With Common Fill-close Stations Patents (Class 53/268)
  • Patent number: 10377519
    Abstract: A method and an installation for aseptic filling of a receptacle with an enteral nutrition solution includes making available a filling device with a first sealing device preferably in a fixed position, and in which a first aseptic zone is provided, and wherein the first sealing device is located in a position having an opening; taking hold of a receptacle; guiding the receptacle to the first sealing device in such a way that the receptacle, bears sealingly on the opening of the first sealing device, and the first aseptic zone, in which at least an attachment piece of the receptacle is arranged at least in part, is closed; delivering a sterilizing agent, into the first aseptic zone, such that the channel of the attachment piece of the receptacle is at least partially sterilized; guiding the receptacle to the filling nozzle within the first aseptic zone in such a way that the filling nozzle protrudes at least partially into the channel of the attachment piece of the receptacle; filling the receptacle with the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Brandenburger, Bernhard Neisius
  • Patent number: 9909716
    Abstract: A stopper for fluid coupling and including a self-locking sheath designed to be slipped onto a connector, the sheath extending about a central longitudinal axis and including on its inner surface and at a first end, a tapped portion designed to engage with a mating threaded portion formed on the outer surface of the connector where the tapped portion includes at least one recess parallel to the longitudinal axis, where the inner surface of the sheath includes, at a second end opposite the first end, a spindle extending inside the sheath in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis towards the second end of the sheath as far as a free end located between the first and second ends of the sheath, the free end of the spindle being designed to form a protective cover for a surface of the connector designed to engage with a filling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventor: Antoine Frenal
  • Patent number: 9522750
    Abstract: A system for packaging mass-customized items includes a computer system including a database containing item identification information unique to each item; (2) outer container identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each outer container in a plurality of outer containers; (3) inner pack identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each inner pack in a plurality of inner packs; and (4) inner pack filling apparatus that fills each inner pack with a specific item matched to that inner pack by the item identification information received from the database. Each item is associated with its unique item identification information and is inserted into an inner pack with matching item identification information, and each outer container is presented for loading with one or more inner packs matched to that outer container by the item identification information received from the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley E. Sankaran, Eric Kuo, Kevin M. Conlon, Josh Van Riper
  • Patent number: 8935905
    Abstract: A method of providing liquid-filled kegs and a manufacturing apparatus for performing the method of providing liquid-filled kegs, which method includes filling open plastic keg bodies with liquid, applying a disposable keg fitting, and releasing the neck of the filled, closed keg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Alois Monzel
  • Publication number: 20140345233
    Abstract: An aseptic filler apparatus (30) includes an actuatable fitment plug assembly (500) that may be placed against the bottom of a fitment collar, which is in communication with a flexible bag to be filled with flowable food products, thereby to prevent steam or other gasses or liquids from entering the fill bag when undesirable to do so. The plug assembly (500) includes a plug (502) mounted on a distal end portion of a pivot arm (504). The opposite end of the pivot arm is rotatably axled on a cross pin. A linear actuator (518) is connected to the distal end of a lug (512) projecting transversely from the pivot arm. The opposite end of the linear actuator (518) is pinned to a stationary location, enabling the actuator to pivot the plug (502) from an engaged position against the fitment collar and a retracted position away from the fitment collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gianluca Parisini, Glenna Matthews, Davide Ghiretti, Michele Queirolo, Antonio Aldini, Dave Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20130318918
    Abstract: A system for dispensing homemade baby food includes a dispenser with a nozzle and a plunger that can be moved toward the nozzle for dispensing baby food from the nozzle. The system further includes a container having a nipple that is releasably engageable with the nozzle so that baby food in the dispenser can be dispensed directly into the container. The container can be separated from the dispenser and sealed when a selected volume of the baby food has been placed in the container. The container with the baby food therein can be stored temporarily and used when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Dechelle Damien, Carlos Horruitiner
  • Publication number: 20130298499
