Abstract: Methods and apparatus' for induction welding a first workpiece to a second workpiece at a welding region may include a metallic strip. The metallic strip may be a mesh. The properties of the metallic strip, such as, for example, pore size, thickness, and density, may be configured to conduct heat uniformly across the welding region and prevent eddy current formation across a workpiece. The metallic strip may be embedded in a workpiece or may be fixed to an induction welding tool that acts on the welding region during induction welding. A removable polymer tape may be disposed between a workpiece and a metallic strip fixed to an induction welding tool. The workpieces may be thermoplastic composite structures and thermoplastic composite stiffeners in aircraft structures.

Abstract: An intermittently rotating table-type apparatus for manufacturing a bag equipped with spout(s). The apparatus attaches spout(s) to at least one of the mouths of a bag that are at both shoulders of the bag. The mouth(s) of the bag is expanded by bag mouth suction cups, and the main body of the bag is expanded by main body suction cups; and then the spout(s) is inserted in the bag mouth(s), and the inserted spout(s) is held by spout gripping members. When the bag is moved by the rotation of the table, a suction cup arm that supplies suction air to the suction cup and the suction cup are moved to follow the movement of the bag; and after the sealing is made to the bag and spout(s), the arm and the suction cup return to their original positions.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, molds a closure directly onto the carton. The machine includes a carton erection station adapted to receive a carton in a generally flat form and to erect the flat form carton into a tubular form defining an internal carton region. A direct injection molding station has an internal mold tool and an external mold tool. The internal mold tool is configured for receipt within the internal carton region and the internal mold tool and the external mold tool are configured to receive and clamp the carton therebetween. The direct injection molding station further includes a polymer injection system for injecting polymer from a location external of the carton to the internal mold tool. The closure is directly molded in place on the carton. A mold tool set, a method for carrying out the molding and a closure molded thereby are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for pulling up the ends of transverse-conveyed flat tubular segments during the production of sacks or bags comprises lateral support elements, which run parallel to the conveying zone and between which a slit is formed that lies in the conveying plane and beyond which the ends to be pulled up project, and comprising mechanisms for pre-opening the ends by pulling apart the tubular sides that lie on top of each other. To pull up easily the ends of the tubular segments, the support elements in one section of the conveying zone form an obtuse angle in the shape of a peaked roof behind the mechanisms for pre-opening. In this section at least one roll is positioned in such a manner at the support elements that the leading tubular edge strikes the roll.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a flexible container suitable for use as a water bed for livestock comprises providing a first layer of a flexible polymeric material, applying a mask insert to an inner zone of a first surface of the first layer, the mask insert being arranged spaced from edges of the first layer thereby to define a substantially continuous boundary zone, arranging a second layer of flexible polymeric material to lie adjacent the first layer with the mask insert sandwiched therebetween, and subjecting the assembly so formed to a treatment operation thereby to form a face to face seal between the boundary zone and the confronting surface region of the second layer.

Abstract: A post processing fitment applicator for applying a fitment to a formed, filled and sealed carton is disclosed herein. The post processing fitment applicator may be utilized in conjunction with a linear form, fill and seal packaging machine such as a TETRA REX® packaging machine. The post processing fitment applicator includes a supply of fitments, a plurality of fitment carriers, a conveyor system and a hot melt dispenser. The plurality of fitment carriers are disposed on a continuous track that partially parallels the movement of a series of formed, filled and sealed cartons on the conveyor system. The plurality of fitment carriers is capable of applying a fitment to a formed, filled and sealed carton as it is moving along the conveyor system. Each of the plurality of fitment carriers may include a fitment holder and a fitment displacement mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for intermittently and successively feeding sheet materials such as plastic bags into a plurality of sheet material processing stations which are spaced from each other along the feeding passage of the sheet material. The apparatus comprises movable elongated member means extending parallel to the feeding direction of sheet material, a fixed elongated member means extending parallel to the feeding direction of sheet material and disposed side by side with the movable elongated member means. The movable elongated member means is reciprocatingly moved in the longitudinal direction thereof at a stroke corresponding to the distance between the processing stations. The sheet materials are held by the holding means of the movable elongated member means and released from the holding member of the fixed elongated member means when the movable elongated member means is forwardly moved.

