower shaft. A mechanism associated with the lower shaft adjusts the orientation of the lower shaft to match the orientation of the upper shaft.

Abstract: A process for producing containers involves a tube and at least one separating partition, both formed from plasticized synthetic material. The partition extends within the tube. The tube and partition are extruded into an opened blow mold. The blow mold is then closed, and the tube is expanded by producing a pressure gradient that acts upon the tube. The pressure gradient is applied to expand the tube against the molding wall of the blow mold to form the container. The end of the tube that is the front end during the extrusion step and the front end of every separating partition are welded together by closing the opened blow mold, thereby closing the base of the container that is linked with every separating partition.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle with a powder comprises a hopper adapted to contain a powder pharmaceutical formulation, the hopper comprising an outlet. A vibratable member is positioned in, on, or near the hopper so that the vibratable member is spaced from powder in the hopper, and the vibratable member is capable of fluidizing the powder in the hopper. Powder flowing through the outlet under the control of the vibratable member flows into a receptacle or into a transfer chamber for transport to a receptacle.

Abstract: A web cutter is provided comprising an at least one wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel housing and at least two wheel members. A cutting member is disposed between the wheel members, wherein the wheel assembly has a first position wherein the cutting member does not extend below the wheel members and a second position wherein the cutting member extends below the wheel members. The web cutter may include an upper plate having a receiving hole, and the wheel assembly may include a post that is in slideable communication with the upper plate receiving hole. The cutting member may be in fixed communication with the upper plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging parts in compartments of a carrier tape and affixing a cover tape over the carrier tape to trap the parts in the compartments. The method and apparatus provide for deflecting a flange of the carrier tape and sealing the cover tape to the deflected flange. The cover tape is tightened across the carrier tape when the carrier tape flange returns to its undeflected condition.

Abstract: A plastic canister for storing and shipping drill bits, especially roller cone drill bit, has a pin-holder built into the lid of the canister for ease of field dressing the bit. The lid and body of the container are slip fit to one another and indexed to each other for positive positioning in their relationship. Safety features include the use of a conductive plastic polymer, a non-rolling base, mating protrusions and recesses for stacking, recessed areas for strapping, and welded loop handles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a sealing area of a packaging container in which the sealing area has a predetermined exterior shape. The apparatus includes a generator, a horn and an anvil. The anvil has an abutting portion that conforms to the exterior shape of the sealing area of the packaging container. The plurality of slidable plates may be composed of a ferromagnetic material, a paramagnetic material or a ceramic material. The plurality of slidable plates are supported on an elastic sleeve that allows for the inward movement of the plates when the force exerted by the horn on the sealing area exceeds the elastic force of the sleeve thereby allowing the corresponding plurality of slidable plates to conform to the exterior shape of the sealing area of the packaging container. An electromagnet may be used to restrict the movement of the slidable plates subsequent to their conforming to the exterior shape of the sealing area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a slider-equipped zipper on a pouch in a form/fill/seal operation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a foldable slider is employed, and is shifted from an open configuration to a closed configuration for installation on zipper strips on the pouch. Stops are preferably provided at the ends of the zipper strips by application of heat and pressure to form a boss on one side and a corresponding recess on the other, without requiring additional material. A hermetic peelable seal preferably is provided beneath the zipper strips. The slider preferably is applied to the zipper strips immediately before or immediately after filling, or immediately after formation of the peelable seal. Means may be provided to shift the position of the slider to close the zipper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for reclosing a package. A package reclosure is provided with a top layer having a perforation and a carrier substrate. A folded substrate or folded member is provided between the carrier substrate and top layer. The folded member is only secured to the top layer such that, when the perforation is torn, a portion of the folded member may be unfolded to reveal a repositionable adhesive which is used to retain an end of the package in a closed position.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a container sealed in sterile manner by a foil and which comprises a container body and at least one closure placed over the foil, wherein prior to the closure of the container with the closure, a foil is laminated on the side of the closure facing the container interior after closing. The closure container closed with the closure undergoes a heat treatment at a temperature adequate to bond the foil to the wall of the container body in the vicinity of the closure and so extensively detach it from the closure that during a subsequent removal of the closure the foil remains adhering to the container body and a container manufacturable by said method.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of package storage and retrieval by providing within a retail outlet a receptacle with a compartment capable of receiving, retaining and releasing at least one package deposited by a sender for pick-up by a recipient thereby beginning a transaction. A sender is provided access to the receptacle to deposit a pre-ordered package within the receptacle for a recipient. A recipient is provided access to the receptacle to retrieve the package and thereby completing a transaction such that the compartment may be used for another transaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cold seal package that includes constructions wherein two substrates, or two portions of one substrate, are sealingly engaged to one another using a substantially natural latex rubber-free contact adhesive. The two substrates can be easily peeled apart without substantial damage to the substrates. Furthermore, the substrates cannot typically be resealed, or refastened, once peeled apart. That is, the cold seal formed by the adhesive between the substrates is substantially non-refastenable. Advantageously, a cold seal package of the present invention is particularly well suited for aseptic delivery of packaged goods, such as bandages, dressings, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing tool for sealing a package trough with a covering film, which tool consists of a bottom part, side parts oriented transversely and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein at least one side part oriented parallel to the direction of feed is fixed in its spatial position in relation to the machine frame whereas the other parts of the matrix can be displaced vertically downwards.

