Application Of End Closures To Containers Patents (Class 156/69)
  • Patent number: 5942060
    Abstract: A canister including an elongated hollow plastic body having a wall with inner and outer surfaces, an edge portion on the wall defining an open end, an end on the edge portion extending transversely to the inner and outer surfaces, a porous plastic member having an outer edge portion extending across the open end and fused to the end, an inner portion on the porous plastic member located radially inwardly of the outer edge portion and extending into the body and fused to the inner surface of the wall adjacent the end thereof, and a gas-treating material in the body. A method of fabricating the above canister including the steps of applying pressure and vibratory welding energy to the porous member to thereby cause the member which was originally planar in shape to have its outer edge compressed against the end of the body and fused thereto and the central portion inwardly of the outer edge forced into the body and its outer edge fused to the inner surface of the body adjacent the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Lora L. Berger
  • Patent number: 5930984
    Abstract: A band seal is formed between a body and a cap of a capsule by fitting the cap on the body, and applying a gelatin-base sealant at least one time in the form of a band spanning the cap and the body. Band sealing is carried out by at least one of the following steps (A) to (E): the step (A) of applying the sealant at a temperature of 30-40.degree. C. at least when the sealant is first applied, the step (B) of applying the sealant at a viscosity of 50-200 centipoises at 50.degree. C. at least when the sealant is first applied, the step (C) of after the sealant is applied, blowing cold air at a temperature of up to 10.degree. C. to the band seal to cool the band seal below 10.degree. C., the step (D) of reducing the joint distance between the body and the cap shorter than the standard capsule length, and the step (E) of applying the sealant to only an edge adjacent portion of the cap surface when the sealant is first applied. The invention prevents bubbles from generating in the band seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Shionogi & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Furuya, Takao Enomoto, Koji Sato, Taiichi Mizuta
  • Patent number: 5916812
    Abstract: A test sample card has a well formed in the card body for receiving a fluid sample containing a microbiological agent or microorganism and a reagent. The test sample card has a membrane in the form of a tape covering the sample well to form a closed reaction chamber of the fluid sample and reagent and provide a barrier between the fluid sample and the atmosphere. The tape is made from polymethylpentene. The high oxygen permeable and transmissible characteristics of the tape promotes a reaction between the reagent and the microorganism. The increased growth rate exhibited by the microorganism, as compared to prior art tapes, substantially reduces the time needed to complete the test detection such as using transmittance optical analysis, for example confirm of the identity of the microbiological agent or the susceptibility of the microorganism to antibiotic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick K. Chen, Raymond E. O'Bear
  • Patent number: 5900086
    Abstract: A process produces a tubular body with at least one dividing wall extending across its length and forming longitudinal chambers disposed next to each other. A foil strip is used whereby a dividing-wall strip or a section of dividing-wall strip is cut to length and is fastened at its lateral outer edges on the foil strip or section of the foil strip, with parallel alignment with the foil strip or section of foil strip. The lateral edges of the foil strip or section of foil strip are then joined with each other thereby either directly forming a tubular body or forming an endless tube, from which tubular bodies are then cut to length. The tube is then solidly joined with a tube head having a dividing bridge conforming to the arrangement of the dividing wall in the tubular body. The tube head has a dispensing aperture closable by a closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: AISA Automation Industrielle SA
    Inventor: Gerhard Keller
  • Patent number: 5879490
    Abstract: A canister including an elongated hollow plastic body having a wall with inner and outer surfaces, an edge portion on the wall defining an open end, an end on the edge portion extending transversely to the inner and outer surfaces, a porous plastic member having an outer edge portion extending across the open end and fused to the end, an inner portion on the porous plastic member located radially inwardly of the outer edge portion and extending into the body and fused to the inner surface of the wall adjacent the end thereof, and a gas-treating material in the body. A method of fabricating the above canister including the steps of applying pressure and vibratory welding energy to the porous member to thereby cause the member which was originally planar in shape to have its outer edge compressed against the end of the body and fused thereto and the central portion inwardly of the outer edge forced into the body and its outer edge fused to the inner surface of the body adjacent the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lora L. Berger
  • Patent number: 5873976
    Abstract: A sealing mechanism for sealing thermoplastic-coated container sealing fins, including a movable sealing jaw and an oppositely disposed fixed sealing jaw. The sealing jaws have parallel, dead-ended grooves formed in the sealing surface thereof, wherein two adjacent grooves cross each other in an X-configuration at their longitudinal mid-point. Engagement of the inter-groove lands against heated outer sealing panels causes the thermoplastic to become molten and flow to the X-configuration area. When cooled, the concentrated thermoplastic serves to seal off the crevice between adjacent folded-over, inner panel segments of the container sealing fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventor: Michael F. Showler
  • Patent number: 5858141
