Abstract: A device connects a storage container to a working reservoir for transferring a substance from the storage container to the working reservoir. The device includes a housing which is joined to the storage container with either a fixed connection or a coupling means. A passage opening is formed on the housing, and a shutter that is movably connected to the housing serves to close the passage opening. The shutter has a connector port for each working reservoir. The shutter moves in a rotary or sliding manner relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the passage opening is closed off by the shutter, and in the open position the interior space of the storage container is connected through the passage opening to the interior space of the working reservoir which is seated in the at least one connector port.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The engagement device may include a first belt and an opposing second belt which may each have a plurality of teeth thereon. The teeth may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a gas or gas mixture to the inside of partly formed packages which are ready-to-fill, before a subsequent filling and sealing of the packages in a filling machine. The method involves supplying the gas or gas mixture at any given moment as a flow which is radially outwardly and inwardly defined in relation to the inner wall of the package, with the flow being angled with respect to the geometric major longitudinal axis of the package which intersects its opening so that the flow, since it is defined by the inner wall of the package, is positively controlled for the formation of a helical flow vortex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a device, and a control program for the fluid-tight sealing of capsules containing medicaments, wherein the capsules consist of at least one capsule body and a capsule cap which are set one into the other telescopically and provided with a tight band in the abutment region on the exterior side of the capsule, wherein the capsule components are filled with gas which has a changed temperature and/or a changed pressure in relation to the environment, and wherein a reduction of the difference in pressure in the capsule occurs via gaps between capsule body and capsule cap after the capsule components have been placed one inside the other. The capsules produced via the method according to the invention are disposable capsules and preferably contain a single dose of an orally administered pharmaceutical formulation in the form of a powder or a liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a bag of encased material is described. A plurality of nozzles radiate from a central vacuum system, each nozzle associated with a clamping means. A framework rotates about the central vacuum system. A holding tray and an elevating device are removably attachable to the framework. The holding tray is attachable below a one of the plurality of nozzles and comprises an upright section and a projecting section. The upright section is supported by the framework at an acute angle from vertical, a top end of the upright section being adjacent to the framework and a bottom end of the upright section being remote from the framework. The projecting section is removably attachable to the bottom end of the upright section and projects approximately normal to the upright section. The elevating device is removably attachable to the framework below a one of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object.

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.

Abstract: A bubble pack comprises sheet product with elongated bubbles separated in one direction by weld lines for folding and separated in another direction by strips about half a width of the bubbles. A first portion of the sheet product is formed into a sleeve and a second portion slit to form flaps for tucking inside the sleeve portion to support, protect and separate 1st and 2nd vehicle mirrors with their stem mounts overlapped in a densely stored arrangement. The mirrors and stem mounts are separated and protected by bubbles of the sheet. One flap forms a vertical support adapted to support a weight of the product's laterally-extending stems and additional flaps folded into the sleeve separate the product from each other. The bubbles shift and expand during the packing process in ways that “glove” onto the product for cushioned and secure non-scratching protection of the product.

Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a provided method of manufacturing. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may also include an external valve opening extending through multiple layers of the flexible film. The external valve opening may further be partially defined by edge portions of the flexible film formed by folding the flexible film. The external valve opening may be configured to align with an opening in a container or an inflation aperture in a pouch so that the inflatable structure can be inflated while inside the container/pouch. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. A hinged plate apparatus may assist in directing air into the external valve opening.

Abstract: An amusement item comprising a container filled with compressed air from a geographic location of interest. Compressed air from a geographic region is collected and transported to a manufacturing facility for the production of novelty containers containing the compressed air. Containers are labeled with the region/location from which the compressed air is obtained. Certification and quality is maintained by obtaining records of the chemical make-up of the air at the source and comparing that electronic record to cylinders of air from the geographic location to ensure accuracy of labeling and filling. The amusement items are sold as souvenirs.