Abstract: A color identifier for use with a contained cosmetic product comprises a cosmetic grade foam swab for retaining a portion of the cosmetic product and a body for associating the swab with the cosmetic product. The body generally comprises a base for supporting the swab in a region adjacent the cosmetic product's container. Further, the body comprises a translucent enclosure, through which the swab is viewable, for maintaining the swab in place upon the base. A patch of adhesive is utilized for fixed application of the color identifier's body to the cosmetic product's container. In use, a portion of the cosmetic product is applied to the swab, which is then enclosed within the body. Because the body is provided with a translucent area, the portion of the cosmetic product applied to the swab is viewable notwithstanding its sealed enclosure within the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cold seal package that includes constructions wherein two substrates, or two portions of one substrate, are sealingly engaged to one another using a substantially natural latex rubber-free contact adhesive. The two substrates can be easily peeled apart without substantial damage to the substrates. Furthermore, the substrates cannot typically be resealed, or refastened, once peeled apart. That is, the cold seal formed by the adhesive between the substrates is substantially non-refastenable. Advantageously, a cold seal package of the present invention is particularly well suited for aseptic delivery of packaged goods, such as bandages, dressings, and the like.

Abstract: A paper container for a liquid including a base material including: a paper layer, a polyolefin type resin layer disposed on one side of the paper layer, for providing an outer surface, and a saturated polyester resin layer disposed on the other side of the paper layer by the medium of a polyolefin type resin layer, for providing an inner surface; the paper container being formed from the base material so that the polyolefin type resin layer for providing the outer surface provides an outer peripheral surface of the container, wherein the saturated polyester resin layer for providing the inner surface comprises an amorphous or low crystallinity saturated polyester resin having a glass transition point of not lower than 40.degree. C., and a portion of the base material to be disposed on the inner side of the paper container with respect to the paper layer has a water vapor permeability of not higher than 25 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.24 hr.multidot.1 atm.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof to form a package. In another embodiment, a package suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a cold seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof. Methods for making bags and packages including methods for making rolls from which bags and packages may be made.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapped pulp bale of the kind which, apart from a proper bale, comprises an enveloping wrapping which is folded along opposite faces of the bale while forming mutually overlapping parts in which the paper lies in two or more layers on top of each other. For holding the wrapping against the proper bale, sets of lugs (26) are provided in the overlapping parts of the wrapping, each set of lugs including a number of lugs corresponding to the number of paper layers, which are punched out from the paper layers while leaving through holes therein, and folded along a common folding line (25) as well as jointly inserted between the inside of the innermost layer of paper and the outside of the bale in order to be held therebetween.

Abstract: A form assembly for enclosing a received facsimile document in an envelope has been developed, along with a method for automatically assembling and sealing the envelope with the facsimile document within. The form assembly includes a front and back sheet that when sealed together form the envelope. The front and back sheets have substantially the same dimensions and are both larger than the received facsimile document. The front and back sheets have a border area adjacent its perimeter, and the border includes a pattern of pressure sealing cohesive. Moreover, the border extends beyond the facsimile document when that document is assembled with the sheets of the envelope. To assemble the form, the facsimile document is sandwiched between the front and back sheets of the envelope. The edges of the assembled form which include the border are compressed with sufficient pressure to activate the cohesive of the border and to thereby seal the envelope closed with the facsimile document within the envelope.

