With Preformed Bag Patents (Class 53/512)
  • Patent number: 11975874
    Abstract: A vacuum sealer for vacuum packing products in plastic vacuum bags includes a sealing bar and a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the sealing bar. In the raised position, the sealing bar is configured to engage and compress the vacuum bag against a compression bar. The vacuum sealer include a vacuum pump that is operated to draw a vacuum in the vacuum bag. The sealing bar includes a heating element that is configured to heat the sealing bar when energized. Once the vacuum is drawn in the vacuum bag, the sealing bar is heated and the heat is applied to the vacuum bag, which seals closed the vacuum bag with the product vacuum packed therein. The lifting mechanism lowers the sealing bar to release the vacuum packed product. The vacuum sealer includes a cooling chamber into which the sealing bar is moved when lowered by the lift mechanism. A cooling fan directs convection air through the cooling chamber and over the sealing bar to cool the sealing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: BLUE SKY INNOVATION GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Gregg Kloeppel, Jeffrey W. Palese
  • Patent number: 11753196
    Abstract: A vacuum sealer includes: a housing comprising a vacuum chamber therein; a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber; a sealing mechanism adjacent a periphery of the vacuum chamber; a valve positioned and configured to releasably seal the vacuum chamber, the valve movable between a first position, in which the valve forms a seal with the sealing chamber, and a second position, in which the valve does not form a seal with the sealing chamber; and a controller operatively connected with the vacuum pump, the sealing mechanism, and the valve. The controller is configured to move the valve from the first position to the second position during sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, INC.
    Inventor: David Matthew Schandel
  • Patent number: 11745315
    Abstract: A vacuum suction nozzle is provided, including a first housing, a second housing, an accommodating space, a gap, and a clamping assembly. The first housing includes a first lateral wall, a first lower surface, a channel, and a through hole. The through hole is formed on the first lateral wall. The second housing is fixedly connected to the first housing, and includes a second lateral wall and a second lower surface. The accommodating space is formed between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall, and the through hole is opened onto the channel and the accommodating space. The gap is formed between the first lower surface and the second lower surface, and is opened onto the accommodating space. The clamping assembly is disposed in the accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chun-Tsun Lin, Sheng-Tzu Wang, Yuan-Kun Hsiao, Jian-Jang Lai
  • Patent number: 11725748
    Abstract: An apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing a package includes a plurality of platens and vacuum chambers, each chamber adapted to mate with a dedicated one of the platens; a conveying system for conveying the platens and chambers along a generally angular path having a single axis of rotation; an automated loading assembly having a linear component and configured to load a package onto each of the platens; an automated unloading assembly having a linear portion and configured to unload a vacuumized, sealed package from each loaded platen onto an outfeed conveyor; and a vacuumizing/sealing system configured to cause relative movement of each chamber/platen pair, along a portion of the angular path, to form therebetween an air-tight enclosure accommodating the package and effect vacuumization and sealing of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignees: Cryovac, LLC, Furukawa Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory E. McDonald, Gregory H. Grossman, Joe A. Price, Rod Hodgson, John L. King, Jr., Shuichi Nakamoto, Yoshitaka Nii, Silvio Rohrer, Joel Caillier, Peter Schmalz
  • Patent number: 11685566
    Abstract: An apparatus for the vacuum packaging of food, which includes a base structure which defines a vacuum chamber which can be connected to a vacuum pump. Between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, at least one air filtration device is provided which has elements for varying at least one thermo-fluid dynamics parameter of the flow of air extracted from the vacuum chamber by the vacuum pump, in order to enable the elimination, from the air extracted from the vacuum chamber, of water, biochemical liquids and biological materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Marziano Salvaro
  • Patent number: 11628964
    Abstract: An appliance is provided that is able to vacuum and heat seal plastic bag members containing liquids such as sauces and soups. The appliance may take on a uniquely shaped profile to allow the liquid to sit upright within a bag during the vacuuming process. The appliance also preferably includes a pressure sensor to constantly monitor pressure inside of the bag during the vacuum and sealing process. This may help to prevent liquid from being sucked up and into the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Owens, Chan Wing Cheuk, Poon Chi Kwong
  • Patent number: 11618601