Abstract: An inflatable structure generally includes a valve formed between a pair of edge portions and an internal edge portion formed of a flexible film such that an enclosed chamber of the inflatable structure substantially envelops the internal edge portion. The valve and remainder of the inflatable structure can be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a method of manufacturing an inflatable structure from a continuous web of flexible film. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device which can engage an optional locator aperture in the inflatable structure such as to assist in temporarily locating the outlet of the source of pressurized air proximate to the valve in the inflatable structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for making gas-filled filling bodies includes a supply reel for storing a pre-fabricated half-tubular plastic film having an at least partially open border side and being divided into individual pockets by weld seams which extend transversally with respect to a transport direction of the plastic film. Positioned downstream of the reel and receiving the plastic film from the reel is a gas filling device for blowing air into the pockets. Positioned downstream of the gas filling device and receiving the plastic film from the gas filling device is a welding tool for welding the open border side of the plastic film for formation of closed filling bodies. The transport of the film through the apparatus is realized by a drive unit which applies a force upon the plastic film essentially downstream of the gas filling device, as viewed in the transport direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inert gas flow which is directed through a channel. The channel includes walls (19,21) which limit the flow. A container having a charging inlet is fed through a recess (10) which is arranged in the first wall (21) adjacent to the flow. According to the invention, the channel includes limiting structures for the flow which are arranged in the area opposite the recess and the first wall can be displaced in a parallel manner in relation to the limiting structures. The channel, together with the container, forms a closed inert gas rinsing chamber.

Abstract: A vertical bag packaging machine has a steam nozzle that is inserted into a bag to inject steam thereinto after an article to be packaged has been filled into the bag, thereby replacing the air in the bag with the steam to effect deaeration. After the steam-replacement deaeration, a seal portion to be ultrasonically sealed is preheated by a preheating device, thereby making the temperature of the seal portion uniform throughout it. The preheating temperature is not lower than a temperature of a highest temperature region of said seal portion before it is preheated and below a melting temperature of a material constituting an inner side of said bag Thereafter, the seal portion is ultrasonically sealed by an ultrasonic sealing device. Thus, reliable and stable ultrasonic sealing can be realized.

Abstract: A film-aligning device applicable to an air cushion maker implements an eclectic heater to partially heat and soften a plastic film before the plastic film receives an inflating process and a softening process. When the plastic film is tending to proceed slantingly, the heated and soften plastic film performs a plastic deformation to realign the feeding stork of the plastic film.

Abstract: Steam from a steam supply source is heated in a heating device, supplied to a nozzle through a secondary steam supply passage and injected from a spout. The temperature of steam at the outlet of the heating device is measured by a first sensor, and a cartridge heater constituting the heating device is controlled on the basis of the difference between the measured temperature and a target value. Steam temperature at the nozzle spout is measured by a second sensor, and a difference between the measured temperature and a target value is obtained. The target value of steam temperature at the heating device outlet is changed to a set value predetermined according to the magnitude of the difference obtained.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals that extend from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance of an inflation edge. In a first embodiment, the machine includes a guide pin, a drive, a blower, and a sealing element. The guide pin is insertable between the transverse seals and the inflation edge. The guide pin defines a path of travel of the web. The drive moves the web along the path of travel. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel for inflating the preformed pouches. The sealing element is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units. The disclosed examples of machines for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units including various improvements to existing machines.

Abstract: An inflatable mailer having a liner that can be inflated at the point of use. The liner includes a series of inflatable chambers that are in fluid communication with a common channel. A controlled volume of gas is disposed in the liner. The gas is sufficient to inflate the common channel but is not sufficient to appreciably inflate the inflatable chambers. As a result, the inflatable mailer is in a relatively compact state. An apparatus for inflating the mailer. The apparatus includes a nip for moving the controlled volume of gas into the common channel; an inflation nozzle comprising a pointed needle configured to pierce the inflated common channel and introduce a second portion of gas into the liner until the liner is inflated to a desired level; and a sealing device to seal the inflated liner.

Abstract: A bag sealer that can vacuum or inflate the plastic bags to be sealed. It is especially for domestic use. This bag sealer comprises the body, top cover the nozzle located a little behind on the body, pipe circuit for airflow, the mechanism to vacuum and inflate, the switch to alternate the said dual functions. The mechanism can be of propeller type or piston pump type. When a propeller is used, there is one pipe for airflow. The directions of the airflow is caused by whether the propeller is turned clockwise or anticlockwise by the motor driven by the switch set to either the negative or positive polarity of the power supply. When a piston pump is used, the pipe circuit has one pipe for air intake therefore to vacuum the bags, and one for air outflow hence to inflate the bags. The main benefit is that the bag sealer has dual functions; consumers need only to turn a switch to alternate the functions.

