Closing Packages And Filled Receptacles Patents (Class 53/285)
  • Publication number: 20120090727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling thin wall food containers, in particular beverage cans, which are eventually closed gas-tight and have an inner pressure that is above ambient pressure for stabilizing the food container. The method includes the steps: providing the food container with an open filling orifice in a filling station; filling the food container in the filling station; covering the filling orifice of the food container with a lid directly after completing the filling process; fixating the lid at the food container without closing the food container gas-tight; and transporting the food container with the filling opening covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BALL PACKAGING EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Hundeloh, Georg Janssen, Bernd Ullmann, Maril Kamp
  • Patent number: 8156719
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Delkor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Urs Reuteler, Matt M. Mate, Ronald Scott Thompson, Daniel Duane Schroeder, Mike Lee
  • Publication number: 20120079792
    Abstract: An apparatus for the closure of containers may include at least one closure head for applying the closures. The at least one closure head is situated in a clean room sealed off by a medium. The apparatus including a movement device arranged at least in part in the clean room. The movement device is configured to produce a rotational movement of the closure head about a longitudinal axis of the movement device and a translational movement of the closure head along the longitudinal axis of the movement device. The movement device is contacted at least locally by the medium for sealing off the clean room from a non-clean room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Lutz KAMPMANN, Klaus BUCHHAUSER, Patrick ENGELHARD
  • Publication number: 20120047847
    Abstract: Packaging Machine operable to produce sealed packages made of heat-seal sheet packaging material and containing a food product, and comprising an ultrasonic sealing device including an electrical power signal source operable to generate an electrical power signal; an ultrasonic transducer electrically coupled to the electrical power signal source to receive the electrical power signal and responsively heat seal the sheet packaging material; and an electronic counter operable to count the ultrasonic sealing cycles of the ultrasonic sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Rossano Guerri, Antonio Melandri, Angelo Boni
  • Publication number: 20120017539
    Abstract: A drive unit, which has a first motor and a second motor, for rotationally and linearly moving a working element with respect to a first housing element. In order to permit a design and a mounting and to reduce the required axial installation space and cost, the drive unit has bearing arrangement which, in the case of a linear movement of the working element with respect to the first housing element, permits a primary part and a secondary part of the first motor and/or of the second motor to be arranged in an axially non-displaceable fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicants: INA DRIVES & MECHATRONICS GMBH & CO. KG, SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Neufeld, Guenter Schmid, Ralf Schueler
  • Publication number: 20120011814
    Abstract: A closure device including a closure assembly for closing the flaps of a box. The closure assembly includes a T-shaped structure having a first horizontal surface upon which a box can move during a closure process and a guide positioned on each side of the T-shaped structure, each guide being angled relative to the T-shaped structure and adapted to close the major flaps of the box as the box is moved proximally across the T-shaped structure. The horizontal portion can be positioned vertically higher than a support surface to allow a portion of the box to move therebetween. The closure device can further include a minor flap closure device for closing the minor flaps of the box prior to closing the major flaps of the box. The closure device can also include a sealing device, such as a taping head, for sealing the box closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Niklas Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20110308200
    Abstract: A sealing element for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages of food products which are pourable within a tube of packaging material; sealing element comprises a heater adapted to heat-seal the packaging material at spaced cross sections of tube so as to form a plurality of sealed packages, and a groove which may be engaged by a cutting element carried by a counter sealing element during a cutting operation in which a sealed package is separated from tube; sealing element comprises at least a slot which extends between groove and a first outer wall of sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Babini, Roland Palmquist
  • Publication number: 20110289883
    Abstract: A container treatment plant, with a discontinuously working container treatment machine and having a feed conveyor and/or a discharge conveyor each for individual containers, and in the feed conveyor and/or the discharge conveyor, at least two continuously driven, circulating conveyor means supplying each other with individual containers, and where the conveyor means being closer to the discontinuously working container treatment machine in the conveying direction exhibits a closer conveying pitch than the conveying pitch of the conveyor means which is further away. In this manner, a container acceptance and/or transfer interruption caused by the respective cycle standstill of the discontinuously working container treatment machine is compensated by the conveying pitch difference to be able to continuously supply individual containers for the discontinuously working machine or continuously discharge them from the discontinuously working container treatment machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Michael NEUBAUER