Abstract: A self-venting package (A) contains peracetic acid or other strong oxidants in a unit dose that assures sterilization of instruments and equipment in an automated sterilizing apparatus (FIG. 3) or of biological wastes in a biological waste comminuting apparatus (FIG. 4). The self-venting package is constructed of a cylindrical body having first and second vent apertures (12, 14) 180.degree. offset adjacent a first edge (20) and third and fourth vent apertures (16, 18) 180.degree. offset adjacent a second edge (26). The first and second vent apertures are 90.degree. offset relative to the third and fourth vent apertures. The first edge is flattened and sealed forming a pair of corners (40, 42) such that the first and second vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent the first and second corners. The container is filled with peracetic acid or other liquids which liberate gas or vapors. A second end (26) of the container is flattened and sealed in a direction transverse to the first edge.

Abstract: A liquid container comprises a flexible bag-shaped container body 1 which is provided with two flat portions 3(3a,3b) as front and back walls and two gusset portions 4(4a,4b) as side walls which are folded inwardly, and a pipe-shaped delivery unit 2 which is provided with a mouth portion 11 at an upper end thereof to be projected out of an upper end portion of the container body, and a flange portion 12 below the mouth portion to be held at a joining portion 5 of the upper end portion of the container body, wherein each gusset portion 4 has a width approximately equal to that of the flat portion 3, inward end portions 15(15a,15b) of the two gusset portions being interposed between the flange portion 12 and the flat portion 3 at the joining portion 5. When the liquid container is manufactured, it is preferable that films for the gusset portions are temporarily bonded to a film for the flat portion before the positioning of the delivery unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mounting constructing a flexible a tubular fitment (10) to a flexible container (11) and to the resulting product. The fitment is mounted upon a mandrel (24) having an extendable bearings in the form of an annular array of balls (27). The mandrel supporting the fitment is positioned within the container body (11) and the assembly positioned in heat sealing dies (33,34) having an annular channel (35) sized to receive the fitment. The dies have a groove (36) extending from the channel. The balls are then outwardly extended into the groove and the mandrel rotated to cause the balls to orbit in a circle and seal the fitment to the flexible container oven an annular protrusion (38).

Abstract: A collapsible bag for use in containing and dispensing a liquid includes a bladder layer and an outer layer. The bladder layer includes a pair of inner opposed panel sections sealed together to provide an enclosed region. The inner panel sections have an inner surface facing the enclosed region and a plurality of ribs formed thereon, and one of the inner panel sections has a first product-dispensing hole therethrough. The outer layer includes a pair of outer opposed panel sections covering the bladder layer and one of the outer panel sections includes a second product-dispensing hole therethrough aligned with the first product-dispensing hole. A spout is attached to the outer layer and covers the first and second product-dispensing holes to provide access to the enclosed region. The bag may be used in a box to dispense liquids.

Abstract: A fitment comprising a pouring spout having a peripheral flange at one end and a closure at a second end is attached to a paperboard carton formed with a hole in a side panel. The carton is moved intermittently along a conveyor, such as that used in a filling machine. An arm having a spud oscillates about a horizontal axis parallel to the conveyor. The arm is pivoted to down position as the carton reaches the fitment attaching station so that the fitment enters the open end of the carton with the spud aligned with the carton hole. The arm is mounted on a first carriage which reciprocates horizontally in a first direction to project the closure through the hole until the flange abuts the inside of the carton panel. An ultrasonic welding horn is mounted on a second carriage which reciprocates in alignment with the first carriage in a second direction opposite the first direction. The horn welds the fitment flange to the inside of the carton panel.

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.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a flexible container (10) with a tubular fitment (13). The method includes placing the fitment upon a mandrel (22), positioning the mandrel supported fitment between the unsealed sides (25, 26) of the container, sealing the top edge (28) of the sides about a base portion (18) of the fitment and fully withdrawing the mandrel from the fitment and from between the sides so that the side edges (29) and top edge of the sides may be sealed to form a completed container.

