By Reciprocatory Heat Sealer Patents (Class 493/209)
  • Patent number: 10807747
    Abstract: The method for packaging articles provides to form a tubular wrapping of thermosealable sheet material inside which the articles to be packaged are prearranged, regularly distanced, and to feed said tubular wrapping to a cut station at which grip means, suitable to grasp in succession said articles, operate. The transverse cut of the tubular wrapping is performed in suitable step relationship in the section upstream the article grasped by said grip means and the prepackaged article is transferred to a closure rotatable head for closing the package, rotatable at a plurality of operative stations. In a first operative station the bellows folding of the open ends of the portion of tubular wrapping containing the article is performed. Successively, the sealing of said bellows folded ends of the wrapping is performed to obtain the airtight closure of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: AZIONARIA CONSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 8555946
    Abstract: Disclosed is a apparatus for manufacturing pole-piece pockets, comprising a framework, an pole-piece supplying assembly, an pole-piece transporting and regulating assembly, a vertically thermal-welding assembly, a transversely thermal-welding assembly, a film clamping and drawing assembly, and a film cutting assembly for cutting the films. The vertically thermal-welding assembly comprises a press welding cutter having two blades for simultaneously welding the two lateral edges of the pole-piece pocket. The transversely thermal-welding assembly comprises a first thermal welding cutter for welding the base of the pole-piece pocket and a second thermal welding cutter for welding the opening of the pole-piece pocket. The press welding cutter has two blades so that the two lateral edges of a pole-piece pocket can be welded in just one welding operation. Thus, the parallelity and welding consistency of the welding joints can be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Geesun Automation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chenghua Luo, Rukun Yang
  • Patent number: 8458993
    Abstract: Various device embodiments include first and second plate assemblies. Each plate assembly includes a base, a seal plate, one or more air bladders and a servo motor to provide a linear motion of the seal plate with respect to the base. The device further includes at least one plate assembly motor operably linked to the bases of the plate assemblies to provide a linear motion of the first and second plate assemblies toward each other to perform a sealing operation and away from each other. The device further includes a controller connected to the at least one plate assembly motor and to the first and second servo motors to coordinate the motion of the first and second seal plates to perform a seal operation on a web while traveling with the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schiebout, Jeffrey T. Bruin
  • Patent number: 8349107
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to a method for creating a force for a welding jaw of a vertical tubular bag machine. The welding jaw is moved back and forth along a path to strike a second welding jaw moving in the opposite direction. A tubular film is compressed between the second jaw and at least one sealing surface of the welding jaws, to weld the tubular film by ultrasonic vibrations applied thereto via the sealing surface at an applied pressure under a sealing force (Fs) within a sealing time (ts). The sealing force (Fs) is predetermined by a control unit such that the sealing force (Fs) runs along a sealing force curve within the sealing time (ts). The sealing force curve has a first relative sealing force maximum (Fs1) and at least one second relative sealing force maximum (Fs2), wherein (Fs1) is lower than (Fs2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rovema GmbH
    Inventors: Sepp Lachenmaier, Harald Braun, Erhard Lutz
  • Patent number: 8308881
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating a welding force and/or a welding pressure for a welding jaw, in particular a welding jaw of a cross-sealing station of a vertical tubular bag machine, in which the sealing force or a sealing parameter, which correlates with the sealing force, in particular the sealing pressure or the drive power of the drive, is predetermined by a control unit during the sealing time, such that the sealing force runs along a sealing force curve within the sealing time, such that the sealing force curve has a first relative sealing force maximum with a sealing force and at least one second relative sealing force maximum with a sealing force, such that the sealing force at the first sealing force maximum is higher than the sealing force at the second sealing force maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rovema GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Dersch, Roland Kuhn, Erhard Lutz
  • Patent number: 8281839
    Abstract: A coupled portion of mutual laminate films sufficiently contributes to the formation of a packaging bag in that the coupled portion itself has excellent air tightness and liquid tightness. The tensile strength required for the laminate film is given to the coupled portion, whereby a temporary stop of a packaging apparatus is useless when a connecting portion of the laminate film is passed through the apparatus, thereby enhancing the operation efficiency and improving the yield of the material. Oriented base film layers are joined in a mitre form at the coupled portion between a rear end portion and a front end portion of laminate films comprising oriented base film layers and sealant layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Taisei Lamick Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Futase