    Abstract: A continuous conveying type bag filling and packaging machine including multiple groups of grippers (2) continuously traveling along a racetrack-shaped annular path and, as the grippers (2) complete a single revolution, carries out various packaging operations, wherein a measuring hopper (42) is provided above each elevating hopper (37) and is continuously rotated in conjunction therewith. The measuring hopper (42) has a shutter (44). A weight detector (46), along with a shutter actuation mechanism (47), is provided so as to correspond to each measuring hopper (42) and is continuously rotated in conjunction therewith. If, based on a detection signal from the weight detector (46), it is determined that the weight of the material to be packaged that is supplied to the measuring hopper (42) exceeds the upper limit value of the allowable range, the corresponding shutter actuation mechanism (47) is not actuated, and the shutter (44) is maintained closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Akihiro Yamagata
  • Publication number: 20130283731
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modularly constructed packaging device, comprising: a package feed (2) for feeding empty packages (20), a product feed (3) for feeding products (30, 40), a loading station (4), in which the products are packed into the empty package in order to provide a packaging container (21), and a cardboard-box discharge (5), which leads away the packaging container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Rainer Komp
  • Publication number: 20130212978
    Abstract: A machine for automatically inflating air cushions. The cushions have two plastic walls (21; 22) joined together around their periphery and which thus define a closed space. Said machine comprises a source of gas under pressure, and two jaws (1; 2) arranged such that they can move on a supporting structure. Each one of said jaws consists of a body (1; 3) each having a in plane face (4:10) of substantially the same shape and surface area, it being possible for said faces to mate against one another in order to clamp between them the walls (21; 22) of a cushion. Each jaw comprises suction means (6; 7) opening onto its plane face. A first jaw on the inside of its body has a hollow needle (5) able to move relative to the body and capable in a certain position of having its pointed tip outside of the surface of the plane face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Guy Borgeat, Glenn Flueckiger
  • Publication number: 20130192165
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: HEALTH ROBOTICS S.r.I.
    Inventor: Health Robotics S.r.I.
  • Publication number: 20130125508
    Abstract: A rotary-type bag filling and packaging machine including a synchronized table (19) provided above a rotary table (16), which has a plurality of gripper pairs (3), and gas injection nozzles (28), which are provided on the synchronized table (19) so as to correspond to the gripper pairs (3). The synchronized table (19) rotates co-axially with the rotary table (16) in an intermittent manner by a first servo motor (21), which is independent from the drive source of the rotary table (16). A second servo motor (25) which raises and lowers the gas injection nozzle (28) is provided on the synchronized table (19) in conjunction with each gas injection nozzle (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130042575
    Abstract: A high-speed continuous rotary type filling and packaging machine can identifies a defective filling head and a defective seal head and it also identify which part of a seal working surface in the seal head has a defect. In a sealing device of the high-seed continuous rotary type filling and packaging machine that covers a container body, which is filled with liquid contents, with a molded lid and seals the container body and the molded lid to produce a sealed container, a filling head number and a seal head number are inkjet-printed, desirably transparent ink, which can be read by irradiation of an ultraviolet ray, on a container body in which a seal working surface in the seal head and the top surface of the container molded lid are brought into press-contact and a positional relation between a seal working surface and the sealed container is fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: SHIKOKU KAKOKI CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA YAKULT HONSHA
    Inventors: Kouji Hayashi, Tomoyuki Masuda, Tadashi Mifune, Mitsuhiro Nishitani
  • Patent number: 8376175
    Abstract: A storage cap for use with a container includes a first structure having a first wall at least partially defining an inner storage chamber operable for storing a first substance and defining a first annular opening having a first annular convex surface facing toward the storage chamber. The storage cap includes a second structure coupled to the first structure and has a plunger element located within the storage chamber having a domed-end with a convex surface facing to the annular opening and a radius greater than one-half of the diameter of the first opening. The second structure is moveable to make and break contact with the annular opening. When the domed end is in contact with the first annular convex surface, a seal is formed between two convex surfaces along an annular path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Global Harvest Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcos Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20130036709
