Including Discharge Assist Means (e.g., Valve, Pour Spout, Etc.) Patents (Class 493/87)
-
Patent number: 9266131Abstract: A pump-equipped container and a dispensing pump used therefor are provided, such that a thin container body can be implemented, while deformation of the container body associated with an operation portion being pushed down can effectively be prevented. A pump-equipped container 1 includes: a container body 2 having a mouth portion 15; and a dispensing pump 20 removably attached to the mouth portion 15. The dispensing pump 20 includes: a pump body 22 removably attached to the mouth portion 15 of the container body 2; a support member 31 having its bottom end portion abutted on a bottom portion 5 of the container body 2 to thereby receive a downward load acting on the mouth portion 15 of the container body 2; a leg member 32 provided at the support member 31.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: NIHON YAMAMURA GLASS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yukihiro Ogawa, Satoshi Miyatake, Takuya Tsuji, Tayori Kato, Kenji Tanaka
-
Patent number: 9233795Abstract: A chute for use in pouring concrete into a wall form includes a floor with front, rear and side edges; sides connected to the floor along each of the side edges and projecting upward from the floor; a first flange connected to the floor along the front edge and projecting downward therefrom; and a second flange connected to the floor and projecting downward therefrom. The flanges are substantially parallel and spaced apart by a distance greater than a thickness of a wall form panel; accordingly, placing the chute on top of the wall form panel with the flanges respectively interior and exterior to the wall form securely aligns the chute with the wall form panel. The flanges project downward at approximately a 45° angle. Concrete deposited into the chute is funneled toward the front, and flows off the front edge into the wall form.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: John Henry Associates, Inc.Inventor: Richard A. Gustafson
-
Publication number: 20150028088Abstract: A carton for containing a cooked food product. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can comprise a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A lid is positionable to at least partially close a top of the carton. A plurality of vent features are in at least one panel of the plurality of panels for at least partially maintaining product attributes of the cooked food product contained in the carton by at least partially venting the carton.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Karen L. Mills, Mark P. Baker
-
Publication number: 20150031516Abstract: A lid for a beverage container is described. The lid has a basin that is designed to enhance the user's olfactory experience when drinking a beverage from the container and lid. As the user tilts the container and lid to take a drink, the beverage pours through an opening on the basin valley and flows across a sipping surface area to the user's mouth, thus allowing the beverage to aerate, evaporate, and cool. The basin is sized and dimensioned to channel and concentrate the vapor rising from the beverage towards the user's nose as the user sips the beverage. The basin and the opening are sized and dimensioned to provide a comfortable and secure feeling when drinking hot beverages. In this manner, the lid enhances the drinker's olfactory experience and provides better controllability of the flow of a hot beverage to prevent burn injuries.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventor: Samuel Lincoln Brannock
-
Publication number: 20150001251Abstract: A container for dispensing beverages is provided. The container includes at least six side walls coupled together along a plurality of parallel fold lines. The at least six side walls include two end panels and at least two side panels, and the at least six side walls define a substantially cylindrical shape of the container. A bottom wall is coupled to at least one of the two end panels, wherein a shape of the bottom wall corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the at least six side walls. The container further includes a spout cutout removably defined in a first end panel of the two end panels proximate to a fold line connecting the first end panel to the bottom wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
-
Patent number: 8920297Abstract: A pressure device for exerting pressure on an opening device fitted to a package of a food product pourable into a tube of packaging material, the device having a first pressure member movable between a first work position, in which it presses a first area of the opening device against the package, and a first rest position, in which it is detached from the opening device; and a second pressure member movable between a second work position, in which it presses a second area of the opening device against the package, and a second rest position, in which it is detached from the opening device; the first and second area being crosswise to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Andrea Maccagnani, Inge Nilsson, Urban Johansson
-
