Receptacle Comprising Bag Patents (Class 53/284.7)
  • Publication number: 20100058713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the filling of bags in automatic machines for the formation, filling and closing in a continuous process of bags from a tubular mesh, of those comprising a tubular body outside which the storage of tubular mesh is assembled, the device comprising means for the conveyance of individual pieces of large fruit and vegetable products, such as melons, watermelons or the like, from a loading position to a delivery position, and means for the holding and transfer, one by one, of the individual pieces conveyed to the delivery position, which comprise a head for the holding and subsequent release of the pieces and a mechanism for transmitting to the head a movement the path of which comprises a vertical downward section, of a sufficient length to convey the held piece through the inside of the tubular body of the machine towards the mouth of a bag open at the upper part, and such that the piece is accompanied in its entire downward path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: GIRO GH, S.A.
    Inventor: Ezequiel GIRO AMIGO
  • Publication number: 20100037712
    Abstract: An apparatus automatically removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates on a track. The probe of the sampler assembly is extended through the track and into the ground, then retracted on each revolution of the track. The sampler assembly is hinged and guided along a track in order to minimize soil compaction as the probe rotates around the rear wheel of the apparatus. Soil is ejected by means of a “rumble path” along the top of the track. The soil samples are pneumatically transferred to a bagging assembly located in the tractor pulling the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: James D. Burton
  • Patent number: 7654064
    Abstract: Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member. The web may be reverse indexed to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Riccardi, Bernard Lerner
  • Publication number: 20100018160
    Abstract: A vertical bag packaging machine has a steam nozzle that is inserted into a bag to inject steam thereinto after an article to be packaged has been filled into the bag, thereby replacing the air in the bag with the steam to effect deaeration. After the steam-replacement deaeration, a seal portion to be ultrasonically sealed is preheated by a preheating device, thereby making the temperature of the seal portion uniform throughout it. The preheating temperature is not lower than a temperature of a highest temperature region of said seal portion before it is preheated and below a melting temperature of a material constituting an inner side of said bag Thereafter, the seal portion is ultrasonically sealed by an ultrasonic sealing device. Thus, reliable and stable ultrasonic sealing can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Shinichi Fukeda, Kazunori Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7650732
    Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code for instructing a computer to first display a field selection screen which includes selection indicators for a plurality of label fields. Then there is displayed a field content screen responsive to the label fields previously selected with the field content screen allowing editing of at least one label field. A bar code corresponding with one of said label fields is then selected and a print preview screen containing a plurality of said label fields is displayed. Then a print command for printing a label substantially as displayed on the print preview screen and including the bar code (regardless of whether or not said bar code is included on said print preview screen) is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Pearson Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter G. Pearson, Todd R. Funderburk, W. Brent Pearson, Brett A. Tompkins, Charles Nunnink
  • Publication number: 20090282786
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for hygienic disposal of a sanitary product. The apparatus comprises a biodegradable bag for disposal of the sanitary product. The biodegradable bag comprises a catch clip, a pull stick, and an adhesive strip. The catch clip, affixed at the closed end of the biodegradable bag, seizes the sanitary product into the biodegradable bag. The pull stick holds the biodegradable bag in a predefined position over the seized sanitary product during inversion of the biodegradable bag over the seized sanitary product. The inverted biodegradable bag with the seized sanitary product is then twisted and sealed airtight using the adhesive strip affixed towards the open end of the biodegradable bag. The biodegradable bag prevents the user from coming in contact with the sanitary product, thereby providing hygienic disposal of the sanitary product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent David Bland
  • Patent number: 7617655