  • Publication number: 20110252750
    Abstract: A medicament-packing unit contains a sheet feeder, a medicament-feeding hopper and a heat-sealing section. The sheet feeder feeds a packing sheet, folded into two in a longitudinal direction, to the heat-sealing section. The medicament-feeding hopper provides a medicament on the packing sheet fed by the sheet feeder. The heat-sealing section seals the packing sheet to pack the medicament provided on the packing sheet. The heat-sealing section contains a horizontal sealing roller, a first drive motor, a vertical sealing roller, a second drive motor, and a motor controller. The horizontal sealing roller seals the packing sheet in a horizontal direction. The first drive motor drives the horizontal sealing roller. The vertical sealing roller seals the packing sheet in a vertical direction. The second drive motor drives the vertical sealing roller. The motor controller controls the first drive motor and the second drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Koike, Masahiko Kasuya, Toru Tanaka, Tomonari Oda, Satoru Ogino
  • Publication number: 20110247303
    Abstract: A device for the movement of a chamber upper part of a chamber conveyor belt machine includes first and second lifting mechanisms. The first lifting mechanism is driven by means of a motorized drive, and the second lifting mechanism is driven by means of an adjusting cylinder. Furthermore, a connection element is provided for coupling the two lifting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Häring, Klaus Rothermel
  • Publication number: 20110247302
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the sealing of hard shell capsules having coaxial body parts which overlap when telescopically joined. Also described is an apparatus to seal the capsules. The method comprises the steps of holding the capsule in a precise and upright position and injecting a known quantity of sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sealing clamp (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) to hold the capsule in an upright position and means (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65) to inject the sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Dominique Nicolas Cade, Frederic Hoehn, Philippe Charles Peter, Robert Anthony Scott
  • Publication number: 20110247301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing containers with closures comprising a closing head (2) that attaches the closures to the containers, wherein said closing head (2) can be moved relative to the closures with a first movement type and is arranged within a sterile space (8) with a first movement unit (4) for producing a movement of the closure with the first movement type, wherein said first movement unit (4) is arranged at least partially outside the sterile space (8), wherein the sterile space (8) is bounded by at least one first wall (12) and the device comprises a ring-shaped channel (14) into which said first wall (12) protrudes, wherein the ring-shaped channel (14) can be moved relative to the first wall (12) and can be filled with a fluid medium, and wherein the first movement unit (4) is arranged within the channel (14) at least in sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger
  • Publication number: 20110225928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure head for container closure machines (1) for closing bottles or similar containers with closures, having a head part, having a receptacle formed on a head part and open on the bottom of the closure head and the head part for one closure each, wherein the receptacle forms at least one radial and at least one axial contact surface relative to an axis of the receptacle for the closure received in the receptacle, and wherein the radial contact surface for at least force-fit retaining of the closure in the receptacle is formed of at least one displaceable segment displaceable at least radially to the axis of the receptacle at least in the area of the radial contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Naaber
  • Publication number: 20110203225
    Abstract: A unit for applying opening devices on packages of pourable food products, comprises a first conveying device to feed the opening devices along a first path, a second conveying device to feed the packages along a second path, a third conveying device movable about a first axis to displace the opening devices along a third path from a withdrawal station to an application station of the opening devices, a gripping member for gripping an opening device, and a supporting plate to support the gripping member; wherein the supporting plate is coupled to the third conveying device; the gripping member is displaceable, at the application station in a defined plane by a first direction transversal to the first axis and to the second path, and by the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Maccagnani, Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Urban Johansson
  • Publication number: 20110162331
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for closing containers (3) having a closure (1), particularly a bottle closing machine. Said machine has at least one closing head (4) displaced in a direction toward a container opening (2) along a displacement path (H) for applying the closure (1). To this end, a prescribed external force (FA) is applied to the closing head (4). According to the invention, the closing head (4) comprises an internal force supporting element (6, 7) supporting the externally applied force (FA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Igor Singur
  • Publication number: 20110139661
