Including Means To Apply Suction Patents (Class 53/386.1)
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Patent number: 11713151Abstract: An inline packaging machine for automatically accommodating and filling different sized containers, such as pouches, to reduce changeover time and thereby improve operating efficiency of the machine. The machine includes stations disposed longitudinally along a center line of the machine, including a first carrier track opposing a second carrier track with respect to the center line. A first clamp is disposed on the first carrier track and at least a second clamp is disposed on the second carrier track wherein the clamps are configured to releasably secure first-sized pouches for filling. The pouches are advanced inline from a setup station through an opening station to a filling station for filling with contents. The filled pouches are then advanced to a sealing and discharging station. A control system automatically adjusts the distance between the corresponding clamps to accommodate second-sized and/or third-sized pouches for inline processing and filling.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Inventors: Bojan Jovanovic, David Showman, Sergej Krneta
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Patent number: 11174053Abstract: A filling machine for filling flexible pouch type packages that includes a transport unit arranged for intermittent, edgewise advancement of the packages from an upstream station to a downstream station. The transport unit is movable in a reciprocating manner between a first end position and a second end position, and includes a first gripping member arranged to retrieve packages from the upstream station and delivered to the filling station, a second gripping member arranged to retrieve packages from the filling station and delivered to the downstream station and a suction cup member arranged for opening the filling channel of the packages retrieved by the first gripping member. The suction cup member includes, for each package retrieved by the first gripping member, a pair of oppositely arranged suction cups movably arranged in order to engage and separate side wall sections defining the filling channel of the associated package.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: ECOLEAN ABInventors: Thomas Sjölander, Carl-Magnus Källberg, Rickard Lavesson, Torbjörn Pålsson
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Patent number: 11097860Abstract: Packaging method and device in which, with the aid of a stretch hood system 1, a tubular film portion 3 is drawn over an article 2 that is to be packaged. The tubular film portion 3 is firstly reefed with the aid of a reefing device 8 onto at least two reefing fingers 7 of a drawing-over device 6. Then, by moving the drawing-over device 6 along the article 2 that is to be packaged, the tubular film portion 3 is unreefed from the reefing fingers 7 of the drawing-over device 6 and drawn at least in sections over the article 2. During the reefing, the tubular film portion 3 is at least intermittently inflated.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Gynter Lorenzen, Tonny Konstmann
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Patent number: 10723495Abstract: A bag opening device for a form-fill-seal machine includes two coupling modules for being coupled to each side of a bag for opening the bag. The coupling modules are movable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position by a driving component. The driving component of the coupling modules includes a motor driving the movement of one of the coupling modules and a synchronizing connecting rod synchronizing the movement of the coupling module driven by the motor with the other coupling module. The bag opening device allows a higher form-fill-seal speed than with conventional form-fill-seal machines.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: PAYPER, S.A.Inventors: Daniel Jordà Boldú, Josep Maria Ribalta Ferrer
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Patent number: 10654603Abstract: The invention relates to an inflating station for inflating of film bags with a first and a second suction bar arm and with an inflating bar with inflating spouts arranged on it. The first/second suction bar arm is movable with a first/second drive shaft. A servo engine is disposed on the first drive shaft. A drive movement of the first drive shaft is transferred from a first gear wheel to a second gear wheel and from the second gear wheel to the second drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: INDAG POUCH PARTNERS GMBHInventors: Rolf Harth, Frank Lechert
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Patent number: 10406758Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-stage printing teaches a 3D printer in combination with one or more additional dispensing nozzles. One or more additional dispensing nozzles are combined with the 3D for filling cavities with other compounds such as foam, sterilizing parts by spraying printed mold with disinfectant or antibacterial treatments, and embedding parts or other materials such as paper, fiberglass, or carbon fiber within the printing layers for additional strength and changing mold properties of a final product. In other embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in combination with a robotic packaging mechanism for bagging sterilized parts for shipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Robotic ResearchInventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
