Means To Fill And Close Preformed Receptacle Patents (Class 53/266.1)
  • Publication number: 20110289884
    Abstract: A method of shipping at least one child-resistant medicate container via a carrier includes providing or obtaining at least one child-resistant medicate container including a front sidewall, and an opposing rear sidewall, a right sidewall, an opposing left sidewall, and at least one locking mechanism. The method also includes creating or obtaining a flat-rate shipping package from a carrier, inserting the at least one child-resistant medicate container into the package, and closing the package to enclose the at least one child-resistant medicate container within the package so that the package is generally flat and acceptable by the carrier for a flat-rate shipping. The method also includes causing the closed package to be shipped or transported by the carrier at a flat-rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: JUNO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas GUSCHKE, Richard M. LEE
  • Publication number: 20110277420
    Abstract: The invention relates to conveyor system (1) for conveying packaging trays (2), for food products for example, from one or more import stations (3) to one or more export stations (4). The conveyor system is provided with an endless conveyor track comprising a rail (5), a multiplicity of trolleys which are movably connected to the rail (5), and a multiplicity of tray carriers (7) which are each coupled to the rail (5) via at least one trolley. Each tray carrier (7) is provided with a support member, preferably a support platform, configured for supporting at least one packaging tray. The use of a conveyor system (1) of this type for conveying packaging trays has the advantage over the use of a roll track, for example, that the system takes up relatively little floor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Erik Hendrikus Werner Peters, Wilbert Hiddink, Adrianus Josephes Van Den Nieuwelaar
  • Publication number: 20110271649
    Abstract: The introduction of a heterogeneous solid substance, such as biomass, into a container which is under pressure is difficult. The rotary valves and airlocks used hitherto have substantial deficiencies. The use of standard screw conveyors has hitherto failed due to the fact that a cavity formed behind the screw helix in which gas could escape from the pressurized container. These deficiencies are resolved in that two independently controllable screws are arranged in a screw conveyor pipe. Between the primary screw driven by a motor and the secondary screw driven by another motor, the biomass is compacted by high pressure as a consequence of the different revolution speeds of the motors in such a way that an almost gas-tight plug is formed. The invention is particularly well-suited for the introduction of biomass into a gasification installation which is under pressure, for the production of synthesis gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Tetzlaff
  • Patent number: 8046976
    Abstract: A method for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid, the method comprising dispensing a first portion of the beverage from a first source into containers, wherein the first portion of the beverage comprises at least a majority of the particulates and a first portion of the liquid, dispensing from a counterpressure filler a second portion of the beverage from a second source into the containers, wherein the second portion of the beverage comprises a second portion of the liquid, and sealing the containers to form packaged beverages. An apparatus for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid. A method for packaging, in sequence, a first beverage comprising particulates in a liquid and a second beverage comprising a carbonated beverage. A method for packaging a beverage comprising a dairy component and a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Hubertus U. Schubert, F. Fred Sadeghi, Alain Verbeke
  • Patent number: 8033083
    Abstract: An improved automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly (18) having an ingredient section within a membrane; rotating the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). The process can further include the steps of providing a continuous strip (32) of multiple pouch assemblies (18) and cutting a single pouch assembly (18) from the strip (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Merrion Research III Limited
    Inventor: Jagathesan Moodley
  • Publication number: 20110239594
    Abstract: A system and method for filling a collapsible container are provided. Such a collapsible container may be made of a relatively rigid portion and a collapsible portion, with the collapsible portion having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. An obstruction maintains the collapsible portion in the collapsed condition while the container is filled with contents. The obstruction may remain in place until the container is capped and sealed with the contents stored inside the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: John Nottingham, John Spirk, Nick E. Stanca, Jeff Kalman
  • Publication number: 20110210120
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a product into a receptacle having a feeding aperture. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber having a plurality of inlets each configured for separately receiving at least one of a plurality of component materials and at least one outlet, the mixing chamber being configured for forming the product by mixing the plurality of component materials and injecting the product to the feeding aperture via the at least one outlet and a feeding element configured for being secured in a feeding channel for allowing the injecting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Polynest Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Shlomo Nevo
