Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to an automated packaging apparatus, system and method that packages loose particles into a conical container as well as the final folded packages. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied to successive paper cones. The apparatus uses a packing method to accurately fill the cones, pack the crumbled leaves into the cones, and close the wide top portion of the cone into a precise shape.

Abstract: A packaging container for holding contents such as fresh food. The container comprises a tray having a flange, a pre-formed scaling ring and a flexible film for sealing in the contents of the tray. The sealing ring is made from fiber, filament or tape (“FFT”) that is shaped into a shape that matches the shape of the tray flange. The sealing ring is adhered to the tray flange by heat welding or other means and the flexible film is adhered to the sealing ring.

Abstract: A treatment segment for printing on containers includes a coupling section for securing the treatment segment on a revolving and drivable transport element such that the treatment segment can be exchanged. The treatment segment has either a retention-and-centering unit for securing a container on the treatment segment or a receiver for retaining and releasing a retention-and-centering unit. The coupling section is a component of a support structure that runs, at least in sections, in an interior of the treatment segment enclosed by a housing. The housing is retained, at least indirectly, on the support structure.

Abstract: Packaging containers (e.g., cups) or protective wraps may be made with two layers of sheet material and an expanded thermal insulation between the layers. The thermal insulation may be made from microencapsulated, heat-expandable particles that are expanded with a microwave heater at some point during processing substrate, building, conveying or packaging the containers. The particles may be applied to blanks formed from die cutting, expanded by heating, and then tampered. The blanks may be outer wraps to a double wall cup, formed by placing and adhering an inner cup to the outer wrap. Alternatively, an adhesive containing the particles are applied to inner cups, which may be adhered to outer wraps to complete formation of the double wall cups. The cups may then be heated with a microwave heater at a subsequent workstation as the cups are conveyed, stacked, placed in bags, the bags in cartons and the cartons stacked and palletized.

Abstract: End-to-end joining of sleeves. A first glue strand is applied to the end joint surface of one of the sleeves, the first glue strand having properties that cause an immediate fixing of the end joint surfaces of the sleeves. A second glue strand is applied to the end joint surface of one of the sleeves, the second glue strand having properties that causing wetting of the sleeve material in the joint surface and its immediate vicinity. The end joint surface of a first one of the sleeves is positioned against the end joint surface of a second one of the sleeves so that the first glue strand causes an immediate fixing of the end joint surfaces, and the second glue strand is allowed to set. The apparatus includes alignment devices for positioning the sleeves adjacent glue nozzles and for positioning the sleeves in end-to-end contact.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a packaging apparatus (10) for producing packages of variable lengths from rolls of plastic film wherein the apparatus produces packages to be accessed at a first, or front, end (22) of the apparatus (10) and the apparatus may be serviced from a second, or rear, end (24) of the apparatus. The apparatus (10) comprises a frame (12) wherein a plurality of packaging devices, two being shown, (14, 16) are slidably mounted on a sliding roller mounting mechanism (18, 20). Each packaging device (14, 16) can be pulled backwards from the frame (12) along a sliding roller mounting mechanism (18, 20) such that each packaging device (14, 16) may be serviced at the rear of the frame (12) without interfering with the operation of the other packaging devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for lubricating and curling a rim of a paperboard container includes a housing block defining a central recess sized and configured to accept therein a rim of a paperboard container to be curled. An annular curling channel is disposed in the recess for curling the rim of the paperboard container in response to relative advancing movement between the paperboard container and the housing block. The housing block also defines an annular liquid channel concentrically disposed in surrounding relationship to the annular curling channel for distributing lubricating liquid. A porous liquid transfer ring is attached to the housing block in covering relationship to the annular liquid channel so that lubricating liquid supplied to the liquid channel comes into contact with the liquid transfer ring. The liquid transfer ring includes a circular edge surface which defines a central opening such that the liquid transfer ring extends at least partially over the curling channel.

