Patents Assigned to Alkar RapidPak, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20240373883
    Abstract: A food processing system for processing a food product includes a module with a microwave generating device configured to generate microwave energy to process the food product, a conveyor extending through the module and configured to convey the food product through the module, and a microwave suppression system configured to prevent leakage of the microwave energy from the food processing system. The microwave suppression system including a pin choke assembly with a plurality of pin chokes that is selectively movable relative to the conveyor to thereby vary a clearance distance between the plurality of pin chokes and the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Paul Alton, Ryan Gitzlaff, Ajitesh Yadav, Graeme Bunce, Mark Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20240381499
    Abstract: A food processing system for processing a food product includes a module with a microwave generating device configured to generate microwave energy to process the food product, a conveyor extending through the module and configured to convey the food product through the module, and a microwave suppression system configured to prevent leakage of the microwave energy from the food processing system. The microwave suppression system includes a cover with a plurality of pin chokes coupled thereto that is movable relative to the conveyor and the module and selectively extends into the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Paul Alton, Ryan Gitzlaff, Ajitesh Yadav, Graeme Bunce, Mark Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 11751296
    Abstract: In certain examples, a food processing machine for processing a food product includes a housing defining a cavity, a conveyor with a belt comprising metal for conveying the food product through the cavity in a longitudinal direction, and a convection heating system for heating air in the cavity such that heated air heats the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity. A microwave launch box system is configured to emit microwave energy into the cavity in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction to thereby further heat the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: ALKAR-RAPIDPAK, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Ian Eke, Graham Christopher Eke, Dennis Conohan, Paul Kjorlie, Tom Sonntag, Greg Campbell
  • Publication number: 20220369433
    Abstract: In certain examples, a food processing machine for processing a food product includes a housing defining a cavity, a conveyor with a belt comprising metal for conveying the food product through the cavity in a longitudinal direction, and a convection heating system for heating air in the cavity such that heated air heats the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity. A microwave launch box system is configured to emit microwave energy into the cavity in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction to thereby further heat the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Ian Eke, Graham Christopher Eke, Dennis Conohan, Paul Kjorlie, Tom Sonntag, Greg Campbell
  • Publication number: 20220346198
    Abstract: A food processing machine for processing a food product includes a processing module having a housing with a sidewall, opposing end walls, and a chamber between the end walls and a conveyor extending through the end walls and the chamber and configured to convey the food product through the chamber. A microwave generating device is coupled to the sidewall and configured to generate microwave energy. A waveguide assembly is configured to receive the microwave energy, direct the microwave energy along a waveguide axis, and subsequently direct the microwave energy in a transverse direction that is transverse to the vertical direction through the sidewall and into the chamber such that the microwave energy heats the food products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael King, Thomas John Hansel, Graeme Bunce, Thomas Paulson, Thomas Victor Sonntag, Craig R. Bonneville, Easten Lovelace, Shane Patrick Grady, Paul Christopher Buschkopf, Dalton Brian McGinness
  • Patent number: 11412584
    Abstract: In certain examples, a food processing machine for processing a food product includes a housing defining a cavity, a conveyor with a belt comprising metal for conveying the food product through the cavity in a longitudinal direction, and a convection heating system for heating air in the cavity such that heated air heats the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity. A microwave launch box system is configured to emit microwave energy into the cavity in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction to thereby further heat the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Ian Eke, Graham Christopher Eke, Dennis Conohan, Paul Kjorlie, Tom Sonntag, Greg Campbell
  • Publication number: 20220212825
    Abstract: A packaging machine is for forming a product cavity in a web including a forming die box defining a recess into which the product cavity is formed. An insert is axially movable in the recess to thereby vary a depth of the recess. A variable depth mechanism selectively moves the insert to vary the depth of the recess. The packaging machine includes a latching mechanism that moves the forming die box into and between a first position in which the forming die box is spaced apart from the die box base and a second position in which the forming die box is supported by the die box base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Matthew John Doll
  • Patent number: 11305905
    Abstract: A packaging machine is for forming a product cavity in a web including a forming die box defining a recess into which the product cavity is formed. An insert is axially movable in the recess to thereby vary a depth of the recess. A variable depth mechanism selectively moves the insert to vary the depth of the recess. The packaging machine includes a latching mechanism that moves the forming die box into and between a first position in which the forming die box is spaced apart from the die box base and a second position in which the forming die box is supported by the die box base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Matthew John Doll
  • Patent number: 10954014
    Abstract: A web packaging machine for forming a food product package from a lower web of packaging material and an upper web of packaging material includes a frame, a web transport conveyor extending along the frame and configured to transport the lower web of packaging material along the frame, and a die box pivotally coupled to the frame and configured to form or close the food product package. A lift assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame and configured to assist manual pivoting of the die box relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig R. Bonneville
  • Patent number: 10875670
    Abstract: A web packaging machine for enclosing a food product within a food product package has a first sealing station that seals an upper web of packaging material to a lower web of packaging material to thereby partially enclose the food product in the food product package and a second sealing station configured to further seal the upper web of packaging material to the lower web of packaging material to thereby fully enclose the food product in the food product package. A lower web transport conveyor conveys the lower web of packaging material from upstream to downstream first through the first sealing station and then through the second sealing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Daryl W. Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20200216209