  • Publication number: 20110185677
    Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company LP
    Inventors: Paul V. KELLEY, Scott E. Bysick
  • Publication number: 20110162321
    Abstract: A system for filling a package of the collapsible type with a product in the form of a powder or liquid having a package, which has a chamber defined by flexible walls, and an arrangement for filling a package of the collapsible type with a product in the form of a powder or liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Per Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 7971765
    Abstract: A method for splitting tablets includes positioning a plurality of tablets onto a supporting structure. Each of the plurality of tablets are then substantially simultaneously split into at least two parts. Finally, if desired, the at least two parts of each tablet are dispensed into a compartment of a corresponding one of a plurality of first capsule portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher Clinical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Engle
  • Publication number: 20110146212
    Abstract: A multi-pharmaceutical dispensing station includes a circular platform around which a plurality of individual dispensers is arrayed at a convenient loading height. Each dispenser accepts a single bulk canister containing one pharmaceutical. Cylindrical, empty prescription containers carry labels bearing indicia of the patient and pharmaceutical to be dispensed into each container. Sensors detect the indicia and direct the containers to the proper dispenser which fills them with the type and quantity of a pharmaceutical according to the indicia. Incident containers first drop into a dispersion wheel which translates them around the circular station and aligns them with a vertical chute leading to the correct dispenser. After filling, the containers are urged onto a moving, circular table which conveys them to automatic closing and sealing apparatus. Once closed and sealed, the containers exit the dispenser station through pneumatic tubing which conveys them to verification, sorting and shipping stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Terzini
  • Publication number: 20110113727
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus is provided that sequentially advances rows of pockets formed in plastic sheet to a drop system where preselected medications or small articles are dropped into pockets and sealed to form an easily managed packet array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin B. Bonner
  • Publication number: 20110099953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of injecting mortar into a container fastened to a first tank and to a second tank, the first tank communicating with the container via a first orifice and the second tank communicating with the container by a second orifice, the method comprising the following operations: a continuous circulation of a first stream of mortar is made to flow in a circulation loop; during the continuous circulation, a second stream of mortar is drawn off from the circulation loop, said second stream being smaller than the first stream of mortar; the second stream of mortar is injected into the container, ensuring that there is dynamic confinement of the gaseous effluents; and the appearance of mortar in the second tank is monitored and, when this appearance is detected, the removal of mortar from the circulation loop is brought to an end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Dominique Pouyat, Eric Blanchard, Pierre Brovelli
  • Patent number: 7926242
    Abstract: A container of generally elongate shape for receiving a plurality of envelopes is described wherein the container includes an internal housing having a substantially parallelepiped shape which is open at one of its longitudinal ends to accomodate the plurality of envelopes and closed at its opposite longitudinal end and includes a portion around the internal housing having an external surface of at least partially cylindrical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: MAG Systemes SAS
    Inventors: GĂ©rard Faissolle, Michel Moreaux
  • Publication number: 20110072761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a processing machine for processing bottles or similar containers (2), comprising at least one rotor (3, 16) supported by at least one bearing arrangement (10, 11) rotatably about a machine axis (MA), and comprising a plurality of processing stations (4) provided at the rotor (3, 16), characterized in that the rotor (3, 16) is supported by a plurality of rollers (10, 11) distributed about the machine axis (MA) and forming the bearing arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig ClĂĽsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Publication number: 20110047938
    Abstract: In an automated method for handling and packaging agriculturally grown food items, at least a portion of the exterior of the food item is removed to expose its interior region. From the exposed interior region, a number of food segments are extruded. For example, cylinders of pineapple or watermelon may be extruded. The extruded food segments are then inserted into a number of packaging units, such as single-serving tubes. The extrusion process for forming the food segments may be continuous with the insertion process, such as when the packaging units are located in alignment with movement of a corresponding number of extrusion members. Thus, an automated system may include a mechanized trimmer, a mechanized extrusion unit, and a mechanized packager that provides hands-free insertion of the food segments into the packaging units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Jose L. Medina
