Adjunct Comprising Provision To Allow Access To Contents, E.g., Spout, Straw, Drain, Opening, Etc. Patents (Class 53/133.1)
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Patent number: 12214924Abstract: A method of opening an outer bag of a pre-filled double-bag including a bag content and an opening system. A wall of the outer bag includes a cellulose-based material and a wall of the inner bag may include a plastic-based material enclosing an inner compartment including the bag content. The method may include an opening operation performed by the opening system, so as to open the outer bag leaving the inner bag substantially intact. The opening system may include a laser arrangement including one or more laser units emitting laser light having wavelengths in the range of 7-13 ?m. The opening operation may include acts of exposing a wall area of the outer bag to the laser light, so as to at least provide a perforation of the outer bag in the exposed wall area.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: PANPAC ENGINEERING A/SInventor: Morten Nysted
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Patent number: 12084246Abstract: A packaging apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same for food products that includes a container base and two layers of material including a first layer of material and a second layer of material, with the food product arrangeable in a container base through an opening in the first layer and sealed within the container base by the second layer, which extends over the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: GOODNESS GARDENS, INC.Inventor: Brian Murphy
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Patent number: 10472107Abstract: The invention relates to an advancing device (10) for advancing a film web (200) in a bag filling installation (100, having a main advancing drive (20) with at least one driven main advancing roller (22) for advancing the film web (200), wherein for an adjustment of the tensile stress of the film web (200) in the transport direction (T) of the film web (200) an auxiliary advancing drive (30) is disposed before the main advancing drive (20) with at least one driven auxiliary advancing roller (32) for advancing the film web (200).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: WINDMÖLLER & HÖLSCHER KGInventors: Hans-Ludwig Voss, Oliver Huil, Ralf Udally, Thomas Hawighorst, Rüdiger Große-Heitmeyer, Roman Smid
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Patent number: 9926139Abstract: A system, and associated method, for launching and delivering separated food product in organized groups to a robotized packaging station for the product. The system initiates the delivery via a metered hopper of food product delivering the product to a launch V-belt that aligns the product end to end. A successive singulator belt, positioned adjacent to and receiving product from the launch belt, further organizes the product into a single file alignment. An optional separator belt may follow the singulator belt to create gaps between successive product units. The product is then delivered to a pick belt for product to be provided to the packaging robot. The system product information is from a single (per product delivery line) sensor, enabling intergrated end-to-end control from hopper to robot, and a nearly continuous motion of said pick belt.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: F.R. Drake CompanyInventors: Nicholas J. Milo, Keith W. Hopkins, George E. Reed
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Patent number: 8870729Abstract: An apparatus for applying drinking straws on prefabricated packaging containers includes a drive device for continuous belts of drinking straws wrapped in protective sleeves or envelopes, a conveyor for moving packaging containers past the drinking straw applicator, a separator for separating drinking straws from the belt, as well as an applicator for applying the drinking straw on a side wall of the packaging container. The drinking straw applicator include at least one eccentric which is eccentrically disposed on a shaft mounted adjacent the drive device. During rotation of the shaft, the eccentric is moved from an inner position to an outer position, a drinking straw is picked up at the inner position and is applied on a packaging container at the outer position.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Jonas Lindbäck, Gert Hansson
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Patent number: 8590282Abstract: A package and method for opening the package are disclosed. The method may include applying pressure to at least one tab area of the package. The at least one tab area may include a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion being disposed in a first position substantially sealed from each other. The method may further include breaching a first breachable bubble, the first breachable bubble being formed within the first tab portion, and breaching a second breachable bubble, the second breachable bubble being formed within the second tab portion. Further, the method may include causing the first tab portion and the second tab portion to shift from the first position to a second position in fluid communication with each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Poppack, LLCInventors: William S. Perell, Leif B. Sorensen, Irving S. Rappaport
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Patent number: 8414463Abstract: An anvil device (1) for a fitment applicator is described, where the anvil device (1) includes one or more arms (2), where each arm is equipped with a carrier (5) for the positioning of a closure (22) against a contact surface (6) for co-operation with a welding head (21) during fixation of a closure to a cartoon, where the carrier (5) and the contact surface (6) are aligned on a contact device (4) which is adjustably fastened to the anvil device (1).Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: Stein Vidar Andersen