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Patent number: 10315794Abstract: A bag mouth opening device for continuously conveyed bags including suction cups (16, 17) continuously rotated in mutually opposite directions along substantially symmetrical elliptical moving paths (24, 25) on ether side of a conveying path (1) for bags. The time the suction cups take to make their single rotation along the moving paths matches the time a bag (20) takes to be conveyed for an inter-bag distance(s). The major axes (26, 27) of both moving paths of the suction cups are inclined at almost the same angles relative to the conveying path and digress from the bag conveying path toward their anterior side.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tohru Yoshikane, Masafumi Ueno
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Patent number: 10273031Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a packaging apparatus and method for packaging an article with a tubular film to be pulled over the article. The packaging apparatus has a machine frame on which a film supply apparatus and a film covering apparatus are mounted. The packaging apparatus includes a releasable drive coupling usable to operatively couple a drive with either the film covering apparatus or the film supply apparatus (or a subcomponent of the film supply apparatus). Once coupled, the drive can move the film covering apparatus or the film supply apparatus relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventor: Carsten Fenn
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Patent number: 9776746Abstract: A process for wrapping a stack of goods in film, wherein a portion of film is drawn from a film supply, cut, opened by a film opening means and pulled over the stack of goods by a travelling pulling means, wherein, after being drawn off and cut, the portion of film is transported lengthwise by a film transport means to the film opening means, characterized in that the portion of film is transported from the cutting unit as far as the film opening means by being gripped by frictional engagement between at least two conveyor members pressed together and circulating endlessly in a transport direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: BEUMER GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Marc Tellen, Dirk Göbel, Andreas Weitenberg
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Patent number: 9764867Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for reefing a portion of tubular film, the reefing device having at least one reefing finger and at least one drive unit. The drive unit has advancing means, which, for reefing the portion of tubular film, is brought into operative connection with the reefing finger at least at the height of a point of engagement, while enclosing the portion of tubular film, and moves the portion of tubular film in relation to the reefing finger. The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are distinguished in particular in that the position of the at least one point of engagement can be changed along the reefing finger as reefing progresses or the position of the point of engagement on the reefing finger is changed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Per Lachenmeier, Karl Magnus Rasztar
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Patent number: 9440756Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stack of objects with a film has a film supply holding the film and a support including only two vertical masts adjacent the film supply and juxtaposed with the stack to be wrapped. A pull-down device is shiftable vertically along the two masts next to the stack. A film-feed head is also shiftable vertically along the two masts. The film extends from the supply through the film-feed head to the pull-down device. A film-storing means or looper is provided in the film-feed head for storing a variable length of the film in the head.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: MSK-VERPACKUNGS-SYSTEME GMBHInventor: Frank Rolf Michels
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Patent number: 9275382Abstract: A checkout station for a retail store is configurable between an employee-assisted mode and a self-service mode. In the employee-assisted mode, the checkout station is positioned on a checkout lane and a merchant operates the checkout station to checkout a customer from the store. In the self-service mode, the checkout station is positioned on the opposite side of the checkout lane and the customer performs the checkout functions with little or no help from the merchant. A motor in the checkout station is controlled to move the entire checkout station laterally across the checkout lane in response to receiving reconfiguration commands from the merchant. The reconfiguration commands may also control the checkout station to raise or lower its vertical height.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings CorporationInventors: Thierry Dubois, Pierre Luguern, Catherine Mengin
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Publication number: 20150020477Abstract: A bagging mechanism includes a fixed frame, a storage box coupled to the fixed frame, and a suction member coupled to the fixed frame and adjacent to the storage box. A first drive member and a second drive member are coupled to the fixed frame and the first drive member and located opposite to the suction member, and a picking member is coupled to the first drive member and parallel to the storage box. The picking member and the suction member pull with a vacuum on either side of a packing bag, and the first and second drive member move the picking member away from the suction member to open the packing bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: JIA LI