  • Patent number: 8171702
    Abstract: Various device embodiments include first and second plate assemblies. Each plate assembly includes a base, a seal plate, one or more air bladders and a servo motor to provide a linear motion of the seal plate with respect to the base. The device further includes at least one plate assembly motor operably linked to the bases of the plate assemblies to provide a linear motion of the first and second plate assemblies toward each other to perform a sealing operation and away from each other. The device further includes a controller connected to the at least one plate assembly motor and to the first and second servo motors to coordinate the motion of the first and second seal plates to perform a seal operation on a web while traveling with the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schiebout, Jeffrey T. Bruin
  • Publication number: 20110207589
    Abstract: A pouch machine includes an infeed section, a sealing section, and an outfeed section. The infeed section provides a pouch or laminate to the sealing section, and the outfeed section receives the sealed pouch from the infeed section. The sealing section includes at least one sealer that has a sealing fixture disposed to move in a first direction toward and away from a sealing position. A linear actuator is mounted to provide a controlled motion in a second direction, that is not the first direction. A linkage is connected between the linear actuator and the sealing fixture. The linkage translates the controlled motion of the actuator into controlled motion of the sealer. The linkage preferably multiplies force when the sealer is in the sealing position, and multiplies distance/velocity when the sealer is retracted. The sealing fixture preferably includes a die backing member and a sealing die. The die backing member has at least one clip mounted on it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Moran, Peter T. Hunnicut
  • Patent number: 7958924
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a weld seam on a foil bag with an ultrasonic hammer and an anvil, preferably with a weld side directed towards the ultrasonic hammer, the weld side having a long projection, so that the foil material of the foil bag can be clamped between the projection and the ultrasonic hammer. Preferably, the projection has at least one depression running parallel to the projection. The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus for producing weld seams on foil bags, wherein more than one of the above apparatuses are arranged next to one another and can be activated synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: INDAG Gesellschaft für Industrisbedarf mbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft
  • Patent number: 7896794
    Abstract: A first hanger and a second hanger are disposed on a working platform according to a hanging manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an air enclosure, in which the first hanger is constituted by a first hanging frame and a plurality of first supporting arms and used for hanging a first hot sealing mold, the first hanging frame drives the first hot sealing mold on the plurality of first supporting arms to hot-seal an air cylinder film sheet while being moved to form a plurality of nodes on the air cylinder film sheet, and the second hanger is constituted by a second hanging frame and a plurality of second supporting arms and used for hanging a second hot sealing mold, the second hanging frame drives the second hot sealing mold on the plurality of second supporting arms to hot-seal the air cylinder film sheet while being moved to form a plurality of air cylinders on the air cylinder film sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Chieh Hua Liao, Yaw Shin Liao, Yao Chuan Liao
  • Patent number: 7775018
    Abstract: Various device embodiments include first and second plate assemblies. Each plate assembly includes a base, a seal plate, one or more air bladders and a servo motor to provide a linear motion of the seal plate with respect to the base. The device further includes at least one plate assembly motor operably linked to the bases of the plate assemblies to provide a linear motion of the first and second plate assemblies toward each other to perform a sealing operation and away from each other. The device further includes a controller connected to the at least one plate assembly motor and to the first and second servo motors to coordinate the motion of the first and second seal plates to perform a seal operation on a web while traveling with the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schiebout, Jeffrey T. Bruin
  • Patent number: 7744516
    Abstract: A machine for the production of bags made of alveolar or foamed plastic material starting from at least one continuous web with superimposed flaps fed continuously to a heat-sealing assembly. The heat-sealing assembly is actuated according to a pendular motion in synchronism with continuous advance of the web, and is pre-arranged for carrying out, at the same time as heat-sealing, half-cuts on the web, which is then folded in concertina fashion by means of a lapper assembly at output from the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: OFFMAR S.r.l.