Publication number: 20140376831Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible container including a body, a base including an emptying spout and a cover including a filling spout, includes: cutting, from a sheet of flexible material, four main panels of the body and the base and four cover panels, each main panel having a square or rectangular shape having four sides, the bottom side being extended by an approximately trapezoidal extension, whose end towards the bottom is extended by a tab, the extension and tab forming the base and emptying spout, each cover panel having a substantially trapezoidal shape with a base towards the bottom and whose end towards the top is extended by a tongue forming the filling spout; forming a fold in each main panel along the top side; fixing the fold to form at least one loop per main panel; assembling and securing together the four main panels and four cover panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventor: Jacques Basconnet
-
Patent number: 8790229Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously manufacturing containers made of a flexible material from a single continuous laminar band, or from several continuous laminar bands which will be longitudinally attached to form a single continuous laminar band, which will subsequently be transversely cut. In both cases, in a stage of the production phase a single laminar band, folded over itself along longitudinal fold lines, is obtained, the cross-section of which, open or closed according to the embodiment variant, forms a planar figure in which there is distinguished the upper base of the container, which in a variant of the method comprises a portion of band previously provided with holes and corresponding spouts, collapsed on one side, said single laminar band being susceptible of being driven by means of two drive rollers.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Volpak, S.A.U.Inventor: Jordi Font Lletche
-
Patent number: 8516782Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for insertion of uniquely shaped packaging may include the following elements, (a) a securing mechanism to hold a container along a conveyor in a predetermined location, (b) a transfer device which removes a spray cap mechanism from a second timing screw and aligns the spray cap mechanism over a container opening on the container, (c) a diptube assembly which locks a diptube hanging from the spray cap mechanism, and (d) the transfer device tightening the spray cap mechanism on the container opening after the diptube is inserted into the container opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: PSR Automation IncorporatedInventors: David R. Ramnarain, Brian D. Ramnarain, Christopher D. Ramnarain
-
Patent number: 8499529Abstract: A modular unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products includes a first conveyor for feeding the opening devices successively along a first path, a second conveyor for feeding the packages successively along a second path, a transfer mechanism for transferring the opening devices along a third path from a pickup station located along the first path, to an application station for applying the opening devices to respective packages and located along the second path, and a processing device for performing specific operations on the opening devices prior to application of the opening devices to the respective packages. The transfer mechanism defines a base module of the unit, and the processing device includes different types of processing devices forming part of different auxiliary modules selectively connectable to the base module to define different units for applying the opening devices to respective packages.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Anders Gustafsson, Alessandro Morselli
-
Patent number: 8490368Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Duff Design LimitedInventors: Timothy Michael Wood, Adrian James David Howson, Ian Dunckley, Cyrille Fuellemann, Alfred Wipf, Daniel Kummer
-
Publication number: 20130145730Abstract: The present invention relates to a container having a hollow shell defining a body with a dispensing aperture, and a bag within the shell, the open end of the bag extending through the dispensing aperture and being secured with respect to the outside of the shell. The bag is made from a material suitable for containing the intended contents of the container. The shell may be formed from a material that would not be suitable for containing the intended contents of the container alone. The shell may be formed from a biodegradable material, such as wood or paper pulp. The bag may be separated from the main body of the container to allow for separate disposal. The container may be sealed by providing a spout through which the contents of the container are to be dispensed, and by folding the spout over to create a nip which seals the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: GreenBottle LimitedInventor: Martin Myerscough
-