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Patent number: 8387348Abstract: An aseptic packaging system includes a film unwind device; a fitment feed device for feeding a plurality of fitments; an apparatus for attaching each of the fitments to the film; an assembly for sterilizing the film and each of the fitments; an assembly for drying the film and each of the fitments; and a vertical form/fill seal apparatus for making packages from the sterilized film and each of the sterilized fitments, each package comprising a pouch comprising a first and second transverse seal, a first and second fold, an interior and exterior surface, and a longitudinal seal; and a sterilized internal fitment sealed to the sterilized interior surface of the pouch; and a sterilized product disposed in the pouch. An aseptic process and package are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventors: Timothy G. Caudle, Kenneth Micnerski
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Patent number: 8375686Abstract: An aseptic packaging system includes a film unwind device; a fitment feed device for feeding a plurality of fitments; an apparatus for attaching each of the fitments to a second surface of the film; an assembly for sterilizing the film and optionally each of the fitments; an assembly for drying the film and optionally each of the fitments; and a vertical form/fill seal apparatus for making packages from the sterilized film and each of the fitments, each package comprising a pouch comprising a first and second transverse seal, a first and second fold, an interior and exterior surface, and a longitudinal seal; and an external fitment sealed to the exterior surface of the pouch; and a sterilized product disposed in the pouch. An aseptic process and package are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventors: Timothy G. Caudle, Kenneth Micnerski
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Patent number: 8250834Abstract: Described is an apparatus for applying a drinking straw on a receiving surface of a stand up bag which can be supplied on a conveying surface to a transfer device for drinking straws. To increase the conveying speed of said apparatus, the transfer means should be arranged such the drinking straw while being handed over encloses an acute angle with the conveying surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: INDAG Gesellschaft für Industriebedarf mbH & Co. Betriebs KGInventors: Hans Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft
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Publication number: 20120204513Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.Inventors: Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Anders Gustafsson, Alessandro Morselli
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Patent number: 8176711Abstract: Machine for manufacturing flexible sheet material packagings, including an area for feeding a continuous web of flexible sheet material, a preforming area including an area for folding a bottom wall of the packaging, a welding area, an area for filling the packagings, an area for outputting the packagings, a first chemical decontamination treatment area using a gas, arranged between the preforming area and the filling area, and an outside chamber that surrounds the machine at least partially and is depressed atmospherically with respect to the first area. The outside chamber acts as an additional barrier between the first area and the outside.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Proaseptic Technologies S.L.U.Inventor: Josep Fonte-Ruíz
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Patent number: 8166733Abstract: Techniques for providing cost effective and tamper evident prepaid card packaging are described. By forming a cutout in a panel of the prepaid card packaging, covering the cutout with a material such as red glassine, and aligning an activation bar code or other indicia on the card with the cutout when mounting the card within the packaging, the security of the activation indicia can be better maintained. After purchase, the bar code can be scanned through the red glassine but prior to purchase, the red glassine prevents photocopying.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Oberthur Technologies of America Corp.Inventor: David Garland Abell
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Patent number: 8105226Abstract: A spout mounting method and a spout that enable smooth and high-speed mounting of the spout onto a pouch. The method includes an insertion step of inserting the spout (S) into the pouch (P) so that a mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S) is held between not-yet-sealed opening edges, a temporary fixation step of temporarily fixing the spout (S), inserted in the pouch (P), to the pouch (P), and a sealing step of fixing the mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S), temporarily fixed to the pouch (P), to the opening edges of the pouch (P) by heat-sealing. In the temporary fixation step, the opening edges of the pouch (P) are fixed together by spot-sealing near edges on both sides of the mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S) so that the spout (S) is held by the opening edges of the pouch (P).Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.Inventor: Tsuyoshi Wada