    Abstract: A tie-off assembly for closing the neck of a bulk bag is provided and includes a motor located in a housing which drives a toothed drive wheel. A slot in the housing receives an end of a tie wrap which, upon insertion, is engaged by the toothed drive wheel to pull the tie wrap closed. At least one blade is mounted adjacent the slot, which is moveable from a first position, away from the slot, to a second, cutting position, adjacent the slot. In use, an end of a tie wrap located around the neck is inserted into the slot so that the tie wrap end is engaged by the toothed drive wheel, and operating the motor tightens the tie wrap about the neck of the bulk bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Flexicon Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Gill, Keith W. Sterner, David A. Dunker, John F. Simonof, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090279812
    Abstract: A system and method to form a transportable package is disclosed. The method includes placing a frame on a suitable base and placing a collapsible bag inside the frame, wherein an open top portion of the collapsible bag is draped over an open top of the frame to support the collapsible bag in an open position. The collapsible bag is then filled with flowable particulate matter and a vacuum is drawn in the interior of the collapsible bag. While the vacuum is being applied, the frame is removed and the collapsible bag is spirally wrapped with a reinforcing material. The open top portion of the collapsible bag is then preferably sealed to form the transportable package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Closure Systems International Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20090272074
    Abstract: A flexible bag transport system for transporting flexible filling and sealing station which includes a pair of holding clamp assemblies opposed to each other for holding the top end of a bag. The first clamp assembly is supported by a first elongated carrier and a second clamp assembly is supported by a second elongated carrier that is parallel to the first carrier. Clamping assemblies remain apart from each other and the bags are transported and are displaced toward each other to permit the bag to be opened during filling of the bag. One of the elongated carriers supporting the clamping assemblies has an adjustable mechanism so that the clamp assemblies can be adjusted with respect to each other without requiring adjustment of the remaining components of the transport system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Michael KURZ, Stefan MULLER, Hans-Peter WILD
  • Patent number: 7594578
    Abstract: A container for storing a liquid component of bone cement. The container includes a flexible film sealed about its periphery to define a cavity. The cavity has a first layer, a second layer, and a vinyl barrier layer between the first layer and the second layer. The cavity is operable to store the liquid component of bone cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Smith, Robert M. Ronk, John M. McDaniel, Jeffrey L. Colbert
  • Publication number: 20090232424
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Martin Bernhard Dierl, Chad Arthur Huebner, Jerry Mike Reaves
  • Patent number: 7568328
    Abstract: Since a rear end portion of a packaging bag is fixed by a bag rear end chuck means when a wafer case is inserted into the packaging bag, therefore the degree of freedom of positioning of the packaging bag can be reduced, so that the wafer case can be smoothly packed in a predetermined position within the bag at any times. Consequently, this can help reduce the occurrence of crimps in the packaging bag and thus can provide the packaging of the wafer case with resultant high level of quality in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Sumco Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Imao
  • Publication number: 20090188209
    Abstract: A bag filling and packaging apparatus including hollow guide members that are disposed below ascending/descending hoppers and guide product dropping from hoppers into the interior of bags, the guide members being raised/lowered and moved together with the hoppers in a filling region. The guide members comprise a pair of opening and closing guide frames that are disposed to face each other; and when clogging is detected in a guide member, its guide frames are repeatedly opened and closed while moving through a non-filling region, thus promoting the dropping of product. Directly below the guide members is provided a receiving member that receives the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Shoichi Koga, Tohru Yoshikane
  • Patent number: 7536837
    Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
  • Publication number: 20090031675
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek J. Zeedyk, Bernard Lerner, Kent McDonald, Michael Coleman, Gregg Martens
  • 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: 7454881
    Abstract: A method of sealing a liquid container, including filling a liquid into a liquid containing bag including a cylindrical inlet; and sandwiching the cylindrical inlet with a pair of heat-sealing heads upon application of heat such that the cylindrical inlet is sealed with the liquid therein, wherein at least one of the pair of heat-sealing heads comprises a concave edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Hanatani, Moriaki Saito, Masami Iguchi, Hideki Satoh, Shigeo Hatada, Michio Urata