Abstract: A novel process provides an inflatable bag for filling the void and particularly head space of partially filled boxes, the bag comprising an air chamber therein and manufactured from a single sheet of linear, low density polyethylene folded and heat sealed with a first end seam, a second end seam, and an upper end seam, and the bag including a check valve traversing the upper seam, the valve in communication at one valve terminus with the air chamber and in communication with the exterior of the bag at a second valve terminus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modified L-sealer machine for use in wrapping products in plastic wrap. The machine cuts the wrap to form integrally therein a tear tab. This is done by modifying the L-sealer bar to shape the tab in the plastic wrap while sealing it around the product.

Abstract: A cargo container comprising a container body defining an interior cargo space, a flexible and expandable liner secured inside the container body, a bulkhead positioned in the container body and held against the liner, and bracing apparatus to brace the bulkhead in the cargo container. A first embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of vertical beams connected to a floor of the container body, horizontally spaced apart and vertically extending upward against the bulkhead; and a multitude of cross beams connected to the vertical beam to held hold those beams upright. A second embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of upwardly extending straps and a plurality of laterally extending straps.

Abstract: A collapsible bag for use in containing and dispensing a liquid, such as in a bag-in-box arrangement, and a method for making the bag. Prior to sealing together two bag walls to form the bag, a one-piece spout and evacuation strip unit is attached to the outside surface of one bag wall and one or more openings are provided through the bag wall in liquid communication with a plurality of liquid channels in the strip. The two bag walls are then sealed together to form the bag and the evacuation strip provides liquid passageways for the liquid in the bag to flow to the spout to achieve complete withdrawal of the liquid from the bag as the bag collapses.

Abstract: A method for filling gas release valves with sealant for affixing to packaging containers to be filled with a commodity which will generate a small amount of gases during shelf storage. The gas release valve having an apertured base film and a valve film superimposed on the base film to define a channel therebetween is attached to the container in registry with a vent in the container such that the valve may allow the gases given off by the commodity to escape to the exterior through the vent and the channel when the gas pressure rises beyond the atmospheric pressure. Before the gas release valve is attached to the container, the valve is sealed by inserting a nozzle into said channel through the aperture in the base film, and introducing a fluid sealant through the nozzle into the channel intermediate one peripheral edge of the channel and the circumference of the aperture, thereby filling the channel with the fluid sealant.

Abstract: A fluid bladder including a check valve inturned within the bladder. The bladder is formed of two thin sheets of plastic material sealed together around the periphery of the bladder. The check valve is formed of an extended mating pair of strips of the same two sheets of plastic overlying one another and heat bonded together by a high frequency electric field along two substantially parallel lines to form a central flow channel with a closed gap-free configuration. In forming the check valve, at least one pair of electrodes are employed, and insulating material is used to enclose the electrodes so that the two sheets of plastic material are maintained parallel and in contact with one another during welding and the subsequent cool-down interval, thereby assuring reliable check valve operation.

Abstract: A collapsible bag for use in containing and dispensing a liquid, such as in a bag-in-box arrangement, and a method for making the bag, wherein an elongated reinforcing strip is attached to the outside surface of the inner bag layer of one of the bag walls and extends from adjacent to the spout to remote therefrom, and a plurality of grooves are provided in the strip and also in the portion of the inner bag layer of the bag wall attached to the reinforcing strip, thus providing liquid passageways inside of the bag to achieve complete withdrawal of the liquid from the bag as the bag collapses, without the expense and complication of having to insert a separate dipstrip member into the bag and to connect it to the spout.

