Abstract: Tray sealer, comprising a sealing station for sealing trays, an infeed belt for providing trays, an outfeed belt for transporting sealed trays away, a gripper device comprising a first gripper unit which is configured to pick up trays from the infeed belt and to position them for a sealing process within the sealing station, and comprising a second gripper unit which is configured to collect the trays sealed by way of the sealing station and to position them on the outfeed belt for being transported away, where the first gripper unit comprises a first carriage as well as a first gripper mounted thereon and the second gripper unit comprises a second carriage and a second gripper mounted thereon, a lifting mechanism for opening and closing the sealing station, as well as a control device for controlling a motion of the first carriage and the first gripper as well as for controlling a motion of the second carriage and the second gripper, where, during the opening of the lifting mechanism, the control device is c

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods to secure a film to a container are provided. An example sealing device utilizes film from a supply of film to seal a lid onto a container. Various sizes of containers are usable with some example sealing devices. Additional features, such as printing on the film and piercing the film for ventilation and/or insertion of a straw are contemplated. One or more markings along the film may be utilized for confirming that an approved film has been loaded into the sealing device. In response, various components or features of the sealing device may be appropriately enabled or disabled. The one or more markings may also be utilized to convey data to the sealing device regarding the installed film, such as for improved operation thereof.

Abstract: One embodiment of a waterproof bandage for reliably protecting sensitive sites from water intrusion, despite potential flaws in the seal to skin, comprises three major components: the inner bandage, comprising an absorbent layer (1) and a waterproof layer (2); the outer bandage, comprising an absorbent layer (3) and a waterproof layer (4); and an adhesive layer (5) binding the waterproof layer of the inner bandage (2) and the absorbent layer of the outer bandage (3) together. When properly sized, registered and bonded, the outer absorbent layer (3) functions to wick away and to prevent any water that may penetrate the outer waterproof layer (4) from breaching or damaging the inner bandage. The waterproof bandage can be configured in various sizes as a bandage (FIG. 1), or as a sleeve-like cover for a protected site on hands, arms, feet, legs, and other parts of the body (FIGS. 3 and 4).

Abstract: Packages comprising a film surrounding the medical device are described and including a tear-enabling feature and a gripping feature enabling a user to use a finger, a thumb or an end of a tool to apply a sufficient tearing force to cause the tear-enabling feature to tear and move the first end of the package away from the second end of the package using only one hand and to expose the medical device to be accessed for use. Also described are methods of packaging a medical device.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a controller configured to control operation of a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, a first moving unit, and a second moving unit. When a film is loaded onto the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, the controller causes a first clamp unit to clamp the film delivered from a delivering unit and causes a first feeder portion to convey the film. Simultaneously, while causing a second clamp unit to be released or the second clamp unit to intermittently clamp the film delivered from the delivering unit, the controller causes a second feeder portion to convey the film and also causes the second conveying unit to move in a direction separating from the first conveying unit and, when the second conveying unit reaches a predetermined position, causes the second clamp unit to clamp the film.

Abstract: A Blister Packaging Device having an Invertible Nesting Tray and Method of Use. The nesting tray is defined by blister nests on opposing sides of the same tray, so as to allow the user to flip over the nesting tray to dump a just-completed blister package, while simultaneously loading the nest on the opposing side of the tray for the sealing of a new blister package. In addition to being invertible, the nesting tray is slidable from a distal position to a sealing position (under the heating press plate) along a pair of parallel rails. Nesting trays are removable from the parallel rails so that they can be exchanged with nesting trays for forming blister packages of another configuration. By elimination of a rotating turntable of nesting trays, the Device provides a more compact blister packaging machine than was previously possible.

Abstract: A system for heat sealing two or more components together into at least one sealed package is disclosed. The system includes a heat press configured to heat seal the two or more components together into the at least one sealed package, a seal fixture including an upper seal fixture plate configured to support the two or more components, and an ejector plate under the upper seal fixture plate. The ejector plate is configured to move between a retracted position and a deployed position to at least partially raise the at least one sealed package off of the upper seal fixture plate.

Abstract: A sealing tool for a packaging machine comprises a sealing tool outer part, a sealing tool inner part that is movable in the sealing tool outer part, and a seal provided between the sealing tool outer part and the sealing tool inner part. The has a planar and annular design and is fixed in a first holding region at the sealing tool outer part as well as in a second holding region at the sealing tool inner part. The second holding region is disposed at or in the proximity of an outer edge of the sealing tool inner part.