    Inventors: Emiliano Matta, Luigi Matta
  • Patent number: 7731645
    Abstract: The preset invention relates to a method, use of the method and a device for making a seal in a portion of a material web. The material web includes a first elongate section with a first number of layers of material and a second elongate section with a second number of layers of material, at least one of the layers of material being included in both the first and the second section, the portion having an extent that intersects a transition from the first section to the second section of the material web, the method including connecting, in the portion, opposite surfaces of the layers of material of the material web to each other. The method including forming ridges and valleys in the portion, and orienting the ridges and valleys in such a manner that they have an extent intersecting the transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Eco Lean Research & Development A/S
    Inventors: Per Gustavsson, Bengt Jönsson
  • Patent number: 7726103
    Abstract: A resilient backing member for use in cooperation with an impulse heating element comprises a resilient body having a longitudinal shoulder surface and a longitudinal intermittent raised edge protruding from the shoulder surface. The resilient backing member is for use in cooperation with an impulse heating element for sealing layers of thermoplastic film together and for either forming a sealed portion on the film, a rupturable portion on the film or severing the film. Accordingly, the resilient backing member can be used on a pouch filling machine to produce a string of sealed pouches connected by a rupturable portion or a sealed portion, and filled with flowable material without the use of a separate cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan J. Chapougnot
  • Patent number: 7665276
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for sealing a package. The apparatus comprises a sealing unit and an abutment between which a number of material layers are disposed to be clamped and sealed and fused together, wherein the abutment is connected to at least one elongate element which extends in a direction from the abutment towards and past the sealing unit, the elongate elements, beyond the sealing unit are disposed to be connected to at least one first operating element, and an operating unit is disposed to apply a force between the sealing unit and the first operating element so that these are moved in a direction away from one another and so that the abutment and the sealing unit are moved in a direction towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Anders Delén, Jan Svensson
  • Patent number: 7631473
    Abstract: A cutter-sealer (10) and a method (300) for cutting and sealing layers of film (70) together. The cutter-sealer (10) provides a heated blade (20), part of which moves through sheets of tautly held layers of film (70) into a slot defined by the seal pad (40). The blade's (20) motion is arrested by a set of blade shoulders (26) that press against the layers of film (70) for a period of time, thereby sealing the layers of film (70) together. The method (300) includes cutting layers of film (70) without liquefaction and sealing the newly cut edges of the layers of film (70) together, also without liquefaction of the layers of film (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas A. Nalle, III
  • Patent number: 7497065
    Abstract: Various device embodiments include first and second plate assemblies. Each plate assembly includes a base, a seal plate and a servo motor to provide a linear motion of the seal plate with respect to the base. The device farther includes at least one plate assembly motor operably linked to the bases of the plate assemblies to provide a linear motion of the first and second plate assemblies toward each other to perform a sealing operation and away from each other. The device further includes a controller connected to the at least one plate assembly motor and to the first and second servo motors to coordinate the motion of the first and second seal plates to perform a seal operation on a web while traveling with the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schiebout, Jeffrey T. Bruin
  • Patent number: 7404789
    Abstract: A machine (1) for making filter bags (4) of tetrahedral shape for infusion products comprises a revolving conveyor drum (15) driven by a first drive shaft (16) to feed a web (5) of filter paper along a path (P) on which there are positioned: a station (25) for feeding the filter paper web (5); a station (21) for feeding a succession of tags (6); a station (22) for feeding tie string (7) connecting the filter bags (4) to the respective tags (6); a station (23) for arranging the tie string (7) according to a defined pattern on the path (P); and a plurality of sealers (24) facing the path (P) to attach the tie string (7) and the tags (6) to the filter paper web (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Sauro Rivola, Giorgio Manaresi
  • Patent number: 7396321