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a container with a cap and a seal member which is adhered to the neck. The seal member is inserted into the cap before the cap is applied to the neck by moving the cap in an axially downward direction relative to the neck to substantially seat the cap on the neck so that the cap cannot be removed without unscrewing the cap. The seal member is firmly held against the neck by the cap while the seal disc is adhered to the neck. In one modification, a pressure application applies a downward directed force to urge the cap against the neck while the seal disc is adhered to the neck. In another modification, the cap is tightened onto the neck at a fine adjustment station to eliminate gaps between the underside of the cap and the neck before the seal disc is adhered to the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Repp, Daniel Luch, Anna Absolom
  • Patent number: 5855707
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed automotive module is disclosed wherein a cover of the module is sealed to a housing of the module by vibration welding. A weld contact surface is defined between the cover and housing of the module when the cover and housing undergo relative reciprocating motion under the application of a force. A method for hermetically sealing a module is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Michael John Luettgen
  • Patent number: 5851346
    Abstract: The present invention fulfills the above stated needs, as well as others, by providing a automated container sealing apparatus that automatically removes seals from a backing and applies the seals to the container. The seals are pre-cut and have a size corresponding to the size of the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for sealing containers, the containers defined by a generally planar sealing surface and one or more receptacles, wherein each of the one or more receptacles include an opening coplanar with and defining corresponding openings in the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Hitch
  • Patent number: 5849142
    Abstract: An applicator for applying surface relief three-dimensional seals or medallions to containers which includes a rotatable transfer ring having a plurality of seal retaining receivers therein formed therein in which plungers are reciprocally mounted. A vaccuum header is associated with the ring so as to create reduced pressure in the receivers for removing seals from a carrier tape and retaining the seals within the receivers as the transfer ring is indexed to align the seals with containers being conveyed relative to the applicator. An activator is provided for urging the plungers from the receivers to thereby apply the seals retained therein against aligned containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Stoffel Seals Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Fuehrer, Erwin Ruegg
  • Patent number: 5840148
    Abstract: An improved identification marker and method of assembling the marker is provided, which includes the steps of providing a glass vial and filling the glass vial with a quick curing liquid to a predetermined volume corresponding to at least the volume wherein the unfilled volume of the vial is equal to the displacement volume of an IC circuit hybrid and antenna. The IC circuit hybrid and antenna are placed in the vial so as to be entirely enveloped by the liquid. A cap is placed on the vial and the liquid is cured. Preferably, the cap is an anti-migration cap so that when the transponder is implanted in an animal, it prevents the transponder from sliding out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bio Medic Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil E. Campbell, Donald J. Urbas
  • Patent number: 5833784
    Abstract: A canister including an elongated hollow plastic body having a wall with inner and outer surfaces, an edge portion on the wall defining an open end, an end on the edge portion extending transversely to the inner and outer surfaces, a porous plastic member having an outer edge portion extending across the open end and fused to the end, an inner portion on the porous plastic member located radially inwardly of the outer edge portion and extending into the body and fused to the inner surface of the wall adjacent the end thereof, and a gas-treating material in the body. A method of fabricating the above canister including the steps of applying pressure and vibratory welding energy to the porous member to thereby cause the member which was originally planar in shape to have its outer edge compressed against the end of the body and fused thereto and the central portion inwardly of the outer edge forced into the body and its outer edge fused to the inner surface of the body adjacent the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lora L. Berger
  • Patent number: 5833785
    Abstract: An injection molded plastic housing for, and method of enclosing, an electrical device including placing the device between a housing including a lid member and a base member and joining the lid member and the base member to each other and to a connector attached to the enclosed device. The lid member, base member and connector each may include a means for mating to promote their joining to form an assembled plastic housing with increased structural integrity. The lid member and base member join with the connector in a substantially overlapping relationship that results in a rigid and aesthetically pleasing housing which complies with standards for PC card style devices set by, for example, CFA, PCMCIA, JEDIC, ISO, etc. The inexpensive injection molded plastic material of the housing and the limited number of parts provides for an easily automated, economical method of enclosing electrical devices for use, for example, in computer peripheral and memory applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Great American Gumball Corporation
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 5800647
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and the passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5791120