Patent number: 8371023Abstract: A spout installation device capable of reliably installing spouts onto correct positions on a pouch. The spout installation device has a pouch supply section for supplying a pouch (P), first and second spout supply sections for respectively supplying an inlet spout (SA) and an outlet spout (SB), and first and second spout installation sections for installing the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB), which are supplied by the spout supply sections, onto the pouch (P) supplied by the pouch supply section. For each time of installation of the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB) onto the pouch (P), an upper inclined edge and a lower edge of the pouch (P) are positioned by a positioning unit of the pouch supply section and by a positioning/holding mechanism of the second spout installation section.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.Inventor: Syuuichi Kishimoto
-
Publication number: 20130029823Abstract: A method of making reinforced paperboard cartons comprises the steps of advancing a web of paperboard along a path and progressively laminating at least one ribbon of reinforcing material to the advancing web of paperboard. The ribbon of reinforcing material, which also may be paperboard, has a width less than the width of the web of paperboard and is applied with adhesive at a selected location across the width of the web. The web and its laminated ribbon are cut into sheets of a predetermined size and the sheets are die-cut and scored with fold lines to form carton blanks. The fold lines may transition from non-reinforced to reinforced portions of the blank and a special transition zone is contemplated to accommodate the transition. The carton blanks are subsequently formed into cartons for receiving articles, the laminated reinforcing material providing reinforcement in selected portions of the cartons.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventor: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
-
Patent number: 8161713Abstract: A modular unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products includes a first conveyor for feeding the opening devices successively along a first path, a second conveyor for feeding the packages successively along a second path, a transfer mechanism for transferring the opening devices along a third path from a pickup station located along the first path, to an application station for applying the opening devices to respective packages and located along the second path, and a processing device for performing specific operations on the opening devices prior to application of the opening devices to the respective packages. The transfer mechanism defines a base module of the unit, and the processing device includes different types of processing devices forming part of different auxiliary modules selectively connectable to the base module to define different units for applying the opening devices to respective packages.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Anders Gustafsson, Alessandro Morselli
-
Patent number: 8104250Abstract: An applicator (10a) affixes fitments (12) to paperboard cartons (20), each fitment (12) comprising a screw cap on a pour spout. An ultrasonic horn (18) reciprocates between a retracted position for receiving a fitment (12) and an advanced position for depositing the fitment (12) on an outer surface of a carton (20). A duct (26) extends and provides fluid communication between an air handler and a fitment-holding recess (30) formed in the horn (18). The air handler is actuable to evacuate the duct (26) to retain a fitment (12) in the recess (30) by suction while transporting the fitment (12) to be affixed to the container wall. The air handler also supplies pressurized gas to the duct (26) to blow the fitment (12) from the horn (18) before the horn returns to the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Elopak Systems AGInventors: Morten Abrahamsen, William Lee Clack, Michael Dale Clayton, Anthony John Lukasiewicz
-
Publication number: 20110315750Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably, and a second side panel. At least one end flap comprises a first portion foldably connected to the one of the first side panel and the second side panel, a second portion foldably connected to the first portion, and a third portion foldably connected to the second portion. The carton has at least one reinforced corner that comprises a reinforced end panel and a reinforced portion of one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The reinforced end panel comprises the second portion and the third portion of the at least one end flap. The reinforced portion comprises the third portion of the at least one end flap and a portion of the one of the first side panel and the second side panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Karl A. Kohler
-
Publication number: 20110253774Abstract: A fluid container includes an outer shell including a plurality of sidewalls forming a hollow interior, a first one of the sidewalls having an opening formed therein and a first flap extending therefrom, the first flap having a retention feature formed therein, and an inner liner disposed within the hollow interior of the outer shell configured to receive and store a fluid, the inner liner including a spout providing fluid communication with an interior thereof, wherein the retention feature is in substantial alignment with a portion of the opening formed in the first one of the sidewalls, the opening and the retention feature cooperating to receive and support the spout in a position extending outwardly from the first one of the sidewalls.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Webb LeRon Hill, Richard Ira Rosenberg, Thomas George Murray