    Abstract: A container comprises a plastic blister with a first planar peripheral edge and a formed, first open-sided volume extending from the plane of the peripheral edge joined with a paperboard tray with a second planar peripheral edge, the paperboard tray having a plurality of panels connected at fold lines and forming a second open-sided volume. The container has means for joining the first planar peripheral edge of the plastic blister and the second planar peripheral edge of the paperboard tray so that the first and second volumes form a combined container volume. The paperboard tray may be a wedge-shaped tray, with greater depth at one end than at the other end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Giaia Lee Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20110120055
    Abstract: A packaging machine or machine unit, as used in particular for capping containers (5), is enclosed by a structure (1) that comprises a casing (2) positioned at least in part around the active components (3) of a packaging unit (4) supplied with open containers (5). The casing (2) comprises a fixed cowl (13) encompassing the components (3) of the packaging unit (4), and a movable cowl (23) furnished with at least one sealing element (4). The movable cowl (23) is capable of movement between an open configuration, in which a gap (23a) is created between the fixed cowl (13) and the movable cowl (23) so as to place the fixed cowl (13) in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere, and a closed configuration in which the sealing element (24) of the movable cowl (23) engages the fixed cowl (13), occluding the gap (23a) and consequently isolating the interior of the fixed cowl (13) from the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Baroni, Gianpietro Zanini
  • Patent number: 7923119
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a multilayer film for top-seal to be used for a tray having a surface layer containing a polystyrene-based resin, the multilayer film at least having a first layer and a second layer, the first layer containing 50% by weight or more of at least one selected from the group consisting of (a) a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; (b) a copolymer resulting from hydrogenation of a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; (c) a combined resin of: a hydrogenated product of a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; and an ?-olefin copolymer; (d) a mixture of: a combined resin of: a hydrogenated product of a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; and an ?-olefin copolymer, and an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer, and (e) a mixture of: a combined resin of: a hydrogenated product of a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; and an ?-olefin co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Life and Living Corporation
    Inventors: Eisuke Suzuki, Akinori Takeda
  • Publication number: 20110072762
    Abstract: Closing machine for closing bottles or similar containers (2) using closures (3, 3a), having a plurality of closing stations (11) which each have a closing tool (12, 14) and a container carrier and are formed on the circumference of a rotor (4), which can be driven in circulation around a vertical machine axis (MA), wherein the rotor (4) has formed on it, in the region of the closing stations (11), a sterile chamber (5) which is bounded in the direction of the surroundings by walls or wall portions (6, 7, 8, 9) and into which the containers (2), which are retained in a hanging state on the container carriers, extend by way of their container mouth (2.1) which is to be closed, and wherein the respective closing tool (12, 14) extends into the sterile chamber (5) merely by way of a part which interacts with the container (2) which is to be closed and/or with the closure (3, 3a), all the rest of its functional elements being arranged outside the sterile chamber (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Timo Jakob
  • Publication number: 20110052762
    Abstract: A package with a food product therein is provided and, in particular, with a coffee product, comprising at least an inner package and at least an outer package, and having at least one means for reclosing provided on the inner package and/or on an inner side of the outer package. Alternatively, the inner package may comprise a vacuum-packed inner package with an outer package. A machine for producing a packaged food product is also provided and, in particular, for producing a packaged coffee product. The machine comprises at least one device for applying a means for reclose to the inner package and/or to the inner side of the outer package, the device provided in the machine direction upstream of a device for providing the at least one outer package around the at least one inner package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Juergen FLIEGER, Harald LORENZ, Joachim Guenter BELLMANN
  • Publication number: 20110041464
    Abstract: A method for clearing stalled containers in a taping or other container sealer includes the steps of (i) conveying a container to a sealing station, (ii) sealing the container with a sealer at the sealing station as the container travels through the sealing station, (iii) detecting a stalled container in the sealing station, and (iv) raising the sealer upon detection of a stalled container in the sealing station to relieve the stalled condition so that the container travels through the sealing station and is sealed by the sealer. Raising the sealer can clear the stalled container, thereby minimizing or eliminating events that require an operator's attention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventors: Kevin William Park, Paul Francis Deimling, James J. Corbett
  • Publication number: 20110030315
