Skin Packaging Patents (Class 53/509)
  • Patent number: 11465789
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for sealed dimpled film packages. A vacuum box having apertures, a dimpled bottom film sheet is placed on the base plate and an item to be packaged can be placed on the bottom dimpled film sheet. A top film sheet in a clamp frame is heated to a processing temperature and lowered towards the item and dimpled bottom film sheet. Vacuum suction causes sealing of the clamped top film sheet against the package from the base to the perimeter extending at an angle more than 5 degrees. The top film sheet is pulled down using the vacuum suction into contact with the dimpled film sheet from the base perimeter on the dimpled film sheet outward toward the perimeter of the dimpled film sheet forming a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Larry R. Thurston
  • Patent number: 8966867
    Abstract: A packaging assembly includes a substantially rigid base having a cavity dimensioned to receive a medical implant, a sleeve positioned in the cavity of the substantially rigid base and defining an opening dimensioned to receive the medical implant, and a skin pack lid sealed over the substantially rigid base to enclose and secure the sleeve within the cavity of the substantially rigid base. The sleeve has a shape substantially similar to a shape of the medical implant and substantially envelopes the medical implant when the medical implant is positioned in the opening of the sleeve. The skin pack lid has a geometry that substantially conforms to the shape of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Katherine Liccardo, Delphine Patterson, Joseph Wilmot, Sarah Grare
  • Patent number: 8951469
    Abstract: A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port. Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening when the port is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: MedInstill Development LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 8572934
    Abstract: A system for providing single portion viscous or semi-viscous food products utilizes an indexing conveyor to serially dispense pieces of top packaging material thereon, deliver a precise volume of the single serve food product, deposit a top packaging material piece thereon, press the sandwiched layer together to form the final shape of the food product and, optionally, heat seal the top and bottom material pieces to enclose the food product. Optional system layouts include cooling and/or oxygen depleted zones and multiple lane operation and serially adjacent rows of system components wherein the indexing conveyor moves forward by two increments at each indexing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jay
  • Patent number: 8402723
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a vacuum skin package where the lower support member is formed in a suitably selected shape which process comprises feeding a flat lower web (3) of thermoplastic material with the product (6) to be packaged loaded thereon and an upper thermoplastic web (27), to a vacuum chamber (8) for skin packaging that comprises an upper element (9) comprising a heated upper concavity (11) and a lower element (10) comprising a female vacuum forming mould (16) suitably shaped to match the desired shape for the support member of the end package, closing the vacuum chamber (8) and drawing the upper web (27) toward the upper concavity (11) by differential pressure; evacuating air or gases from the space between the lower web (3) and the upper web (27), in the closed vacuum chamber (8), while maintaining the vacuum from above the upper web and from below the lower supporting web; and reintroducing air from above the upper film, thus moving the heated upper web (27) against the product (6) and the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrea Granili
  • Patent number: 8365507
    Abstract: In an assembly for filling medicine dispensers (11) with administering units (12/i) which are to be taken daily by patients, a deblistering apparatus (39) is provided for the separating, automatic removal of the medicines from the respective blister pack, the blister film (33) of which can be subjected to a notching or cutting pretreatment, only after which the medicine is removed. A transport device (18) is provided which supplies the medicine dispensers (11) to a feeding device, at which the individual medicines can be loaded into receiving compartments (14/1 to 14/4) of the medicine dispenser (11). The assembly comprises modules (17/i) which have in each case a blister shaft (62), a punching device and a feeding device and are arranged along the transport device (18) at spacings from one another which correspond to the spacing of the receiving compartments (14/i) of the dispensers (11/i) or to an integral multiple of said spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Hans Klingel
  • Patent number: 8318091
    Abstract: A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port. Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening when the port is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20120151882
    Abstract: A waste storage device includes a waste storage part for storing a waste item and a packaging device arranged in an upper part of the waste storage part. The packaging device includes two film feed rollers, two waste sealing rollers which pull out films and are arranged in parallel that the peripheral surfaces thereof are in contact via the pulled out respective films in a normal state and at least one of which has the peripheral surface that is elastically deformed along the shape of the waste item, and a driving part which rotates the rollers. Two friction rollers which are driven and rotated to sandwich the films sealing the waste item having passed between the waste sealing rollers and pull them downward are provided below the waste sealing rollers. The device prevents a waste item sealed with resin films from being caught in rollers such as waste sealing rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Kyoritsu Seiyaku Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20120144784