    Abstract: The lid shaping device includes: container placing table 111; container lifting and lowering means; lid shaping unit 112 including container mouth pressing means 119, annular coil spring 123 arranged in a cylindrical holder, and pusher provided above the annular coil spring and having spring pressing inner circumferential surface 127; and pusher lifting and lowering means. The device operates in the order of first lifting by the container lifting and lowering means until upper part or middle part of the lid skirt is located on the inner side of the annular coil spring, lowering of the pusher for lowering the container until the spring pressing inner circumferential surface reduces the diameter of the annular coil spring, and second lifting by the container lifting and lowering means for lifting the container until the lower end of the lid skirt is located on the inner side of the annular coil spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: SHIKOKU KAKOKI CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA YAKULT HONSHA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Masuda, Yoshifumi Miki, Takakazu Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20130036708
    Abstract: A continuous rotary filling and packaging machine covers a container body with a molded lid and ultrasonically seals the container body. The molded lid to produce a sealed container includes a lid detecting device 70 disposed on the downstream side of the lid supplying device 60 and an ultrasonic sealing device 100 including lifting and lowering means including a cam mechanism for lifting and lowering a container table 103. The lifting and lowering means is configured such that the molded lid on the container body and a seal working surface of an ultrasonic horn 108 come into press-contact with each other at a top dead point of the container table. A container table lowering control mechanism does not lift, to the top dead point, a container table of a container whose container body does not have the molded lid placed thereon or properly placed thereon as determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: SHIKOKU KAKOKI CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA YAKULT HONSHA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Masuda, Yoshifumi Miki, Takanori Yabuuchi
  • Publication number: 20120151874
    Abstract: Machine that consists in a horizontal sequence: a uncoiling station for a flexible sheet, a station for the formation of the packet in a folded “V”, a sealing station of the packet, an individual cutting station of the packet, a station for the individual transport of the packets to a filling station, and a station for the closing of the packets. The sealing and cutting stations comprise longitudinal guides for the assembly of sealing and cutting means corresponding to a linear displacement means which provides alternate linear movements forwards and backwards in the trajectory of the flexible sheet. With each forward movement, said means moves at the same speed as the flexible sheet, and is placed in an operative position by a driving means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: EFICIENCIA Y TECNOLOGIA , S.A.
    Inventor: José Mª Broto Solano
  • Publication number: 20120144776
    Abstract: A balloon filling device is provided. The balloon filling device includes a hose connector extending outwards from a body of the balloon filling device, a hose barb extending outwards from the body along a predominant axis, the hose barb being displaced on the body from the hose connector, a valve within the body having an opened state where the valve forms a conduit between the hose connector and the hose barb and a closed state where the conduit is blocked and a receptacle disposed in the body adjacent the hose barb that receives a balloon tying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Sikorcin
  • Publication number: 20120085761
    Abstract: A storage cap for use with a container includes a first structure having a first wall at least partially defining an inner storage chamber operable for storing a first substance, the first wall also defining a first annular opening having a first annular convex surface facing toward the storage chamber, and a second structure coupled to the first structure, the second structure including plunger element located within the storage chamber having a domed-end with a convex surface facing to the annular opening, the domed-end having a radius greater than one-half of the diameter of the first opening, wherein the second structure is configured such that the domed end is moveable to make and break contact with the annular opening, and wherein when the domed end is in contact with the first annular convex surface, a seal is formed between two convex surfaces along an annular path to seal the storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GLOBAL HARVEST GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Marcos Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7937907
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling and sealing containers, including a filling device for filling at least one container, a sealing device for sealing at least one container and a transport device for conveying at least one fillable container to the filling and locking devices and displacement means for modifying a distance between the filling and locking devices in a transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Fleckenstein, Klaus Blumenstock
  • Publication number: 20110056172