-
Publication number: 20110136639Abstract: Device and method for processing open-mouth bags with a bag opening device for opening an open-mouth bag and with a valve inserting device which is suitable and intended to insert a de-aeration valve into a bag wall of the open-mouth bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: HAVER & BOECKER OHGInventor: Thomas HILLING
-
Patent number: 7870705Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Duff Design LimitedInventors: Timothy Michael Wood, Adrian James David Howson, Ian Dunckley, Cyrille Fuellemann, Alfred Wipf, Daniel Kummer
-
Patent number: 7867156Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a spout having a flange to a preformed hole in an open-ended container. The apparatus comprises of an applicator system and a mandrel. The applicator system is able to translate a linear motion to an arc motion. The mandrel is attached to the applicator system. The mandrel is adapted to releasably engage the spout.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: NIMCO CorporationInventors: Jerry G. Bachner, David R. Anchor
-
Patent number: 7762043Abstract: A unit (1, 1?) for applying opening devices (2, 2?) to packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit (1, 1?) having first conveying means (8, 8?) for feeding the opening devices (2, 2?) successively along a first path (P1, P1?); second conveying means (9) for feeding the packages (3) successively along a second path (P2); and transfer means (10) for transferring the opening devices (2, 2?) from the first path (P1, P1?) to the second path (P2), and in turn having a wheel (18) rotating about an axis (A), and a number of gripping members (19, 19?) carried by the wheel (18) and for receiving respective opening devices (2, 2?) from the first conveying means (8, 8?) and transferring them to the second path (P2) by rotation of the wheel (18); the transfer means (10) also having connecting means (20) for connecting the gripping members (19, 19?) movably to the wheel (18), and cam guide means (21) for altering the position of each gripping member (19, 19?) with respect to the wheel (18) as the wheel (18) rotates.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Alessandro Morselli
-
Patent number: 7677013Abstract: A rotary type pouch reception/delivery unit is configured to receive a pouch supplied by a pouch supply unit at a pouch reception/delivery position ?, conveys it to a pouch reception/delivery position ?, and delivers it to a spout installation unit at a pouch reception/delivery position ?. The pouch reception/delivery unit is provided with a plurality of take-up members rotating at a constant rotation speed so as to pass the pouch reception/delivery position ? and a pouch reception/delivery position ?. The pouch reception/delivery unit receives the pouch supplied in a standing state at the pouch reception/delivery position ? by sucking and holding it by a take-up member and tilts the pouch during conveyance. At the pouch reception/delivery position ?, the pouch receipt/delivery unit delivers the pouch to the spout installation device with a spout installation edge portion horizontally tilted.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.Inventors: Satoshi Nagano, Tsuyoshi Wada
-
Publication number: 20100012711Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pouring package, and the pouring package. The pouring package comprises a container (1) formed from a packaging material with an inner space bounded by walls (12,13,14,15) for receiving a fluid therein. The walls comprise a base (11), two partially triangular side walls (12A,12B) rising therefrom and a front and rear wall (13,14) which are connected to the base, extend between the side walls and are mutually connected between the top corners (17) of said triangular side walls (12A, 12B) in a closing strip (15C). The front and/or rear wall is provided with a weakening line (18 A, 18B), such that the closing strip (15C) can be pressed in toward the base in order to deform the front and/or rear wall along the weakening line for of forming an upper wall (15A,15B) extending between the top corners.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: IQ + INVESTMENTS N.V.Inventor: Thomas Gijsbert Paulen
-
Publication number: 20100006633Abstract: A carton fitment (2) for use in fresh packaging has a base flange (4) with an upstanding pour spout (6) adapted to be inserted through an opening in a carton such that the base flange seats inside the carton. A ring of induction heat sealing foil (10) is bonded to an exterior surface of the flange so that the fitment can be induction welded to a paperboard carton. The use of such fitments allows a carton erection and filling machine to be manufactured without the need for expensive ultrasonics welding equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2007Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Bapco Closures Research Ltd.Inventors: Neil Fowell, Peter Michael McGeough
-
