Abstract: Methods for changing a strip of sealed bag precursors in to open bags are disclosed. The apparatus used in the method is referred to as a transforming machine and includes a separation station and may include a perforation station and a piercing station. The perforation station forms a plurality of end perforations in the multiple layers of a strip of sealed bag precursors. The separation station separates the plurality of end perforations in at least one film layer of the trip to form a plurality of bag openings. The plurality of end perforation are torn by the separation station, which includes manipulating the rotation of a main roller, a pressure roller and at least one separation roller.

Abstract: Transforming machines for changing a strip of unopened bag precursors into open bag precursors are disclosed that include a drive motor, a separation station, a sensor electrically connected to a controller that is electrically connected to components of the separation station. The separation station includes a first roller, a separation roller driven by the drive motor, and a pressure device having an actuator selectively activating the pressure device to apply pressure to the strip of unopened bag precursors passing over the first roller. In operation, the controller, based on a signal from the sensor, determines when perforations are located in a gap between the pressure device and the separation roller and at that time signals the actuator to activate the pressure device, with the drive motor driving the separation roller, thereby separating the perforations in a first film layer, but not the perforations in a second film layer.

Abstract: Transforming machines for changing a strip of unopened bag precursors into open bag precursors are disclosed that include a drive motor, a separation station, a sensor electrically connected to a controller that is electrically connected to components of the separation station. The separation station includes a first roller, a separation roller driven by the drive motor, and a pressure device having an actuator selectively activating the pressure device to apply pressure to the strip of unopened bag precursors passing over the first roller. In operation, the controller, based on a signal from the sensor, determines when perforations are located in a gap between the pressure device and the separation roller and at that time signals the actuator to activate the pressure device, with the drive motor driving the separation roller, thereby separating the perforations in a first film layer, but not the perforations in a second film layer.

Abstract: Methods for changing a strip of sealed bag precursors in to open bags are disclosed. The apparatus used in the method is referred to as a transforming machine and includes a separation station and may include a perforation station and a piercing station. The perforation station forms a plurality of end perforations in the multiple layers of a strip of sealed bag precursors. The separation station separates the plurality of end perforations in at least one film layer of the trip to form a plurality of bag openings. The plurality of end perforation are torn by the separation station, which includes manipulating the rotation of a main roller, a pressure roller and at least one separation roller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for changing a strip of sealed bag precursors in to open bags are disclosed. The apparatus is referred to as a transforming or bag opening machine and includes a separation station and may include a perforation station and a piercing station. The perforation station forms a plurality of end perforations in the multiple layers of a strip of sealed bag precursors. The separation station separates the plurality of end perforations in at least one film layer of the trip to form a plurality of bag openings. The plurality of end perforation are torn by the separation station, which includes manipulating the rotation of a main roller, a pressure roller and at least one separation roller.

Abstract: Inflatable packaging with self-sealing fill channels having a first boundary layer, a second boundary layer, a first valve layer and a second valve layer are disclosed. The first and second valve layers are attached together to form a valve strip that has a plurality of valves and a lengthwise air channel in fluid communication with an entrance of each of the plurality of valves. Outermost, lengthwise edges of the first and second boundary layers are attached to each other and the valve strip is positioned between the first and second boundary layers with at least a portion of the lengthwise air channel not covered by the first and second boundary layers. A plurality of cross seams are formed in the first and second boundary layers and the portion of the valve strip positioned therebetween to define a plurality of inflatable cavities such as dunnage cavities or bubble cells.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for changing a strip of sealed bag precursors in to open bags are disclosed. The apparatus is referred to as a transforming or bag opening machine and includes a separation station and may include a perforation station and a piercing station. The perforation station forms a plurality of end perforations in the multiple layers of a strip of sealed bag precursors. The separation station separates the plurality of end perforations in at least one film layer of the trip to form a plurality of bag openings. The plurality of end perforation are torn by the separation station, which includes manipulating the rotation of a main roller, a pressure roller and at least one separation roller.

Abstract: A plurality of self-sealing inflatable dunnage bags are formed on a continuous strip. The continuous strip includes a first bag layer, a second bag layer and an air channel layer. A bag perimeter sealing line is formed between the first and second bag layers to form a bag cavity. Two air flow sealing lines extend into the bag cavity. An air flow channel is formed between the second and air channel bag layers. One end of a cross air flow channel communications with the air flow channel and the other end communicates with a fill opening in the second bag layer. Air from an inflation pin flows into each cross air flow passage and through the fill opening to inflate the bag cavity. Inflation of the bag cavity causes the two air flow sealing lines to seal the cross air fill passage and prevent deflation of the bag cavity.

Abstract: End user filled protective packaging with self-sealing air bubbles includes a first bubble layer, a second bubble layer and a air channel layer. The first and second bubble layers are sealed together to form a plurality of bubble chambers. A plurality of bubble cells are formed in each bubble chamber by extending a plurality of air flow sealing lines. An air flow channel is formed between the second bubble layer and the air channel layer. One end of a cross air fill passage communicates with the air flow channel and the other end communicates with a fill opening in the second bubble layer. Air flows into each cross air flow passage and through the fill opening to inflate the bubble chamber. Inflation of the bubble chamber causes the plurality of air flow sealing lines to seal the cross air fill passage and prevent deflation of the bubble chamber.

Abstract: Inflatable packaging with self-sealing air bubbles includes a bubble layer, a valve layer and a valve cover layer. A plurality of bubble cell patterns are formed on the bubble layer with adhesive, glue or heat sealing. The valve layer is attached to bubble layer. A plurality of check valves are formed on the valve layer. An air opening is formed through each one of the plurality of check valves to inflate the plurality of bubble cells. The valve cover layer is attached to the valve layer. A row with at least one bubble cell is filled with air through the check valve. Inflation of the bubble cells cause the valve layer and valve cover layer to contact each other to seal the check valve.