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing plastic bottles, including a blow molding machine, a labeler, at least one further treatment machine, and transfer starwheels provided and arranged for the machine-to-machine transportation of the bottles in such a way that the bottles are transported without buffers between the at least three machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Christoph Klenk, Wolfgang Hausladen
  • Publication number: 20110011864
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a package of the type formed from a single-layer or multilayer material sheet, where said package has an easy to open feature, where the sheet is shaped into the finished package having an inner side suitable to be in contact with the matter to be packaged and an outer side, comprising the following method steps: forming the film into a tube, by connecting the two side edges of the sheet longitudinally; where the connection creates a side flap (10) on the outside of the tube or where the tube is passed over a former having a projecting fin, whereby a side flap is formed on the outside of the tube; where cross seals (3, 4) are provided across the tube, thereby delimiting each package between two cross seals; that perforation lines (25) are established in said cross seals, for detaching/separating two adjacent packages; that a perforation (7) of one material layer is established, parallel to and adjacent the side flap, extending from the perforation line towards or into the cross seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Torkild Hofman
  • Publication number: 20110005168
    Abstract: A large transfusion filling and corking machine includes a frame unit, an electric control unit, a bottle-in unit, a following and filling unit, a nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and a bottle-out transfer wheel unit. The bottle-in unit, the following and filling unit, the nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and the bottle-out transfer wheel unit are mounted on the frame unit and connected by turns. The nitrogen-charging and corking unit is connected with a cork-delivering unit. A nitrogen-precharging unit is arranged between the bottle-in unit and the following and filling unit, which is connected with the bottle-in unit through a bottle-in transfer wheel unit, and connected with the following and filling unit through a transitional transfer wheel unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: CHANGSHA CHUTIAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhen Liu, Huanghui Long, Pengcheng Li, Yue Tang, Jiuzhou Su
  • Publication number: 20100126120
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the apparatus and method are for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: PARMALAT CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Robert Edwards, Michael Elent
  • Patent number: 7690171
    Abstract: A machine for filling a sealed soft container (2) with fluid material in an aseptic condition comprises a sealing box (3) comprising two complementary half-boxes (4a & 4b) having respective sealing edges (21, 22, 23) that can be brought into mutual contact to isolate their interior from the outside environment when the complementary half-boxes (4a & 4b) are clamped together, vertical and horizontal blades located in the sealing box (3) for forming an aperture (5) in a portion of the container (2) inserted in the sealing box (3), filling device (8, 9) for filling the container (2) through the aperture (5), suckers (28a) for widening the aperture (5), and welding device (32) for sealing the aperture (5) on termination of filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: FBR-ELPO-Societa per Azioni
    Inventor: Pier Luigi Merusi
  • Patent number: 7681378
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bags wherein bags are filled one by one with a filling material and thereafter closed by means of an oscillating structure of an ultrasonic welding device. A parameter for the oscillating behavior of the oscillating structure is determined at no-load between closing two bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Haver & Boecker OHG
    Inventors: Hubert Brormann, Robert Neumann
  • Publication number: 20100050574
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing, filling, and sealing a container includes an enclosure having an opening for receiving a container. The apparatus may include a rotary assembly, a wash station, a rinse station, a fill station, and a seal station all contained within the enclosure. The rotary assembly may include any number of racks for carrying the containers. The rotary assembly advances (e.g., about an axis) and facilitates the washing, filling, and sealing of the containers within the enclosure. The apparatus may be employed in a method for washing, rinsing, filling, and sealing containers within an enclosure. The method may be conducted consecutively. The steps of washing, filling, and sealing are conducted simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: H2Local, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Pompei Cedrone
  • Publication number: 20100031612