    Abstract: A vacuum sealing machine capable of locking cover automatically having upper cover limiting mechanism includes an upper lid, a lower seat, and an evacuation tank. The upper lid is hinged to the lower seat. The evacuation tank is located at the front of the vacuum sealing machine, and includes a lid-locking mechanism and an upper lid-limiting mechanism. The lid-locking mechanism is installed on the upper lid or the lower seat, and is connected to the upper lid-limiting mechanism. The upper lid-limiting mechanism includes a limiting lock plate and a limiting buckle portion. The limiting lock plate movably installed on the upper lid is fitted with the buckle of the limiting buckle portion installed on the lower seat; alternatively, the limiting lock plate movably installed on the lower seat is fitted with the buckle of the limiting buckle portion installed on the upper lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: BONSEN ELECTRONICS LIMITED
    Inventor: Qincan Li
  • Patent number: 11459136
    Abstract: A vacuum packing apparatus includes a box, a lid, a solenoid, a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge, a time relay, a thermal sealer and a controller. The box includes a chamber. The lid is connected to the box. The thermal sealer is located in the chamber. The controller is electrically connected to the vacuum pump, the solenoid, the thermal sealer and the time relay. The panel is electrically connected to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Sun Ling Packaging Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jhih-Jhan Dai
  • Patent number: 11390402
    Abstract: A bulk container vacuum filing system includes a base portion and movable portion. The bulk container vacuum filing system serves to position and maintain a bulk container within a chamber, seal the interior of the chamber, dispense material into the bulk container, and draw a vacuum or create positive pressure within the chamber and/or the bulk container during at least a portion of the dispensing process. Base portion of the bulk container vacuum filing system includes a vacuum source and a material supply line along with electronic controls and sensors for operating and monitoring the filling process. The moveable portion include a support structure for supporting the bulk container, such as a bulk bag, in the proper place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: TMT Vacuum Fillers, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton Scott Towne, Randall L. Williamson, Brock A. Gale
  • Patent number: 11305904
    Abstract: A device for transporting and filling bags, preferably open bags, comprising a filling device, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, having multiple filling openings distributed over the circumference of the filling device, and comprising a feeder, using which an empty bag can be fed to a filling opening, wherein the feeder comprises at least one holding unit for a bag, which is movable normally to the axis of rotation of the filling device, wherein the holding unit has two separate holders, wherein the holders are each movable forward and backward along the same open trajectory, wherein the first holder is mounted so it is movable on the filling device, while the second holder is mounted so it is movable on a spatially-fixed guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: STATEC BINDER GMBH
    Inventors: Heimo Gallaun, Markus Wagner
  • Patent number: 10954017
    Abstract: Providing a packaging machine and a sealing method in the packaging machine both of which can reliably seal a packaging bag in a good-looking finish without forming large bubbles on a seal inner surface of a bag mouth of the packaging bag and/or creases on a seal part. A packaging machine includes a seal part preheating station for preheating a seal part of a packaging bag after the packaging bag has been filled with an article and steam deaeration has been carried out, a decorative seal applying station provided downstream of the seal part preheating station for applying a decorative seal to a part of the packaging bag above the seal part and an ultrasonic seal applying station provided downstream of the decorative seal applying station for applying an ultrasonic seal to a part of the packaging bag A below the seal part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL PACKER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuki Kato
  • Patent number: 10654634
    Abstract: A container such as a Regular Slotted Carton (RSC) with side handles provides an improved alternative to other containers for packing, storing, stacking, displaying, handling and shipping a dense, free-flowing material such as granular clay. An integrated handle places the load of carrying the container over the full width of the hand and fingers. A cavity is created that allows the user's hand or fingers to be easily placed into the handle and prohibits the liner of the container from interfering with placement of the hand or fingers. A pour spout is also provided in the container that allows for access to the liner. The pour spout may be formed by tearing off a perforated portion of the container. A pinch closure may be provided so that the portion of the liner pulled through the spout can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James Butler Mabrey
  • Patent number: 9248481
    Abstract: A disposal unit can include a substantially air tight chamber, an insertion component for inserting waste into the chamber, a disposal container for removing the inserted waste from the disposal unit, a container sealant mechanism configured to allow a sealing of the disposal container, and an air extraction unit. The air extraction unit captures air or airborne particles from the substantially air tight chamber to minimize exposure to the air or the airborne particles from the inserted waste. The exposure to the air or airborne particles is minimized to humans placing the waste into the insertion component, to humans removing the disposal container from the disposal unit, or to humans proximate to the disposal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Louis M. Soto
  • Patent number: 9162801