  • Patent number: 7444795
    Abstract: A method for sealing-in a gas in a gas filling compartment 5 of a bag having a cut-in 6 formed near the upper edge of the gas filling compartment. In the method, two edges of the bag with the contents inserted therein are gripped by grippers and suspended, the blow-in port of a gas (air) blow-in nozzle is brought to contact the cut-in, the back surface side of the bag is supported by a backing member, gas (air) is blown into the gas filling compartment, and the position below the cut-in is held from both sides of the bag by a gas cut-off grippers while the gas blow-in continues, so that the gas inside the gas filling compartment is not allowed to escape from the cut-in, and then the entire bag mouth, including the cut-in, is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Yasuhira
  • Publication number: 20080264003
    Abstract: Supply device for bags, a frame, at least one elongated carrier means for bags that extends in a longitudinal direction and at one end is attached to the frame and of which the opposite end is free, first and second contact means that are disposed on a holder and by means of first transport means are reciprocally movable in a first direction of movement along the carrier, and third contact means that are movably connected to the frame, wherein the first, second and third contact means are suitable for engaging a wall of the bag in a retaining manner, wherein at least in a first direction of movement of the first transport means the first and second contact means have operative directions that face away from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the second and third contact means have operative directions that mutually face each other, wherein the supply device is furthermore provided with second transport means for moving the holder up and down out of and towards the first direction of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Arie Van Der Knijff, Gerard Cornelis Van Der Knijff, Klaas Nico Bredenhoff
  • Patent number: 7428805
    Abstract: A semi-automatic medicine packaging machine includes a medication feed outlet that feeds and discharges medications into a hopper, a sealing unit that seals medications in the hopper by medication envelope(s) on which instruction labels are printed by a printing unit, a button operation unit that inputs a user's operation into the controller, a manual dispensing tray, an automatic supply unit including a plurality of tablet cassettes, and a user information input unit that inputs user information into a controller that controls the overall operation of the machine and includes a user authentication unit for authenticating a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7421834
    Abstract: An ice measuring and dispensing apparatus includes a rotating drum rotatable about a horizontal axis. The rotating drum has a plurality of chambers, and an ice supply hopper has a delivery opening for delivering ice into the plurality of chambers. A discharge tube to dispense ice from the plurality of chambers is also provided. The delivery opening of the supply hopper is larger than an opening of each of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Desmond John Doolan
  • Publication number: 20080202073
    Abstract: A bag for holding fill material for use in the construction of sandbag retaining walls and erosion control has two or more longitudinally-extending compartments formed by a line of attachment between opposed bag wall sections. In use, if one compartment wall fails, the bag as a whole will remain functional within the wall. The compartments can also be filled with different fill materials, for example soil and dry mix concrete, to provide walls having characteristics suited for particular applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicants: DELTALOK INC., DELTALOK INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Hun S. Kim
  • Publication number: 20080178558
    Abstract: The method consists of filling a soft container (2) comprising two thin sheets sealedly joined together along a bounding perimeter by the following steps: providing an internally sterile container (2), inserting a nozzle (8) with a delivery mouth (9) through an aperture (5) formed in the container (2), conveying the fluid material into the container through said mouth (9), extracting the nozzle (8) from the container (2) after conveying the material; closing said aperture (5) by sealing the two sheets of the container (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: F B R- ELPO-SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventor: Pier Luigi Merusi
  • Publication number: 20080172986
    Abstract: A packing material production and bagging apparatus, comprising: a production and bagging section; a base; at least one sensor, configured to sense data regarding operation of the apparatus; and, a controller in communication with the at least one sensor programmed to automatically adapt operation of the apparatus in response to data received from the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: FIPCO