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Publication number: 20150000230Abstract: Banknote processing equipment is disclosed, which comprises a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber and an extractor adapted to establish a lower ambient pressure between the chamber and the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to expand into an open configuration during a banknote filling operation, whereby the banknote processing equipment can deposit banknotes in the bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Robert Wright
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Publication number: 20140360139Abstract: An apparatus for separating the bag walls of preformed bags having an open end and a closed end for use in an apparatus for enveloping bales of material. The bag walls are initially adjacent one another. Vacuum and grip pin assemblies are provided on jaws which are movable between retracted and closed positions. The jaws are closed onto the bag walls and a vacuum is applied to vacuum inlet openings drawing the bag walls thereto. Preferably, the jaws are partially separated and then a grip pin is extended adjacent the vacuum inlet openings thereby piercing and securely gripping the walls. The jaws are then retracted thereby fully separating the bag walls and opening the bag. Preferably, the vacuum inlet openings are saddle shaped having a rim defining aligned raised sides and aligned lowered sides therebetween, and the grip pin extends along the aligned raised sides.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: Chris Allen Honegger
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Publication number: 20140360133Abstract: A bag mouth opening device for continuously conveyed bags including suction cups (16, 17) continuously rotated in mutually opposite directions along substantially symmetrical elliptical moving paths (24, 25) on ether side of a conveying path (1) for bags. The time the suction cups take to make their single rotation along the moving paths matches the time a bag (20) takes to be conveyed for an inter-bag distance(s). The major axes (26, 27) of both moving paths of the suction cups are inclined at almost the same angles relative to the conveying path and digress from the bag conveying path toward their anterior side.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Tohru YOSHIKANE, Masafumi Ueno
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Publication number: 20140352255Abstract: The invention relates to an opening device (10) for opening a bag section (210) of a film web (200) in a bag filling plant (100) for filling in bulk goods, comprising a suction device (20) for suctioning the two sides (212, 214) of the bag section (200) with an articulately supported first suction cup (22) on the first side (212) of the bag section (210) and an articulately supported second suction cup (24) on the second side (214) of the bag section (200), with at least one of the suction cups (22, 24) being arranged acute-angled in reference to the respective side (212, 214) of the bag sections (200).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: Windmoeller & Hoelscher KGInventors: Hans RENKEN, Hans-Ludwig VOSS, Oliver HUIL, Karl-Heinz HOLTMANN
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Publication number: 20120192527Abstract: Empty, flat folded storage bags which may be valve bags are prepared for filling with a flowable material, by seating and stacking a plurality of the bags on a fixed elevation base within a chamber of a bag holding magazine assembly, the resulting stack defining an initial stack rising from a lowermost one the bags on the base to an uppermost one of the bags. In a first cycle of operation, all but the lowermost bag is raised away from the base, the raised bags defining a depleted stack of bags. Then, while the depleted stack remains raised, the lowermost bag is removed from the chamber through a chamber outlet opening. Then, the depleted stack is lowered to seat a new lowermost bag on the base to complete first cycle. The cycle is repeated for each lowermost bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Vincent Rody Manzon, Jeffery Franklin Boyne, Ryan Stewart Maw, Stephen Douglas Erdman
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Publication number: 20120144779Abstract: An apparatus for shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in this condition during loading of the bag with a product, includes an inner stationary ring; a plurality of finger assemblies, each finger assembly comprising a finger adapted to press against the interior of the bag mouth, and a force-transferring member to which the finger is operatively connected; an outer rotatable ring, concentric with the inner ring; a push rod operatively connected to each respective finger assembly; and a motive device adapted to cause rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring to effect coordinated radial movement of the fingers relative to the interior surface of the bag. A method of shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in the shaped, open condition during loading of the bag with a product, is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: SEALED AIR (NEW ZEALAND)Inventors: Jacob Brinkman, John Koke