    Abstract: A cargo sealing-package apparatus comprises a larger plastic film coated with a layer of adhesive and an appropriate-thick paper base board, both larger than a cargo, and cushion elements with elasticity are adapted to protrusions extending from the cargo. The cargo is first placed flat onto the base board and, together, moved to a conveying platform of a preparation area (a cargo-feeding zone) to be transported into a working area (a vacuum-molding zone) and lifted upwards via an ascending/descending machine into a vacuum-heating area, bringing up air to inflate the plastic film undergoing pre-heating operation. Then, the air is drawn out to thermo-seal the plastic film around the shape of the cargo and adhere it in vacuum-binding onto the surface of the base board. Finally, the cargo accurately bound in a vacuum space is moved to a cargo-outlet area, achieving the benefits of anti-shock, humid-proof, dustproof, and anti-oxidized functions thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Yen-Ti Liu
  • Patent number: 8171706
    Abstract: A wrapping machine has a body, a heater, a lifting platform and a controller. The body has a base, a top board, an upper cover, an exhaust box and a vacuum pump. The top board is detachably mounted on the top of the base. The upper cover is pivotally connected to the base. The heater is mounted in the body and has at least one heating pipe and a blower. The at least one heating pipe is mounted in the upper cover. The blower is mounted on the upper cover. The lifting platform is connected to the body and has a lifting arm and a lifting board. The lifting arm is mounted on and extends upward from the exhaust box. The lifting board is mounted on the lifting arm. The controller is mounted on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Tzu Chiu
  • Patent number: 8163251
    Abstract: A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port. Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening when the port is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20120031049
    Abstract: A method and packaging system for forming a sealed vacuum package having minimal residual air remaining. At least one vacuum lance is provided in the interior of a partially-formed package to withdraw the air, the package being closed on three sides and having a fourth side open for insertion of the vacuum lance. An air restriction can be provided along the fourth side to form a closed edge that prevents ingress of air into the package interior after the evacuation of air. In one aspect, the air restriction may comprise a pair of pinch rollers that compress the package at the fourth side edge to form a pinch seal that provides a relatively airtight air chamber inside of the package prior to and during sealing of the package. In another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a partial seal formed around the lances to prevent or minimize air from reentering the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Paul E. Doll, Timothy E. Coulson, Ronald E. Ballen
  • Publication number: 20110232239
    Abstract: A device for conveying objects includes a conveyor belt for the transport of the objects and fluid nozzles for the treatment of the objects. The device is characterised in that in addition to the conveyor belt a second belt is provided which is arranged above the conveyor belt in order to retain an object on the conveyor belt. This transport device can be installed in a packaging system, in particular in a tunnel dryer or in a shrink tunnel for packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Winter, Klaus Rothermel
  • Publication number: 20110179751
    Abstract: A hot water shrink tunnel (10) includes a housing (11) in which there is a heat chamber. The heal chamber housing (11) has an inlet opening (12) and spaced therefrom an outlet opening (13). Each opening (12/13) is closed by an end closing device (21) in the form of a curtain and through which product can pass. A conveyor (14) enables product to be conveyed through the heat chamber from inlet opening (12) to outlet opening (13). An external duct (17) is mounted adjacent end opening (12) and similarly a duct 19 adjacent end opening (13). Each duct includes a shroud (19) of a size and design to capture hot water vapour which, in use of the shrink tunnel, issues through the end opening (12/13) when product passes through the curtain. The heat chamber does not require a flue or venting to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Hugh Caudwell
  • Patent number: 7963425
    Abstract: A shrink sleeve on a vertical pump-up dispenser covers a portion of the actuator, the container and the gap between the actuator and the container. The shrink sleeve may have upper and lower transparent portions to display properties of the dispenser and a middle portion to display product use information. The shrink sleeve may be removable via a tear strip so that the dispenser has an uncluttered appearance when used by the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Tami O'Connell White, Peddy Khatami
  • Patent number: 7815878
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20090288367
    Abstract: It is disclosed a vacuum skin packaging apparatus equipped with a cutting device. The apparatus comprises an arrangement for packaging products between a bottom thermoplastic web and a top thermoplastic web, wherein the top web forms a tight skin all around the products to be packed, thus sealing wherever the two webs contact each other. The cutting device comprises a laser source (LS) producing a laser beam (LB) at a first optical power and means (MR) for directing said laser beam at said first optical power towards the area where the two webs contact each other in a manner that the reflected laser beam (RLB) at said first optical power follows a predetermined path (CL) so that the two webs become cut and the products become packaged singularly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Granili, Riccardo Evangelisti
  • Publication number: 20090152136