  • Publication number: 20110047936
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SA RECYCLING LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Publication number: 20110036055
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a pusher used in packaging equipment improved so that undesirable deformation of articles to be packaged can be effectively prevented. A pusher 1 used in the packaging equipment includes ahead unit 36 provided in its frontal end wall 46 with an air supply port 53 and in lateral walls 43 with air suction ports 52. The air supply port 53 is adapted to maintain fluid-communication between inside and outside of an envelope 2b as long as the frontal end wall 46 of the pusher 1 stays inside the envelope 2b. The air suction ports 52 are adapted to suck an amount of air inside the envelope 2b as the frontal end wall of the pusher 1 moves away from inside of the envelope 2b and thereby allow the open end of the envelope 2b to be formed with the gussets 57.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Uni-Charn Corporation
    Inventor: Joji Shibagaki
  • Publication number: 20110005167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer line for the transfer of identical filled two-piece capsules between two successive processing stations comprising a and on unloading area, a plurality of identical transfer units each comprising a plurality of cavities each adapted to receive a capsule at the loading area and to let such capsule being unloaded at the unloading area, said plurality of cavities of each transfer unit being designed so as to receive in a first relative configuration the groups of filled two-piece capsules when located at a loading position in the loading area and so as to discharge these groups when located at an unloading position in the unloading area, a conveyor device adapted to temporarily and individually support the transfer units so as to transfer them from the loading position to the unloading position and vice-versa, while keeping them substantially in a same orientation in the loading and unloading positions, and at least from the loading position to the unloading position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Gunther Victor Maria Emiel Van Goolen, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne, Nigel Harrison
  • Patent number: 7866123
    Abstract: A filling machine for containers such as bottles, cans, or similar containers. The filling machine comprises at least one rotor, which is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis, and filling stations on the rotor. Each filling station is designed to receive a container and for the filling of this container during the rotational movement of the rotor between a container inlet point and a container outlet point. The filling stations are provided in at least two filling planes, which are offset from one another in the direction of the machine axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventor: Ludwig ClĂĽsserath
  • Publication number: 20100313522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for closing a flat product (14) which comprises a cover sheet which is open on at least one side and at least one printed product which is inserted loosely into the cover sheet, wherein the product (14) is fed to a closing apparatus (15, 15?) in a freely suspended manner or in an overlapping stream, and wherein the at least one open side of the cover sheet is closed in the closing apparatus (15, 15?) exclusively by mechanical action on the cover sheet by means of a closing tool (19, 19?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Alex Keller
  • Publication number: 20100307107
    Abstract: A device for inserting products into packaging containers in a packaging machine has a first continuously driven conveyor device, on which the products can be transported, and a second continuously driven conveyor device, on which the packaging containers can be transported. An insertion device is provided, which has a revolving insertion conveyor device and by which the products an be inserted into the packaging containers in the insertion direction. A pre-insertion unit has a cover device, which can be moved in the insertion direction, and which rests on the products during the insertion movement. The pre-insertion unit has a carriage, which can be moved back and forth using a first drive device along a first linear guide which runs in the movement direction of the first conveyor device. A second linear guide, which runs in the insertion direction and along which the cover device can be moved back and forth using a second drive device, is implemented on the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: ThĂłmas Behringer
  • Publication number: 20100294783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rigid container of foodstuff, the foodstuff comprising fish that is present in solid form. The closed container presents substantially no liquid. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the container and apparatus for manufacturing the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ETABLISSEMENTS PAUL PAULET
    Inventors: Benoit Ronsin, Christine Nauleau, Eric Muckensturm, Alain Olivieri
  • Publication number: 20100281824