    Abstract: A soft sided container that, when filled, is substantially cuboid in shape and has two flaps extending from upper edges of the front and rear panels. The flaps have fold lines such that, the flaps fold together. Holes cut in upper regions of the flaps form handles. Lengthwise across a top panel of the container is an elongated closure device that opens for accessing of the materials stored within and closes to seal the container. The elongated fastener continues at least partially across two triangular side flaps such that, when open, one of the triangular side flaps serves as a pouring spout. In some embodiments, a side flap retainer is connected between the side flaps to removably hold the side flaps in place against the top of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Bolso, LLC
    Inventor: Elliott A. Mallard
  • Patent number: 9027311
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing items by placing items to be sterilized into a puncture resistant sealable vapor barrier sterilization bag, performing steam sterilization under pressure via a conduit coupled to the bag while maintaining a heated compensating pressure environment around the exterior of the bag during steam sterilization so as to reduce mechanical stress on the bag and sealing the bag at the completion of sterilization. There is also provided a sterilization services apparatus for sterilizing the contents of a sterilization bag including a pressure compensating compartment having a sealable door that maintains a heated compensating pressure environment around the exterior of a sterilization bag during steam sterilization so as to reduce mechanical stress on the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Mercer Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Terry Dean Kemp, Christo Andre De Klerk
  • Patent number: 9021771
    Abstract: A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhu Liu, Terry Sun, Francis Wong, Landen Higer
  • Patent number: 9003743
    Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
  • Patent number: 8955294
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for continuously bagging pellets. The pellets can be formed from a tacky and/or polymer-containing formulation. Other embodiments relate to systems for continuously bagging pellets. Still other embodiments related the individual components of the processes and systems for continuously bagging pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwayne Free, Duane Boothe, Melinda Kay, Jeff Rose, Ed Beckner
  • Patent number: 8915049
    Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for packaging of products in bags, respectively, comprises a lid (5) forming a chamber (4) together with a chamber bottom (6). The object of the invention is to provide an improved device and method for evacuating the chamber (4) of a packaging machine. For this purpose a suction device (100) is provided in the chamber bottom (6), the suction device being designed such that gas can be sucked and the chamber (4) can be closed gas tight, wherein at least a closing element (8, 8?) is provided which can be moved from a first raised position into a second lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Haering
  • Patent number: 8833042
    Abstract: An automated filling system for introducing crushed polysilicon fragments into shipping bags without significant contamination positions a freely suspended energy absorber into a freely suspended bag of non-contaminating material prior to filling, and following filling, the energy absorber is removed, and the bag is sealed. The system can replace manual packaging which has been required for semiconductor applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Wacker Chemie AG
    Inventors: Hanns Wochner, Bruno Lichtenegger, Reiner Pech
  • Patent number: 8776483
    Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
  • Publication number: 20140102051
    Abstract: A vacuum sealing machine contains a sealing unit including a first connecting rod, two first electromagnets, and a first press member, the first connecting rod having two fixing pieces and two first apertures, and the first press member having a first adhering face; a pressing unit including a second connecting rod, two second electromagnets, a second press member, and two connection mounts, the second connecting rod having two pull bars, a plurality of second apertures, and two support tabs to support the first connecting rod, and the second press member having a second adhering face; an air exhausting unit including a transmission device and a drawing device; the body having a holder in which a receiving room is formed so as to receive the sealing unit, the pressing unit, and the air exhausting unit; the receiving room having a seat, the seat having the barrier strip and a heating strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Mao-Sen Huang
  • Patent number: 8671655
    Abstract: Devices and a method for releasing gas in a container after closing and sealing to pressurize and/or prevent or counteract buckling thereof, and or provide structural rigidity and strength thereto and or release components. The method introduces a reactive agent into the container after filling and before sealing. The reactive agent is controlled to react to provide a gas and optionally components, which a) provides a positive pressure to prevent or counteract buckling and provide structural rigidity to the container, and b) and or changes the state or characteristics of the headspace and or contents of the closed container. The devices include a closure, a cap and a container. The reactive agent is brought to chemical reaction by moistening, heating, catalyst and the like. The closure includes the reactive agent and is disposed in the container. The external trigger is a device that emits energy that provides heat to the reactive agent to stimulate the chemical reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Inoflate, LLC
