Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable web comprising a series of pre-formed flexible containers, each of the pre-formed containers being capable of holding therein a quantity of gas and having an opening for receiving such gas.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The engagement device may include a first belt and an opposing second belt which may each have a plurality of teeth thereon. The teeth may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The sheet engagement device may comprise one or more engagement rollers which may have a plurality of teeth thereon. A first plurality of rollers and a second plurality of rollers comprising the engagement rollers may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage bag for filling empty space within a container is provided. The inflatable dunnage bag includes a bag portion and a valve assembly. The valve assembly is connected to the bag portion and defines a passageway through which a fluid is introduced into the bag portion during an inflation process. The valve assembly may include a backing plate, a flap, a projection, or combination thereof. The backing plate may be positioned between front and back walls of the valve assembly and be configured to protect the back wall from an inflation nozzle inserted through the front wall during the inflation process. The backing plate may include a flap adapted to further protect the back wall and help direct the fluid flow toward the bag portion. The projection, such as a hook, is configured to position the valve assembly to a predetermined area of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated containers from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies generally includes (a) a first sealing device for producing a series of transverse seals that bond the film plies together, (b) an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, (c) a second sealing device for producing one or more longitudinal seals that bond the film plies together, the transverse seals and the longitudinal seals intersecting to enclose the gas between the film plies to thereby form one or more inflated containers, and (d) at least one intermediate sealing element for producing one or more intermediate seals within each inflated container, the intermediate seals partitioning the containers into two or more compartments and providing at least one flow passageway between the compartments to allow the compartments to fluidly communicate with one another.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: A product packaging apparatus that includes a notch former and a tab setter for creating an integrated tab on a product package. The notch former and tab setter are capable of forming a tab or an exposed area at any location of the product package, including creating a tab or an exposed area adjacent a longitudinal edge of the package. The notch former and the tab setter allow a tab to be created that has a length that extends beyond the longitudinal edge of the package. As a result, the present invention is capable of generating simple, easy to open packages that may also be re-used for re-mailing purposes.

Abstract: A product packaging apparatus that includes a notch former and a tab setter for creating an integrated tab on a product package. The notch former and tab setter are capable of forming a tab or an exposed area at any location of the product package, including creating a tab or an exposed area adjacent a longitudinal edge of the package. The notch former and the tab setter allow a tab to be created that has a length that extends beyond the longitudinal edge of the package. As a result, the present invention is capable of generating simple, easy to open packages that may also be re-used for re-mailing purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated articles from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies. One version of the apparatus generally includes a first rotary sealing device for producing transverse seals that bond the film plies together, an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, and a second rotary sealing device for producing a longitudinal seal between the film plies. The longitudinal seal intersects the transverse seals so that the gas is enclosed between the longitudinal seal, transverse seals, and film plies to thereby form an inflated article.

Abstract: An inflatable dunnage bag for filling empty space within a container is provided. The inflatable dunnage bag includes a bag portion and a valve assembly. The valve assembly is connected to the bag portion and defines a passageway through which a fluid is introduced into the bag portion during an inflation process. The valve assembly may include a backing plate, a flap, a projection, or combination thereof. The backing plate may be positioned between front and back walls of the valve assembly and be configured to protect the back wall from an inflation nozzle inserted through the front wall during the inflation process. The backing plate may include a flap adapted to further protect the back wall and help direct the fluid flow toward the bag portion. The projection, such as a hook, is configured to position the valve assembly to a predetermined area of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an object, the apparatus having an adjustable infeed bed to center the object before a nipping operation. The packaging apparatus includes a pair of opposing rollers and an adjustable infeed bed. The pair of opposing rollers pushes together sheets of packaging material against each other and the object or product to be package. In order to accommodate objects of various heights, the infeed bed is adjustable so as to line up the center of the object to the center of the rollers. To determine the proper adjustment to the infeed bed, the packaging apparatus may also include a height detector for measuring a height dimension for an object.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated articles from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies. One version of the apparatus generally includes a first rotary sealing device for producing transverse seals that bond the film plies together, an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, and a second rotary sealing device for producing a longitudinal seal between the film plies. The longitudinal seal intersects the transverse seals so that the gas is enclosed between the longitudinal seal, transverse seals, and film plies to thereby form an inflated article.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by capturing the product in flexible packaging material. The packing apparatus includes a product detector for detecting the presence or absence of a product to be packaged. The detection of the product may cause the advancement of packaging material and the product through a nipping station to form a package. The failure to detect a product may cause the advancement of the packaging material to stop and conserve packaging material until a product is detected. The product detector may be a color sensor trained to detect a color of the first web, a luminescence sensor trained to detect a luminance of the first web, or a light-sensitive sensor trained to detect a difference in light passing through the first web. Also, a luminescence additive may be joined with the lower web to provide a distinct luminance.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies includes: a. a mechanism that conveys the film web along a path of travel; b. a first sealing device for producing one or more seals that bond the film plies together to form a container having at least one opening; c. an inflation assembly for inflating the container by directing a stream of gas into the opening thereof; and d. a second sealing device for sealing closed the opening of the inflated container.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus employ web material having cohesive on facing surfaces of two web portions between which an item is packaged. The cohesive adheres to itself by application of pressure alone, without heat, but tends not to adhere to other surfaces. The web portions are sealed together about the item by seal devices that apply pressure without heat to the web portions. The web portions and item can be passed through a resilient nip formed by two rolls, at least one of which has resiliently compliant roll portion(s) for pressing the web portions closely about the item.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for dispensing fluid into containers includes a cleaning mechanism that brings the discharge nozzle of a dispenser into the travel path of a film web so that the end-face can make contact with the film web to remove from the end-face at least a portion of any fluid or reaction-products of the fluid that may be in adherence with the end-face. A film for removing such fluid or reaction-products from the end-face of the dispenser is also provided.