    Abstract: In a machine for filling capsules, each of which defined by a bottom and a cap, with pharmaceutical products, the bottoms and the caps of the capsules are moved forward in sequence about a plurality of wheels provided with at least two actuating members movable under the control of respective tappets engaged in respective cams to open and close the capsules themselves, respectively; the cams being obtained on the outer surface of a drum mounted to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axes of the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Angelo ANSALONI, Ernesto Gamberini
  • Publication number: 20100170199
    Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Paul V. Kelley, Scott E. Bysick
  • Publication number: 20100154354
    Abstract: The device for filling packaging receptacles with pharmaceutical products has a supply container for the pharmaceutical products and a feed device with at least one guide channel for conducting the pharmaceutical products by means of gravity from the supply container to the packaging receptacles. At least one high-voltage ionizer element supplied with alternating voltage is arranged in the area of the at least one guide channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: UHLMANN PAC-SYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: ANTON SINGER
  • Publication number: 20100139222
    Abstract: A product filling system (100) includes a first multi-lane conveyor (106) for receiving products and a second multi-lane conveyor (110) for receiving the products from the first multi-lane conveyor (106). The first multi-lane conveyor (106) and the second multi-lane conveyor (110) include a plurality of independently movable belts controlled by a controller (128). First and second camera systems (108, 112) inspect first and second portions of the products on the plurality of belts and judge whether each of the products is defective or not defective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Micron PharmaWorks, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingo Federle, Ben Brower, Peter Buczynsky
  • Publication number: 20100107557
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container filling machine including at least one filling spout, and a cleaning device including a stationary collecting member with a passage opening, a sealing member that can be displaced between a retracted position and a service position in which said sealing member is capable of tightly sealing the passage opening, and displacement means for displacing said sealing member between the retracted position and the service position thereof. The sealing member includes an elastically deformable membrane mounted on a holder and forming therewith a tight deformation chamber capable of receiving a pressurised fluid in order to deform the deformable membrane for sealing the passage opening when said holder is displaced into the service position by the displacement means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Philippe Macquet, Jean-Marie Maubois
  • Publication number: 20100101191
    Abstract: A shuttle system including a main conveyor for transporting food products in a longitudinal direction, a supply of open top containers displaced along a longitudinal direction and movable in the longitudinal direction into a filling station. The shuttle system includes a shuttle robot for moving food products from the main conveyor to an open top container in the filling station. A sensor for receiving food product position data and a controller receiving data from the sensor and for instructing operation of the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Lindee
  • Publication number: 20100077703
    Abstract: A method of positioning containers in an installation for processing containers having mouth segments (103) of different cross-sections, the method comprising the step of moving the containers along a container movement line (1) in an installation while maintaining a reference point on each of the mouth segments on said movement line, the movement line being common to all mouth segment cross-sections, and the reference points on the mouth segments being the same regardless of the cross-sections of the mouth segments of the containers, wherein the reference point is situated on an outside side surface of the mouth segment in a manner such that the mouth segments are tangential to the movement line. A corresponding positioning device and an installation including such devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Xavier GOURLAOUEN
  • Patent number: 7685796
    Abstract: Automatic machine for closing containers, including an automatic corking unit, a conveyor including an inlet section for feeding containers to be corked towards the automatic corking unit and an outlet section for moving apart the corked containers from the corking unit, an injection unit arranged upstream of the corking unit, arranged for injecting inert gas in the head portions of the containers to be corked, a casing defining a chamber which contains the injection unit and the corking unit and a feeding system of inert gas for maintaining within said chamber an inert gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: AROL SpA
    Inventors: Stefano Capelli, Piero Bielli
  • Patent number: 7685797
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans, and modules for labeling stations proposed a labeling machine. Each module comprises a first coupling structure to permit interchangeable position of a module at one of a plurality of second coupling structures. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Heinz-Michael Zwilling
  • Patent number: 7685794