    Inventors: Philip Neil Theurer, Jonathan Knaan, Shiomo Nevo, Uzi Emanuel Aharony, Brian H. Bunnett
  • Patent number: 7395944
    Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus has a tablet case containing medicines, a roll of packing paper that is open at its upper end and folded at its lower end, a nozzle whose discharge end is inserted into the packing paper upper open end for projecting medicine discharged from the tablet case, and heat seal apparatus that seals the packing paper upper open end after medicines are discharged into it. A movable tension device of an elastic member is urged toward the packing paper which applies tension to the packing paper at a location past the point where said nozzle discharge end is inserted into its upper open end at a point before when the paper is to be heat sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Biomedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuo Inamura
  • Publication number: 20080149460
    Abstract: A textile separating apparatus may include a textile collection area for supporting the pile of textile items, and a transport mechanism having an inclined face intersecting the pile of textile items. One or more pick members may project from the face of the transport mechanism, and may successively separate and carry individual textile items from the pile of textile items towards a textile receiving area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: David W. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080148687
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing foam cushions in particular for packaging purposes, said device comprising a foil supply station and a foam dispensing station, said foil supply station being provided for supplying to said foam dispensing station a foil material, having a first and a second side wall joining each other at a common first border and positioned so as to delimit an inner space accessible by an opening applied in a second border, said foam dispensing station comprising first retaining means, provided for retaining said second border, said foam dispensing station further comprising a dispensing member, provided for penetrating through said opening and supplying a foaming substance into said inner space, said device further comprising transport means, provided for transporting said foil material through said dispensing station towards a welding station, said foam dispensing station further comprises slot shaping means mounted offset and downwards from said first retaining means in such a manner as to form
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: N.V. SOUDAN PATRIMONIUM & CONSULTING
    Inventor: Freddy Soudan
  • Publication number: 20080098697
    Abstract: An apparatus, machine and method for opening a flexible pouch includes a pair of opposed side grippers each holding a side of the pouch. A pair of opposed panel grippers each hold an upper edge of the pouch. The side grippers are displaced inwardly towards each other and the panel grippers are displaced outwardly away from each other to partially open the pouch. A pair of pouch opening fingers are displaceable between a raised position above the pouch and a lowered position within the pouch. The pouch opening fingers are open in the raised position and closed after lowered into the lowered position, to grip the wall of the pouch. The pair of pouch opening fingers move together a predetermined distance in an outboard direction to fully separate the pouch walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: R. C. Murray
  • Publication number: 20080098693
    Abstract: A method of forming a reclosable fastener track having a slider. The process provides a reclosable fastener track, forms a slit in the fastener track, attaches a slider to the fastener track, seals the slit in the fastener track after the slider attaches, and creates a first and a second end stop on the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Bohn, Roger E. Dowler, Matthew Oswald
  • Patent number: 7363753
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the first pouch from a stack of pouches includes apparatus adapted to bend an edge of the first pouch away from the second pouch of a stack to define a bent edge and a bend in the first pouch. The first pouch is then slid away from the second pouch to remove the first pouch from the plurality of adjacent pouches. This method allows the first pouch to be reliably separated from the second pouch by overcoming the various forces that typically cause adjacent pouches to cling to each other while stacked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Gates Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony H. Gates, Scott E. Gates
  • Patent number: 7343723
    Abstract: Method and apparatus which facilitate the tearing of packing materials and the like into desired lengths by pre-tearing them along the rows of perforations which are provided for that purpose. In the disclosed embodiments, a packing material having inflated chambers separated by rows of perforations is fed at a predetermined speed in a direction generally perpendicular to the rows and periodically pulled upon rather abruptly to produce a partial tearing of the material along the rows of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Perkins