    Abstract: A peripheral resilient seal, and seal and platen, the platen having a container tray receiving cavity and a peripheral groove around the cavity and receiving the seal. The seal has side ribs deformable upon insertion into the groove, and a shoulder extending beyond the groove to abut the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Oliver Products Company
    Inventor: Perry R. De Young
  • Patent number: 5783078
    Abstract: A filter assembly having a replaceable coalescing filter in which contaminants are separated from fuel, oil, or the like. The filter assembly has an outer housing that may be constructed from a cylindrical metal container and a top metal plate. A filter element is attached in a cantilever manner to the metal plate, by chemical bonding and/or mechanical locking, solely by way of an support member. The filter element is thus suspended from the plate leaving a clearance space between the bottom filter cap and the bottom of the filter container. No elements are disposed in the clearance space, thus maximizing the efficiency of the filter. The support member may be made of rubber or similar material suitable for sealing the inner and outer fuel chambers and for chemically bonding to the metal housing. The upper end cap of the filter element also may be chemically bonded to the element support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allen Roll, Willie Luther Stamey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5776303
    Abstract: An opening of a flexible container is closed by a pull-tab. The wall curves when the pull-tab is applied thereto. The pull-tab follows the curving wall in the curve direction. A device for applying the pull-tab to the wall and/or a device for adhering the pull-tab to the wall are so constructed that they adapt to the changing form of the curving wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Ruediger Haaga GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Stahlecker
  • Patent number: 5753071
    Abstract: A new method for making a filter module includes the steps of providing an adhesive dispensing implement and a support member having an annular flange. A filter medium is placed around the support member to form an intermediate assembly and the implement and the assembly are rotated relative to one another while applying adhesive to the medium and the flange, thereby securing the medium and the flange to one another. A related apparatus for making a filter module has a powered module support mechanism for rotating a filter module about an axis and an adhesive dispensing implement for applying adhesive to a rotating filter module. Preferably, the module support mechanism includes two parallel rotating bars for holding the module and the module assembly is rotated while holding the adhesive dispensing implement stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrel F. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5733398
    Abstract: An exchanger includes an outer casing having an inlet port and an outlet port for a first fluid, and an inlet port and an outlet port for a second fluid, and a bundle of hollow fibers located within the outer casing and being in flow communication with the inlet and outlet port for the second fluid. A central core is located in the outer casing and the bundle of fibers is arranged around the central core. The central core includes an inlet manifold connected to the first fluid inlet port, and an outlet manifold connected to the first fluid outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Carson, Robert E. Doty, Michael R. Hoglund, James D. Isaacson
  • Patent number: 5733452
    Abstract: A filter assembly is formed by fixing a porous layer to an end cap and sealing the end cap to a filter pack with a potting material. The potting material flows down, around and under the porous layer resulting in a robust mechanical seal upon curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Michael B. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 5725918
    Abstract: The present invention relates to multilayer materials for reforming into package containers with state of the art glues, which adequately protect moisture sensitive compounds and prevent the migration through the wall of greasy compounds. This material is particularly suitable for making containers for dry laundry and household cleaning compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Luigi Bonifaci
  • Patent number: 5716471
    Abstract: A method for securing a pour spout fitment to a thermoplastic-coated container, wherein at least a surface of a pour spout fitment is heated remotely by a suitable heating mechanism, to a predetermined temperature. When the heated fitment surface is applied to a selected surface of an erected, thermoplastic-coated container, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon cooling, the fitment and the container surface are bonded together, without the need for a back-up or support mechanism, such as a mandrel or anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventor: Leslie Pape
  • Patent number: 5714023
    Abstract: A method for sealing the open end of two compartment containers which are filled through an opening in the lower terminal end of each compartment. The method consists of placing a steel platen between the compartments at the lower end terminal edges of each compartment so that the terminal edges confront the opposing side faces of the platen. The lower terminal edges are then heated and a pair of dies are activated towards and away from one another to apply pressure to the lower terminal edges to seal the edges against the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Wheaton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Redfern
  • Patent number: 5695702