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Patent number: 8151543Abstract: A bag-puckering system has a pairs of grippers engageable with upper corners of respective bags. The grippers of each pair are shiftable between an inner position in which the respective bag is puckered open and an outer position in which the respective bag is held flat. The pairs of grippers are aligned in a longitudinal row and shiftable in a travel direction through a filling station wherein fluent material can be poured into the bags. A controller upstream of the filling station measures a length in the direction of the bags and generates respective outputs corresponding thereto. A movable cam at the filling station operatively engages the grippers in the filling station for shifting the grippers between their inner and outer positions. A drive connected to the control means and to the cam can shift the grippers in accordance with the size of the respective bags.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Scott Veix
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Patent number: 8122692Abstract: An empty bag supply method and apparatus first lifting up with a first suction member an empty bag of which bag bottom being in contact with and positioned by a first positioning stopper. The lifted bag is then held by chucks and transported upwards so that the empty bag is vertical with the bag bottom facing upward, and then a second suction member suctions the empty bag near the bag mouth and transports it onto a conveyor with the bag mouth facing forward, so that the bag mouth of the bag is stopped and positioned by a second positioning stopper. The empty bag is then lifted up by a third suction member, held by a chuck and transported upward so that the attitude of the bag is changed to vertical with the bag mouth facing upward, and then the bag is transferred to a gripper of a packaging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiteru Inoue, Akio Yamane, Yoshikatsu Nakahara
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Publication number: 20120011810Abstract: Provided is a film opener and a film placement system capable of smoothly and securely placing even a thin tubular film around a placement target. The film opener is mounted to a film placement apparatus for opening a tubular film supplied so as to be sheet-like folded and placing the tubular film around a bottle, and includes first and second suction rods and third and fourth suction rods that grip a sheet-like folded label by suction, and the first and second suction rods, and the third and fourth suction rods, separate from each other, and thereby the label is opened, and in a state where the label is open, suction holes of the first suction rod and suction holes of the fourth suction rod oppose each other, and suction holes of the second suction rods and suction holes of the third suction rod oppose each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: FUJI SEAL INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Toshiyuki Ushidate
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Patent number: 7937916Abstract: For the purpose of handling tobacco bags (10) made of sheet material, a plurality of unfilled bags (10) are fed to a transfer station (29) and transferred simultaneously, by a transfer subassembly (31), to a further-processing subassembly, namely to a bag turret (30) arranged above a bag conveyor (28). During transfer, the bags (10) are transported along an upwardly directed movement path and turned through 180° in the process.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)Inventors: Jörg Thierig, Jan-Erik Schneider
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Patent number: 7690171Abstract: A machine for filling a sealed soft container (2) with fluid material in an aseptic condition comprises a sealing box (3) comprising two complementary half-boxes (4a & 4b) having respective sealing edges (21, 22, 23) that can be brought into mutual contact to isolate their interior from the outside environment when the complementary half-boxes (4a & 4b) are clamped together, vertical and horizontal blades located in the sealing box (3) for forming an aperture (5) in a portion of the container (2) inserted in the sealing box (3), filling device (8, 9) for filling the container (2) through the aperture (5), suckers (28a) for widening the aperture (5), and welding device (32) for sealing the aperture (5) on termination of filling.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: FBR-ELPO-Societa per AzioniInventor: Pier Luigi Merusi
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Patent number: 7647747Abstract: A heat sealer including: a base bar equipped with a heater on a receiving section; and a pressure bonding lever facing the receiving section and capable of pressing and holding a sealing portion of a resin made sealing preform to accommodate contents therein from both sides, and the sealing portion of the resin made sealing preform placed on the receiving section and pressed by the pressure bonding lever to the receiving section side to hold the sealing portion between the receiving section and the pressure bonding lever, and current-heated and weld-sealed, wherein the base bar includes: a recording medium supplier supplying a recording medium from which specific information can be read to a predetermined position; and a recording medium transport machine transporting the recording media having been supplied to the predetermined position one at a time to the sealing portion, whereby the recording medium is sealable integrally with the sealing preform in a single piece.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Fujiimpulse Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichiro Kataoka, Yasuo Hashimoto