  • Patent number: 7320204
    Abstract: There are disclosed by a process and apparatus for positioning and sealing photostimuable phosphor imaging plates within barriers envelope blanks therefore and formed on a roll thereof wherein a barrier envelope blank including a U-shaped heat sealed portion thereof of such roll is indexed to a positioning station whereat the barrier envelope blank is caused to be opened at a free end thereof thereby permitting insertion of a restored imaging plate into such barrier envelope whereupon the barrier envelope including restored imaging plate is indexed to a station whereat heat sealing of the free end of the U-shaped heat sealed is effected to thereby enclose the restored imaging plate therein and thereafter the thus heat sealed barrier envelope is indexed to a product station for removal from the roll of barrier envelope blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Air Techniques, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgar Alzner, Henry Hubner, Yehuda Rosenstock, John Sylvester
  • Patent number: 7257935
    Abstract: A system for providing dunnage to packages as the packages are formed is disclosed. The system includes a dunnage forming machine having a work station for inflating and sealing plastic pouches to form dunnage units. An accumulator is positioned below the station for receiving and collecting such units as they are formed. The accumulator includes an outlet opening laterally offset from the station. A pair of counter rotating brushes having axes journaled in spaced relationship are mounted at the outlet. Each of the brushes includes circumferentially spaced bristle sets defining unit receiving spaces between adjacent sets. A motor drive is operably connected to the brushes for causing counter rotation. A unit volume sensor is provided for emitting a machine start signal when the volume of units in the accumulator reaches a predetermined low volume. A process for providing dunnage in packages being formed is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 7194849
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening bags lying flat is part of a packaging system having a conveyor system, with receiving cups, located at equal intervals, for the bags. The bags are kept on hand in the form of blanks lying flat in bag magazines and are taken from the bags by means of a bag extracting device. By means of a gripper device, the blanks reach the region of suction plates, which open the blanks and insert them into the receiving cups. The apparatus according to the invention makes high capacity with a relatively simple construction possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Komp
  • Patent number: 7111442
    Abstract: The application relates to a flexible container (3) made of film material for containing drinks, comprising a fin opening as well as film storage means which delimit a first compartment and a second compartment (17, 18, 19) of the container and which release a second compartment (18, 19) when a predetermined degree of filling of the first compartment (17) is reached. By means of the film storage means, which, for example, can be formed by folding the side strips (20, 21) double in the longitudinal direction and holding them in place with the aid of adhesive tape, adhesive or fusion welding of the film material, uniform filling of the first compartment can be obtained, the flexible container largely remaining out of contact with the walls of the surrounding outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Patrick Michael Van Baal, Erwin Heesemans, Manfred Hoek, Ronald Marius Johannes Albertus Van Der Klaauw, Cor Kuyvenhoven, Henricus Willibrordus Wilhelmus Mensen, Manon Elisabeth Hendrika Snijders, Piet-Hein Willem Timp
  • Patent number: 7059098
    Abstract: An automatic medication dispensing and packaging system comprising a medication dispensing unit having base and door cabinets, the door cabinet rear portion correspondingly and detachably engaged to the base cabinet rear portion, the base cabinets distanced from each other to form a space that allows therein a manual management of the dispensing unit. The manual management includes cassette replacements, tablet filling in the cassettes, and spatial shaft cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7024840
    Abstract: A vertical bagging apparatus [101] comprises a bag station [105] having multiple stations [403A, 403B, 403C, 403D] for holding a variety of wicket-supported bags. A tooling assembly [107] accepts product for a product line and dispenses the product into an opened bag from the bag station. A bag transfer assembly [109] lowers the filled bag to a bag seal assembly [111] located vertically below the tooling assembly. The apparatus allows high speeds and quick-change of bags and bagged product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Starflex Corp.