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Patent number: 8079200Abstract: A bag transport and tilt-correction device for a system for, for instance, manufacturing bags with diagonal spouts, the device including openable and closeable gripping members, an air chuck that opens and closes the gripping members, a reciprocal movement mechanism that reciprocates the gripping members between the bag receiving position and the bag hand-over position, and a reciprocal swing mechanisms that swing the gripping members within the vertical plane along the width direction of the gripped bags. The gripping members are moved together with a reciprocal moving body, which is part of the reciprocal movement mechanisms, and attached to the bottom edge of swing levers, which are part of the reciprocal swing mechanism and operated by a cam during the reciprocal movement process, so as to swing together with it. The tilt of the bag is corrected by the swing motion of the gripping members.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoji Tsutsui, Kakue Nakamoto, Norihiko Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8038349Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible package (1) formed by a wrapped material having a first longitudinal joint (4) comprising two longitudinal edge portions of the wrapped material. The package (1) also has a first and a second transverse joint (5, 6), each comprising a transversal edge portion of the wrapped material. The package (1) comprises a pocket defined by said wrapped material, an openable flap (11) defined by an indication (10) and a label (12) fixed to the openable flap (11) and provided with a tab (14) for opening the package (1) along the indication (10). The package (1) is characterised by a first and a second longitudinal stiffener (3) being formed by said wrapped material and that said label (12) is adhesively fixed to at least one of said first and second longitudinal stiffeners (3). The invention also relates to a method of producing such package.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Regath HBInventors: Thomas Andersson, Carl-Olof Norlin
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Patent number: 8028502Abstract: A method of forming and filling the pouch includes the steps of forming each panel and joining two panels by sealing together the side edges and lower edge. The method also includes the steps of opening the pouch and filling the pouch with the product. The method further includes the steps of closing the filled pouch by forming a first closing seal extending along an upper edge of the pouch a predetermined length from the upper edge, such that there is no dead space inside the pouch between the product and the first closing seal, and forming a second seal between the first closing seal and the upper edge thereby trapping the product between the first closing seal and the second closing seal, and finishing the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLCInventor: R. Charles Murray
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Patent number: 7975362Abstract: The invention relates to a processing device for covers (20), wherein processing stations are embodied as individual processing stations (47) provided with, respectively, one tool for one cover. Several of said stations work in parallel for the simultaneous processing of several covers. If need be, stations can also be used wherein several tools form groups which are functionally separate from each other. As a result, the processing precision and production speed of the objects can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Soundronic AGInventors: Peter Gysi, Marcel Oberholzer
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Patent number: 7946098Abstract: Apparatus for applying a drinking straw on a receiving surface of a stand up bag which can be supplied on a conveying surface to a transfer device for drinking straws. To increase the conveying speed of said apparatus, the transfer means is arranged such that the drinking straw while being handed over encloses an acute angle with the conveying surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: INDAG Gesellschaft für Industriebedarf mbH & Co. Betriebs KGInventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft
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Patent number: 7895811Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and attaching a plurality of fitments to a film includes a guiding device for guiding a plurality of fitments; an attaching device for attaching the fitments to the film; a means for advancing the attached fitments and film; and an indexing device for indexing the fitments, the indexing device including a spring housing, a spring, and a fastener, the indexing device being configured such that when a first fitment has been attached to the film and then advances past the indexing device, the spring controllably releases the first fitment, and a second fitment is advanced into attaching position. A process and vertical form/fill/seal apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventor: Timothy G. Caudle
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Publication number: 20110036053Abstract: Described is an apparatus for applying a drinking straw on a receiving surface of a stand up bag which can be supplied on a conveying surface to a transfer device for drinking straws. To increase the conveying speed of said apparatus, the transfer means should be arranged such the drinking straw while being handed over encloses an acute angle with the conveying surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Hans-Peter WILD, Eberhard Kraft
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Publication number: 20100300040Abstract: An apparatus for applying drinking straws on prefabricated packaging containers includes a drive device for continuous belts of drinking straws wrapped in protective sleeves or envelopes, a conveyor for moving packaging containers past the drinking straw applicator, a separator for separating drinking straws from the belt, as well as an applicator for applying the drinking straw on a side wall of the packaging container. The drinking straw applicator include at least one excenter which is excentrically disposed on a shaft mounted adjacent the drive device. During rotation of the shaft, the excenter is moved from an inner position to an outer position, a drinking straw is picked up at the inner position and is applied on a packaging container at the outer position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.Inventors: Jonas Lindback, Gert Hansson