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Publication number: 20090241475Abstract: An empty bag supply method and empty bag supply device in which a first suction-hold member suction-holds a bag set horizontally in a conveyor magazine and the first suction-hold member is swung upward so as to raise the front end of the bag, a grip member grips a portion near the front end of the raised bag and suction-holding of the bag by the first suction-hold member is released, the grip member is swung upward and the bag is thus moved up while being changed into a substantially vertical attitude, a second suction-hold member suction-holds the front-side surface of the bag in the substantially vertical attitude and the grip member opens to release the bag; and when the grip member thus opens, unwanted bag(s) adhering to the suction-held bag is dropped, and only the bag suction-held by the second suction-hold member is moved horizontally onto a bag support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Shoji Tsutsui, Kakue Nakamoto
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Patent number: 7565786Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for removing a cover from a storage box that is closed using a lid-like cover attached thereto at the edges. For removal, the adhesive strength of the cover is reduced in the region of a few of the sealed edges and the cover is then removed by peeling it off the storage box, whereby the cover is peeled off by rolling it onto a roller.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Groninger & Co. GmbHInventor: Rupert Miksch
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Patent number: 7549274Abstract: In a packaging system for handling product cases, a film removal system for removing wrapped film from product cases is provided. The film removal system includes a product conveyor system defining a conveyor path along which a product case is conveyed. A first knife pair is arranged and configured to move across the conveyor path to cut the wrapped film along cut lines extending between a bottom first side edge and a bottom second side edge of the product case. A second knife pair is arranged and configured to cut the wrapped film along cut lines extending between a bottom leading edge and a bottom trailing edge of the product case.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Brenton EngineeringInventor: Timothy D. Fraser
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Patent number: 7533512Abstract: An apparatus for aseptically packaging of a food product in presealed and internally presterilized pouches. The apparatus comprises a filling chamber (2b) positioned above a sterilization pre-chamber (2a) of the pouches (S). At an opening (9) between the filling chamber (2b) and the sterilization pre-chamber (2a) there is arranged a widening device (17) of the pouches (S) which is suitable for holding a pouch (S) in a working position for the filling wherein only a filling end of the pouch is located in the filling chamber (2b).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: FMC Technologies Italia S.p.A.Inventors: Manuele Levati, Gianluca Oddi, Gianluca Parisini, Giovanni Rossi
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Patent number: 7509792Abstract: A device for opening flexible containers, comprising a first gripping assembly (3, 4) active on a first portion of a container and second gripping assembly (5) active on a second portion of the container which faces the first portion and co-operating with the first gripping assembly (3, 4) to move the first and second portion away from each other. In operative conditions, the container is interposed between the first and second gripping assemblies (3, 4; 5). The second gripping assembly (5) is movable between at least one operative configuration in which the container is interposed between the first and second gripping assemblies (3, 4; 5) and at least one resting configuration in which the container is not interposed between the first and second gripping assemblies (3, 4; 5), as a consequence of a movement of the second gripping assemblies (5). In particular, the first and second gripping assemblies comprise suction cups (3, 4; 5).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Indag Gesellschaft fur Industriebedarf mbH & Co. Betriebs KGInventor: Filippo Furlotti
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Publication number: 20080170813Abstract: Poly mesh bags or closely woven poly bags have at least one pair of aligned apertures extending through opposite sides of the top portion of the bags, with one of the apertures slit to the top edge of one of the sides. If the bags are poly mesh bags, a band label may be secured to the top portion of the bags, with the aligned apertures also extending through the band label to give the apertures added strength. Alternatively, the poly mesh bags may have an enlarged selvedge edge adjacent the top portion through which the aligned apertures extend, and a drawstring may be interwoven in the selvedge edge below the apertures. Also a band label may be secured to both sides of the bags below the drawstring. If made of a closely woven poly material, a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending ventilation strips may be provided around the entire circumference of the bags.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: Robert L. Sprosty
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Patent number: 7363753Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Gates Automation, Inc.Inventors: Anthony H. Gates, Scott E. Gates
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Patent number: 7194849Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Rainer Komp