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) and a method for packaging stackable objects, particularly printed products, in a container, preferably a slip-lid box made of a bottom (23) and a lid (24). The device has a first slip-on device (34) for slipping the bottom (23) with the open side thereof on a product stack (3a) from above, a turnover device (7) for turning over the stack (3b) provided with the slipped-on container part (23) by 180 about a horizontal axis such that the open side of the first container part (23) after turning over is oriented upward, and a cover device (35) for closing the container after the turnover step. Closing occurs by slipping on a slip-lid box lid part (24) over the turned, slipped-on container part (23) in a second slip-on device (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: DURSELEN GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Dürselen
  • Publication number: 20090241478
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously or intermittently and vertically forming, filling and sealing packaging includes an infeed section, a pleating assembly, a forming tube and a sealing assembly. The pleating assembly imparts at least one pleat to the film. The film may be driven and measured at a nip following the pleating. The forming tube receives the film from the infeed section after the pleat has been made. A film tube is formed about the forming tube. The film tube is vertically fed downward to the sealing assembly which imparts seals to the film tube, thereby forming packages. A hole punch punches holes in the film tube. The film travels a film path that includes the hole punch, the forming tube, the vertical seal assembly and the horizontal seal assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Brian E. Kettner, Curt A. Frievalt
  • Publication number: 20090205746
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container includes an enclosure (11) having an opening for receiving a container (14). The apparatus may include a shuttle assembly (15), a wash station (20), a fill station (21), and a seal station (16) contained within the enclosure (11). The shuttle assembly (15) may include a frame structure (23) and a shuttle (22). The shuttle (22) may advance along a path of travel and facilitate the washing, filling, and sealing of the container (14). The apparatus may be employed in a method for consecutively washing, filling, and sealing at least one container in an enclosed housing. The method includes the steps of providing at least one container, washing the container, filling the container, and sealing the container. The method may be conducted along a path of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: H2Local, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Reza Yousefpour, Robert Wesley Brown, Daniel Pompei Cedrone
  • 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: 20090071104
    Abstract: A device for the sterile filling of liquids in bottles, having a sterilizer which is used to sterilize the bottles with H2O2, a filling element which is used to fill the bottles, a closing element which is used to apply a closing element as a closing lid, and structure to adjust the temperature of the bottle whereby condensation of the H2O2 on the surface of the bottle is prevented. Also, a method for sterile filling of liquids in bottles comprising the steps of the bottles are sterilized with H2O2, then filled and closed. During sterilization, the bottles have such a temperature that condensation of the H2O2 is prevented on the surface of the bottles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Sven Fischer
  • Publication number: 20090071859
    Abstract: A ribbon of packaging comprises individual packages (11) adjacently and separably arranged for separation prior to filling. The ribbon is preferably drawn under tension from a reel, and the packages are linked by mechanical couplers (FIG. 11) which are separable in a direction orthogonally to the traction force. The packages have a closure (FIG. 8) which is removed and replaced to permit filling. Also disclosed are preferred package couplers, and filling and dispensing arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Douglas, Gavin Barnett
  • Publication number: 20090044490
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for evenly filling or emptying at least one dosing chamber with a product. The device includes a dosing chamber disposed in a dosing disk, the product being dispensed into or emptied from the dosing chamber. A pressure generator impinges the dosing chamber with a predetermined pressure in order fill or empty the dosing chamber. A filter is disposed movably relative to the dosing chamber to assures that once the product has been dispensed, the product can be brought downward into the container to be filled. The filling of the container can be reinforcing by blown air or by transfer dies. The dosing chamber communicates, via the filter means, with the pressure generator. By application of an underpressure, the product to be dosed is dispensed into the dosing chamber. For cleaning the filter means, on the other hand, an overpressure pulse is applied, which improves product dispensing precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Jens Schlipf, Ralf Schmied, Walter Boehringer, Thomas Franck
  • Publication number: 20090013645
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Richard O. Powell
  • Publication number: 20090013647
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: STOKELY-VAN CAMP, INC
    Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Steven Havlik, Richard O. Powell
  • Patent number: 7451583