Abstract: A method of positioning a number of non-transparent enclosure sheets in a document security apparatus includes the step of positioning a first non-transparent enclosure sheet on a first support. The method also includes the step of positioning a second non-transparent enclosure sheet on a second support which is distinct from the first support. The second non-transparent enclosure sheet is oriented relative to the first non-transparent enclosure sheet so as to create a pocket for receiving a confidential sheet when (1) the first non-transparent enclosure sheet is positioned on the first support, and (2) the second non-transparent enclosure sheet is positioned on the second support. The first non-transparent enclosure sheet and the second non-transparent enclosure sheet conceal the confidential sheet from view when the confidential sheet is located in the pocket. A bail system for positioning a number of non-transparent enclosure sheets within a document security apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a blister package. The apparatus includes a packaging jig having a plurality of perimeter locating pins that are arranged to extend around the perimeter of the package when assembled on the jig. In a first aspect, the jig also includes an interior locating pin positioned inwardly from the perimeter locating pins to register a blister and possibly an article during assembly. In a second aspect of the invention, the jig further includes a plurality of exterior locating pins positioned outwardly from the perimeter locating pins to register an article to be packaged during assembly. The blister package is assembled by sequentially positioning the display cards, blister, and article on the jig such that the locating pins register the various components.

Abstract: The heat shrinkable film includes at least one of an ethylene-propylene random copolymer and an ethylene-propylene-butene random copolymer and a propylene-butene copolymer of low crystallinity, which is biaxially stretched simultaneously by a ratio of 2.0-3.5 times for each of the machine direction and the transverse direction by a wet heating method. The film preferably has a tensile elongation at breaking of more than 200%, and a heat shrinking ratio of more than 8% for each of the machine direction and the transverse direction when it is immersed in glycerine at 80.degree. C. for 30 sec. Since the film is excellent in tensile elongation and has satisfactory heat shrinkability at low temperature, it is suitable as a film for use in an automatic L-bar sealer in which a tensile elongation at breaking is an important factor.

Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof.

Abstract: A closing method for a multi-sided paperboard carton includes sealing a cover with side edge extensions to corresponding side flanges defined by fold lines on the paperboard carton during continuous feeding of the carton along the feed path. The side flanges of the carton body are bent downward during continuous feed movement with a force sufficient to cause the flanges to fold and remain free and below a plane passing through the fold line when released. The cover is placed on the carton to lie substantially in a plane and with the edge extensions overlying the flanges. A hot air stream is directed into the half-V gap presented between each flange and associated cover side edge extension to activate an adhesive coating and the flanges are pressed against the cover for sealing. The carton is carried through the bending stage in a die having an open bottom cavity and forming blades on its side edges that engage the fold line between the side flanges and the carton side panels from below.

Abstract: This invention is for a process for making a formed, and compressed food material into a toroidal shape, between two continuous sheets of food grade plastic film, which are sealed to each other around the inner and outer perimeters of the toroidal shape. The process employs two polygonal forming cylinders which are translatable towards each other to perform the the forming, compressing, and sealing steps by translational motion of at least one of the cylinders, and thereafter to advance the food package formed thereby by the rotation of the polygonal cylinders. The process is characterized by its capability to preserve the purity of the food materials passing through the process.

Abstract: Polymer blends of a) polymers containing predominantly mers of (meth)acrylates and/or glutarimides with b) up to about 40 weight percent of polymers having greater than about 50 mol % vinyl alcohol mers exhibit useful barrier properties to oxygen and other environmental gases, while maintaining or enhancing physical properties and clarity.

Abstract: Polymer blends of a) polymers containing predominantly mers of(meth)acrylates and/or glutarimides with b) up to about 40 weight percent of polymers having greater than about 50 mol % vinyl alcohol mers exhibit useful barrier properties to oxygen and other environmental gases, while maintaining or enhancing physical properties and clarity.

Abstract: A package for surgical sutures and suture-needle assemblies which includes a series of panels foldable about each other to enclose the sutures in an unfolded and elongated condition.

Abstract: A plastic can, having a cylindrical sidewall with circumferential beads and a flange at each end is disclosed. The material of construction preferably includes a structural layer and a barrier layer; the thickness and dimensions of the wall permit lidding with metal lids and retorting of the filled can without leakage or collapse.

Abstract: The ends of a tubular wrapper are gathered up and folded flat utilizing a method and a device whereby a first actuator flattens a first portion of the projecting endmost strip against the corresponding end surface of the commodity enveloped by the wrapper, whereupon the remainder of the strip is folded in successive portions by respective second folders, carried frontally on the periphery of a disk and engaging the strip epicyclically, the disk itself being rotated about an axis offset from and parallel to the wrapper axis, while orbiting about the wrapper axis at the same time.

Abstract: For filling insulating glass with a special gas, a probe (17) that can be introduced through an opening (25) in the spacer (26) for filling with the special gas, and a device (19) for sealing the opening(s) (25, 27) in the spacer (26) after completion of the filling process are arranged on a joint component (16) on the outlet side of a platen press (1, 2) for applying pressure to the glass plates of the insulating glass. The component (16) can be displaced from a readiness position wherein it is arranged below the conveying route (3, 13) for the insulating glass into a first operative position wherein the probe (17) is associated with the filling openings (25) in the spacer (26) and into a second operative position wherein the device for sealing the openings, which device preferably comprises filling nozzles (19) for feeding sealing compound (28) into the openings to be sealed, is associated with the openings (25, 27) in the spacer (26).

Abstract: In a method of forming prismatic liquid containers from continuously fed tubing, lateral regions of the tube to be connected by sealing strips are pressed inwardly before adjacent gable surfaces of the tubing are pressed together and sealed, thereby avoiding the formation of unsightly projections and any internal air cushion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing custom-sized foam braced packaging. The apparatus includes means for automatically adjusting the assembler to meet the particular needs of individual package sizes without the requirement for retooling being imposed. Rails are formed from foam and an outer wrap or covering which are then mitered to define a package shape. Packaging material is then adhered to the rail frame to complete the package.

Abstract: A system is provided for interchangeably packaging different types of bicycle cables and different types of bicycle locks in selected combinations. Each bicycle cable is separately enclosed in a bicycle cable package interchangeable with other, identical bicycle cable packages. Each bicycle cable package includes a bubble pack covering a coiled cable beneath a bubble. The bubble has an annular interior wall which defines a cavity and also a plurality of spaced, coplanar slots. Interchangeable bicycle lock packages are also provided. Each of the bicycle lock packages includes a stiff backing having divergent, coplanar tabs adapted for insertion into the corresponding slots in the interior bubble wall of each cable package. The cable packages are mutually interchangeable, as are the bicycle lock packages. By selectively assembling a bicycle lock package with a bicycle cable package, numerous different cable and lock combinations can be packaged and sold together as a unit.

Abstract: A machine for packing groups or bundles of cigarettes has a packing conveyor 15 on which each wrapped bundle 32 is laterally supported within an outer blank by corner tabs 12 of the blank being reverse folded at a station C before an inner frame 38 is inserted. The tabs 12 subsequently slide along a raised track 28, which extends up to a station G where the inner frame is applied, so that the inner wall 11 of the lid is kept upright. At a downstream station N is a rejector device for faulty packs, including a continuously reciprocating pusher 50 which is swung down into its operative position by a rib cam 76. One of the cam followers 80 is brought into contact with the cam during its dwell portion 77 by operating an actuator 88 to extend and align a pair of toggle links 84, 86.

Abstract: A static sealer for causing overlapping portions of film to adhere to each other preparatory to shrink-wrapping in an automatic wrapping machine comprising a grounded support having a planar surface and a charging head for generating an electrostatic field between the gounded support and charging head through which the overlapping portions of the film are moved rectilinearly to charge the latter oppositely, said grounded support being so designed as to reduce frictional resistance of the overlapping portions of the film to rectilinear tracking, said charging head being provided with discharge electrodes arranged with at least one electrode positioned medially of the path of travel of the seam and two other transversely-spaced electrodes downstream of the medially-positioned electrode.

Abstract: A process for forming a barrier phase between two incompatible phases comprising forming a thin layer of barrier material on the outer surface of a pin; placing the coated pin into a package or mold form designed to contain the total product; putting the molten outer phase into the space between the coated pin and the outer wall(s) of the package or mold form and allowing the outer phase to solidify; removing the pin leaving the barrier phase attached to the outer phase; and putting the inner phase into the space previously occupied by the pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is proposed for sealing hard gelatine capsules or similar hollow containers filled with liquid, so that a secure sealing of the fill opening is attained with the aid of a sealant and in which an escape of the sealant--as a result of which the fill opening would be sealed either incorrectly or not at all--is avoided.