    Abstract: A pouch packaging machine and method of selectively changing the orientation of a pouch packaging machine. The pouch packaging machine has at least one spool for holding at least one roll of packaging film material. The packaging film material advance through a press that joins the packaging film material together to form a pouch. The spools and press are supported on a common housing. The housing has a plurality of sides. Identical mounts are disposed on at least some of the sides of the housing. A base platform is provided. The mounts on the various sides of the housing are all configured to engage the base platform. This enables the housing of the pouch packaging machine to attach to the base platform in one of a multitude of possible orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Flanagan
  • Patent number: 7389623
    Abstract: The sealing apparatus comprises (a) a heat seal jaw, (b) a heat seal bar having two heaters arranged in parallel, being provided in a front edge of said heat seal jaw and having a working surface, (c) a counter jaw disposed oppositely to the heat seal jaw, (d) a counter rail provided to said counter jaw and having the working surface, (e) a drive means for advancing/retracting the heat seal jaw and counter jaw relatively, (f) a heating means for actuating the heaters while clamping a packaging material by the working surface of the heat seal bar and the working of the counter rail and, (g) a cutter section comprising of a cutter disposed at the position between the two heaters and a resilient counter cutter, and is characterized in that the counter cutter is held by a holding section provided on the working surface of the heat seal bar or the counter rail and projecting from the holding working surface. The seal apparatus can improve hygiene and the flap formation of the packaging container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Keiji Yano, Kozo Yoshida, Takashige Yano
  • Patent number: 7204794
    Abstract: A machine (1) for making filter bags (4) of tetrahedral shape for infusion products comprises a revolving conveyor drum (15) driven by a first drive shaft (16) to feed a web (5) of filter paper along a path (P) on which there are positioned: a station (25) for feeding the filter paper web (5); a station (21) for feeding a succession of tags (6); a station (22) for feeding tie string (7) connecting the filter bags (4) to the respective tags (6); a station (23) for arranging the tie string (7) according to a defined pattern on the path (P); and a plurality of sealers (24) facing the path (P) to attach the tie string (7) and the tags (6) to the filter paper web (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Sauro Rivola, Giorgio Manaresi
  • Patent number: 7174699
    Abstract: A combination sealing and cutting device comprising: an elongated anvil having an elongated slot therein; an elongated blade having a longitudinal aperture therein; a heating element in the longitudinal aperture; and an actuator mechanism for driving the blade toward and into the elongated slot to accomplish simultaneous sealing and cutting of overlying polymer films. According to various preferred embodiments, the combination sealing and cutting device further includes a pair of parallel flanges extending along both edges of the blade that serve to retain the blade; and film retaining beads along the longitudinal edges of the parallel flanges that serve to retain the plastic films being cut and sealed against the outer edges of the elongated slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bakery Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Eric Wyman, Thomas Pearce, Mark Manzi, Roland Lomerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7067037
    Abstract: A modular reciprocating heat seal jaw assembly is disclosed for sealing reclosable fastener strips to a web of thermoplastic film and for sealing the web of thermoplastic film into a series of reclosable bags. The jaw assembly includes first and second sealing jaws and means for slidably mounting the first and second sealing jaws on a first pair of parallel shafts near the lateral ends of the first and second sealing jaws in a horizontal configuration. A mechanical system is providing for selectively effecting reciprocal movement of the first and second sealing jaws together and apart as required. A modular frame is provided for supporting the first and second sealing jaws and the first and second pairs of parallel shafts and for maintaining the lateral and vertical position of the first and second sealing jaws as they are moved toward or away from each other. The modular frame and heat seal jaw assembly may be inserted into existing form-fill-seal machine to make them more efficient and accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Com-Pac International, Inc
    Inventors: Donald K. Wright, Christopher L. Pemberton, James K. Hankins
  • Patent number: 6871476
    Abstract: A heat sealing and cutting mechanism to form a heat seal and a cut across a tube of flexible packaging material includes a carrier to contact the tube. A pair of closely spaced heat sealing bands are disposed on the carrier and are energizable to form closely spaced heat seals across the tube when the carrier is in contact with the tube. The heat sealing bands are configured to define temperature gradients along the heat sealing bands. A cutting wire is also disposed on the carrier and is positioned between the heat sealing bands. The cutting wire is energizable to cut the tube when the carrier is in contact with the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Stefan Tobolka