    Inventors: James Scott Abercrombie, III, Michael Edward Wood, Nicholas Joseph Day
  • Patent number: 8650844
    Abstract: A product dispenser includes an outer housing and a shell disposed within the outer housing. The shell defines a product dispensing chamber, wherein the product dispensing chamber is climate controlled, for receiving a product, portioning the product, storing the portioned product, and dispensing the portioned product upon a dispense command. The product receptacles are stored in a dispense buffer disposed within the product dispensing chamber, and then are dispensed into an airlock for retrieval by a customer. The product dispenser further recognizes demands to keep the dispense buffer slots filled, and demands to dispense a filled product receptacle. The product dispenser may seal the product receptacles to ensure a sanitary product. The product dispenser may further include a vend interface unit to interact with a controller and consumers, whereby the consumer are able to place a demand on the vend interface unit, and await a dispensed filled product receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael T. Romanyszyn, Thomas J. Chadwell, John Vira
  • Patent number: 8640430
    Abstract: Method and assembly for evacuating a package (2), such as a vacuum package filled with a product such as nuts. The package is at least partially made of packaging film (6). The method employs a suction device (4) provided with a suction opening, for evacuating the package through an aperture (12) in the packaging film. The package is provided with a substantially plate-shaped, rigid element (8), one main surface of which substantially lying in contact “with the inner side of the packaging film, wherein the aperture in the packaging film is provided at the location of the substantially rigid element. The method further includes the sealing abutment of the suction opening against an outer side of the package, at a location where the substantially rigid element lies in contact with the inner side of the packaging film, in such a way that the aperture is in fluid connection with the suction opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Interprise-Brussels S.A.
    Inventor: Mathias Leonardus Cornelis Aarts
  • Publication number: 20130333336
    Abstract: A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhu Liu, Terry Sun, Francis Wong, Landen Higer
  • Patent number: 8517377
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes a suction mechanism that suctions an interior of a bag, and a connecting mechanism that connects an opening of the bag and the suction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihiko Matsuhashi
  • Patent number: 8484933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for packing a material in a packing container. The method includes the steps of providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing; supplying a material to the gaseous atmosphere and delivering a packing container to the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the material is filled into the packing container, the packing container is sealed inside the gaseous atmosphere, and filled packing container is moved out of the gaseous atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: Siegfried Schmidt, Johannes P. Schlebusch
  • Patent number: 8438870
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas David Leclear, Michele E. Wilcox, John J. Vonderhaar, Paul B. Allard, Kelly M. Hanson, Andrew Michael Tenbarge, Karen J. Querfurth
  • Patent number: 8240112
    Abstract: The evacuation device is configured to remove air from a container via a one-way valve element attached to the container. The evacuation device includes a motor with a rotating shaft that extends along an axis line. The shaft is operably interconnected to a reciprocating element reciprocally movable within a chamber along a direction parallel to the axis line. Reciprocal motion of the reciprocal element draws air into and exhausts air from the chamber. To facilitate the operable interconnection, the evacuation device includes a cam having a cylindrical sidewall mounted to the rotating shaft. Disposed circumferentially into the cylindrical sidewall is a channel. The evacuation device further includes a yoke connected to the reciprocal element and having a follower element received in the channel. Rotation of the cam causes the follower element to move with respect to the channel, thereby converting rotational motion to linear translation. The evacuation device may also include a pressure adjustment feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Scott Binger, Andrew E. Neltner
  • Patent number: 8234841
    Abstract: A method of filling flexible foil bags, wherein a foil bag is shaped at least partially by a gaseous medium and is then filled with a liquid filling material, with the gaseous medium disinfecting the foil bag. Also, an apparatus for filling foil bags comprising a shaping unit for shaping the foil bags using a gaseous medium, a filling unit for filling the foil bags with a liquid medium, with the ability of adding a disinfecting effect to the gaseous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Deutsche Sisi-Werke Betriebs GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Hans Kepert
  • Patent number: 8166872
    Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Carolina Biotti, Nihat O. Cur, Douglas David Leclear, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8136330
    Abstract: A flexible non-PVC, non-DEHP container or bag for medical fluids has a container body formed of a multiple layer polyolefin film. The container has one or more ports equipped with a polyolefin fill tube and port closure assembly. The container has a low moisture vapor transmission rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark I Ostler, Marc M Daniels, John Domkowski, Sheldon M Wecker
  • Publication number: 20120060447
    Abstract: A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Zhu Liu, Terry Sun, Francis Wong, Landen Higer
  • Patent number: 8099930
    Abstract: An inventive device or a method, respectively, for a chamber machine for positioning at least a nozzle (11) and/or a measuring device relative with respect to a bag (9) having a bag mouth should solve the object to simplify or to accelerate, respectively, gassing the bags with protective gas or the injection of liquids or solids, respectively. The inventive device comprises a movable holding device (15) at which the nozzle (11) and/or the measuring device is fixable and which is at least movable between a rest position and an operation position. The holding device (15) positions the nozzle (11) and/or the measuring device in its rest position outside the bag mouth and positions the same in its operation position so that it projects into the bag mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Konrad Moessnang
  • Patent number: 8069637
    Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. A. vacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventors: Mark W. Taylor, Sr., Mark W. Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8061110
    Abstract: A device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions is disclosed. The device includes an inflation assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity of a film material with a fluid such as air and a sealing assembly comprising first and second assembly portions configured for receiving and sealing overlapping portions of the film. A disengagement mechanism is associated with the first and second assembly portions for moving the first assembly portion relative to the second assembly portion for reversibly disengaging the portions for releasing the pressure therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Wetsch
  • Patent number: 8056471
    Abstract: A flexible, plastic thin film food package is provided having an elongate opening check valve with an air removal port that allows repeated opening and resealing of the package followed by removal of air and moisture by vacuuming. The top open edge of the food package is bonded to a flexible but rigid frame that fits a lid with the air removal port flat valve. The flat valve is a compressed foam sponge and a thin film housed in a rigid case that is bonded to the lid. Air is removed with a spatula attachment of the vacuum pump that is inserted into the space between the lid and the flat check valve. Once vacuum is induced in the interior of the food package, the film covering the frame is sucked against the lid thereby shutting off influx of air into the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Akio Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8047128
    Abstract: A vacuum cooking apparatus for household use, comprising, on a supporting structure which has a column-like extension, at least one unit for packaging in pouches in vacuum food products to be cooked, at least one unit for cooking the food products arranged in pouches and at least one unit for quick refrigeration of the food products arranged in pouches and cooked, the at least one unit for packaging food products in pouches in vacuum comprising a vacuum packaging machine which is mounted on a drawer-like element which is supported so that it can slide by the supporting structure in order to pass from a retracted position, in which the vacuum packaging machine is arranged within the outer peripheral contour of the supporting structure, to an extracted position, in which the vacuum packaging machine is positioned at least partially outside the supporting structure, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Marziano Salvaro
  • Publication number: 20110258967
    Abstract: The invention is directed at a process for enabling the packaging of a powder (32), in particular a pharmaceutical product powder, including the steps of: providing a first bag (9) from a flexible packaging material; fixing the opening (19) of the first bag (9) to a lower outlet (11) of a DCS (drum containment system) glove box (1); inside the DSC glove box (1) pulling a continuous liner (14) at a closed end of the liner (14) and inserting the liner (14) into the first bag (9), thus providing a second bag (16) inside the first bag (9); filling the second bag (16) with the powder (32), in particular through an upper opening of the DCS glove box (1); closing the second bag (16) by disconnecting the continuous liner (14); closing the first bag (9) and removing the first and second bags (9, 16) from the DSC glove box (1). Furthermore the invention is directed at an apparatus for performing the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Frederic Dietrich, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110258966
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine with a sealing device, whereby a sealing-tool upper part or sealing-tool lower part can be excited to a vibration (S) approximately parallel to a sealing plane (E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Richter, Elmar Ehrmann, Guido Spix
  • Patent number: 8033085
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for shaping, filling and closing expanded polymer containers, comprising a lower unwinder (1) for an expanded polymer web (4), a preheating station (3) for preheating the web, a container thermoforming station (5), a filling area (6) for filling the containers, an upper unwinder (7) for a closing film for closing shaped containers, a container closing station (10), a cutting station (11) and a drag system (12) for dragging the web (4) along the different stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: IDM World S.L.