Abstract: A packaging machine is provided with a containing arrangement delimiting a processing volume having a longitudinal passing through dimension along which products to be packaged are moved; containing arrangement comprises an inlet arrangement for an air flow transversal to longitudinal passing through dimension and an outlet arrangement for air flow and a bottom portion adjacent to a body of the machine; the outlet arrangement extends substantially over the full extension of longitudinal passing through dimension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for gas filling and sealing of a duct intended to be filled with gas and positioned in a container of a collapsible type. The duct is defined by two opposite side walls which are joined along a connecting portion and comprises an inlet arranged in one of the side walls. A part of the container that comprises the inlet is clamped between an abutment and a gas module which is axially movable towards the abutment. Clamping occurs in such a manner that one of the two side walls included in the duct is allowed, in response to a gas flow supplied from the gas module and entering the duct through said inlet, to bulge to form a free passage into the duct for filling the same with gas. After completion of the gas filling, the duct is sealed. The invention also relates to a container blank having a duct which is specially developed for the method and the device.

Abstract: A fluid filling system for a vacuum container includes a fluid supply system configured for filling fluid into a container to be filled, a vacuum exhaust system configured for vacuumizing the container to a predetermined vacuum pressure, and a refrigeration device configured for freezing the fluid filled in the container. A fluid filling method for a vacuum container is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and separating a string of interconnected packing cushions comprises a packing cushion production machine which produces a string of interconnected packing cushions, the string of interconnected packing cushions exiting an output end of the machine at a first velocity, and a separation device associated with the output end of the machine, the separation device adapted to selectively engage the string of interconnected packing cushions and to drive the string at a second velocity, greater than the first velocity, and in doing so to cause the string of interconnected packing cushions to separate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals that extend from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance of an inflation edge. In a first embodiment, the machine includes a guide pin, a drive, a blower, and a sealing element. The guide pin is insertable between the transverse seals and the inflation edge. The guide pin defines a path of travel of the web. The drive moves the web along the path of travel. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel for inflating the preformed pouches. The sealing element is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units. The disclosed examples of machines for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units including various improvements to existing machines.

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.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine and a method for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. In one exemplary embodiment the machine includes a drive, a blower, and a sealing mechanism. The drive is arranged to move the web of preformed pouches along a path of travel through the machine. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to inflate the preformed pouches. The sealing mechanism includes a heating element support and a heating element. The heating element support includes a sealing side and a belt preheating side. The heating element is disposed around at least a portion of the heating side and at least a portion of the belt preheating side. The drive includes a belt that is disposed around the heating element. The sealing mechanism is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to provide seals to the pouches to form inflated dunnage units.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum sealer, which exhausts air from a thermal adhesive vacuum bag containing products and then heats and seals the open end of the vacuum bag. The vacuum sealer includes a lower body. An upper body is pivotably mounted to the lower body in such a way as to engage with the lower body. A heater is installed in either or both the lower body or/and the upper body, and heats and seals a vacuum bag. A vacuum space creating member is installed in either or both the lower body or/and the upper body, and isolates an end of the vacuum bag which is evacuated from an exterior, thus creating a vacuum space. A vacuum pump is coupled via a tube to an exhaust hole communicating with the vacuum space created by the vacuum space creating member.

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.

Abstract: Low-speed inerting elements for depleting a receptacle of oxygen, include at least one hollow duct (2232), with walls (2233) of the hollow duct (2232) that are directed towards the receptacle (31) being made of a material including pores.

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.

Abstract: A method for filling a continuous air filling type air enclosure with air comprises moving first an air cylinder film sheet onto a working platform, hot-sealing two outer films of the air cylinder film sheet to form an air filling passageway, moving an air filling head into the air filling passageway and then using a clamping apparatus to press the two outer films tightly to attach onto the air filling head to allow air in the air filling head to be filled into the air filling passageway and enter an air cylinder of the air cylinder film sheet via an air inlet of the air cylinder film sheet to cause the air cylinder to be filled with air and expanded.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing dunnage including a plurality of rollers for pulling a web of material through the machine, a nozzle with at least one port through which gas or liquid flows, a hammer mounted on an ultrasonic frequency converter, and an anvil mounted on the machine in a position such that the web of material can pass between the hammer and anvil while allowing the hammer to strike the anvil. The ultrasonic frequency converter is connected to a power source and generates vibrations at a frequency causing the hammer to vibrate at a frequency that will melt the portion of the material that is passing between the hammer and anvil thereby creating a seam. The ultrasonic frequency converter can be mounted on an arm and cam follower to account for variations in the thickness of the web material. The apparatus may be equipped to manufacture multiple pieces of dunnage simultaneously.