  • Patent number: 6629917
    Abstract: A cross sealer for a plastic bag making machine includes a frame with an upper moveable seal bar unit and an opposed lower stationary seal bar unit. The movable unit is a lightweight construction seal beam. A rotating shaft spans the cross sealer and is connected by a plurality of eccentric linkages to the seal beam. The linkages moves a seal bar into sealing engagement across the width of the web to the seal bar unit constructed with a support beam and a seal bar connected to the beam. The seal bar unit is mounted as a substantially stationary unit during sealing and is supported by a plurality of air cylinder units for positioning from standby to an operating position. Each air cylinder unit includes an adjustable stop unit secured to the back of the cylinder unit and connected to the cylinder piston for adjusting the movement of the piston and thereby the operative sealing position of the stationary seal bar unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Amplas, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Vanden Langenberg, Giles R. Blaser
  • Patent number: 6564843
    Abstract: A fastener tape for use in the manufacture of reclosable plastic bags is provided. The fastener tape comprises an intermediate layer and a reclosable fastener profile thereon. The intermediate layer includes three layers of co-extruded plastic, with not more than 4% EVA as the outer two layers and HDPE as the middle layer. The intermediate layer is folded so as to bring portions of the intermediate layer into an opposing relationship. These opposing portions are then sealed together by a pair of seal bars. By carefully controlling the sealing temperature, a consistent peel seal is created between the opposing portions of the intermediate layer without the need for an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James Johnson, Daniel T. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6422987
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing recloseable bags (10). The recloseable opening (32) of the bags is surrounded by mutually opposite halves (20, 22) of a recloseable strip, these halves being firmly welded to mutually opposite bag walls (12, 14) and, at the ends, being welded to the two lateral longitudinal sealed seams (16) of the bag (10). The apparatus is characterized, on the one hand, by at least one inner sealing jaw (72) between the two bag walls (12, 14) in the crossover region of the longitudinal sealed seam (16) and recloseable strip (18), and, on the other hand, by at least one counter-jaw (82, 84) on the outside of a bag wall (12, 14). The counter-jaw is located opposite the inner sealing jaw (72) such that, between the inner sealing jaw (72) and the counter-jaw (82, 84), it is possible to position a bag wall (12, 14) by way of its crossover region and to press flat the relevant half (20, 22) of the recloseable strip (18) and weld the same to the bag wall (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmachinen GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Hamm
  • Patent number: 6422986
    Abstract: A cross sealer for a bag making machine includes a frame with an upper seal bar unit and a lower seal bar unit in aligned opposed relation. One is movable seal bar unit which includes a rigid support beam of a lightweight construction and a light weight seal bar connected to the beam by a plurality of adjustable stud units for adjusting the position of the seal bar. A rotating shaft spans the cross sealer and is connected by a plurality of eccentric linkages to the beam between side plates of the frame. The linkages support the beam and seal bar and transfers the sealing force onto the beam and bar for moving the bar into sealing engagement across the width of the web. The opposed seal bar unit is similarly constructed with a beam and a seal bar with the units interconnected by adjustable stud connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Amplas, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Claybaker, Thomas D. Driscoll, Giles R. Blaser
  • Patent number: 6416453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a “poly” bag machine and, more particularly, to mechanisms for operating the seal bar component of such machines. The machine according to the invention includes a mechanism for reciprocatingly raising and lowering the sealing bar in which the movement and position of the sealing bar are controlled by the drive shaft and are selectively adjustable by one or two separate servo-drives. A main link is coupled to a seal bar drive shaft for movement in direct response to its rotation. A second link is movably coupled to the main link. A servo-drive system including a servo motor or servo valve is coupled to the second link for adjusting the position of the second link with respect to the main link while the main link is moving in response to the rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ro-An Industries Corp.