    Abstract: Cup-shaped containers can be turned over and transferred with good stability from a sterilization-washing zone to the filling-sealing zone inside an aseptic chamber, and admixture of odor or microorganisms is prevented. The first conveyor 2 for conveying the cup-shaped container 38 in an inverted state and a second conveyor 3 for conveying the container in an upright state downstream of the first conveyor 2 are disposed in series in substantially the same plane inside a continuous aseptic chamber 1. A container supply device, a container sterilization device, and a container washing device are disposed successively along the first conveyor 2. A contents filling device 40, a lid material sealing device 41, and a device for discharging the sealed cup-shaped container are installed successively along the second conveyor 3. Sterilization and washing are performed in an inverted state, while conveying the container with the first conveyor 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Nagatani, Yoshinori Asada, Takeshi Iwashita, Shoichi Inaba
  • Publication number: 20100064638
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for packaging a curable resin composition and a catalyst composition that react with each other when mixed, comprising providing a partitioned tube for receiving the resin composition and the curing agent in separate compartments; delivering a stream of a resin composition into one compartment of the tube; delivering a stream of a curing agent in the other compartment of the tube; advancing the partitioned tube and constricting and sealing the partitioned tube at spaced apart intervals and severing the sealed tube to produce a package partitioning the resin composition from the catalyst composition. Solid particulate is continuously added into the stream of at least one of the catalyst composition and the resin composition and mixing the solid particulate and stream to produce a mixed composition; and the relative amount of solid particulate in the mixed composition is controlled by continuously determining the mass of solid particulate added to the mass of the stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: J-LOK CO.
    Inventors: John G. Oldsen, Walter J. Simmons, W. Neal Simmons, Robert A. McGinnis, JR.
  • Patent number: 7677443
    Abstract: A method of depositing items of value, the method comprising 1) receiving a tamper evident and coded container holding the items of value, the code relating to the content of the container; 2) verifying that the package has been received in an acceptable manner, and, if it has, 3) either incrementing an account with the value of the items of value in the container by reference to the code and without opening the container, or, if the account has previously been incremented, leaving the account unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: De La Rue International Limited
    Inventors: Philip Michael William Ireland, Alexander Charles Harold James, Karen Joan Cunningham, Pietro Armanini, Simon George Calverley
  • Publication number: 20100050571
    Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions has a drive mechanism for feeding a preconfigured film material to a sealing mechanism in a flattened state without wrinkles in the sealing region in which a longitudinal seal is formed. In one aspect, the drive mechanism comprises a pair of upper adjacent belts and a backing element, such as a lower belt. The sealing mechanism may be a rotary sealing wheel that contacts the film material between the upper adjacent belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: FREE-FLOW PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James Birkle, Rob Van Uijen, Rob Robinson, Vivek Krishnan, Charles Daigle
  • Publication number: 20090313950
    Abstract: An apparatus provided with: a product assembly path (1) comprising a product conveyor (2) and at least one feeder (4) for feeding a, possibly composite, product which is to be placed in an envelope, an inserting module (7) provided with a magazine (8) for envelopes and a positioning device (12) for positioning the envelopes in a receiving position, in which receiving position, in use, the product coming from the product assembly path is placed in the envelope, a discharge path in which the envelope with the product placed therein is discharged from the inserting module (7) for further processing, wherein the discharge path has a discharge conveying direction (Y) which is substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (X) of the inserting apparatus, wherein the discharge path is provided with a skewed roller conveyer which comprises a plurality of rollers (31) arranged at an angle relative to the discharge conveying direction (Y), to align the envelopes along a stop (30) extending in the conveying
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Eckhard Hägemann
  • Patent number: 7596931
    Abstract: A gas release container comprises a container body having a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and terminating at an upper edge, a removable closure affixed to the upper edge in a substantially gas-tight manner, and a gas release valve in a wall of the container body and operable to release gas from the container when the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the container is sufficient to open the valve. The removable closure can include a flexible gas-barrier membrane sealed to the upper edge of the container body. A lower surface of the membrane and the upper edge of the side wall comprise heat-sealable polymer materials, and the membrane is heat-sealed to the upper edge, preferably by induction sealing. The closure can include an overcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gunter, Floyd Needham, James Scannella
  • Publication number: 20090217627