Abstract: A paperboard container and method of forming such container having a rolled brim is disclosed. The container being formed of a paperboard material having a caliper of at least approximately 0.007 inches, a rolled brim arc length of less than about 0.25 inches, an outer radius of curvature of the container cut through the plane normal to the axis of the rolled brim arc length adjacent the rolled brim being less than approximately 1.5 inches with the paperboard material forming the container having at least approximately 8 lbs/3,000 ft.sup.2 ream of size press adhesive included therein and preferably approximately 13 lbs/3,000 ft.sup.2 ream of paperboard material. One particular container includes dimensions wherein the outer radius of curvature of the container cut through the plane normal to the axis of the rolled brim arc length adjacent the rolled brim is approximately 1.

Abstract: A heat-insulating paper container comprising a body member and a bottom panel member, part of the outer surface of said body member being provided with printing of an organic solvent based ink, wherein a thick foamed heat-insulating layer that is made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin film is formed in the printed area of said outer surface whereas a less thick foamed heat-insulating layer that is made of the same thermoplastic synthetic resin film is formed in the non-printed area of said outer surface. If desired, part of the thermoplastic synthetic resin film may be adapted to remain totally unfoamed.

Abstract: Containers and a method for forming such containers having larger brims with reduced brim curl defects is disclosed including providing a plurality of container blanks for forming containers, forming a plurality of container shells from the plurality of blanks, accumulating the plurality of container shells at an accumulation station, subjecting at least an upper periphery of the shells to a humid atmosphere to precondition the shells with the atmosphere preferably including steam, successively removing the shells from the accumulator and subsequently forming a brim curl about an upper periphery of the shell with the shells being subject to the humid atmosphere for a predetermined time period sufficient to form defect-free brim curls by extending the forming strain limits of the paperboard material. This method being carried out by using an accumulator for accumulating the container shells for further processing.

Abstract: To change the surface tension of cup-like containers by means of corona treatment, the containers are placed on a mandrel and are moved by drive wheels in such a way that the cup-like container is caused to roll off on the mandrel with the inside of the wall. Via an electrode the discharge current is supplied across the discharge gap to the cup-like container and it is removed via the mandrel, which is connected as counter-electrode. To avoid a discharge gap on the inside of the wall, the mandrel has connected to it a guide shoe which always applies against the inside of the wall.

Abstract: A method of making cups includes forming blanks of a cup sidewall portion, lubricating the upper inside edge of the cup prior to forming the same into a substantially frusto-conical configuration by sealing its opposite edges and the application of tools which curl and then roll the upper edge of the sidewall portion to form the cup rim. The lubricant is applied to the sidewall blank by means of an applicator consisting of an arcuate wick secured between a pair of mounting plates which move the wick into engagement with each blank between the die cutter and the cup forming stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided whereby a generally tubular container is formed on a mandrel with an end member being sealed to the container sidewall to form an open-topped container. The open-topped container is subsequently conveyed through one or more finishing stations for appropriate finishing of the container's open end in order to ready the container for filling and acceptance of a closure. As the open ended container is conveyed incrementally to and received at one or more finishing stations, the bottom of the container is gripped while appropriate modifications are made to the top burner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided whereby a generally tubular container is formed on a mandrel with an end member being sealed to the container sidewall to form an open-topped container. The open-topped container is subsequently conveyed through one or more finishing stations for appropriate finishing of the container's open end in order to ready the container for filling and acceptance of a closure. As the open ended container is conveyed incrementally to and received at one or more finishing stations, the bottom of the container is gripped while appropriate modifications are made to the top burner.

Abstract: Forming electric field in and out of the vertical overlap portion, bottom peripheral joint portion and top peripheral rolled portion of a paper cup of paper or like material lined with a laminate, supplying charged powder particles in the space of said formed electric field to powder coating on said portions and with subsequent heat treatment, sealing layers are formed on said portions to become water tight; providing outside electrodes at the outside of said vertical overlap portion and folded portions and providing opposed electrodes in the inside of the paper container, providing a powder supplying means for blowing powder to said sealed portions and masking means for masking the portions not powder coated to securely seal said vertical overlap portion and folded portions.