Abstract: A working station for a packaging machine for sealing a package and quickly cutting a top film and a method for operating such a working station. The working station may include a sealing tool upper part, a sealing tool lower part, a sealing frame, a movable cutting tool having a blade for cutting a top film, and at least one energy storage device in operable engagement with the cutting tool and the sealing frame. The at least one energy storage device may be configured for accumulating potential energy upon a relative movement of the sealing frame with respect to the cutting tool. The working station may further include a holding mechanism that is operable to hold the cutting tool to a portion of the working station that is stationary with respect to the cutting tool and the sealing frame.

Abstract: A contact lens package includes a first package layer, a second package layer, a lens receiving area defined between the first and second package layers, and first and second seal portions. The first seal portion extends around a first portion of the lens receiving area. The second seal portion extends around a second portion of the lens receiving area. The second seal portion has different sealing properties than the first seal portion. The first seal portion may include a releasable seal between the first and second package layers, and the second seal portion may include a permanent seal between the first and second package layers.

Abstract: A sealing tool for a packaging machine comprises a sealing tool outer part, a sealing tool inner part that is movable in the sealing tool outer part, and a seal provided between the sealing tool outer part and the sealing tool inner part. The has a planar and annular design and is fixed in a first holding region at the sealing tool outer part as well as in a second holding region at the sealing tool inner part. The second holding region is disposed at or in the proximity of an outer edge of the sealing tool inner part.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging machine comprising a plurality of work stations which are operable in synchronism with one another and which define a production direction, each of said work stations including at least one movable tool member. The packaging machine is provided with a rotationally driven shaft arranged in the production direction of said packaging machine, and the shaft and each of the movable tool members of various work stations have provided between them at least one transfer mechanism for converting the movement of the shaft into the movement of the respective tool member.

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. The container may be filled and sealed on conventional equipment used for blister packages with minor changes in tooling.

Abstract: A container sealing apparatus 10 comprises an electrically conductive linearly displaceable cutting member 14 operable to cut a portion 18 of sealing material from a web 16 and an independently linearly displaceable transfer member 42 comprising an electrically insulating material and extendible relative to the cutting member 14 to transfer the cut portion 18 of sealing material to an open top of a container 12 to be sealed. An induction coil 52 produces an induction field 54 for heating the cut portion 18 of sealing material, either directly or indirectly, by induction heating to seal the cut portion 18 of sealing material to the open top of the container 12. The linearly displaceable transfer member 42 holds the cut portion 18 of sealing material against the open top of the container 12 during induction heating.

Abstract: A manual cup sealer includes a frame unit, a sliding carrier board slidably mounted in the frame unit and carrying a lower electric heat sealing die, a transmission shaft pivotally mounted in the frame unit, a first link coupled to the transmission shaft, a first spring member connected between the first link and the sliding carrier board, a die link connected to the transmission shaft through a second link and holding an upper electric heat sealing die, and a handlebar operable by a user to rotate the transmission shaft clockwise/counter-clockwise for causing the sliding carrier board to be moved in and out of the frame unit and the upper electric heat sealing die to be lowered toward the lower electric heat sealing die to seal a sealing film to a plastic cup in the lower electric heat sealing die.

Abstract: A packaging device for packaging a foodstuff within a receptacle includes an inerting unit having an empty zone, walls of the empty zone configured to receive an upper portion of the receptacle, and the walls being made of a porous material capable of passing an inert gas under pressure, and a closure means retractably disposed above the inerting unit, wherein the inerting unit is configured to pass the inert gas through the walls and into the receptacle, and the closure means is configured to retractably extend into the empty zone to seal the passed inert gas within a headspace volume of the upper portion of the receptacle disposed the foodstuff.

Abstract: A packaging machine having a lifting unit comprises at least a spindle and a spindle nut. It is the object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine having a lifting unit which can substantially receive the same forces in any lift position and which exhibits shorter moving times. For this reason, the spindle is motor-drivable and stationary relative to a frame (2).

Abstract: Low-speed inerting elements for depleting a receptacle of oxygen, include at least one hollow duct (2232), with walls (2233) of the hollow duct (2232) that are directed towards the receptacle (31) being made of a material including pores.