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a container packing filler are provided, which ensure that a net can be correctly and speedily rolled up into a bulk or ball shape. A stretchable tubular net (N) is fitted around a columnar support member (6). Then, a distal portion of the net is forcibly folded radially outward or inward by a plurality of roller belts (30) disposed circumferentially of the net (N), while the roller belts (30) are moved toward a net proximal side axially of the net (N), whereby the net (N) is rolled up radially outward or inward with the distal portion thereof being forcibly folded by circular rotation and axial movement of the roller belts (30) to form an annular roll portion (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicants: TAISEI KAKO CO., LTD., SHIONOGI & CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Kenji Ohnishi, Tomoyuki Fujita, Masato Tsuji, Shinji Hiramoto
  • Publication number: 20090193767
    Abstract: A loading system (10) for loading packaging cards (14) with blister cards (22), which system comprises a magazine (15) for holding a supply of blister cards and operable controllably to release sequential blister cards onto a stationary runner (32) disposed around a portion of a feeder wheel (24), at an input position of the feeder wheel, the feeder wheel having means (30) to convey the blister cards in sliding contact with said runner to a transfer position of the feeder wheel, and means (26) sequentially to transfer conveyed blister cards for loading onto packaging cards during synchronized movement between the transfer means and the packaging cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Poget, Benoit Poutot
  • Patent number: 7530213
    Abstract: A capsule orienting and separation apparatus is provided which allows a multiplicity of gelatin capsule shells to be uniformly oriented in a separable condition and for the caps of those shells to be separated from the capsule bodies. The apparatus allows a multiplicity of capsule shells all to be concurrently oriented in an upright disposition by a manually operated mechanism. The capsule caps are all uniformly oriented atop the capsule bodies and are exposed for gripping by a capsule cap lift assembly. The capsule caps are concurrently lifted from the capsule bodies while the capsule bodies remain in position in a matrix of openings in a capsule receiving tray. The capsules can then be filled with capsule filler material and tamped down as appropriate. The capsule caps are then all concurrently replaced on the capsule bodies and the capsule caps and capsule bodies are then concurrently permanently sealed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Dene Barrett, Earle Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20090100799
    Abstract: Filling valve (12) including: a hollow housing (21); a moving valve assembly (24) slidingly mounted in the housing (21), the moving valve assembly (24) and the hollow housing (21) together defining a liquid chamber (30) and a gas chamber (32); a liquid inlet (46) for putting the liquid chamber (30) into communication with a liquid supply pipe (14); a gas inlet (47) for putting the gas chamber (32) into communication with a gas supply pipe (17); wherein the hollow housing (21) and the moving valve assembly (24) together define a medium chamber the (33) located between the liquid chamber (30) and the gas chamber (32), and wherein the filling valve (12) further comprises: a first diaphragm (35) linking the valve assembly (24) to the housing (21) between the liquid chamber (30) and the medium chamber (33), and a second diaphragm (36) linking the valve assembly (24) to the housing (21) between the gas chamber (32) and the medium chamber (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: SIDEL
    Inventors: Andrea Lupi, Roberto Cuoghi
  • Patent number: 7509791
    Abstract: A top sealer for a gable top package having a sealed top fin includes an arm support and a pair of opposing arms pivotally mounted to the arm support. The arms each have a sealing jaw at about an end thereof. The arms are pivotal to move the sealing jaws toward and away from one another through an arc. The arm support is linearly movable toward and away from the package, as the arms pivot, to move the sealing jaws downward, toward the package, to alter the arc of the pivoting sealing jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Paul J. Anderson, Fredrik Myllykangas, Lars Skarin, Caroline Blom
  • Publication number: 20090038267
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok S. Dhruv, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael J. Mastio
  • Publication number: 20090036284
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Steven F. Spiers
  • Patent number: 7484345
    Abstract: A filling machine operable to dispense a fluid from a fluid supply to a container having an opening and a cap configured to cover the opening. The filling machine includes a housing that defines a fill chamber and a cap removal assembly at least partially located within the fill chamber. The cap removal assembly is operable to remove the cap from the opening of the container within the fill chamber. The filling machine further includes a fill line assembly having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured to be coupled to the fluid supply and the outlet is located within the fill chamber. The outlet is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the opening of the container. The fill line assembly is removably coupled to the filling machine, and fluid flowing from the fluid supply to the container flows through the fill line assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: PDC Facilities, Inc.