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Patent number: 7162852Abstract: A device for filling stand-alone flat-bottom bags with opposing side edges and a bottom, in particular filling them with liquid including a filling carousel which can rotate about a vertical axis and which has a plurality of holders for one bag each provided on its circumference. The filling carousel has a bag feeding station, a bag opening station, a filling station and a removal station as well as a sealing station. To optimize the filling device and in particular to achieve a higher throughput, a magazine for prefabricated bags and a feeding carousel for the bags is provided in the bag feeding station, containing a plurality of holding devices for one bag each whereby the holding devices can be driven to rotate about a common axis in order to remove each bag individually from the magazine and transfer it continuously to a holder of the filling carousel.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Erich Eder
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Patent number: 7134256Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging system that includes a beak-shaped hopper, a pair of opening and closing bars, and a sensor for sensing a limitless opening and closing movement of the opening and closing bars. The beak-shaped hopper and the pair of opening and closing bars are operable to move in unison back and forth along a main travel path. The main travel path leads to a rotary vacuum packaging device having a pressure resistant chamber. The beak-shaped hopper is dimensioned to convey packaging bags into the pressure resistant chamber. The opening and closing bars are dimensioned to detect a bag on the hopper by opening towards both sides immediately after a bag has been conveyed into the pressure resistant chamber. A pushing bar is dimensioned to convey an item to be packaged into the bag when the bag is detected on the hopper by the opening and closing bars. The opening and closing bars contact a sensor for detecting movement of the opening and closing bars when a bag is not on the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Furukawa Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eitaro Kujubu, Hiroshi Kondo, Wataru Kudo
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Patent number: 7013625Abstract: A bagging assembly for use with a bale bagging apparatus is disclosed. The bale bagging apparatus includes a frame assembly, a bale stuffer, and a bale chute. The bagging assembly includes a carriage frame having a first and a second side rail, a pivot end, and a movable end. The pivot end is mounted adjacent the bale chute and the movable end is secured to the frame assembly. A first and a second carriage assembly are movably mounted on the first and the second side rails and each includes an upper and a lower bagger arm that are configured to open simultaneously. A pincher assembly is supported by the upper bagger arms and the lower bagger arms. The pincher assembly is configured to grasp portions of a bale bag, thereby causing the bale bag to open as the upper and lower bagger arms are opened simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: CTC Design, Inc.Inventor: Curtis Thomas Curles
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Patent number: 7000364Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of automatically stuffing folder pockets includes providing a folder with one or more pockets; providing one or more inserts which can be of differing sizes; the accumulation of the one or more inserts in a stack for insertion into the one or more pockets of the folder; opening the one or more pockets of the folder; and the insertion of the accumulated stack of the one or more inserts into the one or more folder pockets. Predetermined inserts can be selectively processed and stuffed into selected folder pockets. An embodiment also can fold the folder, producing a final product of a stuffed folder ready for distribution.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Neal J. Middelberg, Gerard A. DeRome, Jr., Barry D. Hageter
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Patent number: 6964146Abstract: A portable pouch opener for countertop positioning for opening and filling a bag includes a portable housing positionable upon a desktop bench workspace. The housing has a magazine containing a supply of bags to be opened and filled. A first suction device is mounted for being moved into engagement with a bag in the magazine. The first suction device has a source of vacuum to activate the first suction device when placed into contact with one wall of the bag. Vacuum from the first suction device is withdrawn from the bag, attaching the bag to the first suction device, to remove the bag from the magazine and bring it to an opening position. An opposite facing wall of the bag is in contact with a second suction device having a source of vacuum, so that said opposite facing wall is engaged by said second suction device. Then the first suction device is retracted to separate the walls of the bag to produce an opening into the bag, allowing the bag to be filled and optionally sealed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Adaptive Manufacturing Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Terence LaRocca
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Patent number: 6920740Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: AMCOL International CorporationInventors: David J. Blake, Cory Muhm