Abstract: A sealing heater for heat sealing a film onto a multi-compartment container comprises a heating block having a contact surface. The contact surface includes an outer sealing portion and an intermediate sealing portion. The outer sealing seals a film to a perimeter surface of a multi-compartment tray and the intermediate sealing portion seals a film to substantially all of an intermediate surface between the compartments of the multi-compartment tray. The outer sealing portion and the intermediate sealing portion defining recess perimeters in the contact surface that are positioned to correspond substantially to the compartment perimeters in the multi-compartment tray. A heating element is disposed within the heating block for generating heat at the contact surface of the heating block sufficient to heat seal the sealing film to the perimeter surface and the intermediate surface between the compartments of the multi-compartment tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing tray-shaped or pot-shaped receptacles, such as blister packs or pots for storing dairy products, includes a sealing head having a sealing contour support, a heatable sealing contour and support plate, preferably with at least one guide bolt immobilized thereon allowing for a linear displacement of the sealing head relative to the support plate. At least one spring element impinges the sealing head with a point biasing away from the support plate. A spring seat plate is disposed between the sealing head and the support plate and can be linearly displaced in the same direction as the sealing head. A rubber mount associated with the sealing head serves as a joint element and allows the sealing contour support to be tilted about the axes that are perpendicular to the guide bolts. An adjustable element is interposed between the spring seat plate and the sealing head.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be used for packaging refuse, such as soiled diapers, for disposal or items, such as food and medicine, for storage can comprise a receptacle having an upper open end, a cover connected proximate the upper end of the receptacle, and a rotatable tube mounted on a pair of bosses carried by the receptacle. The rotatable tube can carry a roll of linearly attached disposable bags for receiving refuse and the like. Sealing means can be provided for sealing at least one of the disposable bags after receiving refuse or other item to be packaged. A suction motor can be provided in communication with the disposable bags to vacuum air out of the disposable bag. A cutting assembly can be connected to the cover for cutting the disposable bag from the plurality of linearly attached disposable bags.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber, an inlet and an outlet generally coaxially aligned with the chamber, wherein the chamber includes a medicament cartridge having a body including a generally cylindrical passage extending through the opposed ends of the cartridge generally coaxially aligned with the inlet and outlet of the housing having thin burstable polyolefin membranes having a burst pressure of between 1.2 and 10 atmospheres stretched taut over the ends of the cartridge, such that fluid delivered to the inlet ruptures the membranes, entraining medicament contained within the cartridge passage which is delivered to the patient's respiratory system through the outlet.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal web packaging system includes a pressure monitor at the sealing station monitoring sealing pressure. A bladderless actuator effects relative movement of dies and applies sealing pressure.

Abstract: A method of filling a bag that includes inserting an insulator between first and second side walls of a closure strip and joining an outer surface of the second side wall of the closure strip to an inner surface of a bag wall in a region of the wall behind which the insulator is positioned.

Abstract: A system for heat-shrinking a film onto an open-topped container is provided, including at least one reflective cup having a reflective interior surface, and at least one radiant energy source. The reflective cup and the radiant energy source may be rotationally mounted. The interior surface of the reflective cup has at least an elliptical portion and a parabolic portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for sealing food containers using a sealing film. The apparatus includes a base, a container holder for holding a food container; a heater platen positioned within the base, and a pressure applicator positioned on a surface of the heater platen, the pressure applicator applies pressure to the heater platen causing the heater platen to move into engagement with the sealing film to thereby seal the sealing film to portions of the food container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a tab over a peelable panel on an end structure comprising a ring/panel. The ring and panel are formed from the same flexible material which has no inherent deadfold characteristic. In one embodiment an upper tab fold tool includes a pivotable plate for holding the folded edge of the tab in position prior to heat sealing to the peelable panel.

Abstract: A method of filling a bag includes holding the bag open to define a fill path extending past an obverse side of a closure strip, between the closure strip and an opposed wall of the bag, and pouring contents into the open bag through the fill path.

Abstract: An improved sealing gasket for a vacuum-sealing station of a vacuum packaging machine which is made such that the outer perimetric portion thereof is made of a greater hardness than the rest of the sealing gasket, whereby the sealing heat-elements of a reciprocal heating element only substantially contacts against the softer material of the sealing gasket, allowing this softer material to conform to the uneven or non-level condition of the heating element. In the preferred embodiment, the outer-most perimeter of the sealing gasket is made of a greater hardness in the approximate durometer-hardness range of between 60-85 Shore A, while the remainder of sealing gasket is made of less hardness in the approximate durometer-hardness range of between 30-50 Shore A.

Abstract: Deep draw packaging includes placing an object (C) in a concave container portion (1) formed by molding a film with small shrinkability (A), that is a film having a residual thermal shrinkage rate at 100° C. of 1 to 15 %. The film (A) is formed by stretching a film having deep draw moldability and then thermally relaxing the film. The film has a surface which is formed of a heat sealable material which becomes the inner wall of the container portion. The concave container portion (1) is thereafter transferred to to a vacuum packaging apparatus (5) where it is covered by a cover portion (2) formed of a film (B) which can be heat welded to the film (A). A side face portion (11) and a bottom face portion (12) of the concave container portion (1) are thermally shrunk into close contact with the object (C). Less curling is exhibited when an upper peripheral portion (13) of the concave container portion (1) is sealed with the film (B).