    Inventor: Angel Javier Martinez Sampedro
  • Patent number: 8020360
    Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Carolina Biotti, Claudio Civanelli, Andrea Olivani, Andrew Michael Tenbarge
  • Patent number: 7997047
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an air evacuation assembly and methods of using the same, and in particular to an assembly used to evacuate air from a sealable plastic bag and to form an air tight seal, and to the methods of using the same. In a preferred embodiment, a valve assembly is provided with an inside piece that is matable with an outside piece. A plastic bag is pierced, and a gasket forms a seal with the bag when the inside piece and outside piece are threadably engaged. A check ball is contained within a spout. The ball can seal the inside of the bag, or alternatively be moved to allow air to evacuate from the bag. An external rib is provided for forming a tight engagement between the valve assembly and a pump and/or a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Widgeteer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Sargent
  • Patent number: 7963090
    Abstract: A deflator apparatus for use in a form, fill and seal bagging machine to deflate excess air from and form a filled or partially filled package of bulk goods includes a first deflator having a plurality of first flexible bands that extends between a pair of first arms. The apparatus further includes a second deflator having at least one second flexible band that extends between a pair of second arms. The first and second deflators are spaced from one another and movable relative to one another to sandwich the package of bulk goods between the plurality of first flexible bands and the at least one second flexible band to remove excess air from the package and form the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Shari Juntunen
  • Publication number: 20110107726
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enclosing material in a bag is described for a bag comprising a stretchable material and having a first dimension and a second dimension. The method comprises stretching the bag in the first dimension, placing material in the bag, releasing the bag in the first dimension, stretching the bag in a second dimension, evacuating the bag, and sealing the bag. The apparatus comprises a bagger configured to stretch the bag in a first dimension, to receive the material, and to release the bag in the first dimension, and a packaging apparatus comprising a nozzle coupled to a vacuum system, a grasping means, and a clipper means, the grasping means configured to hold a neck of the bag to the nozzle and to stretch the bag in the second dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Precitec Corp.
    Inventor: Eggo Haschke
  • Patent number: 7937914
    Abstract: To enhance evacuation of a storage bag having a one-way valve element and to reduce noise during evacuation, a handheld evacuation device includes one or more gaskets that can be made of resilient material. A gasket can be disposed about the rim of an inlet opening of the evacuation device to provide both a leak-free interface between the evacuation device and the storage bag and to reduce vibration and chatter of the evacuation device against a rigid support surface. A gasket can also be provided intermediately between a main body portion of the evacuation device and a nozzle portion that is to be placed adjacent to the storage bag during use. The intermediate gasket isolates vibrations in the main body portion thereby reducing vibrations and chatter of the evacuation device against a rigid support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Savicki, Scott Binger
  • Publication number: 20110094933
    Abstract: A consumer textile soft goods product for retail sale includes a vacaum-resealable bag and one or more textile soft goods located therein. The vacuum-resealable bag includes air impermeable walls, a one-way valve assembly, and a closure mechanism. The vacuum-resealable bag is configured to maintain a vacuum condition therein when the closure mechanism seals the vacuum-resealable bag and air is evacuated through the one-way valve assembly. A pressure differential preferably maintains the textile soft goods for retail sale in a compressed condition within the vacuum-sealable bag, and the vacuum-sealable bag preferably is located within retail packaging. Furthermore, the vacuum-resealable bag preferably is configured to be opened and then reclosed such that the vacuum-resealable bag is reusable by a consumer for vacuum-packing compressible items after the one or more textile soft goods have been removed from the interior space of the vacuum-resealable bag post purchase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: John A. PIAZZA, Paul Mischinski, Nancy Golden, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Todd Stancombe
  • Patent number: 7921625
    Abstract: An instrument for impermanent sealed perforation of thin-walled, hermetically sealed packaging. The instrument includes a longitudinally tapered needle and a septum with a hole. The underside of the septum is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The hole through the septum is configured and arranged to permit unrestricted passage of the distal longitudinal end portion of the needle through the hole, while sealingly engaging the longitudinal midsection of the needle. The septum is incapable of sealing the hole through the septum after withdrawal of the needle from the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mocon, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel W. Mayer
  • Patent number: 7895815
    Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph M. Waldron