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Publication number: 20100089008Abstract: A plant for heat-welding and blow moulding containers having feed apparatus for feeding a thermoformable and heat-weldable plastics material in a preferred direction and a plurality of stations for processing the plastics material to form the containers when in use. The stations, which are located in succession along the preferred direction comprise one or more filling stations to fill the containers with filling material when in use, and at least one station for welding an insert onto a container, each insert defining the opening of a corresponding container. The insert welding station is located upstream of the one or more filling stations in the preferred direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2007Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Massimiliano Parini, Roberto Tagliaferri
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Patent number: 7694498Abstract: The present invention provides a gas filling apparatus and gas filling port thereof. The gas filling apparatus is connected with the air feed apparatus which is introduced the gas into the first inlet port of the semiconductor device or reticle storage apparatus. The gas filling apparatus includes a supporting base which is provided to hold the storage apparatus thereon, and at least one second inlet port which is disposed on the first inlet port of the storage apparatus so as to the gas is flowed into the storage apparatus through the second inlet port. The second inlet port includes a first base, a second base, a first elastic element, a fixing element, and a switch device. Both of the first base and second base have through holes, and opposite to each other. The first elastic element is used to maintain the airtight and is disposed on the second base and opposite to the first inlet port of the storage apparatus used to maintain the airtight.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
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Publication number: 20090320408Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Clifford Dey, Dwayne Looney, Michael Pohle, Robert Cerwin
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Patent number: 7588525Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a tab over a peelable panel on an end structure comprising a ring/panel. The ring and panel are formed from the same flexible material which has no inherent deadfold characteristic. In one embodiment an upper tab fold tool includes a pivotable plate for holding the folded edge of the tab in position prior to heat sealing to the peelable panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.Inventors: Paul Longworth, Jason John Hall
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Patent number: 7497063Abstract: An apparatus includes a holder; a first motor operatively secured to holder; a transporting assembly including a second motor and a slide; a heating unit; a controller; and a housing for enclosing the transporting assembly and the heating unit; A thermally contractible film is put on a closed cryovial containing biological specimens. The cryovial is secured to the holder such that activating the second motor to move the first motor and the holder from an original position to a heating position, stopping the second motor and activating the first motor to turn the holder about a length axis of the cryovial, activating the heating unit to heat the thermally contractible film and contracting same onto the cryovial, and activating the second motor again to move the first motor and the holder from the heating position to the original position will produce a sealed cryovial.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Inventor: Kun-Chuan Huang
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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
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Patent number: 7469522Abstract: A flexible container forming and filling apparatus comprising a flexible container forming assembly, a flexible container filling assembly and a transfer assembly. The flexible container forming assembly is configured for forming at least two side by side flexible containers which define at least a first output and a second output. The flexible container filling assembly is associated with the flexible container forming assembly and has a receiving region configured for receipt of sequential flexible containers for filling. The transfer assembly is configured for sequentially transferring flexible containers from the first output to the receiving region of the flexible container filling assembly and from the second output to the receiving region of the flexible container filling assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Scholle CorporationInventor: Christian Dettwiller
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Patent number: 7367171Abstract: A venting device with base and an adjuster supported by the base, and a driver driving the adjuster. The adjuster includes a film vent former moved by the driver between vent formation mode and non-vent formation mode. The adjuster includes an adjustable blade moving from non-vent mode position with the blade on a first side of the film to vent mode position with a segment of the blade positioned on an opposite film side. The blade has a blade segment traveling within a nip region of the film driver of a foam-in-bag dispenser, where the venting device is nestled in a film drive component slot in the nip zone, and an opposite nip zone roller across the film path has a reception groove receiving the blade segment. The blade is contained in a housing shaped to perform a film wrap around prevention function relative to the bag forming assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: IntellipackInventors: George Bertram, Doug Walker