Publication number: 20100004108Abstract: An applicator (10a) affixes fitments (12) to paperboard cartons (20), each fitment (12) comprising a screw cap on a pour spout. An ultrasonic horn (18) reciprocates between a retracted position for receiving a fitment (12) and an advanced position for depositing the fitment (12) on an outer surface of a carton (20). A duct (26) extends and provides fluid communication between an air handler and a fitment-holding recess (30) formed in the horn (18). The air handler is actuable to evacuate the duct (26) to retain a fitment (12) in the recess (30) by suction while transporting the fitment (12) to be affixed to the container wall. The air handler also supplies pressurized gas to the duct (26) to blow the fitment (12) from the horn (18) before the horn returns to the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2005Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: ELOPACK SYSTEM AGInventors: Morten Abrahamsen, William Lee Clack, Michael Dale Clayton, Anthony John Lukasiewicz
-
Publication number: 20090261154Abstract: There is shown and described a pouring element for a package for holding flowable or pourable products, and particularly a cardboard/plastics composite package having a gabletop, said pouring element having a pouring passage, the pouring passage having passage cross-sections of substantially identical areas arranged perpendicularly to its centreline, the outer passage cross-sections of the pouring passage being a product inlet opening and a substantially circular product outlet opening and the product inlet opening having associated with it a flange for connection to the package. To enable improved pouring characteristics to be achieved without having to accept disproportionately large costs and complication in production, provision is made, in the form for application, for the product inlet opening to be of an elongated shape which is not symmetrical in rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2006Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventor: Volker Scheu
-
Patent number: 7568607Abstract: Apparatus for use in welding a pour spout fitment (22) to a container (32) comprises an ultrasonic welding horn (18) formed with a recess (20) at one end for receiving part of the fitment (22), an anvil (2) between an annular surface portion of which and that one end of the horn (18) are vibratingly pressed a wall off the container (32) and the flange (28) to each other, a head (14) at the opposite end of the head (14) for maintaining an annular, radially inner portion of the flange (28) spaced axially outwards from the annular surface portion of the anvil (2), the outer periphery of the ring (16) being radially dimensioned to be received in the recess (20).Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Elopak Systems AGInventor: Nils Peter Adler
-
Publication number: 20090098989Abstract: A food-safe container (2) for liquids is composed of a tubular body (3) referable to a longitudinal axis (2a), and a neck (7) presenting a quadrangular base (16) fastened coaxially to an open top end (5) of the tubular body (3) afforded by a frustopyramidal connecting portion (6) of which the four tapered corner edges are pinched initially and left with four relative fins (22); the container (2) is formed by a machine (1) equipped with a folding and sealing or welding unit (24) including twin pairs of arms (26) by which the single fins (22) are folded flat against corresponding side walls (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) of the connecting portion (6), and a pair of heat-sealers or ultrasonic welders (29) operating in conjunction with the arms (26), by which the fins (22) flattened against the respective side walls (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) are secured in place.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2005Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Roberto Ghiotti, Stefaro Cavallari
-
Patent number: 7516595Abstract: A method for applying a reclosable pouring element comprising a pouring opening and a flange and having a removable cap, to a container having an opening. The method comprising the steps of connecting the pouring element to a lid of the container having an opening by affixing the flange of the pouring element to the lid in a liquid-tight fashion. Sealing a section of a closure film on the pouring element so that the pouring opening of the pouring element still remains open. Connecting the lid to the container body in a liquid-tight fashion. Sterilizing an interior of the container. Filing the container with a product through the pouring opening. Closing the container by sealing the closure film onto the pouring element in such a fashion that the pouring opening of the pouring element is closed in a liquid-tight fashion and applying the cap to the pouring element.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: SIG Technology Ltd.Inventors: Matthias Dammers, Hans-Willi Mainz, Sven Hagen, Markus Wassum
-
Patent number: 7500940Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a spout having a flange to a preformed hole in an open-ended container. The apparatus comprises of an applicator system and a mandrel. The applicator system is able to translate a linear motion to an arc motion. The mandrel is attached to the applicator system. The mandrel is adapted to releasably engage the spout.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: NIMCO CorporationInventors: Jerry G. Bachner, David R. Anchor