Abstract: A device for perforating a pack made of flexible synthetic material and having a closing-off and pouring assembly including a cylindrical shank and a plug for interacting with the shank and for cutting and perforating the pack in order to access a liquid contained in the pack, is improved by providing the shank with a reinforcement attached to and extending from the base of the shank, partially inwardly toward the center of the shank. Also the method of manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A guide system for improving the orientation of a web of film as it passes around a fill tube structure in a form, fill, seal packaging machine is provided. The guide system comprises at least two members removably coupled to the fill tube structure, and so constructed and arranged that they increase the cross-sectional perimeter of the fill tube structure when they are secured thereto. The members cooperating with the fill tube structure to stretch the web of film as it passes around the fill tube structure. An improved apparatus for attaching fitments to a web of film and method is also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible bag for use in containing and dispensing a liquid, such as in a bag-in-box arrangement, and a method for making the bag, wherein an elongated reinforcing strip is attached to the outside surface of one of the bag walls and extends from adjacent to the spout to remote therefrom, and a plurality of grooves are provided in the strip and also in the portion of the bag wall attached to the reinforcing strip, thus providing liquid passageways inside of the bag to achieve complete withdrawal of the liquid from the bag as the bag collapses, without the expense and complication of having to insert a separate dipstrip member into the bag and to connect it to the spout.

Abstract: A medical bag and method of manufacturing the bag from a thermoplastic resin by irradiating a ferromagnetic heating element which has been prepositioned between the mouth and receiving portions of the bag and which is caused to generate high frequence-induced heat. During subjection of the heating element to a high frequency magnetic field, the mouth portion and receiving portion of the bag melt about the element so that mouth portion, element and receiving portion are bonded together. This technique can also be suitably used for thermoplastic resins, for example, polyolefin resins, to which conventional high-frequency bonding cannot be applied.

Abstract: A dispenser for controlling the dispensing of a liquid from a container, such as a bottle having an opening through which liquid may be poured, is provided in combination with a bladder insertable within the container and expansible incident to dispensing of liquid for occupying a volume corresponding to that of the dispensed liquid in order to prevent air contamination of any liquid remaining in the container. An improved bladder construction and method of forming same is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making containers (40) in which a sheet of thermoplastic material (10) that is adapted to be formed into a pouch is introduced into a mold cavity (14). A molding compound (22) is also introduced into the mold cavity (14). The molding compound (22) is permitted to be bonded with the thermoplastic sheet (10) inside the mold cavity (14) to form a container port (20) in situ. The thermoplastic sheet (10) and bonded molding compound (22) are removed from the mold cavity (14) and the sheet carrying the port (20) formed from the bonded molding compound is folded and cut to form a container (40).

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the manufacture of a valved sack with a self-sealing valve in which at the end of a transporting device for an open web of the sack material, shortly before the sack material is fed into a tube-forming zone, a valve-manufacturing unit is located, preferably above the material web path, in which unit valves are produced from a stock reel of paper and fed in a positioned manner to the open sack web, which has been pre-glued into fine zones. The pre-fabricated paper valves are then brought in contact with the pre-glued open sack web and the valve sleeve is securely glued into the sack in a gluing zone within the apparatus.

Abstract: Rectangular blanks of laminated cardboard are converted into containers for foodstuffs or the like in an apparatus wherein the central portion of a blank is clamped between two coaxial tools one of which has a concave blank-contacting surface and the other of which has a complementary convex blank-contacting surface. The tools can enter the cavity of a matrix with edges at one end of the cavity serving to cooperate with edges bounding the surfaces of the two tools so as to define pronounced boundaries between the clamped portion and the adjacent outer portions of the blank. The tool with the concave front surface is caused to penetrate into the cavity and to push the other tool in front of it whereby the outer portions of the blank are converted into a pair of sidewalls with convex outer sides.

Abstract: A substantially flat collapsed plastic bag with an evacuation form unit insert positioned therein as manufactured to serve as a form about which the filled bag will collapse as it is emptied. The form unit comprises a ring for mounting the unit on the spout of the bag and a multichannel form extending radially from the ring and hingedly connected thereto. A simple method is provided for manufacturing the bag with the form unit insert.

Abstract: A machine and method for making bags from two webs of film material with the bag being provided with a fitting having an access passageway therethrough and a flange that is heat sealed to the inner side of one wall of the bag. The two webs are advanced step by step from a feed station, the movement during each step being for lengths of the webs sufficient to provide portions for making a bag. The movement of the web is through successive stations with one web underlying an upper web. In the first of the successive station fittings are fed into a trackway having a downwardly sloped portion and a horizontal portion extending below the upper web. A hole is punched in the upper web and at the end of the horizontal position of the trackway is provided which serves to receive and align the fitting with a hole in the upper web, during a pause in the advancing movement of the webs.

