Abstract: A continuous line process for making a packaged cosmetic device comprising a pre-formed sheet and a coating composition in a sealed package, wherein the pre-formed sheet is produced from a sol phase composition comprising a solvent and a gelling agent having a sol-gel transition point between about the melting point of the solvent and about the boiling point of the solvent by a process comprising heating the so phase composition, forming surfaces of the sol phase composition by pressing the sol phase composition between a plurality of liners, cooling the sol phase composition into a gel phase, cutting the gel phase composition to form the pre-formed sheet.

Abstract: A packaging machine for wrapping packing pieces with packing film. The packing machine includes a transport device for the packing pieces arranged in a transport channel, at least one pulling device for the packing film and a film cutting and welding device which, when operated, pulls one film section from the pulling device and welds it to another film section for forming a film tube surrounding the packing piece. The packing machine is design to prevent a run-up of the film pulled by the pulling device into the transport channel by the inclusion of a narrow through gap for the packing film. The gap limits the passage of the film when the tension on the film is reduced.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for computing and regulating distribution of linear load in a multi-nip calender. A material web is passed through the nips in a set of rolls including a variable-crown upper roll, a variable-crown lower roll and intermediate rolls positioned between the upper and lower rolls. The rolls in the set of rolls are supported so that, when the nips are closed, the bending lines of the rolls are curved downwards. When computing and regulating the linear loads, one or more of the physical properties affecting the bending of each intermediate roll under load, such as bending rigidity, mass, shape, and material properties, are taken into account. The ratio of the linear loads applied to the intermediate rolls, the weight of the rolls per se, and/or the support forces applied to the rolls are regulated so that the set of rolls is in a state of equilibrium and a predetermined state of deflection.

Abstract: A system for feeding containers on conveyor consisting of a feeder conveyer and an accumulator conveyor in which the speed of the accumulator conveyor is controlled to meter the distribution of containers to a processing station, such as a sealing unit.

Abstract: A system for evacuating containers. The system includes a base housing defining a recess having a vacuum inlet port in communication with a vacuum source. An inner door is hinged to the base housing and is sized to cover the recess when in a closed position, and an outer door having a sealing member is hinged to close over the inner door. A vacuum nozzle extends at least partially between the inner and outer doors and is in communication with the recess. The inner and outer doors cooperate to retain a flexible container therebetween and around the nozzle so that the nozzle is positioned for fluid communication with an inside of the container. A removable drip pan is positioned to retain fluids drawn by the nozzle.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of automatically stuffing folder pockets includes providing a folder with one or more pockets; providing one or more inserts which can be of differing sizes; the accumulation of the one or more inserts in a stack for insertion into the one or more pockets of the folder; opening the one or more pockets of the folder; and the insertion of the accumulated stack of the one or more inserts into the one or more folder pockets. Predetermined inserts can be selectively processed and stuffed into selected folder pockets. An embodiment also can fold the folder, producing a final product of a stuffed folder ready for distribution.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and administration of medical solutions. The container incorporates a transparent front sheet made from a planar layer of a polymer and an opposing rear sheet. The rear sheet is made from a planar laminate layer. The front and rear sheets are sealed together along a common peripheral edge to form a volume enclosure. The volume enclosure is constructed of materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container thermoplastic to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The volume enclosure is then inflated with a pressurized gas to permanently stretch the front and rear sheets outwardly and to thereby increase the volume capacity of the container. An alternative embodiment of the container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, for containing a diluent and a medicament.

Abstract: The invention comprises a packet placing system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include packets with products being automatically packaged, such as various bread products. The system may comprise various magazine orientations and arrangements for holding packets, a packet placer, and a gluing system. Preferably, the packet placer includes a vacuum system configured to pick a packet from the magazine. Glue is applied to a face of the packet, which is then placed on the outside of the wrapper of the packaged product. The system may be used in conjunction with a packet insertion mechanism in order to both insert a packet inside the wrapper and removably affix a packet to the outside of the wrapper. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: A receptacle (110, 112) suitable for food packaging which comprises a bottom or base portion (111, 121) defining a storage compartment or zone and a flange (113,123) circumferentially extending all around the receptacle contour providing an area for the closing lid to be sealed, said receptacle being made of a multi-layer thermoplastic structure comprising at least i) an upper liquid absorbent layer (1) that is devised to be either in direct contact with the food product to be packaged in the receptacle or separated therefrom by one or more liquid pervious layers (5,6) allowing passage of liquids from the receptacle inner surface into the absorbent layer, and ii) a non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2), and being characterized in that the surface exposed along a closed line in the circumferential flange (113,123) is of the lower non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for processing containers or other articles by using continuous rotation of processing heads in a circular path about a single vertical axis and controlling the processing heads to independently rotate about a swivel axis causing them to move in a straight-line path while the heads are lowered to engage a group of containers or articles arranged in parallel rows. In this manner, a higher production apparatus and method are provided which is simpler, more reliable, requires less floor space, and easy to reconfigure for different applications.