Abstract: Various processes and relevant devices for causing polymer films, which are extensible to adhere to the edges of openings of plastic or PET or even metal containers, by releasing electrostatic charges opposite in sign to those of containers and/or the polymer films to be applied thereto. The processes derive from a single general inventive concept.

Abstract: An sealing system includes a frame, a ferrite core disposed within the frame, and a litz wire coil disposed proximate to the ferrite core for producing an electromagnetic field within the ferrite core, where the ferrite core and litz wire coil are adapted to direct the electromagnetic field toward a foil to seal an opening of a container with the foil. The sealing head is air cooled within the induction sealing unit.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for riveting a two-piece suture tray package. A two-piece suture tray assembly is provided having a top member and a bottom member. The top member has a top and a bottom, and plurality of rivet members extending down from the bottom of the top member. The rivet members have free ends. The bottom member has a top and a flat bottom surface, and a plurality of rivet receiving openings extending therethrough. A counterbore surrounds each rivet receiving opening in the flat bottom surface. An ultrasonic riveting apparatus is provided having a clamp member with a cavity, and an ultrasonic horn member having a flat bottom moveably mounted in the cavity. The assembly is mounted in the riveting apparatus and engaged by the clamp member.

Abstract: An automated container production line or automatically removing, orienting, filling, sealing and providing a label and applying a straw to the outside of the labeled container is provided which utilizes a novel orienting conveyor for receiving unoriented containers from a supply bin and orienting the containers for a plurality or novel short production lines having a positioning screw conveyor which intermittently starts and stops the advancement of the containers as groups of containers in which various groups of containers are simultaneously filled, sealed, inspected and then subsequently transported to a sleeving device for adding labels, a heat shrink tunnel for fastening the sleeve to the container and then to a novel straw applicator for subsequently attaching a straw to the outside of the container.

Abstract: A flexible carrier tape system, suitable for housing components and for winding on a reel in high density, is disclosed, comprising an elongated base strip having a plurality of longitudinally spaced cavities with side walls having a step-like groove near the surface around the cavity, comprising further an elongated cover strip having a width matching the width of the cavity including the widths of the grooves, the cover strip sealed onto the base strip so that the cover strip rests on the step-like grooves. In one embodiment, the sealed cover strip forms a substantially uniform plane with the upper surface of the base strip. The thickness consumed by each tape winding becomes a minimum so that a high density of components can be stored and transported.

Abstract: Various processes and relevant devices for causing polymer films, which are extensible with the help of the devices disclosed in Patent Application WO No. 98/32668 of Jan. 23, 1998 and in its applications, to adhere to the edges of openings of plastic or PET or even metal containers, by releasing electrostatic charges opposite in sign to those of containers and/or the polymer films to be applied thereto. P.S.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for effecting the formation of a packaged food product with the food being contained within a receptacle having a cover adhered to the receptacle. Prior to securing the cover to the receptacle, the surface that is to be sealed to the cover is cleaned by wiping with towel material. The towel material is advanced from a supply to a cleaning position to wipe a cover engaging surface to remove at least a portion of contaminants or foreign material present on the container, thereby improving adhesion of the cover to the receptacle. Towel material can be advanced from time to time from the supply to a take-up mechanism to present clean or fresh towel material at predetermined intervals. A method for cleaning container-sealing surfaces is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging contact lenses. The apparatus includes a compliant head, improved heater and improved heat seal die.

Abstract: A sealing device for a disposable cup is disclosed. The sealing device has a main body and the lateral wall of the main body is located at the sliding rail and is provided with a block body having a forward elevating sliding slot and the cup holding seat is provided with a through hole and the through hole has a size smaller than a hollow cylindrical body, and the bottom face of the hollow cylindrical body is protruded with two protruded securing sections, having provided each with an elevating and lowering block for mounting, a vertical through hole is obtained at the elevating and lowering block, and the through hole is positioned at the two ends at the bottom face of the holding platform, and the bottom end of the cylindrical body has a larger surface and the external side of the elevating and lowering device has a shaft with pulley.

Abstract: A method for induction sealing a plastic part to a composite container using a pair of linear coils electrically connected to low frequency generators. The linear coils produce overlapping electromagnetic fields on either side of the container. Rotating the container assures even heating of the polyethylene liner and plastic part. The method produces a reliable seal between the liner and plastic part and can be used at high production speeds.