    Inventors: Elmer B. Woods, Bruce A. Bliefnick, James P. Maslowski
  • Patent number: 7475522
    Abstract: An envelope filling machine for introducing sheets into envelopes includes a sliding surface, for transferring the sheets to an envelope filling station by means of pushing lugs, operated along the sliding surface. An envelope supplying conveyor supplies individual envelopes to the station placing them between vertical shafts of a pair of screws. The turns of the screws hold the sides of the envelopes and move each envelope downwards keeping the envelope separated from a subsequent envelope. When the envelope has come to rest on a conveyor belt placed between and under the screws, the lugs push the sheets into the envelope kept steady by movable stop strips yieldingly maintained by elastic means. When the sheets are fully inserted, the lugs push the envelope and force the movable strips to swing and let the filled envelope leave the envelope filling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: C.M.C. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Francesco Ponti
  • Publication number: 20080318750
    Abstract: Packaging machine and discharging device for a packaging machine, and a method for filling bags by means of a packaging machine, wherein a bag to be filled is filled by means of a filling element and the filled bags are taken off by means of a bag take-off device and transferred to a discharging device. The discharging device comprises a conveying device for conveying off the bags filled with bulk goods, wherein at least one monitoring device for monitoring the tightness of the filled bags is provided which is associated with the conveying device. Said monitoring device comprises a weight sensor which captures a measure for the bulk material escaping from a bag to determine a parameter for the bag leakiness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: HAVER & BOECKER OHG
    Inventor: Alois Combrink
  • Patent number: 7444794
    Abstract: A bulge reducer is configured for use on a form, fill and seal packaging machine for gable top packages. The machine has a drive element and plurality of discrete package carriers for conveying the packages along a conveyance path through the machine. The bulge reducer includes a drive member operably connected to the machine station chain. A reciprocating member is operably connected to the drive member for the reciprocation toward and away from the conveyance path. The reciprocating member contacts one of the package side walls as the package moves along the conveyance path to exert an inward force on and urge the side wall inwardly of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventor: Paul J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080105581
    Abstract: A liquid holder linked unit 1 that includes a plurality of liquid holders connected together. Each liquid holder is used as a liquid container suitable for easily dispensing chemicals by a proper amount for each use according to patients with a precise recipe includes an open inlet 11 and an open outlet 12, and plurality of liquid holders 101, 102, and 103 capable of storing the chemicals by an amount for each use formed between the inlet and the outlet. Outlet 12 of one liquid holder linked units is detachably fitted to the inlet 11 of another liquid holder linked unit to integrally connect the plurality of liquid storage part connection unit bodies to each other. With all liquid holder linked units 1 between the first inlet 11 and the last outlet 12 allowed to communicate with each other, the chemicals are filled therein and the portions of the communication pipes 13 thereof are scaled to store specified amounts of chemical therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: NIPRO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kondo, Hideyuki Momoi, Yutaka Takashi