Abstract: The top end of a side gusset of a reclosable sack is securely closed as by means of spots of adhesive on and between the infolded gusset walls, leaving the bag walls free to spread relative to the gusset, and leaving the remainder of the gusset to its opposite end free to expand. A method and apparatus are provided for making the sacks.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag for use with top loading vacuum cleaner has a first collection tube and a second transfer tube, the tubes having communicating apertures near the top thereof, with a thermoplastic coating on the inner walls of the second transfer tube which is fused together to seal the second transfer tube adjacent the lower wall of the aperture thereof, the top and bottom of the first tube and bottom of the second transfer tube adhesively sealed; and a method for automatically forming the bags by superimposing the two tubes, adhesively securing them together, heat sealing the inner walls of the second transfer tube together, below the aperture, and closing the ends of the tubes.

Abstract: An improved bag construction, and a method of bag forming, are disclosed which gives an economical yet strong, burst- and leak-resistant closure without the necessity of sewing or use of expensive stepped cut tubes. The bag is formed using a tube having opposed, interconnected front and rear panels, wherein a pair of laterally spaced, parallel cut lines are provided adjacent the top margin of the tube which define opposed first and second marginal flaps respectively in the front and rear panels. In bag-forming operations, the first flap is folded and glued against the outer face of the front panel, and the closure is completed by folding and gluing the second flap over the open end of the tube in a manner to refold the first flap and engage the outer face of the first panel. In another embodiment, a filling valve is inserted between the front and rear panels adjacent the closure end during the bag-forming operation, so as to provide a valve bag.

Abstract: The invention provides a container preferably made from sheet plastics comprising a bag containing a tubular valve member, the bag being sealed with a seam at each end, the top seal having an opening therein for entry of an access tube into the valve member, and the valve member having a sealing seam which facilitates piercing of the access tube through the valve member into the bag. A second bag may be provided within the first bag.The invention includes a machine for making the containers continuously from sheets of material.

Abstract: Open mouth square ended bags are formed from a tube-like band and in a chain with the back wall and top end of each bag partially sealed together from each side wall to provide an open mouth therebetween. Each bag in turn may be filled through the mouth located between the back wall and top end, the bag expanding forwardly from the back wall by expanding gussets in the top and bottom ends.

Abstract: A machine and method for making pouches from plastic film material, with one or more fittings secured to a wall of the pouch. A web of the plastic film material is progressed through fitting depositing and fitting securing regions, after which pouches are made which incorporate the web portions to which the fittings are secured. All operations of the machine are automatic.

Abstract: In the production of plastics bags, especially valved bags, from a web of plastics material by folding in the side margins of the web to form overlapping panels which are then longitudinally heat-sealed together for a major portion of one bag length, and then heat-sealing the web transversely and severing the web at intervals to produce individual bags, the two overlapping panels are heat-sealed together by forming two longitudinal seals which partially overlap to provide a forward longitudinal seal and a rear longitudinal seal with respect to the direction of travel of the web, the rear longitudinal seal of each bag being formed simultaneously with the forward longitudinal seal of the adjacent following bag. The apparatus comprises a pair of heat-sealing elements equipped for simultaneous operation and arranged for forming the rear seal in one bag and the forward seal in the following adjacent bag. The two elements may be a fixed distance apart, and at least one has suitably a hairpin shape.

Abstract: Sealed, flexible containers may be manufactured with a sterile, openable seal member by inserting part of a thermoplastic tube between a seal in such a manner as to permit the tube to communicate across the seal. In manufacture, the outer end of the tube may be enclosed with a thermoplastic pocket member having open inner and outer ends. A mandrel is inserted through the outer end of the pocket member and the tube. The thermoplastic sheet members, tube, and inner end of the pocket member are sealed together. Following this, the mandrel is withdrawn through the outer end of the pocket member which outer end is then also sealed, for a sterile seal, if desired. A novel design for a container seal is also disclosed.