Abstract: A machine (1) for the production of packaging material in the form of air filled cushions (24) comprises feeding rollers (2) for conveying parallel two films of plastic material (20a and 20b), unwound starting from rolls (30a and 30b), according to a conveying direction. Downstream of the feeding rollers (2) air is supplied between the two films (20a and 20b) by means of a plurality of tubes (6) extending from a collector (5) and parallel to the conveying direction of the films (20a and 20b). Each tube (6) extends between two longitudinal heatsealing elements (10), crosses a couple of dragging rollers (8) and ends at transversal heat-sealing elements (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting gas-filled filling bodies (12) to size, wherein the filling bodies are fed to the apparatus in the form of a string of successive gas-filled filling bodies that are connected by flat connecting sections (13); wherein a cutting device (11) having a cutting element (15) is provided for cutting the gas-filled filling bodies (12) in the connecting section (13) between two filling bodies; wherein at least one catch (21) is provided that is preferably arranged on a wheel (20) and has an engagement area (21a) for receiving a filling body (12); wherein the catch (21), together with the filling body (12) is movably arranged and configured such that the filling body (12) situated in the catch (21) is centered. A counter (23, 24) is provided for receiving a number of filling bodies (12) moved across a reference point. An evaluation and control unit is provided for receiving data of the counter (23, 24) and for triggering the cutting process.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing dunnage including a plurality of rollers for pulling a web of material through the machine, a nozzle with at least one port through which gas or liquid flows, a plurality of ceramic elements in opposing positions such that the web of material can pass between the plurality of ceramic elements. A heating element is routed through each of the plurality of ceramic elements such that heat will radiate through openings in the top surfaces of the ceramic elements that will melt the portion of the material that is passing between the opposing ceramic elements. The apparatus may be equipped to manufacture multiple pieces of dunnage simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a cushioning package containing an article to be packaged. The apparatus includes a cushioning sheet forming unit to form a cushioning sheet by heat-sealing flexible elongated resin sheets which are continuously fed in a longitudinal direction and placed one on another in advance in a width direction of the sheet, the cushioning sheet including small sacs. Downstream from the cushioning sheet forming unit, an article storage space forming unit is provided for forming an article storage space by folding the cushioning sheet along a longitudinal centerline. A sheet adhering unit adheres the overlapped cushioning sheets. An article disposing unit inserts the article to be packaged into the article storage space, and an air filling unit fills the small sacs with air. Sequential performance of the above steps achieves efficient manufacturing of cushioning package.

Abstract: A method for sealing-in a gas in a gas filling compartment 5 of a bag having a cut-in 6 formed near the upper edge of the gas filling compartment. In the method, two edges of the bag with the contents inserted therein are gripped by grippers and suspended, the blow-in port of a gas (air) blow-in nozzle is brought to contact the cut-in, the back surface side of the bag is supported by a backing member, gas (air) is blown into the gas filling compartment, and the position below the cut-in is held from both sides of the bag by a gas cut-off grippers while the gas blow-in continues, so that the gas inside the gas filling compartment is not allowed to escape from the cut-in, and then the entire bag mouth, including the cut-in, is sealed.

Abstract: In a device for vacuum packing articles by evacuating the interior space of a flexible storage container, articles can be vacuum packed in a simple manner and with little effort if a suction lance (10) is provided for insertion into the storage container (28), by means of which the interior space of the storage container (28) is evacuated. A filtering section is provided (20, 21) for retaining particles, fluid and/or other contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a vacuum pump, the apparatus having a sealed container, an access panel, a sealed air dam to receive a nozzle of the vacuum pump while maintaining constant pressure inside the container during insertion into the nozzle, a dial lock to simultaneously seal and unseal the container and lock and unlock the access panel when the dial lock is closed and opened, respectively, and a vacuum indicator. Also, a method for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a vacuum pump, the method including enclosing, accessing, sealing and forming a vacuum in a space, selectively penetrating the enclosed space with the vacuum pump, and indicating whether a vacuum is formed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lock levers for use in an automatic beverage machine for filling cans for example, and a method and kit for installation of lock levers in such a machine. The method may include the steps of supplying a kit having a plurality of lock levers for installation in association with a filling machine, with the plurality of lock levers comprising a regular size lock lever with a first dimension associated with the height of the engagement surface relative to the axis of rotation of the lever, and at least one other lock size lever having a second dimension associated with the height of the engagement surface relative to the axis of rotation of the lever. The second dimension is a reduced or increased dimension relative to the first dimension.