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Patent number: 6880310Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic opening of bags uses bags in a folded configuration that include a small aperture near the top thereof. The aperture allows a number of bags to be hung in a substantially vertical orientation on an angled protruding member. A vacuum-operated device engages one side of one of a first bag on the side of the bag opposite to the aperture and retracts, thus opening the bag using the force generated between the protruding member and the vacuum-operated device. This allows the bag to be opened without extraction from the protruding member. The open bag is clamped in position and loaded using conventional technology. The fully loaded bag is moved out of the loading position onto a conveyor belt. The movement of the fully loaded bag tears the back portion of the bag near the aperture thus freeing the bag from the protruding member. The loaded bag may be subsequently sealed and processed for shipping.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Yakima Packaging Automation, Inc.Inventors: Timothy B. Main, Gary G. Germunson
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Publication number: 20040221551Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic opening of bags uses bags in a folded configuration that include a small aperture near the top thereof. The aperture allows a number of bags to be hung in a substantially vertical orientation on an angled protruding member. A vacuum-operated device engages one side of one of a first bag on the side of the bag opposite to the aperture and retracts, thus opening the bag using the force generated between the protruding member and the vacuum-operated device. This allows the bag to be opened without extraction from the protruding member. The open bag is clamped in position and loaded using conventional technology. The fully loaded bag is moved out of the loading position onto a conveyor belt. The movement of the fully loaded bag tears the back portion of the bag near the aperture thus freeing the bag from the protruding member. The loaded bag may be subsequently sealed and processed for shipping.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Germunson & Main LLCInventors: Timothy B. Main, Gary G. Germunson
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Patent number: 6779321Abstract: An apparatus and method for a produce bagging machine including a filling station positioned on a support frame, and including a filling chute movable to a first position for receiving produce from a produce supply and to a second position for delivering the produce into a bag. The filling chute may preferably be shaped as a box having a first opening positioned at an upper end for receiving produce, an interior cavity for therein holding the produce, and a second opening or door positioned at a lower end for therethrough delivering the produce. The filling chute door panels form angled walls at the lower end of the interior cavity so as to thereby guide individual pieces of elongated produce, preferably carrots, into substantially parallel alignment as the produce is delivered. Thus, the machine is useful for bagging elongated produce such as carrots in large, institutional sized bags of approximately fifty pounds capacity.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Zellwin Farms CompanyInventor: Louis E. Kelemen
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Publication number: 20040055250Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic opening of bags uses bags in a folded configuration that include a small aperture near the top thereof. The aperture allows a number of bags to be hung in a substantially vertical orientation on an angled protruding member. A vacuum-operated device engages one side of one of a first bag on the side of the bag opposite to the aperture and retracts, thus opening the bag using the force generated between the protruding member and the vacuum-operated device. This allows the bag to be opened without extraction from the protruding member. The open bag is clamped in position and loaded using conventional technology. The fully loaded bag is moved out of the loading position onto a conveyor belt. The movement of the fully loaded bag tears the back portion of the bag near the aperture thus freeing the bag from the protruding member. The loaded bag may be subsequently sealed and processed for shipping.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Yakima Packaging Automation, Inc.Inventors: Timothy B. Main, Gary G. Germunson
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Publication number: 20040025476Abstract: An in-line, continuously operating stand-up pouch forming, filling and sealing apparatus and process contemplates a continuously moving web and pouch train operating at rates in excess of 150 pouches or 500 to 600 web inches per minute, and at to at least about 1500 pouches or 4000 web inches per minute. Seal facilitating holes are continuously punched in a continuously moving web and side seams are formed by continuously sealing a continuous web. The stand-up pouches are positively opened by a continuous Coanda-Effect application or alternately by a combined vacuum/mechanical operation. Stand-up pouches are continuously formed, filled and sealed without intermittent web stops for web or pouch operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Frank G. Oliverio, Boris E. Makutonin, David P. Hizer, Lawrence K. Jones, Robert J. Burkhardt