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Publication number: 20080092485Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a tab over a peelable panel on an end structure comprising a ring/panel. The ring and panel are formed from the same flexible material which has no inherent deadfold characteristic. In one embodiment an upper tab fold tool includes a pivotable plate for holding the folded edge of the tab in position prior to heat sealing to the peelable panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Crown Packaging Technology Inc.Inventors: Paul Longworth, Jason John Hall
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Patent number: 7314439Abstract: A process for manufacturing a tetrahedral-shaped pouch (100 from a flexible strip of film material is such that a tube (13) is formed from a strip (32) in a continuous manner involving the creation of a longitudinal sealing seam (12), and a tetrahedral shaped pouch (10) is formed from the tube (13) by means of alternating forming a first transverse sealing seam (14) running transverse to the longitudinal seam (12) and second transverse sealing seam (16) running essentially perpendicular to and a distance from the first transverse seam (14), whereby the second transverse seams (16) are situated in the region of a tetrahedral corner (18) of the pouch (10), such that an essentially tube outlet part (20) for pouring that is closed as its free end (22) is formed projecting out from the pouch (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.Inventors: Daniel Bossel, Kyeni Mbiti, Jochem Willemse, Peter Kanscar
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Patent number: 7308783Abstract: A method of filling a bag includes holding the bag open to define a fill path extending past an obverse side of a closure strip, between the closure strip and an opposed wall of the bag, and pouring contents into the open bag through the fill path.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: William H. Shepard, William P. Clune, George A. Provost
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Patent number: 7278541Abstract: A method of making a blood filter assembly provides first and second filter housing elements from a flexible thermoplastic material, each of the first and second housing elements including a molded port. The method places a filter media between the first and second filter housing elements and applies radio frequency heating and pressure to form a peripheral seal that joins the first and second filter housing elements to the filter media and encapsulates the filter media between the first and second housing elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Julian P Breillatt, Jr., John C Burnham, Allen R Wons, Randy Murphy, Daryl R Calhoun, Daniel R Lynn
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Patent number: 7169102Abstract: A process for manufacturing a, tetrahedral-shaped pouch (100 from a flexible strip of film material is such that a tube (13) is formed from a strip (32) in a continuous manner involving the creation of a longitudinal sealing seam (12), and the tetrahedral shaped pouch (10) is formed from the tube (13) by means of alternatingly forming a first transverse sealing seam (14) running transverse to the longitudinal seam (12) and second transverse sealing seam (16) running essentially perpendicular to and a distance from the first transverse seam (14), whereby the second transverse seams (16) are situated in the region of a tetrahedral corner (18) of the pouch (10), such that an essentially tube outlet part (20) for pouring that is closed at its free end (22) is formed projecting out from the pouch (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management, Ltd.Inventors: Daniel Bossel, Kyeni Mbiti, Jochem Willemse, Peter Kanscar
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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
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Patent number: 7100346Abstract: A machine for winding and boxing wound coils of filamentary material having a payout hole extending from the outer to the inner coil winding wherein a turret mechanism mounting two oppositely disposed end forms and corresponding collapsible mandrels and operative between first and second stations, wherein the first station enables filamentary material to be wound on one of the mandrels and associated end form and a second station wherein the mandrel and end form containing the wound coil is rotated to confront a boxing station; a boxing station including a platform having a movable back panel, a base panel and an inclined ramp facing the second station and being movable towards and away from the second station for receiving the wound coil from the collapsible mandrel; the boxing station receiving an unfolded box deposited on the base panel with a back panel folded against said back panel and including means for folding two opposite side panels of the box to enable reception of the wound coil in the partiallyType: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Windings, Inc.Inventors: Frank W. Kotzur, David B. Franklin, Brian P. Moore, Gregory A. Kotzur
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Patent number: 6990785Abstract: A drinking straw attachment device for attaching drinking straws to beverage containers, wherein the drinking straws are fed in the form of a drinking straw band provided with a glue layer, with a feeder device having, at least the point where the cutting device severs two drinking straws from each other, a recess matched in its height position with the glue layer and the height extension of which corresponds at least to the width of the glue layer. A method for attaching drinking straws to beverage containers includes cutting device drinking straw band into pieces between each of the two drinking straws with a cutting device in the area of the feeder device, and piercing the cutting device through the glue layer and the drinking straw band into a recess provided on the feeder device in a height position corresponding to the glue layer, and whereby the height extension of the recess corresponds at least to the width of the glue band.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Indag Gesellschaft fuer Industriebedarf mbH & CO Betriebs KGInventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft
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Patent number: 6964145Abstract: A process for packaging a food product such as soft ice-cream, frozen yogurt or the like in a single-serving package comprises a continuous in-line system in which a pot (9) is formed in a deformable bottom web (2) of plastics material and a lid (12) with dispensing aperture (14) is formed in a top web (4) of plastics material. Food product is filled into the formed pot and the webs are brought together in register with a lid aligned over the mouth of the pot. The lid is sealed to the pot at a sealing station and the aperture in the lid is covered and sealed with a peel-off tab or label (16). To dispense the product for consumption, the tab is removed and the product is extruded by pressing down on the deformable pot to collapse it, forcing the product through the aperture in the lid. To facilitate this, at least a portion of the lid is formed so as to be sufficiently rigid as to provide a bearing surface toward which the pot can be collapsed.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Dairygold Technologies LimitedInventor: Liam Michael O'Gallcobhair
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Patent number: 6957523Abstract: A system to form, fill and seal (FFS) flexible bags including the steps of: a total printing of the film as it winds off the supply reel; a dry cleaning; a gimballed aligning for the folding of the printed and washed film; a hot-bar welding of the folded film; a valve welding controlled by an algorithm; a humidification treatment of the valve cavity; a shaping of the bags by hot tools also controlled by an algorithm; and a high precision dosage of the filling liquid.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Alberto Siccardi
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Patent number: 6892508Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a pour spout fitment to a panel of a filled and sealed thermoplastic-coated carton, wherein a machine 10 is mounted over a conveyor 12 conveying a line of cartons. Within the machine 10, a selected panel surface of each filled and sealed carton is heated to a predetermined temperature; next, at least an annular surface of a flange of the fitment is heated to a predetermined temperature. When the heated surface of the fitment is applied to the heated surface of the carton, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon pressing and cooling, the fitment and the carton surface are bonded together, without the need for a back-up or support mechanism, such as a mandrel or anvil. Alternatively, the fitment may be secured to the carton by way of a jetted-on, circular bead of hot melt adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Elopak Systems AGInventors: Edward Albert Skinner, Robert E. Rochelle, John A. Weber
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Patent number: 6834474Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a slider-equipped zipper on a pouch in a form/fill/seal operation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a foldable slider is employed, and is shifted from an open configuration to a closed configuration for installation on zipper strips on the pouch. Stops are preferably provided at the ends of the zipper strips by application of heat and pressure to form a boss on one side and a corresponding recess on the other, without requiring additional material. A hermetic peelable seal preferably is provided beneath the zipper strips. The slider preferably is applied to the zipper strips immediately before or immediately after filling, or immediately after formation of the peelable seal. Means may be provided to shift the position of the slider to close the zipper.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Herberto Dutra, Mark Charles Mikol
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Publication number: 20040237472Abstract: An automated container production line for automatically removing, orienting, filling, sealing and providing a label and applying a straw to the outside of the labeled container is provided which utilizes a novel orienting conveyor for receiving unoriented containers from a supply bin and orienting the containers for a plurality of novel short production lines having a positioning screw conveyor which intermittently starts and stops the advancement of the containers as groups of containers in which various groups of containers are simultaneously filled, sealed, inspected and then subsequently transported to a sleeving device for adding labels, a heat shrink tunnel for fastening the sleeve to the container and then to a novel straw applicator for subsequently attaching a straw to the outside of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Gilbert L. De Cardenas, Kenneth N. Barker
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Patent number: 6810636Abstract: A container and spout assembly apparatus for assembling a plurality of flexible containers with corresponding spouts. The container and spout assembly apparatus comprises a plurality of assembly stations, a container introduction station, a spout introduction station and a container removal station. Each of the plurality of assembly stations is substantially rotatably positioned about a general axis of rotation. In addition, each of the plurality of assembly stations includes a container manipulating assembly, a spout grasping and positioning member and a joining assembly. The container manipulating member is capable of retaining and manipulating a flexible container. The spout grasping and positioning member is capable of relatively positioning a spout in a desired position relative to a flexible container upon at least one of manipulation and retention thereof by the container manipulating assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Fogg Filler CompanyInventor: Michael R. Resterhouse