    Inventors: Ollie B. Wilson, Jr., Robert F. Polkinghorne, Charles C. Tucker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7021036
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine including a bag-making apparatus 1, a bag-filling (packaging) apparatus 2, and a bag transfer apparatus. The bag-making apparatus 1 of a bag-making and packaging machine, while releasing a film F from a film roll disposed in the horizontal direction and feeding the film lengthwise, folds and overlaps the film in two in a horizontal attitude, performs sealing in locations corresponding to the bag bottom portions and side portions of the film in the horizontal attitude, and separates bags by cutting. The line corresponding to the bag bottom ends of the folded and overlapped film F (this position indicated by S) is set in the same position regardless of the bag length, and the respective apparatuses such as the forming apparatus 5, sealing apparatuses 8, 9 and 11, and cutting apparatus 14, etc. are disposed with reference to this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Shoji Tsutsui, Masakazu Setozaki
  • Patent number: 7003931
    Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Gates Automation
    Inventors: George C. Gates, Rod S. Gates
  • Patent number: 6938398
    Abstract: A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
  • Patent number: 6920740
    Abstract: An packaging apparatus and method to uncuff a package assembly is disclosed. The package assembly includes a container with at least one upstanding sidewall defining an open top. A bag is disposed within the container and a top portion of the bag is folded over the at least one sidewall at the open top to define a cuff. The packaging apparatus includes a first fluid jet directed substantially upward that is configured to uncuff the top portion of the bag from the container. An automatic bag closer gathers the top portion of the bag and applies a clip to close the bag. A second fluid jet is directed substantially downward and is configured to push the top portion of the bag substantially within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: AMCOL International Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Blake, Cory Muhm
  • Patent number: 6868655
    Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Gates Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Gates, Rod S. Gates
  • Patent number: 6862866
    Abstract: Resealable zipper plastic bags have upwardly protruding support members on each side of the bag mouth which are engaged within downwardly opening channels of two opposed indexer assemblies. With the bag mouth under tension, a slider assembly engages the bag slider, moves it to a fully closed position, then advances the slider to a fully open position. The indexer assemblies are moved toward each other to relieve tension on the bag mouth and cause the mouth to splay open. An insert plate is inserted and rotated to spread the bag mouth for introduction of product through a product chute. Once full, the chute and spreader assembly are withdrawn, tension is applied to the bag mouth, and the slider assembly moves the zipper slider to a fully closed position. The bag support members are then released from the indexer assemblies and the product filled bag is discharged from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Protoco Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam J. Jacobsen, Rocky M. Van Asten
  • Patent number: 6848234
    Abstract: A sealing machine for sealing a pack filled with one or more objects, including a main case; a first sealing member provided in the main case; a second sealing member facing the first sealing member; a movable supporting part supporting the second sealing member and allowing the second sealing member to move near to, and away from, the first sealing member; and a heater provided in at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member to heat and melt the pack interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-jun Sung, Jong-wook Lee, Tae-uk Lee, Jae-ryong Park
  • Publication number: 20040261372
    Abstract: Methods are known for conveying bags in the form of a continuous web such that they open at a suitable place during continuous conveyance and during maintenance of the open condition so they can be filled and sealed after closing. Prior art methods utilize complicated methods for retention. According to the invention, the bag web is suspended on horizontal studs mounted on carrier chains running in such a way that the bags open and a surrounding groove around the studs along the chains prevents the bags from falling off during passage of filling stations etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Johannes Rasmussen, Henrik Ahrenfeldt
  • Publication number: 20040237473
    Abstract: A high speed bagging system and a method for placing a liquid product into a bag and placing at least two of these bags into a pouch is described. The system comprises at least two bag fillers housed in a common filler housing and operating simultaneously to place the liquid product in respective bags on a continuous basis during a working cycle. Filled bags are simultaneously conveyed on a two lane conveyor system. The two-lane conveyor is configured to optimize floor space area. Each conveyor belt has an outlet end associated with a respective bagging machine at a bagging station. The bagging machines are adapted to place at least two of the bags into a pouch on a continuous basis during the working cycle. The bagging machines feed a respective pouch closure device to close a mouth opening of the pouches which are then discharged on a discharge conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Glopak Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Basque
  • Patent number: 6823654
    Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Gates Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Gates, Rod S. Gates
  • Patent number: 6810636
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fogg Filler Company
    Inventor: Michael R. Resterhouse
  • Patent number: RE39505
    Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending alone a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans
  • Patent number: RE40284
    Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans