Patents Assigned to CMD Corporation
  • Patent number: 9751273
    Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web, traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Kenneth C. Radtke, Charles H. Sauder, Paul A. Johnson, Christopher Lee White, Arvid R. Johnson, Gregory T. Prellwitz, Michael J. Stickney, Thomas C. Jansen, Christopher A. Saucier, Terry L. Leitzke, Bradley J. Schmoll
  • Publication number: 20170232659
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming pouches and/or bags is disclosed. A seal and/or insert is crushed using a multiphase sealer or crusher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Casey J. Calmes, Peter T. Hunnicutt, Curt A. Frievalt, Mark C. Krueger, Jason P. Plutz
  • Publication number: 20170023180
    Abstract: A method and apparatus fueling vehicle with gaseous fuel includes storage vessels, dispensing sub-stations and a controller. The storage tanks or vessels can be at different pressures. The plurality of dispensing sub-stations each include a dispensing hose and a control valve. Each dispensing sub-station is in controllable fluid communication with the storage vessels so that fluid can flow from the storage vessels through the dispensing sub-station to a vehicle tank. A dispensing hose, and a control valve of the dispensing sub-stations are in the fluid flow paths. The controller receives feedback indicative of a filling parameter from the dispensing sub-stations, and provides control signals to the control valves of the first and second dispensing sub-station to implement one or more desired fill schemes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Rock J. Petit, Mitchell J. Hein, Paul A. Selle
  • Publication number: 20160185091
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making pouches is disclosed. It includes using one or more of the following features: using two servo motors to drive a platen, providing a calibration routine is run at start-up and/or after the machine has been operating; controlling in response to feed back from the servo motor(s) such as feedback indicative of the distance the platen travels; the feedback is not of force exerted by the platen; and/or the platen is controlled to prevent unacceptable fracturing of the film laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Peter T. Hunnicutt, Gregory J. Nackers, Scott R. Grasse, David Z. Dytchkowskyj
  • Publication number: 20160096339
    Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Kenneth C. Radke, Charles H. Sauder, Paul A. Johnson, Christopher L. White, Arvid R. Johnson, Gregory T. Prellwitz, Michael J. Stickney, Thomas C. Jansen, Christopher A. Saucier, Terry L. Leizke, Bradley J. Schmoll
  • Patent number: 9254632
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making pouches is disclosed. It includes using one or more of the following features: using two servo motors to drive a platen, providing a calibration routine is run at start-up and/or after the machine has been operating; controlling in response to feed back from the servo motor(s) such as feedback indicative of the distance the platen travels; the feedback is not of force exerted by the platen; and/or the platen is controlled to prevent unacceptable fracturing of the film laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Peter T. Hunnicutt, Gregory J. Nackers, Scott R. Grasse, David Z. Dytchkowskyj
  • Patent number: 9238343
    Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, heating wire, and/or may create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire is powered by a source of power at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or with a feedback loop. The heating wire may make intermittent contact with the web and/or be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Kenneth C. Radtke, Charles H. Sauder, Paul A. Johnson, Christopher Lee White, Arvid R. Johnson, Gregory T. Prellwitz, Michael J. Stickney, Thomas C. Jansen, Christopher A. Saucier, Terry L. Leitzke, Bradley J. Schmoll
  • Patent number: 8998787
    Abstract: A bag machine, and method of making bags, has a sealing station a perforating station, and a downstream seal and perforation inspection station, or a perforation detection station and/or a seal inspection station is disclosed. Control of the perforating and sealing stations is preferably closed loop. The seal and perforation inspection station preferably includes a perforation detector that triggers a vision system and/or a camera, and the film is illuminated. Preferably, the inspection station is enclosed in an opaque housing, or the ambient light is otherwise blocked. The seal and perforation inspection station preferably provides an image output a display visible to a user. The vision system preferably includes a perforation location module and/or determines the distance between the seal and perforation. A downstream processing station can be provided, and can have a detected fault input, connected to a fault detect output from the seal and perforation inspection station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Gordon M. Breier, David G. Kuchenbecker, Gregory T. Prellwitz
  • Patent number: 8439812
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The machine includes first, second and third stations. The first station is capable of advancing discrete pouches and lifting and folding a portion of a first major surface of each pouch upon itself to form a lip, and exposing an inner surface of a second major surface. The second station is capable of positioning and attaching a closure system transversely across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes a track having first and second legs each having an outer surface. The first and second legs are joined together by an opening/closing mechanism which includes a movable member capable of being moved back and forth. The third station is located downstream from the second station and is capable of unfolding the lip and securing opposite ends of the lip to the outer surface of the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: David Z. Dytchkowskyj, Lawrence D. Mikulsky, Scott R. Grasse, Daniel J. Moran, Peter T. Hunnicutt
  • Publication number: 20120270713
    Abstract: A machine for making bags is disclosed and includes input, drum, and output sections. The drum section has at least one seal bar on a drum. The sections are mounted to side frames that are single metal plates. The frames are not coated after being formed and/or are comprised of at least one of galvanized steel, galvannealed steel, stainless steel or aluminum. The drum is comprised of first and second plates, and opposing third and fourth plates. The first plate is rotatable with respect to the second plate, and the third plate is rotatable with respect to the fourth plate. The distance from the seal bars to the center of the drum is responsive to the rotation of the plates. The first plate has a plurality of non-radial grooves, and the second plate has a plurality of radial slots, with fixtures in the slots and grooves. The fixtures are connected to seal bars. The non-radial grooves are curved and/or spiraled. The plates are comprised of zinc plated steel and/or are discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Christopher L. White, James F. Campbell, Timothy J. Rymer
  • Patent number: 8257235