Abstract: A vacuum release assist system for a document insertion station is described. The vacuum suction cup system is used for opening an envelope. The vacuum release assist system ensures that the suction cup is timely released during the removal of the envelope from the insertion station. In one configuration, a solenoid actuator is used to push away the envelope from the suction cup. In another configuration, a blow-off valve is used to introduce positive air pressure to timely release the suction cup.

Abstract: A nail stapler magazine includes a storing device, a feeding device, a gate and a distinguisher. The storing device is for storing nails and first and second types of staples each including first and second legs. The feeding device is for feeding the nails and the first and second types of staples from the storing device. The nails and the first and second types of staples are fed through the gate. The distinguisher is for distinguishing the nails and the first and second types of staples from one another and ensuring that only one of the nails and the first and second types of staples is fed at a time.

Abstract: The present invention includes a box comprising a housing having a height of about 2 millimeters. The housing comprises a bottom portion. The bottom portion defines a bottom surface, an internal lateral flank, and a top bottom surface. The top bottom surface is elevated from the bottom surface, extending from the internal lateral flank. The box also includes a thin film and at least one weld that seals the thin film to the housing.

Abstract: A method for shipping a piece of furniture having a base section removably secured to a seat section that involves removing the seat section from the base section and inserting the seat section and the base section into a shipping container. A packaging apparatus suitable for overnight delivery which includes a shipping container and at least one shipping sleeve capable of receiving an edge portion of the seat section of the furniture with the at least one shipping sleeve positionable within the shipping container to abut a side wall of the shipping container is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chair having a removable outer cover. The chair has an air permeable bladder which houses compressible filler material. The compressible filler material allows the chair to be selectively compressed between various compressed states. A method for packaging the chair is provided which significantly reduces the weight and size of the chair. The method includes placing the chair in a vacuum chamber and suctioning air from the chair. The vacuum chamber may be partially open or closed during storage.

Abstract: An airbag is folded by attaching a line located inside the airbag to a front side an airbag and extending the line across a guide. The airbag is then compacted around the guide and the line. The line is then placed in communication with a sensor. The line may be a flexible element having an optical pattern read by the sensor. During the folding process, the line may be reeled into a sensor housing.

Abstract: A machine (100) that makes filter bags (1) containing a product for infusion in a liquid, comprises the following, arranged in succession: a unit (53) for preparing and feeding the materials used to make the filter bags; and at least: an assembly (54) for metering the infusion product; a forming unit (55); a dividing unit (56) and a unit (57) for cutting the filter bags (1). In the preparing and feeding unit (53) three separate filter bag materials, consisting of a web (17) of filter paper, a continuous thread (31), and a row of tags (6) are gradually brought together, while moving continuously, and first loops (10) are made in the thread (31) and gathered between the tags (6). The filter bags (1) are subsequently formed in the metering assembly (54), in the dividing unit (56) and in the cutting unit (57), which also operate with continuous motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging system for causing articles M to fall downward along a predetermined falling route A and filling the articles M into a tubular film F. The packaging system is provided with an auxiliary device 205 operating on the falling route A at predetermined timing and facilitating or improving the flow of the articles M, determination unit 21a determining whether a state of the flow of the articles M on the falling route A is normal or abnormal, and a change unit 21b changing the operating timing of the auxiliary device 205 according to the state of the flow of the articles M determined by the determination unit 21a. With this configuration, the state of the flow of the articles M is improved and the high productivity (yield) and/or operativity of the packaging system can be maintained.

Abstract: An operating wheel of a packing machine comprises an annular drum, a number of through pockets carried by the annular drum and each for receiving a respective product, a first drive for rotating the annular drum in steps to feed the pockets along an annular path extending through a loading station and an unloading station, first and second pusher for engaging respective pockets at the loading station and the unloading station respectively, a second electric drive for imparting to the pushers respective substantially radial reciprocating movements to and from respective withdrawn rest positions inside the annular drum and through the respective pockets, a first safety device for preventing the annular drum from rotating when at least one of the pushers engages a respective pocket, and a second safety device for preventing the pushers from moving from the respective withdrawn positions when the annular drum is rotating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging both profiles (18, 20) of an interlocked zipper (12) as the zipper or fastener strip is guided onto a supply of thermoplastic film (16) used to make a reclosable bag. A first interlocked profile (18) of the zipper is engaged by at least one roller (24, 26, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) of the roller-type applicator (10). A disc (28) mechanically attached to an end section of at least one of the rollers engages a web (22) of the second interlocked profile (20) that extends beyond the width of a web of the first profile (18). By their attachment, the disc (28) and the roller move the profiles (18, 20) at the same speed so that the profiles remain aligned as they are moved through the zipper guide (14). The zipper (12) is then attached to a surface of the thermoplastic film (16) used to make the reclosable bag.