    Abstract: A packaging machine is for forming a product cavity in a web including a forming die box defining a recess into which the product cavity is formed. An insert is axially movable in the recess to thereby vary a depth of the recess. A variable depth mechanism selectively moves the insert to vary the depth of the recess. The packaging machine includes a latching mechanism that moves the forming die box into and between a first position in which the forming die box is spaced apart from the die box base and a second position in which the forming die box is supported by the die box base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Matthew John Doll
  • Patent number: 10625892
    Abstract: A packaging machine is for forming a product cavity in a web including a forming die box defining a recess into which the product cavity is formed. An insert is axially movable in the recess to thereby vary a depth of the recess. A variable depth mechanism selectively moves the insert to vary the depth of the recess. The packaging machine includes a latching mechanism that moves the forming die box into and between a first position in which the forming die box is spaced apart from the die box base and a second position in which the forming die box is supported by the die box base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Matthew John Doll
  • Patent number: 10589886
    Abstract: A packaging machine is for forming a product cavity in a web including a forming die box defining a recess into which the product cavity is formed. An insert is axially movable in the recess to thereby vary a depth of the recess. A variable depth mechanism selectively moves the insert to vary the depth of the recess. The packaging machine includes a latching mechanism that moves the forming die box into and between a first position in which the forming die box is spaced apart from the die box base and a second position in which the forming die box is supported by the die box base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Matthew John Doll
  • Patent number: 10507626
    Abstract: A bladder device is for moving a component of a web packaging machine that forms and encloses a food product in a food product package made of webs of packaging material. The bladder device has a bladder and a nipple stub coupled to the bladder and having a first end configured to receive a gas and a second end configured to dispense the gas into the bladder to thereby inflate the bladder and move the component of the web packaging machine. A collar coupled to the nipple stub such that the bladder is sandwiched between the collar and the second end of the nipple stub. The second end of the nipple stub has a depression and the collar has a boss that is oriented towards the depression such that tightening the collar on the nipple stub forces the bladder into the depression and thereby forms a fluid tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Erik J. Ebert, Daryl W. Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20190182911
    Abstract: In certain examples, a food processing machine for processing a food product includes a housing defining a cavity, a conveyor with a belt comprising metal for conveying the food product through the cavity in a longitudinal direction, and a convection heating system for heating air in the cavity such that heated air heats the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity. A microwave launch box system is configured to emit microwave energy into the cavity in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction to thereby further heat the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Ian Eke, Graham Christopher Eke, Dennis Conohan, Paul Kjorlie, Tom Sonntag, Greg Campbell
  • Publication number: 20180127121
    Abstract: A web packaging machine for enclosing a food product within a food product package has a first sealing station that seals an upper web of packaging material to a lower web of packaging material to thereby partially enclose the food product in the food product package and a second sealing station configured to further seal the upper web of packaging material to the lower web of packaging material to thereby fully enclose the food product in the food product package. A lower web transport conveyor conveys the lower web of packaging material from upstream to downstream first through the first sealing station and then through the second sealing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Daryl W. Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20170355479
    Abstract: A web packaging machine for forming a food product package from a lower web of packaging material and an upper web of packaging material includes a frame, a web transport conveyor extending along the frame and configured to transport the lower web of packaging material along the frame, and a die box pivotally coupled to the frame and configured to form or close the food product package. A lift assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame and configured to assist manual pivoting of the die box relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig R. Bonneville
  • Publication number: 20170326828
    Abstract: A bladder device is for moving a component of a web packaging machine that forms and encloses a food product in a food product package made of webs of packaging material. The bladder device has a bladder and a nipple stub coupled to the bladder and having a first end configured to receive a gas and a second end configured to dispense the gas into the bladder to thereby inflate the bladder and move the component of the web packaging machine. A collar coupled to the nipple stub such that the bladder is sandwiched between the collar and the second end of the nipple stub. The second end of the nipple stub has a depression and the collar has a boss that is oriented towards the depression such that tightening the collar on the nipple stub forces the bladder into the depression and thereby forms a fluid tight seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Erik J. Ebert, Daryl W. Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20170313457
    Abstract: A web packaging machine for forming a food product package from a lower web of packaging material and an upper web of packaging material includes a frame, a die member supported by the frame and configured to form or close the food product package, and a clamping device comprising a first end that is pivotally coupled to the frame and an opposite, second end that is configured to secure the die member to the frame. The clamping device is pivotable into and between a locked position in which the clamping device clamps the die member to the frame and an unlocked position in which the clamping device is pivoted away from the die member such that the die member can be moved relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig R. Bonneville
  • Publication number: 20170107006
    Abstract: A packaging machine is for forming a product cavity in a web including a forming die box defining a recess into which the product cavity is formed. An insert is axially movable in the recess to thereby vary a depth of the recess. A variable depth mechanism selectively moves the insert to vary the depth of the recess. The packaging machine includes a latching mechanism that moves the forming die box into and between a first position in which the forming die box is spaced apart from the die box base and a second position in which the forming die box is supported by the die box base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Matthew John Doll