    Inventors: John Simonetti, Peter Terranova
  • Patent number: 6210308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing apparatus for sealing foil material, the apparatus comprising a foil conveying means and a sealing means including a sealing head which has at least one sealing position for performing the foil sealing operation, an intermediate position in which the sealing head has a predetermined distance from the sealing position, and an inoperative position in which the sealing head has a second predetermined distance from the sealing position that is greater than the first distance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding sealing method which can be carried out with the sealing apparatus, wherein the sealing head is removed from the foil material to a first distance during the further transporation of the foil material and is removed from the foil material to a second greater distance when the foil sealing operation is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignees: Indag GmbH & Co., Betriebs-KG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft
  • Patent number: 6190296
    Abstract: In an apparatus for machining a material web by means of a sonotrode, the pressure force of the sonotrode is determined and is used as a control signal for the advance of the sonotrode, as a result of which the nip height is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ultraschalltechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gnad, Stefan Rau, Ulrich Vogler
  • Patent number: 6117059
    Abstract: The method of manufacturing a filtration bag for a liquid comprises placing two flexible thermoplastic sheets adapted to filter a liquid upon one another, and welding the sheets together along a desired seam line by vibration welding using tool means which forcibly engage the superposed sheets along the desired seam line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Besuyen, Richard K. Buckley, Eric J. Kuzniar, Sylvio J. Mainolfi
  • Patent number: 6027438
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a dip strip within a flexible pouch. The apparatus has a first advance means for advancing a predetermined length of the dip strip material and a punch means for punching a hole in the material. The apparatus has a second advance means for advancing the strips of the flexible pouch material and an insertion means for inserting the dip strip material between the strips of the flexible material. The apparatus also includes a side sealing means for sealing a plurality of lateral lines along the strips of the flexible material and a cross sealing means for sealing the dip strip material between the strips of the flexible material in the vicinity of the dip strip hole such that a transverse seal line is created and the flexible pouch is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Steven G. Frazier, Hsar Hmun, Steven Gosling, Michael Coo
  • Patent number: 5976300
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for connecting rounded members between planar members comprising the steps of providing a rounded member having an outer layer having a first melting temperature range and an inner layer concentrically disposed within the outer layer and having a second melting temperature range, the second melting temperature range being warmer than the first melting temperature range, providing a pair of opposed planar members, the planar members each having a melting temperature within the first melting temperature range, positioning an end portion of the rounded member between perimeter edges of the pair of planar members to define an interface area, applying pressure to the interface area to collapse the end portion of the rounded member to essentially a flattened position, applying sealing energy to the interface area to heat the rounded member to a temperature within the first melting temperature range but below the second melting temperature range, thereby forming a weld between
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Buchanan, Larry Rosenbaum, Sidney T. Smith
  • Patent number: 5964688
    Abstract: A seal bar assembly which includes a support structure (21), and at least a first seal bar segment (22) and a second seal bar segment (23) mounted substantially parallel to each other on the support structure. The seal bar segments define a gap (28) therebetween. Each seal bar segment has two ends, with mounting means (26) positioned proximate to each end of both the first and second seal bar segments for mounting the ends of the seal bar segments to the support structure. The mounting means are adapted to permit one or both ends of each seal bar segment to move toward or away from the support structure, but the mounting means do not permit the seal bar segments to significantly move transversely with respect to each other. In this manner, the seal bar segments remain substantially parallel to each other, and the gap between the seal bar segments is maintained substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: Clark M. Woody, Robert J. Nestle, Michael J. Staszak
  • Patent number: 5934048
    Abstract: A pouch and a method and apparatus for forming an easy open pouch in a form-fill-seal process is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first bar; a means for cutting, housed within the first bar, the means for cutting including a main cutting blade having two ends, and a tear notch blade attached to the main cutting blade between the ends of the main cutting blade, the tear notch blade disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the main cutting blade; a means for holding the means for cutting within the first bar; a second bar; and means for advancing the means for cutting from the first bar, and through the pouch material, and subsequently retracting the means for cutting from the pouch material, thereby severing the pouch material and cutting a tear notch in an upper transverse seal of a first pouch, and a lower transverse seal of a second pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Bouressa