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module and its method of manufacture are disclosed wherein the module is fabricated utilizing superior hollow fiber materials, namely high molecular weight (i.e. molecular weight>500,000 Daltons) polymers. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow fibers are fabricated from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE). An array of UPE hollow fiber membranes is contacted with an extrusion of molten thermoplastic polymer at a contact temperature which is higher than the UPE membrane polymer. This high temperature application of sealing polymer does not collapse or otherwise deform the lumen of the hollow fiber, while assuring that the polymer can thus be applied with sufficiently low viscosity to provide adequate penetration around the individual fibers of the array to form an integral seal thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: J. Karl Niermeyer
  • Patent number: 5690764
    Abstract: A collapsible tube package having a reclosable closure comprises a tubular body having a first open end and a second open end. It also comprises a tube head having an outer shoulder surface and a perimeter edge. The tube head is located just inside the first open end of the tubular body such that a continuous wall portion of the tubular body extends longitudinally beyond the perimeter edge of the tube head. The continuous wall portion is swaged against and ultrasonically welded to the outer shoulder surface. The second open end of the tubular body is flattened and sealed closed. The tube head has an energy concentration ring melted into a sealing interface between the continuous wall portion and the outer shoulder surface, and the tubular body and the tube head comprise just two individual parts made of weldable, non-polar plastics having no metal laminates and metal particles therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: William P. Dirksing, Dana P. Gruenbacher
  • Patent number: 5690765
    Abstract: A filter includes a cylindrical filter element having a longitudinal axis, first and second end surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal pleats. Each of the pleats has a pair of legs with first and second surfaces. The pleats are in a laid-over state in which the first surface of each leg is in intimate contact with the first surface of an adjoining leg and the second surface of each leg is in intimate contact with the second surface of an adjoining leg over substantially the entire height of each leg and over a continuous region extending for at least approximately 50% of the axial length of the filter element. An impervious end cap is connected to the first end surface of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Stoyell, Kenneth M. Williamson, Scott D. Hopkins, Stephen A. Geibel, Terry L. Wolff
  • Patent number: 5690226
    Abstract: A sealed airtight container and a method for forming the same produces an increased resistance between the seal and a flange on the container to pressure differences between the inside of the container and the outside environment. The container includes a body having a hollow interior with sidewalls, a bottom, and having a planar opening at one end. The opening in the hollow interior is surrounded by an outwardly extending flange. A multi-layer peelable cover is sealed to the flange surrounding the opening. The cover and the flange are deformed towards the bottom of the container from the plane of the opening to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Benoist Girard
    Inventor: Hugues N'Guyen
  • Patent number: 5688544
    Abstract: A container for packaging a particulate product under pressure or vacuum conditions with an easy opening closure structure which allows venting prior to uncovering of the product opening. In one form, an easy peel flexible lid covers a shelf area and a product opening in the top of the can. Peeling back the lid first uncovers the vent opening, permitting the flow of gases but preventing the flow of particulate product, and then uncovers the product opening. Alternatively, the closure structure may be formed by multiple layers of a flexible material, the lower layer of which has the vent opening which is uncovered by peeling back the top layer, after which the product opening is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart L. Bolton, Michael E. Delonis
  • Patent number: 5670002
    Abstract: A container comprises an opening whose cut edge is covered by a protective covering layer. The protective covering layer is formed to have a tube-shaped area in which a plane area is joined to both ends. The tube-shaped area covers the cut edge of the opening. One plane area adheres to the container inner surface, and the other plane area adheres to the container outer surface. The protective covering layer is made from a single foil piece which is applied to the container wall comprising the opening and thereafter shaped into its form. At least one of the plane areas is thus formed and adhered to the container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Ruediger Haaga GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Stahlecker, Berthold Mueller
  • Patent number: 5665189
    Abstract: A process for reconditioning a standardized tight head drum for re-use as either a tight-head drum or a wide-neck drum. The standardized tight head drum has an upper head drum welded to the drum body at a seam. This drum is reconditioned by separating the upper drum head from the drum along a cut line at a location below the seam. The cut edge is smoothed and sized and the interior of the drum is cleaned. For re-use as a tight head drum, an upper head having a fill plug and a vent plug is welded onto the cut edge of the drum. For re-use as a wide-neck drum, a neck ring is welded onto the cut edge and a wide-neck drum cover is placed on the neck ring. The reconditioned tight head and wide-neck drums have the same nominal volume and the same height and diameter dimensions as the tight head drum prior to reconditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Schutz-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Udo Schutz
  • Patent number: 5656112