    Abstract: An automatic medicine packaging machine with door lock unit that prevents the supplement and outflow of tablets by an unauthorized person and makes tablets kept and treated more safely is disclosed. The automatic medicine packaging machine comprising a plurality of tablet cassettes and a door includes; a door lock unit that is established on a body of the automatic medicine packaging machine and locks or unlocks the door; a button operation unit that is established on the front of the body and that operation is inputted by a user; and a lock controller that controls the operation of the door lock unit according to a lock or unlock signal inputted by the button operation unit, in which the lock controller includes a user authentication unit that authenticates user of the door lock unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20080264001
    Abstract: A filling system for filling cartridges with a variety of outer diameters includes a conveyor having cleats extending at spaced intervals. A shifting mechanism is coupled to the conveyor for shifting the conveyor between a first position and a second position. The distance between the first and second positions is a function of the outer diameter of the cartridge to be filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Dimitrios Manoussakis
  • Publication number: 20080184671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling and sealing containers, including a filling device for filling at least one containers a sealing device for sealing at least one container and a transport device for conveying at least one fillable container to the filling and locking devices and displacement means for modifying a distance between the filling and locking devices in a transport direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Tim Fleckenstein, Klaus Blumenstock
  • Publication number: 20040068957
    Abstract: A filler device sub-assembly having a manipulator for manipulating a cap of a container comprising a first and second cap gripper arm and a member for controllably manipulating the cap gripper arms. The controllable manipulating member comprising an inner cam assembly, an outer cam assembly and a follower. The outer cam assembly extends at least partially about the inner cam assembly. One of the inner and outer cam assemblies coupled to the first and second cap gripper arms. The follower is associated with the inner cam assembly and the outer cam assembly. Movement of the lifter shaft imparts movement of the follower and relative movement of the inner cam assembly and the outer cam assembly, to in turn, longitudinally and rotatably move the cap gripper arms from a first position proximate to a container to a second position distally spaced from a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Simon P. Edwards, Michael R. Resterhouse, Randall L. Johnson, Robert B. Szabo
  • Patent number: 6655109
    Abstract: A filler device sub-assembly comprising: a first cap gripping arm and a second cap gripping arm, wherein each of the first and second cap gripping arms include a second end, and wherein the second ends of the first and second cap gripping arms cooperatively define a cap retaining region; a pivot opening associated with each of the first and second cap gripping arms, wherein the first and second cap gripping arms are pivotable about the pivot opening; and means for guiding a cap into the cap retaining region, wherein the cap guiding means facilitates outward pivoting of at least one of the first and second cap gripping arms by a cap which results in directing a cap into the retaining region toward retention thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignees: Fogg Filler Company, Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Resterhouse, Simon P. Edwards, Robert B. Szabo, II
  • Patent number: 6625961
    Abstract: A device for the rapid packaging of various meat products includes at least four bagging chutes that are fed by a rotary chute. Once bags located at the bottom of the bagging chute are filled with a meat product, they are placed on a conveyor belt. The device is designed in such a manner so as to prevent meat products from accidentally falling onto the ground and thus wasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Ogier, Timothy J. Ogier
  • Patent number: 6330780
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for filling a container such as a plastic bag with product. The apparatus comprises a fill valve and a chamber formed as an integral unit, in which during a filling operation a container with a cap is in place is offered up to and placed in the bag by gripping devices or jaws, the cap is removed by a capper mechanism the bag is filled with product, and the cap is replaced, all the flow paths and surfaces being sterilised by steam during the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: David S. Smith Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Shipway
  • Patent number: 5784854
    Abstract: A perforating and plugging device for a dye-dispensing machine comprising at least one output nozzle and a support structure for a container, comprises a perforating member for forming a hole in the container substantially in vertical alignment with the nozzle of the dispensing machine. A plugging member which can house a plug is movable selectively from a rest position to an operative position in order to fit the plug in the hole formed in the container. The perforating member is mounted on a slide element movable horizontally and interacting with articulation means which can move the plugging member, rotating it substantially through an angle of 90.degree. from the rest position to the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Corob S.p.A.