  • Patent number: 5885411
    Abstract: Disclosed in this description is a shrink wrap machine in which the majority of the machine's major components are modularly, and therefore detachably attached. The shrink wrap machine uses a counterweight on its sealing arm to bias the position and damp the motion of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Melvin R. Latter
  • Patent number: 5865941
    Abstract: A device for sealing plastics films, particularly in batch packages (10) comprises a sealing jaw (32) and a sealing surface (33) thereon. In order to avoid the adhesion of residues of the film on the sealing jaw (32) or its sealing surface (34) during sealing of sealable plastics film in packaging technology, the sealing jaw (32) or sealing surface (33) is protected by a cover comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene (sold under the trademark TEFLON) strip (34). This TEFLON strip is so disposed and designed that it may be moved on from time to time relative to the sealing jaw (32) or sealing surface (33), so that unused areas of the TEFLON strip (34) pass into the sealing position to the required extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Burkhard Roesler
  • Patent number: 5830118
    Abstract: Longitudinally spaced pairs of laterally spaced openings are formed in a web of material prior to the web being folded into a pouch having a gusset bottom, the holes enabling the side panels of each pouch to be heat-sealed directly together at the side margins of the pouch and in the area of the gussets. To enable the lateral spacing between the openings of each pair to be easily changed and to enable the openings to be located extremely close to the longitudinal centerline of the web, the openings are formed by punches supported by separate punch frames which may be independently adjusted in a direction laterally of the web. The punch frames also are adjustable relative to one another in a direction longitudinally of the web in order to enable the machine to make pouches of various widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Klockner Bartelt, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5772565
    Abstract: A seal assembly for packaging machines facilitates the heat sealing of layers of material at the mouth of loaded bags. An operator may insert the layers of material between a pressure pad and a seal member positioned in a spaced position. Upon activation of a switch by the operator, an oscillating signal is applied to a solenoid to actuate movement of the pressure pad toward the seal member with a relatively soft force. An optical sensor senses when the pressure pad moves within a predetermined distance from the seal member and generates a sensor signal. In response to the sensor signal, a relatively constant voltage signal is applied to the solenoid to actuate movement of the pressure pad with a relatively high seal or clamping force to secure the layers of material against the seal member. The sensor signal also triggers energization of a heating element carried by the seal member to effectuate the heat seal between the layers of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. Weyandt
  • Patent number: 5713181
    Abstract: A gabled carton is set forth that is comprised of a top gabled portion, a bottom gabled portion and a bottom fin extending from the bottom gabled portion. The bottom fin has a distal seal extending lengthwise along the bottom fin at a location between the bottom gabled portion and an outer edge. There is also a proximal seal on the bottom fin and it extends lengthwise along the bottom fin at a location between the bottom gabled portion and the distal seal. There is a relieved area on a central portion of the proximal seal. Both of the seals extend lengthwise along the entire length of the bottom fin. The proximal seal is shallower than the distal seal. The relieved area extends above and below the proximal seal and is centered on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Giacomelli
  • Patent number: 5705026
    Abstract: This invention is a modular sealing machine. It is comprised of a base unit to which parts may be modularly added to customize the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Melvin R. Latter
  • Patent number: 5662575
    Abstract: A method for continuously forming bags comprising continuous steps of heat-sealing a continuous tubular plastic film, such as a continuously formed inflation tube or the like, widthwise at given positions thereof while the tubular film is being conveyed, cutting sequentially the tubular film along the heat-seals into bag-shaped containers, and conveying the tubular film over a set distance to a following step while the heat-seals of the heat-sealed tubular film being press-held and cooled. Also the present invention relates to an apparatus for continuously forming bags for heat-sealing a continuous tubular plastic film, such as a continuously formed inflation tube or the like, widthwise at given positions thereof while the tubular film is being conveyed, and then cutting the tubular film along the heat-seals into bag-shaped containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Kewpie Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisatoshi Saito, Masamitsu Yano, Satoshi Takane