    Abstract: A synthetic resin container including a mouthpiece sealed by a closure is to be used for medical drip infusion or the like. The closure has a tight-sealing synthetic resin stopper, and a leakage preventing rubber stopper for preventing liquid leakage when the closure is pierced by a needle or the like. The mouthpiece of the synthetic resin container is sealed by the closure according to a method including providing a concave portion and/or a convex portion having a cross-section shaped in a wedge or the like at one or both of the upper portions of the mouthpiece and the tight-sealing synthetic resin stopper in order to impart provided thermal conductivity. The synthetic resin stopper is inserted into the mouthpiece and the rubber stopper is inserted into the synthetic resin stopper. The upper portions of the mouthpiece and the synthetic resin stopper are covered with a metallic mouthpiece forming cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Nihee Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5653831
    Abstract: A new method for making a filter module includes the steps of providing an adhesive dispensing implement and a support member having an annular flange. A filter medium is placed around the support member to form an intermediate assembly and the implement and the assembly are rotated relative to one another while applying adhesive to the medium and the flange, thereby securing the medium and the flange to one another. A related apparatus for making a filter module has a powered module support mechanism for rotating a filter module about an axis and an adhesive dispensing implement for applying adhesive to a rotating filter module. Preferably, the module support mechanism includes two parallel rotating bars for holding the module and the module assembly is rotated while holding the adhesive dispensing implement stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrel F. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5647950
    Abstract: The filter assembly includes a filter element having an end surface and an end cap connected to the end surface by spin welding. The end cap has an outer diameter that need be no larger than the outer diameter of the end surface of the filter element. Prior to spin welding, the end cap may have a surface with a sacrificial ridge extending from the surface. The end cap is spin welded to the end surface of the filter element by rotating the filter element and the end cap with respect to one another while contacting the sacrificial ridge with the end surface of the filter element, melting the sacrificial ridge by the contact with the filter element to form a molten plastic, and joining the surface of the end cap to the end surface of the filter element with the molten plastic. Also disclosed is a method of spin welding a filter pack to an end cap without a sacrificial ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Clayton L. Reed, John E. Ryan, Jr., Bruce R. Germain
  • Patent number: 5645673
    Abstract: Forming a green multi-layer component with an embedded pattern of barrier material, which may be in the form of a positive pattern to form a recessed area or in the form of a negative pattern to form raised areas on the component. Peripheral channels are machined into the green laminate surface to outline each negative or positive pattern feature, the channels being cut deep and wide enough to contact and overlap the edges of the barrier material. The layer of barrier material and the overlying layer(s) of ceramic material are separated from the remainder of the component to produce a non-planar part having raised areas in the case of a negative pattern of barrier material or a part having recessed areas in the case of a positive pattern of barrier material. An apparatus and process to control the machining depth of cut using both AC and DC sensing techniques is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Vito Fasano, Mark J. LaPlante, David Clifford Long, Keith Colin O'Neil, Brenda Lee Peterson, Glenn A. Pomerantz, Timothy Titus Popp
  • Patent number: 5643634
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of glass in order to improve the adhesion of a polymer to the glass, wherein the process involves depositing a metal oxide layer on a surface of the glass article, anddepositing a soluble aluminum salt layer on at least a portion of the metal oxide layer wherein the portion of the metal oxide layer is the portion to which the polymer is desired to adhere,the glass article produced from the process and an apparatus for performing the process,wherein the process provides excellent adhesion between the glass and a polymeric seal used in heat sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Emballage
    Inventor: Frederic Mertz
  • Patent number: 5641367
    Abstract: A gasket-cover assembly for use as a closure for an electrochemical cell which is produced by a process in which an extended wall of the cover is ultrasonically forced into a flange of a gasket such that the flange of the gasket makes a "U" shaped enclosure about the bottom wall of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company
    Inventor: James George Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 5641084
    Abstract: The present invention is a tamper evident container sealing system for sealing a cap to a container. The system includes a shrink band, shrinkable at a shrink temperature, positioned about the cap and container circumferentially, a colorant bonded to the shrink band and an adhesive bonded to the colorant. The adhesive is thermally activatable at the shrink temperature. The adhesive is in contact with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: The Pillsbury Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Rice
  • Patent number: 5629060
    Abstract: A method of sealing a peelable lid (7) to a package is disclosed. The package contains a base (1) and a potentially rupturable flexible web (5) of plastics material covering the base (1) which together define a sealed space therebetween. The lid (7) is in turn sealed above the flexible web (5). The method comprises the steps of: 1) placing a lid (7) over a thin flexible web (5); 2) sealing the lid (7) to the thin flexible web (5) over the base (1) with a strip like seal (13) which extends around the perimeter of the space so the lid (7) will be sealed at the same region as the thin flexible web (5) is sealed to the base (1). The sealing is achieved by a thermosealing process which provides a temperature gradient across the width provides the seal (13) with a peelable adhesion gradient across its width so that when the lid (7) is stripped from the package, it will be unlikely to rupture the thin flexible web (5). A package made by the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Seawell North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. M. Garwood