    Abstract: An in-line method is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The method includes advancing a discrete pouch through a first station in a machine direction with the closed bottom of the pouch being the leading edge and a first major surface of the pouch faces upward. The first major surface is folded upon itself to form a lip having an exposed first surface while a second major surface of the pouch has an exposed inner surface. The method also includes routing the pouch to a second station where a closure system is transversely attached across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes an opening/closing mechanism. The method further includes routing the pouch to a third station where the lip is unfolded and opposite ends of the lip are secured to the outer surface of the closure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: David Z. Dytchkowskyj, Lawrence D. Mikulsky, Scott R. Grasse, Daniel J. Moran, Peter T. Hunnicutt
  • Patent number: 8257236
    Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Kenneth C. Radtke, Charles H. Sauder, Paul A. Johnson, Christopher Lee White, Arvid R. Johnson, Gregory T. Prellwitz, Michael J. Stickney, Thomas C. Jansen, Christopher A. Saucier, Terry L. Leitzke, Bradley J. Schmoll
  • Patent number: 8128546
    Abstract: An in-line method is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The method includes advancing a discrete pouch through a first station in a machine direction with the closed bottom of the pouch being the leading edge and a first major surface of the pouch faces upward. The first major surface is folded upon itself to form a lip having an exposed first surface while a second major surface of the pouch has an exposed inner surface. The method also includes routing the pouch to a second station where a closure system is transversely attached across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes an opening/closing mechanism. The method further includes routing the pouch to a third station where the lip is unfolded and opposite ends of the lip are secured to the outer surface of the closure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: David Z. Dytchkowskyj, Lawrence D. Mikulsky, Scott R. Grasse, Daniel J. Moran, Peter T. Hunnicutt
  • Patent number: 8128545
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The machine includes first, second and third stations. The first station is capable of advancing discrete pouches and lifting and folding a portion of a first major surface of each pouch upon itself to form a lip, and exposing an inner surface of a second major surface. The second station is capable of positioning and attaching a closure system transversely across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes a track having first and second legs each having an outer surface. The first and second legs are joined together by an opening/closing mechanism which includes a movable member capable of being moved back and forth. The third station is located downstream from the second station and is capable of unfolding the lip and securing opposite ends of the lip to the outer surface of the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: David Z. Dytchkowskyj, Lawrence D. Mikulsky, Scott R. Grasse, Daniel J. Moran, Peter T. Hunnicutt
  • Publication number: 20110312480
    Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Kenneth C. Radtke, Charles H. Sauder, Paul A. Johnson, Christopher Lee White, Arvid R. Johnson, Gregory T. Prellwitz, Michael J. Stickney, Thomas C. Jansen, Christopher A. Saucier, Terry L. Leitzke, Bradley J. Schmoll
  • Patent number: 8029428
    Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a single sealing zone, and a weakening zone disposed within the single sealing zone. The single sealing zone may be a heated perforator, and may include a heating wire. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire stitched into the heater, and be disposed on a cap or on the seal bar. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity. The sealing zone may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Gregory T. Prellwitz
  • Patent number: 8012076
    Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a first sealing zone, and an adjacent weakening zone. The weakening zone may be a heated perforator, includes a heating wire, or be disposed to create an auxiliary sealed area. The heating wire can have, connected thereto, a source of power that is at an adjustable voltage or magnitude, and/or pulsed, and/or a feedback loop. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire and make intermittent contact with the web and be disposed in an insert. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity, is a separating zone, or includes a heat film, a toothed blade, a row of pins, a source of air, or a source of vacuum. The sealing zones may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Kenneth C. Radtke, Charles H. Sauder, Paul A. Johnson, Christopher Lee White, Arvid R. Johnson, Gregory T. Prellwitz, Michael J. Stickney, Thomas C. Jansen, Christopher A. Saucier, Terry L. Leitzke, Bradley J. Schmoll
  • Publication number: 20110207589
    Abstract: A pouch machine includes an infeed section, a sealing section, and an outfeed section. The infeed section provides a pouch or laminate to the sealing section, and the outfeed section receives the sealed pouch from the infeed section. The sealing section includes at least one sealer that has a sealing fixture disposed to move in a first direction toward and away from a sealing position. A linear actuator is mounted to provide a controlled motion in a second direction, that is not the first direction. A linkage is connected between the linear actuator and the sealing fixture. The linkage translates the controlled motion of the actuator into controlled motion of the sealer. The linkage preferably multiplies force when the sealer is in the sealing position, and multiplies distance/velocity when the sealer is retracted. The sealing fixture preferably includes a die backing member and a sealing die. The die backing member has at least one clip mounted on it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Moran, Peter T. Hunnicut
  • Publication number: 20110160029
    Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a single sealing zone, and a weakening zone disposed within the single sealing zone. The single sealing zone may be a heated perforator, and may include a heating wire. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire stitched into the heater, and be disposed on a cap or on the seal bar. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity. The sealing zone may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Gregory T. Prellwitz
  • Publication number: 20100331158
    Abstract: A method and machine for applying a closure to a series of pouches includes a conveyor extending at least partially through the machine, first and second (optional) infeed modules, a culling module (optional), a replacement infeed module (optional) and a closure module (optional). The infeed modules feed pouches to the conveyor. The culling module includes a sensor that senses an undesired pouch in the series of pouches, and a rejection module that culls the undesired pouch in response thereto. The replacement infeed module feeds a replacement pouch into the gap left by the undesired pouch. The conveyor may be at least partially an intermittent conveyor. The infeed modules may be in a plane with the conveyor. The closure module may be a recloseable closure module, a zipper closure module or a slider closure module. The culling module may be part of each infeed module, and/or distributed over several locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Grasse, Daniel J. Moran