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Publication number: 20040020170Abstract: A portable pouch opener for countertop positioning for opening and filling a bag includes a portable housing positionable upon a desktop bench workspace. The housing has a magazine containing a supply of bags to be opened and filled. A first suction device is mounted for being moved into engagement with a bag in the magazine. The first suction device has a source of vacuum to activate the first suction device when placed into contact with one wall of the bag. Vacuum from the first suction device is withdrawn from the bag, attaching the bag to the first suction device, to remove the bag from the magazine and bring it to an opening position. An opposite facing wall of the bag is in contact with a second suction device having a source of vacuum, so that said opposite facing wall is engaged by said second suction device. Then the first suction device is retracted to separate the walls of the bag to produce an opening into the bag, allowing the bag to be filled and optionally sealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Terence LaRocca
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Patent number: 6684682Abstract: A method for expelling air out of mailpieces includes the steps of creating a stack of the mailpieces; cutting an opening in at least some of the mailpieces; jogging the stack of mailpieces; and subjecting the stack of mailpieces to at least one compression/decompression cycle during the jogging step thereby expelling air out of the at least some of the mailpieces through their corresponding openings. A jogger system incorporates the structure for accomplishing the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Denis J. Stemmle, Eric A. Belec, Robert J. Allen, Michael M. Farrell, Jeffrey A. Gateman, Thomas M. Lyga, Edward C. Miller, John F. Zajac
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Patent number: 6672038Abstract: A bag manipulating method and assembly including a pair of bag grippers that receive and grip opposing side edges of a bag positioned in a loading station. The bag grippers are movable in a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the loading station. The bag manipulating assembly also includes upper and lower bag spreader assemblies, each having a suction cup to apply suction to the bag and a spreader plate that is insertable into the bag and movable to spread apart the bag. Preferably, the bag grippers move toward each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis while the bag is being spread apart to facilitate opening the bag. To facilitate closing and sealing the bag, the bag grippers move away from each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis after the bag has been filled.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: OPTIMA Machinery CorporationInventors: Thomas W. McGrane, Ronald R. Parsons, Gerald L. Townsend, Stefan Schabel
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Patent number: 6655111Abstract: In a device that opens the mouth of each one of the bags that are suspended with the mouths facing upward and conveyed in a vertical state at a uniform speed and uniform spacing in a straight line, a pair of suction disks revolve continuously in mutually opposite directions on circular tracks on the horizontal plane so that the suction-chucking surfaces of the suction disks are always caused to face each other. The suction disks revolve at a constant speed while maintaining substantially symmetrical positions relative to each other and revolve at the same speed as the speed the bags are conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Iwao Ikemoto, Shoichi Koga
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Patent number: 6651407Abstract: A bag supplying device including a conveying arm that has a fixed clamping element and a movable clamping element, a reciprocating-rotating assembly that causes the conveying arm to make a back-and-forth rotational movement between a downwardly-facing clamping position and a substantially horizontal intermediate position, a slide frame on which the rotational shaft is rotatably supported, a reciprocating movement assembly that reciprocates the slide frame horizontally so that the conveying arm advances toward and retracts from a transfer position (where bags are transferred) to a gripper, and an opening-and-closing assembly that opens and closes the movable clamping element. With the bag mouth of an empty bag clamped by the clamping element, the conveying arm rotates upward and then advances to the transfer position, then the movable clamping element opens so as to transfer the empty bag, which is in a vertical attitude, to the gripper.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Sumio Fukuda
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Publication number: 20030074860Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a slider-equipped zipper on a pouch in a form/fill/seal operation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a foldable slider is employed, and is shifted from an open configuration to a closed configuration for installation on zipper strips on the pouch. Stops are preferably provided at the ends of the zipper strips by application of heat and pressure to form a boss on one side and a corresponding recess on the other, without requiring additional material. A hermetic peelable seal preferably is provided beneath the zipper strips. The slider preferably is applied to the zipper strips immediately before or immediately after filling, or immediately after formation of the peelable seal. Means may be provided to shift the position of the slider to close the zipper.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Applicant: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Herberto Dutra, Mark Charles Mikol