Abstract: A form-fill-and-seal (FFS) packaging machine is described wherein a zipper is attached to the package simultaneously with the sealing operation at the sealing and evacuation station. The attached zipper is thereafter welded in place at the zipper welding and cutting station. A zipper blank feeder and a channel-forming die with an impulse sealer are integrated into the sealing die of a packaging machine forming a combination work station. The zipper is installed at an existing work station and shares the existing lifting device. This enables the retrofitting of an FFS packaging machine to include a zipper attachment function without changing the footprint thereof. The combination work station forms a channel for the zipper blank between the thermoformed web and the lidstock. While the sealing die is providing a seal about the lid, the impulse sealer in the channel-forming die attaches the zipper to an initial attachment portion of the packaging film.

Abstract: A system for heat-shrinking a film onto an open-topped container is provided, including at least one reflective cup having a reflective interior surface, and at least one radiant energy source. The reflective cup and the radiant energy source may be rotationally mounted. The interior surface of the reflective cup has as least an elliptical portion and a parabolic portion.

Abstract: According to a method for forming a blister band (1) for blister pack (10) in blistering machines (M), a band (1) of heat-formable material is moved stepwise through a preheating station (5), a forming station (6), where a regular series of blisters (20) is formed, a filling station (8), where the blisters (20) are filled with relative articles, a sealing station (9), in which the blister band is sealed with a covering band (11), and a cutting off station (13), where the blister band is cut into single blister packs (10). The method includes gradual heating, during the stepwise movement of the band (1) in the preheating station (5), of selected areas (24a, 24b, 24c) of the band (1). The areas (24a, 24b, 24c) are distributed regularly within a cold grid-like zone and have an extent suitably bigger than the extent of the blisters (2) made in the region of the heated areas (24a, 24b, 24c).

Abstract: A packaging system and a method of populating a transport belt with a tool for enclosing electronic components in a carrying belt, is described. For this purpose, the device has a heated punch with a structured punch face that has a plurality of mutually spaced punch face strips, which do not cover openings in the carrying belt. One of the punch face strips provided on an upper side of the carrying belt is not covered by the covering film.

Abstract: The invention provide an apparatus that can seal with film an article placed on a tray without having to change tooling for each shape and size of tray. Packaging apparatus 1 covers opening o with film Fm and thermally welds film Fm to flange f. Tray T is provided with flange f and opening o surrounded by flange f on its upper face. The apparatus is provided with roller 3 and roller swivel mechanism 8. Roller 3 can touch against film Fm on a portion of flange f. The touched surface of roller 3 is at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. Roller swivel mechanism 8 moves roller 3 in a swiveling manner.

Abstract: A box body (11) having a bottom face portion (12), side face portions (13, 14) and corner sealing portions (15) is formed of a packaging material of a soft sheet, and flange portions (16, 17) and flange jointing portions (18) are formed by folding the upper portions of the side face portions (13, 14). After this box body (11) is charged with a content, a cover member (30) is jointed to the flange portions.

Abstract: A packaging machine may package irregularly shaped food products such that a heat-sensitive lidding material is thermoformed to generally conform to the configuration of the food product.

Abstract: Methods of forming a thermoformed recloseable flat package for a pill-like product are provided. A first enclosure portion having a closing member is first operably engaged with a second enclosure portion so as to form an enclosure for containing the product therein. One or more components of a locking mechanism are then formed, following formation of the enclosure, wherein the locking mechanism generally comprises a first component operably engaging the closing member and a cooperable second component operably engaging the second enclosure portion. The components of the locking mechanism are further configured to be separable so as to allow separation thereabout of the closing member from the second enclosure portion to thereby define the recloseable package capable of selectively allowing the product to be extracted from the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sealing device (1) comprising a top part (3) forming a bell and a bottom part (2) forming a vat, receiving a container (4) to be sealed with a film (11) in the chamber defined by the two parts (2 and 3). The top part (3) comprises, on the side supplying the film (11), for the passage of the film, a slot (13) running through a wall (8) of the top part, means (14) for closing and blocking, with controlled actuation, preferably an inflatable pipe, for obstructing said slot and blocking said film, and means (17) for inserting and/or extracting fluid opening inside the chamber between the slot (13) and the wall (8) lower edge, for extracting gas (under vacuum), injecting gas and/or filling the container The invention is useful, for example, for packaging products in trays or jars.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing device and method for an ink cartridge. First, the ink cartridge and a sealing film are placed in an airtight chamber isolated to the atmosphere. Second, a decompression mechanism is used to draw the air off the airtight chamber until the air pressure in the airtight chamber is reduced to a pre-determined pressure. Finally, a sealing mechanism is used to seal the sealing film onto the ink cartridge.