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Patent number: 6779318Abstract: A system and method of continuously forming, sealing, and filling flexible packages with sterile beverages is disclosed wherein the forming, sealing, and filling is performed without stopping or indexing the packages in order to achieve high throughput rates and efficiency. A web feeding device inputs sheet material into the system, which is continuously formed into a series of juxtaposed shaped packages in a forming unit. The packages are formed by a folding technique resulting in top and bottom gussets, and sealed side seams with an open top for filling thereof with liquid. The entire web of formed packages is transported through a filling device, which continuously fills the packages while in web form. The top fill openings of the packages are then sealed in a continuous process, and fabrication within an aseptic or ultra-clean environment is thereby completed. Post-treatment of the packages outside of the aseptic environment, but in a clean environment, then may proceed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventor: James J. Wang
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Patent number: 6775959Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of producing packages with opening arrangements and of the type which has a hole prepared in the package wall through which the package is intended to be emptied of its contents. A web of paper or paperboard is coated on its one side with liquid tight coating of plastic and, on its other side, with a metal foil which serves as oxygen gas barrier and which is bonded to the paper or paperboard layer by an adjacent adhesive layer. The coated web or packaging blank is thereafter transported further to a packing and filling machine where the web is provided with emptying-preparatory holes before being reformed into finished packages in a conventional manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventor: Rolf Lasson
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Patent number: 6766627Abstract: A machine for winding and boxing wound coils of filamentary material having a payout hole extending from the outer to the inner coil winding, a turret mechanism mounting two oppositely disposed end forms and corresponding collapsible mandrels and operative between first and second stations, wherein the first station enables filamentary material to be wound on one of the mandrels and associated end form and a second station wherein the mandrel and end form containing the wound coil is rotated to confront a boxing station; a boxing station including a platform having a movable back panel, a base panel and an inclined ramp facing the second station and being movable towards and away from second station for receiving the wound coil from the collapsible mandrel; the boxing station receiving an unfolded box deposited on the base panel with a box back panel folded against the back panel and including means for folding two opposite side panels of the box to enable reception of the wound coil in the partially assembleType: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Windings, Inc.Inventors: Frank W. Kotzur, David B. Franklin, Brian P. Moore, Gregory A. Kotzur
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Patent number: 6751928Abstract: An apparatus for inserting spouts into bags comprising a plurality of spout holding member disposed at equal intervals on the circumference of a continuously-rotating rotating table; and a pair of holding members which position and hold both side edges of bags, bag bottom receiving stands that support the lower ends of the bags, and suction plates which open the mouths of the bags with suction. The holding members hold side edges of supplied bags, the bag bottom receiving stand is raised to move the mouths of the bags to the suction plates, and the mouths of the bags are opened by suction by the suction plates. Then, the holding members, bag bottom receiving stand and suction plates are raised, and bags are fitted over the spouts and raised to the upper end of the sealing portion of the spouts. Afterward, the bags and spouts are temporarily sealed.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Shoji Tsutsui
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Patent number: 6745540Abstract: A spout sealing method and apparatus using a spout insertion and temporary-sealing apparatus, a primary sealing apparatus, a secondary sealing apparatus and a cold-sealing apparatus that are installed in a row; and transfer apparatuses being installed between these sealing apparatuses. Each apparatus has a continuously rotating rotor. A plurality of spout holding members which hold and convey spouts are disposed at equal intervals on the circumferences of the rotors, and spouts are continuously transferred between the spout holding members of adjacent rotors. In the spout insertion and temporary-sealing apparatus, bags and spouts are supplied from different sources; and the bags are fitted over the spouts held by the spout holding members, and the bags and spouts are temporarily sealed by a temporary-sealing apparatus. Then, main sealing is performed by the primary sealing apparatus and secondary sealing apparatus, and the main sealing area is cooled by the cold-sealing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Keizo Hirata
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Patent number: 6722102Abstract: A method for securing thermoplastic pour spout fitments 22 to thermoplastic-coated containers 20, wherein at least a surface of the pour spout fitment 22 is heated remotely at heating stations 42-46 to a temperature significantly below the melting point of the thermoplastic fitment. When the heated fitment surface is applied to a selected surface of an erected, thermoplastic-coated container 20, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon cooling, the fitment 22 and the container surface are bonded together.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1998Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Elopak AGInventors: Leslie Pape, Robert Edwin Rochelle