  • Patent number: 5620542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a valved bag transported by a conveyor. The valved bag has a body with a longitudinal axis, a center of gravity, and a sealable valve. At least a portion of the sealable valve protrudes from the body in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the longitudinal access. The apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting the valved bag in a direction of travel substantially parallel to its longitudinal access. A stop member stops the transportation of the valved bag when the sealable valve is aligned with a sealing area. A ram member positions the valved bag to dispose at least a portion of the sealable valve into the sealing area. An ultrasonic horn and anvil engage and seal the sealable valve. The stop member is removed from the path of the sealed bag, allowing it to resume transportation along the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Avila, Robert G. Kelley, Don G. Giles, Jerry L. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 5588944
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for welding the tubular sections of sacks, bags or the like, having a rotating drum and with welding stations arranged on the periphery of the drum which rotate, fixed in position, with the drum, wherein the welding stations are arranged laterally each on one end side of the drum. To ensure a crease-free processing of the tubular sections to be welded, grippers that can be caused to open and close are arranged on the drum in individual welding stations, for the seizing, holding and release of the tubular sections. A movable welding jaw of the welding station forms a flat bearing surface for the zone of the tubular section to be welded, while the drum itself, has a cylindrical peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Windmoller & Holscher
    Inventors: Fritz Achelpohl, Hermann Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 5575880
    Abstract: A method for forming an item by partially fusing selected portions of two sheets together. A non-heat-sensitive barrier sheet is inserted between two heat-sensitive sheets. The sheets are stamped with a die to fuse portions of the heat-sensitive sheets together remote from the barrier sheet. The barrier sheet and waste heat-sensitive sheet material is removed to leave the item. The method has particular application to stamping envelopes from a clear flexible vinyl material in a single continuous stamping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Gerson Strassberg
  • Patent number: 5571370
    Abstract: An apparatus for heat-sealing thermoplastic materials includes a sealing jaw with a groove in which a thermal strip is mechanically anchored. The flange portions of the jaw projecting on either side of the groove are compressed towards one another and toward the thermal strip to thereby anchor the thermal strip within the groove. The sealing jaw is manufactured from aluminum which has been surface anodized to create an electrically insulating layer between the body of the jaw and the thermal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Hans Selberg, Gyula Balla
  • Patent number: 5398486
    Abstract: A tubular-bag packaging machine having at least one pair of cross-sealing jaws (25) which are supported on a holding device (15) movable vertically back and forth by means of a connecting rod (14) as well as horizontally through a four-bar mechanism comprising a crank disk (9) coupled with the connecting rod (14), and comprising side-fold-forming means (23, 24) which are supported on a guide element (18) movable transversely with respect to the direction of movement of a foil tube (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kauss, Werner Schneider
  • Patent number: 5282778
    Abstract: A method for making bags of synthetic material in which a tubular foil web of synthetic material is advanced in steps corresponding to the length of one bag. A continuously heated pair (11) of welding jaws grips the tubular foil web (3) of synthetic material prior to cutting and fixes the web in position. The tubular foil web (3) is then cut by means of the transverse cutting knife (10) before the heat of the pair (11) of welding jaws is completely transferred to the tubular foil web (3) of synthetic material. Then the heat is completely transferred to weld the bottom seam of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Windmoller & Holscher
    Inventor: Fritz Achelpohl
  • Patent number: 5236543
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for welding the sealing seam (23) on a package (24) and which consists at least partially of synthetic plastics coated paper, with a welding tool comprising dies (25, 28) and counter-dies, a support and a drive means (1) for generating the pressure force.So that two welding tools (25, 25a) can be used and operated simultaneously and so that substantially the same pressure forces are available at both working stations, it is according to the invention envisaged that two welding dies be mounted on respective outer hollow shafts (7, 9) in such a way as to be rotatable about a common axis (2), each outer hollow shaft (7, 9) being rotationally rigidly connected to a common torsion spring (3) as part of the drive means (1) (at 14, 16, 17), the torsion spring (3) being driven from outside (at 11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Tetra Alpha Holdings S.A.
    Inventor: Thomas Riedel