    Abstract: A sealing jaw for producing sealed packages of a food product from a tube of packaging material fed along a path, the jaw having a first work surface which interacts with a second work surface on a counter-jaw to grip the packaging material and form a sealing strip crosswise to the path. One of the jaw and counter-jaw defines an anvil, and the other defines a heating device which interacts with the anvil to form the strip. The first surface has at least two projections elongated along respective first axes, and which, when forming the strip, compress respective areas of the packaging material against the second surface; and at least one cavity which extends along one of the first axes, is interposed between the projections along a second axis crosswise to the first axis, and is located laterally with respect to a central plane of the first work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Mancin, Francesco Giordano, Ernesto Di Dodo
  • Patent number: 7856798
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Delkor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Schroeder, Matt M. Mate, Mike Lee, Urs Reuteler, Ronald Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100307108
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the securing of a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a base and a plurality of blades, each of the blades including a sharp edge and being mounted to the base such that the sharp edge is exposed. The blades are mounted in a generally circular arrangement, with the sharp edges generally radiating from a central portion of the base, such that the sharp edges are positioned to engage a circumferential edge of a cap as it is being secured to the cylindrical container. In this configuration, the apparatus can firmly hold the cap as the cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) is rotated to secure the cap onto the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Demetris P. Young, James Robert Rivenbark, JR., Mark Alan Uebel, Jody DuMond
  • Publication number: 20100287883
    Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting. The devices include a loading chute having a ceiling or door having at least a portion configured to open and close and a floor underlying and in cooperating alignment with the ceiling. The ceiling and floor are configured to cooperate to encase a product chamber with an axially extending open channel therebetween. At least one of the floor and ceiling reciprocates in a substantially vertical direction between a first loading position corresponding to when the ceiling is open and a second operative position corresponding to when the ceiling is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis J. May, Samuel D. Griggs, Matthew D. Lowder, Thomas F. Whittlesey
  • Publication number: 20100287889
    Abstract: Packaging machines are disclosed including a web transport conveyor transporting a web of flexible packaging material from upstream to downstream locations through a series of stations. Packaging apparatuses are disclosed including a forming station and a closing station, each having movable die members that are counterbalanced. Methods of operating the packaging apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc
    Inventor: Craig R. Bonneville
  • Publication number: 20100287888
    Abstract: Packaging machines are disclosed including a web transport conveyor transporting a web of flexible packaging material from upstream to downstream locations through a series of stations. Packaging apparatuses are disclosed including a forming station and a closing station, each having movable die members that are counterbalanced. Methods of operating the packaging apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl W. Shackelford, Craig R. Bonneville
  • Patent number: 7784245
    Abstract: The container capping device includes a capping head carried by a hollow support member in the shape of a bracket, vertically movable and including a vertical part going through a cover, with the rotation driving mechanism of the capping head and the control mechanism of the jaws of the capping head being enclosed in the part of the support member which extends above the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Guy Dumargue
  • Publication number: 20100212259
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for treating containers (10), comprising a housing (2), inside which a sterile chamber (4) is formed, comprising a treatment element (6, 7) which is arranged inside the housing (2) and which is rotatable about a predefined axis (X), wherein the treatment element is arranged on a carrier (8) provided inside the housing (2), and comprising a drive device for driving the treatment element (6), wherein this drive device is arranged at least partially outside the sterile chamber (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Erwin Knieling, Markus Schoenfelder, Andreas Dewert
  • Patent number: 7779609
    Abstract: A syringe and a reconstitution syringe are provided for the delivery of controlled doses of any of numerous different sterile substances, such as vaccines, medicaments, pharmaceutical preparations, cosmetics, and food products. A plunger of the syringe defines a resealable stopper frictionally and slidably received within a hollow syringe body for dispensing the medicament or other substance through a dispensing tip of the syringe upon movement of the plunger. The resealable stopper defines a heat-sealable portion to allow the stopper to be penetrated by a needle or other filling device to fill the syringe with a medicament or other substance, and in turn allow the hole remaining upon withdrawal of the needle to be heat sealed by transmission of laser energy thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7763213