-
Publication number: 20090025337Abstract: A unit (1, 1?) for applying opening devices (2, 2?) to packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit (1, 1?) having first conveying means (8, 8?) for feeding the opening devices (2, 2?) successively along a first path (P1, P1?); second conveying means (9) for feeding the packages (3) successively along a second path (P2); and transfer means (10) for transferring the opening devices (2, 2?) from the first path (P1, P1?) to the second path (P2), and in turn having a wheel (18) rotating about an axis (A), and a number of gripping members (19, 19?) carried by the wheel (18) and for receiving respective opening devices (2, 2?) from the first conveying means (8, 8?) and transferring them to the second path (P2) by rotation of the wheel (18); the transfer means (10) also having connecting means (20) for connecting the gripping members (19, 19?) movably to the wheel (18), and cam guide means (21) for altering the position of each gripping member (19, 19?) with respect to the wheel (18) as the wheel (18) rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Alessandro Morselli
-
Patent number: 7472524Abstract: A method for applying pressure relief valves to packaging during the packaging process. A punch shaft and an applicator shaft each have an axis and opposed ends. The punch shaft has a punch at one end. The applicator shaft has an applicator vacuum head at one end. Each shaft moves axially between retracted and extended positions. The shafts are angled, with the punch and applicator ends more apart than the respective opposed ends, and are carried on a plate for limited rotational movement relative to the applicator unit. First the punch is pivoted from a first position into a third position, while the applicator head is simultaneously pivoted from a second position into the first position. Then the punch is pivoted from the third position back into the first position, and the applicator head is simultaneously pivoted from the first position back into the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Vladimir Prive, Tom Roberts, Steve Kaganovich
-
Publication number: 20080110900Abstract: A container for fluids, in particular liquids, such as beer or water, includes a spherical or spheroid casing, a valve part for filling the container with a fluid and an outer package surrounding the casing. The outer package comprises a shell, which follows the circumference of the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: Eurokeg B.V.Inventor: Jan Veenendaal
-
Patent number: 7313895Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine is configured to mold a closure directly onto a carton. The machine includes a carton erection station to receive and erect a carton and a direct injection molding station. The molding station has an internal mold tool for receipt of the carton, and an external mold tool set. The internal tool and external tool set are configured to receive and secure a portion of the carton therebetween and define a mold cavity with the portion of the carton disposed therein. The external mold tool set defines an opening for receiving a polymer injection system to inject polymer into the mold cavity. A closure is directly molded in place on the carton, with the polymer encapsulating the inner peripheral edge of the carton opening that is disposed within the mold cavity. The packaging machine also includes a filling station for filling the carton and a sealing station for forming a seal on the carton.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventors: John N. Lees, III, Terry B. Berglin, Thomas S. Breidenbach, Andrew J. Dahl, Terry Erickson, Gregory A. Reed, Michael Robertson
-
Patent number: 7306553Abstract: To provide a bag-making method ensuring excellent liquid tightness at the melt-bonded part between the mouth member and the bag unit. A bag-making method for producing a bag by melt-bonding and thereby integrating a mouth member formed of a preliminarily heated synthetic resin and a bag unit formed of a flexible film, the method comprising a preliminary heating step of softening the synthetic resin of the mouth member at the part to be melt-bonded to the bag unit, melt-bonding part of mouth member, while preventing the synthetic resin of the mouth member at the end part in the bag side, end part of mouth member, from being softened at the preliminary heating step, and a step of inserting the preliminarily heated mouth member into the opening of the bag unit and pressing them by a sealing mold to melt-bond the melt-bonding part of the mouth member to the opening; and a medical container produced by the bag-making method.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Mizuo, Teruaki Nakagawa
-
Patent number: 7285082Abstract: A method, apparatus for practicing the method, and article manufactured by the method in which a block is cut out with side wall and end wall panels, the end wall panels attached to the side wall panels via end wall fold lines. The box includes a pour opening. Recesses are provided in at least one of the end wall panels for exposing adhesive for attaching the flexible material strip to the corresponding end wall panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Crystal B.V.Inventor: Stephen Walker
-
Patent number: 7241254Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container defining an interior and an exterior provided with a first access panel and a second access panel for creating an opening for passage between the interior and the exterior, and methods for making and using such a container.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Robert L. Conatser, Raymond S. Kastanek
-
Patent number: 7217231Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing-in pouring spouts in bags (1), comprising at least one station for opening (4) the bag (1), a station for inserting (4) the pouring spout into the opened bag (1), and at least one station for sealing (5, 6, 7) the bag (1) and the pouring spout. According to the invention, such a device is improved with a view to simple design and high processing speed in that the stations (2–8) for bag processing are arranged on a linear transport system (11) for the bags (1), which linear transport system (11) is formed by two transport belts (9, 10), and in that the stations (2–8) for bag processing are all arranged in a grid of equal spacing.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbHInventor: Henno Hensen
-
Patent number: 7147597Abstract: A method for fabricating a fitmented flexible bottle is disclosed which involves feeding webs including one or more gussets, creating perimeter seals around only the top portion of the bottle, inserting the fitment from the input end of the machine in the direction of web travel, forming the remainder of the perimeter seams, detaching the nascent bottle from the web, and sealing the neck section of the bottle to the fitment by clamping the neck section with a heated clamp, and preferably repeating the seal operation at a different radial angle. Sealing the fitment by application of ultrasonic energy is also disclosed. In another embodiment, the fitment is sealed to the neck section of the bottle by utilizing heated wheels against the neck and rotating the bottle to create a seal all around the neck.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventor: Kenneth R. Wilkes
-
Patent number: 7090630Abstract: Containers (2) for food products are manufactured on a machine (1) equipped with a feed station (4) supplying a single file of tubular elements (2a), a first heat sealer (10) by which a first open end (2b) of each tubular element (2a) is closed and secured, and a first rotary conveyor (3) capable of movement between a first operating position in which the tubular elements (2a) are taken up from the feed station (4), and a second operating position in which the tubular elements (2a) are offered to the first heat sealer (10).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automastiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Roberto Ghiotti, Stefano Cavallari
-
Patent number: 7066869Abstract: An automated machine for and the method of fabricating containers made from a cardboard paperboard or corrugated paperboard blank having an inner liquid holding bag secured to the inner surface of the paperboard box. The liquid holding bag includes a spout that extends through a spout opening formed in the paperboard blank. During the fabrication process the spout is utilized to precisionally locate the liquid holding bag so that when the panel of the blank with the spout opening is folded down over the spout, the spout will be properly aligned with the spout opening thus facilitating the automatic assembly of the container. In this automatic assembly process the liquid holding bag is secured to the inner surface of the container at multiple locations such that when the container is opened into its three dimensional use configuration a passage is opened for filling the bag through the spout.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: LBP Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Matthew R. Cook, Akira Baba
-
Patent number: 7032363Abstract: A linear fitment applicator for applying fitments to a series of containers being conveyed along a form, fill, and seal packaging machine includes an anvil, a fitment dispenser, a sealer, at least one drive source for moving the anvil, and a wedge. The containers are conveyed along the machine have at least one open end and at least one pre-incised hole for receiving a fitment. The anvil features a fitment engaging element and moves both vertically and horizontally. The wedge locks the anvil into position while the sealer fastens the fitments to the containers. A method for applying the fitments to the containers also is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventors: Stefan Annehed, Hisami Mitsuishi, Martin Fuzik, Petr Sevcik, Steve Kendrick
-
Patent number: 7017322Abstract: A closure feed system for use on an associated dual train form, fill, and seal packaging machine for feeding, diverting and singulating closures from a common closure storage region to a closure applicator includes an upper chute for conveying the closures from the storage region to a diverter/singulator, two lower chutes for conveying separated closures from the diverter/singulator to respective applicators, and a diverter/singulator for diverting and separating the closures. The upper chute defines an upper conveyance path, while the two lower chutes define two lower conveyance paths to their respective applicators. The diverter/singulator includes a reciprocating plate with two closure-holding grooves. As the plate slides between the upper and lower chutes, the grooves alternately align with the upper chute, or with the first or second lower chutes. A form, fill, and seal packaging machine including the closure feed system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventors: Stefan Annehed, Hisami Mitsuishi, Petr Sevcik, Martin Fuzik
-
Patent number: 7017796Abstract: A paper packaging container is obtained by tube forming with a longitudinal seal of web-shaped packaging material. The package is filled with liquid food, and a transverse seal of the tube packaging material is made to form a pillow-shaped preliminary shape container. The preliminary shape container is then cut, and a final shape container having a top, side walls and a bottom is formed by folding the packaging material along crease lines. Flaps are formed during the forming of the top of the container and are folded outwardly and downwardly onto side wall faces of the container. The top of the container is formed as a shed roof shape. The method of folding the flaps outwardly from the top of the container and the resulting shaped container allows attachment of a large spout with a wide mouth on the top, while achieving high speed manufacturability without subjecting the paper packaging material to high stresses.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventor: Toru Ishikawa
-
Patent number: 6996949Abstract: The packaging container includes a container body formed from a packaging material, and a cap unit attached to a top wall of the container body. The cap unit includes a lip, a pull tab which covers a discharge opening and an inner tape which covers the discharge opening portion from a reverse side of the packaging material. Since the cap is attached to the packaging material in advance of forming the container, positioning of the container body is not required for cap attachment.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Claude Bergerioux, Yasuyuki Moriyama
-
Patent number: 6968669Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package are provided in which cross seals are made substantially parallel to a central axis (60) of fitments (40). The cross seals (68, 82) are substantially parallel to the vertical plane that includes the central axis (60) of the fitment (40), and may comprise at least a section angled toward the fitment (66, 84, 86) to create an angled side.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd.Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Robert S. Bosko
-
Patent number: 6958033Abstract: A fitment has walls with a spout aperture therebetween. Reduced wall thickness results in a reduced amount of plastic in the fitment. An alternative embodiment uses radially extending meltable fins. During installation in a sealing apparatus, a heated mandrel engages the inner diameter of the spout aperture thereby pre-heating and physically supporting the fitment during the installation process. The heated mandrel typically engages the fitment at least one cycle prior to be installed. The fitment may be canoe-shaped.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Art Malin
-
Patent number: 6807792Abstract: A closure feed system for use on an associated form, fill and seal packaging machine for feeding and singulating closures from a closure storage region to a closure applicator. The feed system includes a chute for conveying the closures from the storage region to the applicator along a conveyance path defined by the chute. A singulator includes upper and lower reciprocating members configured for alternatingly reciprocating into and out of the conveyance path. The upper member includes a separating element having an upper surface and a lower surface. One of the upper and lower surfaces is formed at an incline relative to the other surface such that a distance between the upper and lower surfaces increases as the lower member moves into the conveyance path.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventors: Petr Sevcik, Stefan Annehed, Hisami Mitsuishi, Sheila Moss, Ken Pokusa
-
Publication number: 20040180770Abstract: An automated machine for and the method of fabricating containers made from a cardboard paperboard or corrugated paperboard blank having an inner liquid holding bag secured to the inner surface of the paperboard box. The liquid holding bag includes a spout that extends through a spout opening formed in the paperboard blank. During the fabrication process the spout is utilized to precisionally locate the liquid holding bag so that when the panel of the blank with the spout opening is folded down over the spout, the spout will be properly aligned with the spout opening thus facilitating the automatic assembly of the container. In this automatic assembly process the liquid holding bag is secured to the inner surface of the container at multiple locations such that when the container is opened into its three dimensional use configuration a passage is opened for filling the bag through the spout.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Matthew R. Cook, Akira Baba