Abstract: End user filled protective packaging with self-sealing air bubbles includes a bubble layer, a valve layer and a valve cover layer. A plurality of bubble cell patterns are formed on the bubble layer with adhesive, glue or heat sealing. The valve layer is attached to bubble layer. A plurality of check valves are formed on the valve layer with adhesive, glue or heat sealing. An air opening is formed through each one of the plurality of check valves to inflate the plurality of bubble cells. The valve cover layer is attached to the valve layer. A row with at least one bubble cell is filled with air by applying a source of air at an entrance of the check valve. Inflation of the at least one bubble cell causes the valve layer and valve cover layer to contact each other to seal the check valve.

Abstract: A plurality of self-sealing inflatable dunnage bags are formed on a continuous strip. The continuous strip includes a first bag layer, a second bag layer and an air channel layer. A bag perimeter sealing line is formed between the first and second bag layers for each bag cavity. At least one air flow sealing line extends inward into the bag cavity. An air flow channel is formed between the second and third bag layers. An air pocket is located in the air channel layer for each bag cavity. An air bag opening is formed through the second bag layer in the air pocket. Air flows through the air flow channel into the air pocket and through the air bag opening to inflate each bag cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automated manufacture of self-sealing inflatable dunnage bags includes a bag making machine. The bag making machine includes a plurality of sheet roll spindles and a plurality of heat sealing rollers. A first bag sheet roll is retained on a first bag spindle. A second bag sheet roll is retained on a second bag spindle. A strip bag sheet roll is retained on a strip spindle. A plurality of first openings are formed through the first bag sheet. A plurality of second openings are formed through the strip bag sheet. Each edge of the strip bag sheet is heat sealed to the first bag sheet with a first roller. A first bag roller seals an end partition across the first and second bag sheets. The edges of the first and second bag sheet are heat sealed to each other with a second bag roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing packages and particularly substantially wrinkle-free packages from strips of cohesive-coated media. A first strip having a coating of cohesive material facing upwardly is advanced along a supporting surface. After an object to be packaged is deposited thereon, a second strip having a coating of cohesive material facing downwardly is moved over the first strip and the object. The strips are then sealed along an elongate, transverse area in front of the newly-deposited object and behind a previously-deposited one. Subsequently, longitudinal edge portions of both strips are sealed along both sides of the object. As the strip is further advanced, the transverse area is severed along an intermediate line to separate a leading package containing the previously-deposited object from a leading portion of the strips containing the newly-deposited object.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus is provided for producing packages of various sizes. The package is of generally rectangular form and comprises two webs of packaging material which can be of a wide variety of lengths and widths. The packages have parallel longitudinal adhesive strips and parallel transverse adhesive strips joining the two webs of packaging material together. A lower continuous web of packaging material is fed longitudinally along a predetermined path and two separate applicator heads apply strips of adhesive material along edge portions of the web. Additional applicator heads, preferably combined as a single unit with two nozzles, apply transverse strips of adhesive material between the longitudinal strips when the web is stopped.

Abstract: A machine for making packages with labels is provided. The packaging machine utilizes a supply of packaging material in the form of a length of plain plastic tubing and a supply of labels in the form of a continuous strip thereof. In a previous cycle of the machine, the tubing was heat sealed along a transverse strip near the leading edge thereof. The strip is subsequently advanced a predetermined distance between a first set of jaws which close, with a first sealing wire carried by one of the jaws then energized to seal a leading edge of the tubing which will form the next package. A knife severs the tubing below that seal and the upper edges of the severed section which has been advanced are engaged by clamps. These move apart with the jaws to open the upper edges, thereby enabling an article to be dropped into the resulting pocket in the severed package section. The jaws then close once again and a second sealing wire below the clamps seals the upper edges of the severed section.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging articles is provided. The packaging machine employs a source of packaging material in the form of a length of plain plastic tubing. The machine is relatively simple and maintenance free, employing but one station. In a previous cycle, the tubing is heat sealed along a strip extending transversely thereof at a leading edge. The strip is then advanced a predetermined distance between a movable jaw and a stationary jaw at the station and the movable jaw closes against the stationary one. At this time, an upper sealing wire is energized to seal a leading edge of the tubing which will form the next package. A knife severs the tubing below that seal and the upper edges of the severed section are engaged by clamps. The movable jaw then opens to enable an article to be dropped in the resulting pocket in the severed section. The movable jaw closes once again and a lower sealing wire seals the upper edges of the severed section, below the severed edges thereof.

Abstract: A packaging machine is provided for packaging articles, using a source of packaging material in the form of a length of plain, plastic tubing. The machine has two stations for faster production. At the first station, the tubing is heat sealed along a strip extending transversely thereof and is severed to form a package section. A separate section with the lower end heat sealed is then transferred to the second station. Here, the upper edges are opened, an article is deposited, and the upper edge is then closed and sealed. The operations at the two stations are performed simultaneously to enable a greater production rate to be achieved.

Abstract: A package and a method and apparatus for producing same are set forth. The package preferably is made of two single-faced corrugated sheets having cohesive corrugated surfaces. A lower sheet has side walls bent upwardly at edge portions thereof and flanges bent outwardly from the upper edges of the walls. An upper sheet bridges an object to be packaged located on the main portion of the lower sheet between the side walls, and has edge portions adhered to the flanges of the lower sheet. The ends of the two sheets are pressed to cause them to adhere together with the side walls simultaneously being folded outwardly at the centers and adhered to themselves. In the machine and method for producing the package, a first web has side walls bent upwardly and flanges outwardly by suitable folding rails as the web is moved longitudinally in a horizontal direction.