    Abstract: A package for enclosing volatile corrosion inhibiting materials includes a first enclosure barrier being fabricated from one or more gas-impermeable materials and defining a first enclosed space. The package further includes a substrate having one or more volatile corrosion inhibitor materials disposed thereon, with the substrate being disposed within the first enclosed space. In some embodiments, a second enclosure barrier being fabricated from a gas-permeable, solid particle-impermeable material is disposed in the first enclosed space, and defines a second enclosed space inside of the first enclosed space. In such embodiments, the substrate is preferably disposed within the second enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Cortec Corporation
    Inventors: Boris A. Miksic, Cliff Cracauer, Brian Wuertz, Scott Bolton, Barry Haygood, Grant McEwan
  • Publication number: 20100180545
    Abstract: An induction sealing device for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages of pourable food products and fed in a first direction, the sealing device having an inductor device which interacts with the packaging material by at least one active surface; a supporting body made of heat-conducting material and housing the inductor device; an insert made of magnetic flux-concentrating material and housed in the supporting body; and a member made of plastic material, and having at least a first portion interposed, in the first direction, between the supporting body and the insert so as to be at least partly surrounded by the supporting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Palmquist, Andrea Babini, Håkan G. Andersson, Ulf Danielsson
  • Publication number: 20100154363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for closing mesh bags, in which a longitudinal portion of constricted mesh is compressed together with a portion of at least one plastic strip provided with a width greater than that of the constricted mesh such that respective side bands of the strip project on both sides of the constricted mesh, the process further comprising the operations of introducing in a die the compressed longitudinal portions of strip and mesh such that the mentioned side bands are bent towards the constricted mesh; folding the bent side bands of the strip over the constricted mesh; and causing the melting of the materials forming the folded strip and the constricted mesh, determining one or several attachment sections between the folded strip and the constricted mesh along the compressed portions of the mesh and of the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: GIRNET INTERNATIONAL, S.L.
    Inventor: Ezequiel GIRO AMIGO
  • Publication number: 20100107570
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing prepared medications in enclosures includes a tubular sleeve having an open first end, an open second end, and an outer surface. The first end includes at least one first locking member for securely attaching the tubular sleeve to another member. The apparatus also includes a length of a flexible packaging sleeve that is open at one end and has an open interior space. The packaging sleeve is disposed about the outer surface of the tubular sleeve in a compressed form. The open end of the sleeve is sealingly attached to the first end of the tubular sleeve. A tensioner device is disposed about an outer surface of the packaging sleeve and includes a first section that couples the first end of the packaging sleeve to the tubular sleeve and at least two elongated tensioner arms that extend along a length of the tubular sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ForHealth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdul Wahid Khan, Dennis Tribble, Edward Lefebre, Jim Shafer
  • Publication number: 20100101184
    Abstract: A heat-sealing device for sheet packages includes: a pressure heat-sealing part that presses and heat seals a lid unit component placed on a moving bag-forming film; a heat-sealing mechanism having a frame body to support the pressure heat-sealing part; a drive mechanism having a linear motor that serves as a drive source to move the heat-sealing mechanism back and forth; and a link mechanism that links the two mechanisms, wherein the heat-sealing mechanism includes double heat-sealing mechanisms having two units of the heat-sealing mechanism installed side by side in parallel at positions vertical to the moving direction of the bag-forming film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Kenji NAKAMURA, Koji NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20100100232
    Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi ISHIWATARI, Shinya Uema, Manabu Haraguchi, Koichi Kobayashi, Shigeyuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100064632
    Abstract: Systems, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, David T. Wince, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20100024360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine having an ultrasonic device (1), the ultrasonic device (1) comprising: an ultrasonic generator (2) which generates electric vibrations; an ultrasonic converter (3) which converts the generated electric vibrations into mechanical vibrations of the same frequency; a transformation intermediate piece (4) which transfers the mechanical vibrations to a sonotrode (5); the sonotrode (5) comprising a sound-radiating end surface (6) at which it reflects the mechanical vibrations, so that a standing wave to be passed into a packaging foil (18, 19) is formed, and the sound-radiating end surface (6) being disposed in a vacuum and/or in a modified atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Tieme Jan Slomp, Roland Sparakowski
  • Publication number: 20100011716