    Abstract: A shrink sleeve on a vertical pump-up dispenser covers a portion of the actuator, the container and the gap between the actuator and the container. The shrink sleeve may have upper and lower transparent portions to display properties of the dispenser and a middle portion to display product use information. The shrink sleeve may be removable via a tear strip so that the dispenser has an uncluttered appearance when used by the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Tami O'Connell White, Peddy Khatami
  • Publication number: 20080256904
    Abstract: A container for distributing product samples comprises material configured to form a pocket. A layer of clean release adhesive is disposed on the first external face of the pocket. A first surface of a film is placed adjacent to the layer of clean release adhesive such that the first surface of the film and the first external face of the pocket are releasably attached. A layer of permanent adhesive disposed on a second surface of the film. A surface of a liner is placed adjacent to the permanent adhesive such that the permanent adhesive is exposed if the liner is removed. A product sample may be sealed in a pocket formed from the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: David Engel, Jim Boddy, Bill Garland
  • Patent number: 7398633
    Abstract: A blister pack making mechanism includes a console, a piercing device, a sealing device, and a control unit. A roller and a blower are provided on the console. The roller takes up a bag film. An air inlet block is provided to be inserted into the bag film. A cutting unit is provided on the piercing device for piercing the bag film to admit air to inflate the bag film. The opening of the bag film is sealed up with the sealing device, and the bag film is cut into a proper length to form a blister pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Tung-Lung Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080140039
    Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Diaperoos, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Kay Snell
  • Publication number: 20080134639
    Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Nadia Corlett
  • Patent number: 7313900
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing, through a vacuum skin packaging (VSP) method, an easy-to-open package provided with a device for initiating the opening thereof. The apparatus includes a sealing station (115) wherein a top web (113) is sealed to a bottom web (104) in a first area (A) all around a product (P) arranged on the bottom web by providing heat and vacuum in a fundamentally closed chamber. The apparatus further includes a local sealing inhibition unit (130) including at least one removable local sealing inhibition tool (150) for inhibiting the sealing between the top and bottom webs in at least a second area (B). A method is also disclosed including the step of inhibiting the sealing between the top and bottom webs by arranging at least one removable local sealing inhibition tool between the top and bottom webs in at least a second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrea Granili
  • Patent number: 7013619
    Abstract: A method of preserving evidence and later returning the same utilizing a package having an optically transparent film incorporating the evidence and a signed itemization thereof to produce a tamper evident package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Clearwater Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Cory J. Hoover
  • Patent number: 6843039
    Abstract: A method for the vacuum packaging of articles including at least the steps of: creating a plurality of recesses in a backing board; positioning at least one article on said backing board; placing a film substantially over said at least one article; and using a vacuum packaging machine to substantially package said at least one article, said at least one article being situated between the backing board and the film, wherein the thickness of the backing board is at least 2 mm. Also a packaged article, the article being packaged between a backing board and a film, wherein the backing board has a thickness of at least 2 mm and the backing board further has a plurality of recesses therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: James Hanmer
  • Patent number: 6837280
    Abstract: A unit (6) for checking the dosing of pharmaceutical material (M) in a capsule filling machine (1) for the production of capsules (CF) of the type with a capsule lid (C) and a capsule body (F), the machine (1) comprising a fixed structure (15) fitted with a rotary drum (2) for supporting a plurality of capsules (CF) on its edge, opening each capsule (CF) by separating the capsule lid (C) from the capsule body (F), filling the capsule body (F) with a dose of material (M), then closing the capsule body (F) again with the relative capsule lid (C); the rotary drum (2) having a tank (5) containing the pharmaceutical material (M) and supporting a plurality of doser elements (3), each comprising at least one piston (8) sliding inside a hollow cylinder (4) to pick up and compress a dose (DS) of material (M) from the tank (5) and discharge it into a capsule body (F) of a capsule (CF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pierantonio Ragazzini, Elvio Gasperini, Roberto Trebbi, Enrico Zerbinati, Riccardo Rivalta, Nicola Gandolfi, Giorgio Tarozzi
  • Publication number: 20040200193
    Abstract: This invention is a novel process for skin packaging, and is an addition to the usual vacuum packaging processes. Instead of the skin being pushed down on to the object being sealed, by atmospheric air pressure created by a partial vacuum under the skin, it is instead pushed down on the object being sealed by increased external pressure. Both use the same difference between the outer air pressure and the inner air pressure. This difference in how the pressure differences are obtained, however, changes many of the procedures, and some of the results. There are many new opportunities opened up by this new process that can only be determined by further studies and experimentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Wagner Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040194432
    Abstract: A container includes at least one product within the container, the product being secured in the container between an interior surface of the container and a layer of flexible material. The layer of flexible material is skin packaged over the product and adhered to the interior surface of the container by an adhesive. A blank for the container is provided. The blank has panels with a product secured to a panel with layer of flexible material. The invention also relates to a method of packing a product, a method of securing at least one product to a container and a packaging machine for skin packing the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Otto Carl Muller, Willem Schalk Scholtz
  • Patent number: 6698165
    Abstract: A packaging machine is described. A plurality of working stations is arranged between the input side and output side of the machine. A conveyor moves packages carrying a product along a path from the input side to the output side through the working stations. A device feeds a cover film onto the packages. The cover film has two layers bonded together with a limited bonding strength. A first layer has a portion protruding beyond said second layer. Another device separates the first layer from the second layer in a defined region extending across the cover film transversely to the conveyor path. The separator seals the defined region of the cover film and supplies a pressurized fluid to said defined region. The defined region includes at least part of the protruding portion of the first layer. A method of using the packaging machine to package product also is described along with the package that is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Natterer
  • Publication number: 20030108705
    Abstract: A rigid, water-soluble container is made of an injection molded poly(vinyl alcohol) and/or a cellulose ether, which container encases a fabric care, surface care or dishwashing composition; and a capsule container comprising at least two components made of one or more material(s) that can be molded and which are water soluble or water dispersible or in which a substantial part of the surface of these components is water soluble or water dispersible so as to leave perforations throughout the wall when the capsular container is placed in contact with an aqueous environment. The container has one to six compartments, preferably one, two or three, the content of the various compartments being accessible to the aqueous environment when the capsular container is exposed to such an aqueous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicants: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited, Aquasol Limited
    Inventors: Paul John Duffield, Geoffrey Robert Hammond, David Brian Edwards, William John McCarthy, Arnold Heyworth Beckett, Anthony Douglas Jackman
  • Patent number: 6449925
    Abstract: An inclusion package product is produced by coating a base sheet with a solution of and inclusion article; drying the solution coated onto the base sheet; and placing an overlapping sheet onto the base sheet and sealing prescribed sections of the base sheet to the overlapping sheet to surround the area coated with the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Kyoichi Otsu, Naoko Yamashita, Yoshiji Okumura, Toshio Miyake
  • Patent number: 6427585
    Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Marathon Equipment Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Brown, Steven G. Seagraves
  • Patent number: 6318051
    Abstract: In a process and a device for automatically commissioning singular individually packaged products (1), especially a single pill, from a supply station (2) with a plurality of containers, prepackaged, preselected, flat, individually packaged product packs (“blister packs”) of the same type are arranged in stacks in assigned containers in the form of essentially vertical storage shafts (3). A blister pack (4) of a singular individually packaged product (1) to be commissioned is displaced into a lateral dispensing position (E) located outside the stack, and a receiving tray (5) is positioned under it. A dispensing unit (6) assigned to the storage shafts (3) with a dispensing finger (7) is then positioned above the individually packaged product (1) to be commissioned, which is in the dispensing position (E), and the dispensing finger (7) is moved downward toward an abutment (8) to separate the singular individually packaged product from the rest of the blister pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: P+P Materialfluss-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Preiss
  • Patent number: 6151870
    Abstract: A machine for packaging products using a plastic film comprises: at least a fixed frame (TF) and at least a mobile counter-frame (CM), said counter-frame (CM) can be moved between a lifted rest position and a lowered working position wherein the film is clamped against said frame (TF), the movement of the mobile counter-frame (CM) is controlled by at least a fluid-dynamic actuator (25) which works between the machine frame (11) and said mobile counter-frame. According to the invention, a link (26) is positioned between said actuator (25) and said frame (11), said link is pivoted to the actuator (21) in (27) and is pivoted to the frame (11) in (28), said link (26) is further provided with a control device (30) connected to a sensor (32), in order to automatically stop the machine from working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Interdibipack S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pietro Di Bernardo, Ugo Roberto Montani
  • Patent number: 6044622
    Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus perform the steps of:a. providing a film including a first film component peelably adhered to a second film component;b. providing a support member for supporting a product thereon;c. forming a seal between the second film component and the support member, the seal extending around the product to define a sealed enclosure for the product between the film and the support member;d. separating the first film component from the second film component within a predetermined region of the film located outside of the sealed enclosure; ande. severing the film within the predetermined, separated region to form an edge on the first film component within the separated region, thereby providing a tab for peeling the first film component from the second film component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean A. Brady, Robert Babrowicz, Robin H. Logan, James R. Mabry, Jeff C. McConnell, Robin D. Owens
  • Patent number: 5454214
    Abstract: An automatic vacuum packaging apparatus which is defined by a closable frame having upper and lower sections, the lower section including a heatable platen configured with one of several patterns of transversing channels through which air can be evacuated through two separate conduits drawn into one vacuum chamber located beneath the lower platen. The upper section is closable over the lower section and has a separate variable heating element and separate peripheral attachment to the vacuum. Plastic sheets may be placed on the upper and lower frames, and an object placed between them. Then, through the electronically controlled interaction of the vacuum, heating elements, channels and closure of the frames the object may be vacuum sealed between the plastic sheets. The patterns of channels allow for the improved removal of air as the channels vary in length thus increasing the ability of the vacuum to efficiently remove over 97% of the air by concentrating the pull of the vacuum in smaller areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Paul B. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 5445696
    Abstract: A packaging arrangement for items to be subsequently mounted, having a pair of plastic sheets with dimensions that are greater than the item. One sheet includes an adhesive layer that adheres to the front face of the item and also adheres to portions of the other sheet so that the item is captured in between. The sheet with the adhesive layer is preferably transparent. When mounting, the sheets are separated, a mounting adhesive is applied to the back face of the item, and thereafter both the adhesive layer and the back face are urged against the mounting surface. The sheet temporarily maintains the item mounted until the mounting adhesive hardens and the sheet is thereafter removed. The item can a single unit, or a plurality of loose units, or a plurality of units attached to a backing. If a single unit or a plurality of pre-connected units, the packaging arrangement need not attach to the entire item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Margaret M. Krawczyk
  • Patent number: 5165220
    Abstract: Apparatus for skin packaging articles on a backing card in which a heating unit for film is disposed behind a work table having a vacuum platen on which may be placed a backing card with an article to be packaged; and, upon activation, is moved vertically between a first position above the level of the table and a second position not higher than the table level. A film clamping frame holds a section of film closely above the heating unit when it is in its first position, and when the unit is moved to its second position, moves the heated clamped film section forward and downward onto a backing card where it is drawn down tightly against the article on the card upon creation of a vacuum. Upon completion of the packaging, the backing card is pulled forwardly off the table and its film is severed from the further film which is pulled with it, such further film then being clamped on the film clamping frame which is moved back up to its elevated position for repetition of the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Suclipse, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecil E. Puett
  • Patent number: 5162154
    Abstract: Packages containing articles with smooth surfaces can be prepared without entrapment of air between the packaging film and the smooth surface of the articles by selecting a packaging film having at least one surface which comprises a polymer which in film form exhibits a specular gloss of at least about 20, measured at an angle of 20 degrees and a synthetic amorphous silica having particle size of about 0.5 to about 50 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: John H. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5142842
    Abstract: A film/foil panel comprises a substrate such as a thermoformed film; a first film/foil combination; an insulating material; a second film/foil combination; a top web in sealing relationship to the substrate; the film/foil combinations substantially enclosing therebetween the insulating material; and the insulating material and enclosing film/foil combinations disposed between and enclosed by the substrate and top web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Henry G. Schirmer
  • Patent number: 5076436
    Abstract: In a vacuum skin package wrinkles and weak spots are avoided by providing a tray as the support or backing member rather than a flat sheet, the angle of the walls as they diverge outwardly being 91.degree. to 160.degree.. Especially useful is such a package when provided with a lid for stacking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Ermanno Bortolani, Enzo Vassarotti
  • Patent number: 5072574
    Abstract: A vacuum packaging apparatus for packaging a product between a plastic film and a backing card comprises a base having a stationary heating hood. A reciprocal table is mounted on the base beneath the hood. Two packaging wells are mounted side by side on the table, each well being dimensioned for holding a backing board on which the product is placed for packaging. The reciprocal table moves laterally on the base so that when one packaging well is in a packaging position under the hood, the other packaging well is not and extends out from beneath the hood. A sealing frame is mounted on the base beneath the hood for holding a sheet of wrapping material and moves vertically between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the sealing frame is adjacent the heating hood to heat the sheet. In the lowered position the sealing frame is adjacent the packaging well which is in packaging position to place the heated sheet over the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Sunclipse, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecil E. Puett
  • Patent number: 5069018
    Abstract: A vacuum packaging apparatus for packaging a product between a plastic film and a backing board includes a base which has a stationary heating hood. A packaging table is mounted on the base and offset from the hood to extend laterally and outwardly from the hood. A sealing frame is mounted on the base for holding a sheet of wrapping material. First and second elongated arms are pivotally attached to both the base and the frame to connect the frame to the base. The arms may be pivoted to move the frame from a sealing position, wherein the frame is positioned adjacent the packaging table, to a heating position, wherein the frame is positioned adjacent the heating hood to heat the sheet. A vacuum motor is mounted in the base beneath under the packaging table. When the sealing frame is lowered to the sealing position to place the heated sheet over the board, a vacuum is drawn against the backing board to seal the heated sheet over the product onto the backing board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Sunclipse, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecil E. Puett
  • Patent number: 5025611
    Abstract: An apparatus for packing perishable goods in which perishable foods are placed in a pre-formed base. A first flexible gas permeable plastic web is then placed over said goods, and a reduced pressure is established below the first web relative to that above the first web for effecting at least partial skin packing of the first web over the goods. A second plastic web is then placed over the first web, the goods and the base. A second web is then sealed to the base so as to provide a space between the first web and the second web. A gas is provided in the space between which can permeate through the first web toward the base to enhance preservation of the goods. The second web comprises a lid serving to retain the gas in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Garwood Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony J. M. Garwood
  • Patent number: 4862671
    Abstract: The machine comprises a thermoforming box (116) which receives the container (126) and which is itself fitted into a cutting box (100), a heating die (148) mounted in vertically slideable manner above the said boxes and capable of squeezing a thermoforming film (44) or a closing film on the upper edge of the thermoforming box and of thermoforming the film (44) inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Societe Continentale du Carton Ondule-Socar
    Inventors: Roger Lanoiselee, Philippe Dropsy, Patrick Roman
  • Patent number: 4833862
    Abstract: By providing raised peripheral edges, preferably walls, for the supporting member of a vacuum skin package, a superior vacuum package is achieved when a product is vacuum packaged on such a supporting number. Wrinkles and weak spots are avoided. Preferably, the raised edges are formed in-line as the package is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co. - Conn.
    Inventors: Ermanno Bortolani, Enzo Vassarotti
  • Patent number: 4815602
    Abstract: A vacuum skin package, having a peripheral area and a central area, comprises a thermoplastic supporting member; a thermoplastic heat-formed top web sealed to the supporting member in the peripheral area of the package; a first moisture impervious metallic sheet having outer and inner non-heat sealable surfaces; a second moisture-impervious metallic sheet having outer and inner non-heat sealable surfaces; the first and second sheets unbonded to each other and substantially enclosing therebetween a product in the central area of the package; and the product and enclosing sheets disposed between and enclosed by the supporting member and top web, the top web in comunication with the outer non-heat sealable surface of the first sheet, and the supporting member in communication with but unbonded to the outer non-heat sealable surface of the second sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.
    Inventor: Henry G. Schirmer
  • Patent number: 4796408
    Abstract: A support tray 6a with a product 11a thereon is covered loosely by a cover sheet 8 in a first chamber portion 12 to be drawn upwardly into contact with the heated walls of a shallow first mould cavity. The combination of the product 11a, support tray 6a and cover sheet 8 is then advanced to a second chamber portion 13 defined by a deeper second mould cavity into which the cover sheet can be drawn while vacuum is applied to the interior of the ensuing pack through slits in the tray 6a, by means of suction ports 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.
    Inventor: Bengt U. Mobark
  • Patent number: 4599849
    Abstract: Method and machine for packing bacon bundles in blister packages. Bacon bundles (2) are placed in the blister package (15) by a lifting arm (17) having rotatable rods (21) and transversally extending tines (22). The rods (21) are rotatable over 90.degree.. The distance between the outer tines is slightly smaller than the length of the blister package. If the bacon bundle is too long it will depend over the outer tine and the depending portion (24) will automatically be double folded at the positioning of the bacon bundle in the blister package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Svenska AB Ivers Lee
    Inventor: Rene Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 4598527
    Abstract: A skin packaging machine having a vacuum box and an oven spaced above the vacuum box, a film frame movable between the vacuum box and the oven, and a probe mounted on the film frame, the probe being movable into and out of a position contacting the underside of a film supported on the film frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Hollingsworth, Stephen H. Jones