Abstract: A hand operated pump for evacuating air from a vacuum container having: (1) a barrel defining a conduit therethrough; (2) a plunger having a hand at one end and a piston at the opposite end, the plunger mounted within the barrel and capable of moving reciprocatingly within the plunger; (3) a cap closing a first end of the barrel and having an opening to receive and guide the plunger; and (4) an adapter connected to a second end of the barrel for engaging a valve on a vacuum container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gas filling of a duct (7) in a container (1) of a collapsible type, said duct (7) being defined by a first and a second side wall (2) of the container (1), the side walls (2) being joined along a common connecting portion (4), and said duct (7) comprising an inlet (15) arranged in the first side wall (2). The device comprises an abutment (21) and a gas module (26) with an outlet (28), which is arranged in a surface of the gas module (26) facing the abutment (21), and a clamping means (29) arranged outside the outlet (28), which clamping means (29) is applicable to the abutment (21) for clamping the container (1), and which outlet (28), in connection with the clamping of the container (1), is applicable to said inlet (15) for supply of gas to the duct (7) of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a gas or gas mixture to the inside of partly formed packages which are ready-to-fill, before a subsequent filling and sealing of the packages in a filling machine. The method involves supplying the gas or gas mixture at any given moment as a flow which is radially outwardly and inwardly defined in relation to the inner wall of the package, with the flow being angled with respect to the geometric major longitudinal axis of the package which intersects its opening so that the flow, since it is defined by the inner wall of the package, is positively controlled for the formation of a helical flow vortex.

Abstract: A vacuum control valve includes a valve body defining a cavity, an inlet opening and a vent opening. A vacuum supply control member is movably mounted at the inlet opening, and is movable between an open position to open the inlet opening, and a closed position to close the inlet opening. A vent control member is movably mounted at the vent opening, and is movable between an open position to open the vent opening, and a closed position to close the vent opening. The vacuum supply control member and the vent control member are movable independently of each other, for selectively controlling the supply of vacuum when the vacuum supply control member is in the open position and the vent control member is in the closed position, and for selectively venting vacuum when the vacuum supply control member is in the closed position and the vent control member is in the open position.

Abstract: A portable vacuum unit for use with a resealable, evacuable container, comprising a vacuum pump housed within a body, an accumulator removably coupled to the body and in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the body, the accumulator comprising a receptacle, a tip, wherein a first end of the tip is coupled to a first end of the receptacle and in fluid communication therewith, the tip having a shape which facilitates interaction with a valve on the resealable, evacuable container, the tip comprising at least one support structure and a semi-rigid material coupled to a second end of the tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing inflatable packaging pillows having a gas dispenser for dispensing a gas within a partially sealed inflatable pouch and an ultrasonic welding assembly comprised of a horn and an anvil for sealing the pouch after inflation of the pouch. The apparatus includes a feeding mechanism for advancing inflatable packing across the ultrasonic welding assembly. The horn preferably seals the pouch continuously without interruption of the advancement of the pouch. A method of manufacturing inflatable packaging including the steps of providing an apparatus for manufacturing inflatable packaging pillows, inflating a pillow, and sealing the pillow using ultrasonic energy. An ultrasonically sealable inflatable packing cushion made of a polymer film web having two layers bonded together at a wall that defines an unsealed pocket. The packing cushion is readily weldable to itself at the unsealed portion of the pocket through the application of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: Steam from a steam supply source is heated in a heating device, supplied to a nozzle through a secondary steam supply passage and injected from a spout. The temperature of steam at the outlet of the heating device is measured by a first sensor, and a cartridge heater constituting the heating device is controlled on the basis of the difference between the measured temperature and a target value. Steam temperature at the nozzle spout is measured by a second sensor, and a difference between the measured temperature and a target value is obtained. The target value of steam temperature at the heating device outlet is changed to a set value predetermined according to the magnitude of the difference obtained.

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.