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure device for a package comprising a first panel (2) and a second superposed panel (3) with superposed through-openings (5) and a third panel (4) with at least one opening (11), the third panel (4) being able to occupy two positions in which the opening (11) is either superposed on said openings (5) of the other panels (2, 3) or is not superposed thereon. The second panel and/or the first panel (3, 2) comprises at least one tube (6) attached in a substantially perpendicular manner to its surface oriented toward said first panel (2) respectively the second panel (3) and housing a channel in communication with said at least one opening (5) of the second panel (3) respectively of the first panel (2), said at least one tube (6) making it possible to attach the first panel (2) and the second panel (3) together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: France DHENAIN
  • Patent number: 7644902
    Abstract: A clamping fixture for a retort process wherein a clamping fixture is disposed about a container having a seal positioned over a container-dispensing aperture. The clamping fixture applies a force to an outer surface of the seal in order to combat internal vapor pressures, which rise during a retort process and may break the seal. A first embodiment may be used with a manual process while a second embodiment may be used with a multiple station automated retort process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Julian, Gary V. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20090272075
    Abstract: The invention refers to a tool arrangement, in particular a sealing tool for a packaging machine, the tool arrangement consisting at least of one toolholder and one tool connected to each other by at least one releasable fixed connection. The invention is characterised in that the releasable fixed connection is given by an automatically acting link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Alexander I. Biechteler
  • Patent number: 7591221
    Abstract: A salad shaker for selectively mixing a salad product with the dressing. In a storage/transportation position, salad stuffed in a bowl having a lid does not contact the dressing sealed in a container having a cover with a handle. In a mixing portion, the cover is removed from outside the shaker to release the dressing into the bowl for preparing the serving when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Founder Plastics Inc.
    Inventor: Chor Joseph Ho
  • Publication number: 20090223175
    Abstract: A method and device for the manufacture of packaging units or disposable single-use kegs. 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. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Alois Monzel
  • Publication number: 20090145083
    Abstract: The container capping device includes a capping head carried by a hollow support member in the shape of a bracket, vertically movable and including a vertical part going through a cover, with the rotation driving mechanism of the capping head and the control mechanism of the jaws of the capping head being enclosed in the part of the support member which extends above the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Guy DUMARGUE
  • Publication number: 20090107855
    Abstract: Additives that could interfere with the sealing of a cover onto a contact lens package are delivered separately from the bulk saline delivered into the lens package, thereby allowing more precise control of the additive delivery, reducing the incidence of additive in the seal area of the lens package, and improving the seal integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Scott J. Gault, Kent M. Grothe
  • Publication number: 20090100801
    Abstract: A packaging system for the storage of an ionic, hydrogel contact lens employs an aqueous packaging solution including a phosphorylcholine polymer. Preferably, the solution has an osmolality of at least about 200 mOsm/kg, a pH of about 6 to about 8 and is heat sterilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: BAUSCH & LOMB INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Fang Zhao, Vicki L. Barniak, Martin J. Coffey, Robert M. Braun
  • Publication number: 20090094940
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for formulating and aseptically filling liquid products. A first liquid source includes at least one first liquid component; a second liquid source includes at least one second liquid component; and a container includes a body defining an empty, sterile storage chamber therein that is sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. The container is introduced into a sterile filling chamber. A first filling member coupled in fluid communication with the first liquid source is placed in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the container located in the sterile filling chamber, and the first liquid component is aseptically introduced through the first filling member and into the storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20090084071
    Abstract: The invention concerns a closure system (100) for molded caps comprising: two guide rails (102), a carriage (108) able to move on each rail (102), a closure bar (110) disposed between the two carriages (108), two wheels (116a, 116b), each mounted on a carriage (108), able to move in rotation about a rotation axis and each end of the bar (110) being mounted on one of the wheels (116a, 116b) so as to be offset with respect to said axis, a rack designed to move parallel to the rail (102), for each wheel (116a, 116b), a maneuvering gear able to move in rotation, secured to and coaxial with the wheel (116a, 116b) and designed to mesh with the rack, for each carriage (108), a locking device (106) designed to lock the carriage (108) with the rack and the guide rail (102), for each rack, an activation device (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Moulindustrie
    Inventor: Jacky Moulin
  • Publication number: 20080276576
    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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: Paul J. Anderson
  • 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