  • Patent number: 5624528
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a spout to a planar portion of an article, such as a milk or juice carton, which may be integrated into conventional carton forming and filling machines, includes a heater for heating a stem of a spout, a bonding application site for applying a bonding agent to a flange on the spout, a positioning device for positioning the spout in a predetermined relation to a spout applicator, a positioning device to position a carton with a hole provided in a predetermined relation to the spout applicator and for attaching the spout to the carton at the position where the heated stem is deformed to mechanically engage the carton of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Tetra Rex Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Abrams, Joseph H. Miller
  • Patent number: 5623816
    Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Edwards, Richard W. Abrams, William E. Holley, Borge P. Gundersen, Thomas C. Ravn
  • Patent number: 5622274
    Abstract: A closure is intended for use on a container having an opening defined by a rim portion and a finish including a ledge situated below the rim portion. The closure includes a central body portion sized to cover the container opening and a peripheral portion adapted to contact the rim portion of the container. A plurality of tabs are unitarily fixed to the peripheral portion, each tab including a tang adapted to engage the ledge of the container finish. Each tab also includes a thinned, stressed portion between the tang and the rim portion which is reactive to an application of heat to cause shortening of the tab length. The thinned portion also acts as a hinge to permit flexural displacement of the tab with respect to the body portion. The closure when applied to a container is completed by a band which encompasses the tabs, the band also being reactive to an application of heat to cause contraction of the band to insure continued engagement between the ledge and tangs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Electra Form, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Bright
  • Patent number: 5603787
    Abstract: A plastic container for pourable liquids such as detergents has a drain back feature and has an internal thread for receiving an externally threaded cap which also serves as a measuring cup for the liquid. The container is formed in two pieces, a container body and a separately formed pour spout component which is assembled to the container finish preferably by ultrasonic welding. In preferred embodiments a lip of the pour spout component is pressed and welded down onto an annular top surface of the container finish, or down into an annular recess on the container finish. The ultrasonic welding operation is accompanied by motion and pressure, simultaneously deforming and welding the top edge of the pour spout component wall down onto the container finish, so that the connection forms a liquid tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Innovative Molding, Inc.
    Inventor: Grahame W. Reid
  • Patent number: 5597428
    Abstract: A method for and an apparatus of sealing containers are disclosed. Before causing thermal fusion of a thermoplastic resin sheet or film and a flange of a container, the flange and thermoplastic resin sheet or film and the flange are pre-heated by respective container and sheet material pre-heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Matsumoto, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Kouzaburo Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 5582665
    Abstract: A plate having wells therein for receiving chemical substances is provided with a coverplate covering said filled wells. The process for sealing the wells by providing a joining seam running around the wells provides the joining seam such that it has a profiled cross-section in order to increase the contact surface between the plate and the coverplate. To this end a welding die has a front surface provided with projecting profiled regions and being heated to a temperature in the region of the melting point of the coverplate. The welding die is placed on the coverplate means and remains there for a fixed first period. Then the welding die is pressed down through a fixed path and remains in this position for a fixed second period. Removing the welding die from the coverplate is the last step in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventors: Manfred Eigen, Wolfgang Simm
  • Patent number: 5580456
    Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for installing a filter sleeve in filtration apparatus is provided. In its basic form, the present invention uses a filter sleeve with a pre-installed end cap bonded to at least one of its ends. Through use of a bonding process such as sonic welding, the end cap and filter sleeve form a tight seal with one another which is durable and quite resistant to leakage. The end cap can be provided with receptacles to allow for ready interface with existing filtration apparatus, eliminating presently utilized mounting procedures which can be ineffective, burdensome, and time consuming. Additionally, improved method is also provided for securely sealing the opposite end of the filter sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Bowlsbey
  • Patent number: 5570818
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing assembly and method of construction for a push-pull type valve having a sealing mechanism which resists undesirable dislodgement or leakage such as encountered during transport. The push-pull valve for a container or bottle is equipped with a security seal or connection plug formed between the inner stem and the outer sleeve which preventing any relative movement between the inner and the outer sleeve during transport, is easily fracturable through deliberate actuation by the user rotating the inner stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Propak-California Corp.
    Inventor: Bernard Strong
  • Patent number: 5569143
    Abstract: A workstation for use with a turret type cup making machine is disclosed. The workstation is designed for sealing and finishing the bottom regions of paperboard style cups. A finishing wheel is mounted to a pair of nested housings that are configured to move the finishing wheel in a radially outward direction when one housing is rotated with respect to the other. Thus, the finishing wheel is moved longitudinally into the recessed bottom of a cup and then one housing is rotated with respect to the other forcing the finishing wheel radially outwardly until it contacts the bottom of the cup including portions of the sidewall blank and the bottom blank. This radial movement squeezes the cup bottom between the finishing wheel and an annular abutment wall. Meanwhile, the housings and finishing wheel are rotated together to drive the finishing wheel about the perimeter of the cup bottom to squeeze and seal the sidewall blank to the bottom blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Paper Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Daryl R. Konzal
  • Patent number: 5568684
    Abstract: An electronic device (12, 13) is substantially enclosed by a fluid encapsulant (17). The fluid encapsulant consists essentially of a silicone resin and a catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum and tin. The silicone resin is selected from the group consisting of polydimethlysiloxane, polymethylphenylsiloxane, polydimethyldiphenylsiloxane, and mixtures thereof. Such silicone resins comprise molecules terminating in vinyl components and hydride components. The molar ratio of vinyl components to hydride components is maintained within the range of five to twenty. As will be explained more fully later, this ratio of vinyl components to hydride components assures that the resin will remain substantially a liquid even after cure, due to limited cross-linking or polymerization during the cure. The electronic device is contained within a container (16) having a sealed cover (18) for containing the liquid encapsulant during the operation of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Ping Wong
  • Patent number: 5562799
    Abstract: A lid sealing apparatus (30) and method for induction heat sealing a heat-sealable lid (15) to a can body (21). The lid sealing apparatus (30) includes a first conveyor assembly (34) having a plurality of independent, transversely mounted side-by-side support shoes (35) of relative rigidity collectively cooperating to define a segmented first surface (36) for supporting and moving the can (21) along a pathway. A second conveyor assembly (37) is oriented adjacent to the first conveyor assembly (34) and includes a relatively rigid second surface (40) in opposed moving relation to the first surface (36). A plurality of individual spring suspension mechanisms (43) are operably mounted to the frame (33) and provide moving support to each support shoe (35) as it moves along the pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Del Monte Corporation
    Inventors: Edward E. Ross, Terry D. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 5556494
    Abstract: For producing the bunghole barrel (1) utilized as a multiple-trip barrel, a continuously extending heating tool is placed under pressure on the border (18) of the barrel body (2) from above, and a bunghole lid (6) with an annular extension (23) molded onto the underside of the lid flange (17) and coaxial to the lid axis is placed under pressure on the heating tool. After a heating-up period for superficially melting the annular extension (23) on the lid flange (17) and a continuous annular bead (26) molded to the barrel border (18), the lid (6) and the heating tool are lifted off. Subsequently, the lid (6) is placed with the annular extension (23) under pressure and pretensioning of the lid gasket (16) on the barrel border (18) in such a way that the annular extension (23) on the lid flange (17) is welded to the annular bead (26) on the barrel border (18) to form an annular sealing web (20) joining the lid flange (17) and the barrel border (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Udo Schutz