Abstract: A disposable container is provided that has a semi-rigid generally concave body and a collapsible panel sealing an open mouth of the semi-rigid body. An access assembly is mounted to the outside surface of the semi-rigid body. Liquid sealed within the semi-rigid body by the collapsible panel is removed through the access assembly, during which removal the collapsible panel collapses to generally conform to the generally concaved shape of the body. Space efficient assemblies of these disposable containers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for attaching fitments to filled flexible containers. A series of interconnected filled flexible containers are conveyed between a pair of belt conveyors which limit lateral movement of the containers. A third conveyor urges fitments against the bottoms of the containers and the fitments are sealed to the containers.

Abstract: A length of flexible packaging is provided for use with a sterile enclosure or isolator. The packaging is attached to a port on the outside of the sterile isolator and is adapted to enable an item to be passed from the interior of the sterile isolator through the port into the interior of the packaging. A transverse seal is made in the packaging to seal the dangerous chemical in a segment of the packaging. The packaging is cut transversely along the sealed section and the segment containing the item is separated from the packaging.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal apparatus for producing flexible containers having fitments located at one end of the container. The invention provides a former for folding into a tubular shape a substantially flat web of film with attached fitments. The former includes a substantially V-shaped member, an elongated member secured to the V-shaped member, and a U-shaped member. The V-shaped member, elongated member, the U-shaped member cooperate to fold the substantially flat web of film to bring opposite longitudinal portions thereof into aligned relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing a web of film in a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The apparatus includes a removable knife and a holder for removably receiving the knife. The holder includes a channel having a pivot pin and a reduced cross-sectional portion. The knife includes a notch for pivoting on the pivot pin.

Abstract: A container such as a nursing container, and packaging arrangement are disclosed of the type employing a rigid outer sleeve or holder and a flexible inner container. The inner container is pre-filled and sterilized and attached to an access assembly such as a nipple assembly for dispensing the contents. The access assembly, in one embodiment, is attached to and closes one end of the sleeve. In another embodiment, the access assembly is enclosed by the outer sleeve, one end of which is frangibly removable to access the access assembly. A flexible sheet may also be provided to simultaneously seal the ends of a plurality of containers and join them together in an integral packaging arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a fitment to a web of film in a form, fill, and seal packaging machine is provided. The apparatus includes a press for orienting the fitments on one side of a web of film, and a film piercer and sealer. The film piercer and sealer includes a heated face and tip and is designed to contemporaneously pierce and seal of web of film to the fitment.

Abstract: A film laminate for flexible containers capable of containing a product to be maintained and removed under sterile conditions. The film laminate having an outside layer of linear low density polyethylene, a gas barrier layer, a core layer of polyamide, and an inside layer of linear low density polyethylene. The layers being bonded together by a polyurethane adhesive.

Abstract: A film laminate for flexible containers capable of containing a product to be maintained and accessed under sterile conditions. The laminate having an outside layer of linear low density polyethylene, a core layer of nylon, an inside layer of linear low density polyethylene and two layers of a polyurethane adhesive for bonding the layers.

Abstract: A laminate film for producing a flexible container comprising an outermost layer made of polyethylene terephthalate or biaxially oriented polypropylene, an intermediate layer made of a polyamide optionally layered with a highly transparent resin, and an innermost layer made of a transparent heat-sealable resin.

Abstract: A improved port and closure assembly is provided. The closure is overmolded to the port. The closure hermetically seals the port and provides a tamper evident closure. The closure cooperates with the port to provide a band that circumscribes the port after the closure is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating the transverse seals in a form, fill and seal packaging machine is provided. The apparatus includes a heating member that heats a portion of the web of film to create the transverse seals, and a cooling member that cools the heated portion of the web of film and the heating member. The heating member includes a hot bar, a heater for heating the hot bar, and a biasing member that disengages the hot bar from the heater before the hot bar contacts the web of film.

Abstract: A carton for packaging fragile containers is provided. The carton includes an energy absorbing insert member, two rigid plates, and packaging. Fragile containers are located on each side of the energy absorbing insert member and the rigid plates compress the containers against the energy absorbing insert member. The packaging surrounds the energy absorbing insert, containers, and rigid plates.

Abstract: A container is disclosed having a semi-rigid or rigid shell, a co-extensive flexible liner weakly or temporarily adhered to the shell and an access site defined in the container wall to which an access assembly may be attached. The access site is preferably defined by an annular fold in the container wall which tightly captures the liner to provide a mechanical peripheral seal between the shell and liner around the access site to prevent leakage of liquid, into the area between the shell and liner. The container is particularly useful as a nursing container, including a nipple access site with an attached nipple assembly.

Abstract: A unique container is disclosed which has at least three chambers for the separate storage and selective mixing of at least two components. The container includes two outer flexible sheets and an inner, diaphragm sheet, all sealed about their peripheries in the preferred embodiment. Multiple breakable lines of securement are formed between one of the outer sheets and the inner, diaphragm sheet. Multiple permanent lines of securement are formed between the inner diaphragm sheet and the other outer sheet, extending substantially parallel to and substantially the length of the respective breakable lines of securement. Such a container structure defines two chambers which have no common boundary and an intermediate chamber. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate chamber does not store any substance; rather, it serves as a buffer or barrier chamber and also acts as a test for seal integrity. In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate chamber holds a third component for mixing.

Abstract: A two chamber container for the separate storage and selective mixing of two components is disclosed. The container includes two outer flexible thermoplastic sheets and an inner, diaphragm sheet. A unique seal line structure is formed between one of the outer sheets and the inner, diaphragm sheet. A peelable barrier structure such as a sheet of aluminum foil with an inner layer of adhesive is secured to the exterior surface of the exterior wall of the container at that portion of the other of the outer sheets which defines one of the chambers of the container. The peelable barrier sheet permits the use of lower cost materials for the remainder of the container structure while both (1) permitting visual inspection of the chamber contents and (2) providing high moisture, gas and light barrier properties.

Abstract: A unitary, thermoformed container having an undercut or re-entrant seal flange is provided. The container is made in a molding method and apparatus in which a flange-forming portion thereof has a short-stroke gate assembly that opens after the unitary, thermoformed container has been formed in order to provide an exit path away from the molding cavity to permit ready removal of the thermoformed container out of the molding cavity and its flange-forming portion.