Patents Assigned to Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
-
Patent number: 9381715Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions has a drive mechanism for feeding a preconfigured film material to a sealing mechanism in a flattened state without wrinkles in the sealing region in which a longitudinal seal is formed. A feed mechanism includes a drive mechanism for advancing the film along a path, a first guide member which contacts a first surface of the film material in a first longitudinal region, and a second guide member which contacts the first surface of the film material in a second longitudinal region laterally offset from and parallel to the first longitudinal region. In some embodiments, the first and second guide members are adjacent belts. In other embodiments, the first and second guide members are stationary guide members or “skis.” The sealing mechanism may include a rotary sealing element and opposed backing element, such as a belt or a wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: James Birkle, Rob Van Uijen, William ‘Rob’ Robinson, Vivek Krishnan, Charles Daigle, Michael Lee, Sander Roelofs
-
Patent number: 9003743Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
-
Patent number: 8800247Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions utilizes a controller adapted for acquiring information from preconfigured film material and automatically setting one or more operation parameters suitable for inflating and sealing the film. The controller can avoid or limit the need for user input, thus simplifying use of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Rob Van Uijen, Michael G. Kaminski, Charles Daigle, Vladimir Yampolsky
-
Patent number: 8776483Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
-
Patent number: 8695311Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions utilizes a controller adapted for acquiring information from preconfigured film material and automatically setting one or more operation parameters suitable for inflating and sealing the film. The controller can avoid or limit the need for user input, thus simplifying use of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Charles Daigle, Michael G. Kaminski, Rob Van Uijen, Vladimir Yampolsky
-
Publication number: 20140033645Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions utilizes a controller adapted for acquiring information from preconfigured film material and automatically setting one or more operation parameters suitable for inflating and sealing the film. The controller can avoid or limit the need for user input, thus simplifying use of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Charles Daigle, Michael G. Kaminski, Rob Van Uijen, Vladimir Yampolsky
-
Publication number: 20130032293Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions has a drive mechanism for feeding a preconfigured film material to a sealing mechanism in a flattened state without wrinkles in the sealing region in which a longitudinal seal is formed. A feed mechanism includes a drive mechanism for advancing the film along a path, a first guide member which contacts a first surface of the film material in a first longitudinal region, and a second guide member which contacts the first surface of the film material in a second longitudinal region laterally offset from and parallel to the first longitudinal region. In some embodiments, the first and second guide members are adjacent belts. In other embodiments, the first and second guide members are stationary guide members or “skis.” The sealing mechanism may include a rotary sealing element and opposed backing element, such as a belt or a wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: FREE-FLOW PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
-
Publication number: 20110293864Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: FREE-FLOW PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
-
Patent number: 7832562Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
-
Publication number: 20100068430Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: FREE-FLOW PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
-
Publication number: 20100050571Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions has a drive mechanism for feeding a preconfigured film material to a sealing mechanism in a flattened state without wrinkles in the sealing region in which a longitudinal seal is formed. In one aspect, the drive mechanism comprises a pair of upper adjacent belts and a backing element, such as a lower belt. The sealing mechanism may be a rotary sealing wheel that contacts the film material between the upper adjacent belts.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: FREE-FLOW PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: James Birkle, Rob Van Uijen, Rob Robinson, Vivek Krishnan, Charles Daigle
-
Patent number: 7651455Abstract: Dunnage making machine and method in which a web of paper is drawn across a forming bar with curved end sections to roll the edge portions of the paper, then drawn through a first throat section to urge the rolled edge portions toward each other and cause them to gather, and thereafter through a second throat section of lesser dimension than the first to gather the central portion of the paper and further gather the edge portions. The gathered paper is then pressed with a roller to crumple it, following which the crumpled paper is perforated along a serrated tear line.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Free Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Yampolsky, Charles Daigle
-
Publication number: 20090217620Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: FREE-FLOW PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
-
Publication number: 20090178372Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: FREE-FLOW PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
-
Patent number: 7536837Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
-
Patent number: 7526904Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
-
Patent number: 7361397Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
-
Patent number: RE40288Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
-
Patent number: D599118Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Roderick R. Alire
-
Patent number: RE42240Abstract: An inflatable, conformable, cushioning, packaging product comprises a plurality of individual inflatable strips of multiple bubble cushioning structures. Each individual inflatable strip has a plurality of bubble chambers with each bubble chamber interconnected to an adjacent bubble chamber by an interconnecting passageway which is smaller in size and internal volume than the bubble chambers, but which is sufficiently large to enable air volume and pressure in one inflated bubble chamber to be transmitted to adjacent bubble chambers for distributing a shock load on one bubble chamber along the entire length of the individual inflatable strip of interconnected bubble chambers. Each individual inflatable strip is defined between two laterally extending spaced apart peripheral seal lines which have an undulating configuration free of corner shapes which could concentrate stresses.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas P. De Luca, Oliver M. Reyes, Philippe M. Jacques