    Inventor: Leopoldo Mazzalveri
  • Patent number: 5715646
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for aseptically producing, harvesting and packaging a pharmaceutical product. A section of the apparatus includes an aseptic reactor and structure for introducing a reactant thereinto so that a reaction can be conducted for the purpose of producing a pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product is subsequently introduced into a filter/dryer for the purpose of recovering the pharmaceutical product. Thereafter, the filtered/dried pharmaceutical product is delivered to a hammer mill for delumping or a micronizing mill for calibration and sizing the recovered product to produce a final powdered product. Thereafter, the final powdered product is introduced into a dosing device and aseptically introduced into a transportable bin. The small bins are encased inside of a sterile bag for transport and further aseptic handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company
    Inventor: Daniel P. Smekens
  • Patent number: 5606847
    Abstract: A method for filling and closing a package which is initially open on its upper side and has sealable plastic material about the periphery (2) of that side. The package is first conveyed to a location (6), where it is filled. Thereafter, a covering foil sheet (12) is sealed to periphery (2) to cover the open side. The package is brought to a standstill at the filling location (6), and filled through an opening (11) in a strip of the covering foil (7). The strip of covering foil (7) is then moved in a direction (10) lateral to the direction of conveyance (5) of the package, until the open side of package (1) is covered by the foil strip (7). A foil cover piece is then punched from the foil strip (7), leaving a new opening (11), and is sealed to the periphery (2) of the open side of the package (1). The sealed package (1) is then moved from filling location (6) by the conveyor belt (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Leif T. Joensson, Ake Ros en
  • Patent number: 5519980
    Abstract: A magazine body (2) with a plurality of radial magazine chambers (3) by insertion in an axial fastening device (20) with chamber inlets (4) is made to coincide with a medium passage opening (30) and with outlets (5) is made to coincide with a connecting opening (33) of a suction head (17), so that the medium occurs in uninterrupted manner at the inlets (4). The suction head (17) evacuates all the magazine chambers (3) and then filled via the passage (30) from a medium supply (12) and against a medium retaining device (36). With the ejection of the filled magazine chambers (33) the inlets and outlets (4, 5) are closed in medium-tight manner by stripping from closure parts (8, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Guentert, Reinhold Jaeger Waldau, James D. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 5402623
    Abstract: In a machine for closing a filled bottle wherein a bottle is removed from the filling valve of a filling device and closed in a closing device by placing and flanging a crown cap to the bottle's opening to permit a tight closing of the bottle in a simple way and within the shortest time possible, the crown cap which is kept ready in the closing device and a closing tool which is used for flanging the crown cap are positioned in a positioning phase between bottle's opening and the filling valve to immediately close the filled bottle, and the crown cap is then placed on the bottle opening without pressure being exerted on the top thereof, and the closing phase is then initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Egon Ahlers
  • Patent number: 5228265
    Abstract: A carton forming, packing and sealing mechanism which includes several stations beginning with a stationary receiving platform on which components may be delivered from the continuous forming operation. A chain driven kicker is utilized to direct the components to an accumulator station. The accumulator station functions to provide a multi-planar perspective of the components as they pass thereacross. In this manner, an inspector may view the component from three discrete perspectives without changing position. Components are transferred from the accumulator station to a carton loading station. The carton loading station provides a structural nesting in which the carton may be placed. The carton loading station has a first and second position. The first position is for loading and the second position is for transferring to the gluing station. The gluing station also has a lower and upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Cornelius G. Arens
  • Patent number: 5029432
    Abstract: Bags having a spout opening defined by a spout edge surface affixed within the bags are sealed with a spout closure membrane first by pressing the closure membrane against the spout edge surface with a cooled plate. A heating unit which includes a heating element, which has a surface which corresponds in size and shape with the spout edge surface, then is moved adjacent the cooled plate to heat a portion of the cooled plate for sealing the closure membrane to the spout edge surface. After heating the closure membrane for sealing the spout edge surface to the closure membrane, the heating element is moved away from the plate whereby the heated portion of the plate then cools and cools the seal. After the seal is cooled, the plate then is moved away from the sealed spout and bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Willi Loeliger
  • Patent number: 4999978
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aseptically filling containers with product, such as the bags (B) of bag-in-box containers, wherein the aseptic filling chamber (9 or 40) with a filling head or nozzle (5 or 43) therein is provided with fluid inlet and outlet lines (2,4,6,8,19,21,39 or 57,59,63) to create desired positive or negative atmospheric conditions within the chamber, so that a positive pressure can be maintained within the chamber when change over, at an aperture in the chamber, of a bag to be filled occurs, and so that after filling, a negative pressure (through line 15 or 63) can be generated to evacuate the chamber and hence remove any headspace gas from the top of the filled container prior to it being capped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Bowater Packaging Limited
    Inventors: Friedrich R. Kohlbach, John L. Rawson