Aids To Manual Packing Patents (Class 53/390)
  • Patent number: 12004454
    Abstract: A tarping system includes a tarp comprising a flexible, weather-resistant material. Multiple straps are connected to the tarp. A tarp storage reel assembly is placed on one side of an object be covered and is removably secured auger anchors. A strap take-up reel assembly is placed on the other side of the object to be covered and is removably secured by auger anchors. A method of tarping an object includes the steps of removably anchoring a tarp storage reel assembly and a strap take-up reel assembly on opposite sides of the object. A tarp is placed over the object and secured with the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Inventor: Jesse Kay Davis
  • Patent number: 11969967
    Abstract: Systems and methods for folding and retaining upper flaps of a box are disclosed. The system includes a conveyor system configured to advance the box at least partially through the system. A flap folding assembly is configured to fold the upper flaps of the box to an open or outwardly folded configuration. The upper flaps are folded outwardly and down towards outer sidewall surfaces of the box in the folded configuration. A bander assembly is configured to apply a band or other restraint to the upper flaps of the box to retain the upper flaps in the folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: PACKSIZE LLC
    Inventors: Scotty Robinson, II, Jeremy Brown, Jeff Edwards
  • Patent number: 11807449
    Abstract: A waste disposal system has a waste disposal device and cassette having a length of flexible film. The cassette has a lower surface and a guide feature enabling the cassette to rotate within the upper housing of the pail, maintain a substantially stationary position within the upper housing of the pail, or combinations thereof. The waste disposal device has a guide member that engages the guide feature of the cassette. The waste disposal device has a cassette housing and a sealing mechanism. One of the housing and sealing mechanism, and the cassette, rotate with respect to the other, either directly or indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: ANGELCARE USA, LLC
    Inventors: Dylan Parker, Alexander Chenvainu
  • Patent number: 11505366
    Abstract: A bin assembly including: a container having a base and sidewalls extending upwardly and outwardly from the base; at least one locking portion disposed on the base; a pallet; and at least one locking mechanism disposed on the pallet, complementary to the at least one locking portion, wherein relative rotation between the container and the pallet engages or disengages the at least one locking portion and at least one locking mechanism to respectively lock or unlock the pallet and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Kenneth R Moras Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Holm, John Rafferty
  • Patent number: 11369217
    Abstract: A self-checkout system can include a re-configurable self-checkout bagging station that further includes a bagging station module that can be configured to mate with a stand-alone bagging station module, where the stand-alone bagging station module configured to couple to first and second interfaces of a self-checkout system terminal, respectively. A wedge shaped bagging station extension module surface can be configured to couple to the bagging station module in a left-oriented oblique self-checkout system configuration in a first position of the wedge shaped bagging station extension module surface and can be re-configurable from the first position to a second position of the wedge shaped bagging station extension module surface to couple to the bagging station module in a right-oriented oblique self-checkout system configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nancy Yaguda
  • Patent number: 11083260
    Abstract: A bag bundle including bundled umbrella bags each capable of accommodating an umbrella in a bag structure, includes a sheet-like first bag portion, a sheet-like second bag portion that is opposed to the first bag portion and constitutes the bag structure; a sheet-like extension that is extended further upward from a top end of the second bag portion; and an engagement portion that is located on the extension and capable of vertical engagement with the umbrella K. This provides an umbrella bag bundle applicable to various umbrellas without increasing the length of the entire umbrella bag bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Maho Hibino
  • Patent number: 10919715
    Abstract: A filter moving device is disclosed that is designed to lift and move a filter cartridge stack comprised of individual filter cartridges. The filter cartridge stack, for instance, may comprise a plurality of disk-shaped filter cartridges. The filter moving device is designed to be placed over the stack. The device includes lifting elements that engage the stack for removing the stack from a filter assembly and/or installing the stack in a filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Lonza Ltd
    Inventor: Danny Sugianto
  • Patent number: 9988188
    Abstract: When packing a polycrystalline silicon with a two-layer structured packing body comprising an inner bag (1a) and an outer bag (1b), there are used the inner bag (1a) and the outer bag (1b) having bottom sections (4a, 4b) provided with a pair of tucked sections, the shape of which is substantially a triangle in plan view, formed by inward-folding the portions continued from both of rectangular side face sections (3a, 3b), and when storing the inner bag (1a) that stores the polycrystalline silicon therein into the outer bag (1b), the bottom sections (4a, 4b) are superimposed with the respective tucked sections (6a, 6b) of the inner bag (1a) and the outer bag (1b) displaced from each other by 90° so that they do not overlap on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Go Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9232773
    Abstract: A method of destacking or restacking standardized containers used in poultry hatchery operations using robotic means involves the step of moving a container from a conveyor onto a box transport dolly or vice versa. The box transport dolly is dimensionally secured within a dolly docking station adjacent a robot. A quantity of eggs may be transferred into the destacked container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: KL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: David James Lockie
  • Publication number: 20150068155
    Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a waste storage container includes a waste storage container that has a body, a lid and a cartridge adapted to be positioned in the body. The cartridge has a continuous length of storage film therein. The storage film emanates through a gap between a rim and a core tube of the cartridge and is folded down through a core opening in the core tube into an interior space of the body of the waste storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Richard S. Chomik, Mark Yoho, Stuart Leslie, Taek Kim, Aidan Petrie, Joe Sejnowski
  • Patent number: 8959880
    Abstract: A film-supporting device is used with a waste-disposal unit. The device comprises an annular body. The annular body has an annular wall. The inward radial surface of the wall defines a central opening of the body. The outline of the central opening in a transverse plane of the device has variable diametrical dimensions with a first diameter of greater dimension than the second diameter. The outline has two of the first diameter of generally equal dimension and two of the second diameter of generally equal dimension. The device has tubular film about an outward radial surface of the annular body. A free annular end is dispensed outwardly from the annular wall. The free annular end is closed to form a bag. The opening of the bag is accessible through the central opening and is of optimized shape via the central opening for the disposal of waste. A method for disposing of waste on a scooping tool is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Refills Company Limited
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 8938939
    Abstract: A trolley apparatus for dispensing plastic stretch wrap film from a roll suitable for wrapping a pallet of stacked loose goods, characterized by a transportable frame structure having wheels or castors to provide support and mobility, the frame having a means of adjusting the height of the roll, the frame is provided with a guide roller positioned for use as a fulcrum point for generating tension in the stretch wrap film, and, a cutter for detaching the stretch wrap film at the completion of the operation, the end of the stretch wrap film being retained for next use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Glenn Roche
  • Publication number: 20140352256
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a box closer is provided comprising an elongated bar having a first and second end, a width, a thickness, and a length that is longer than the major width of the box, a first edge-stop attached in a fixed or removable manner at or near a first end of the bar, and a second edge-stop attached in a fixed or removable manner at or near the second end of the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Bill Beyer
  • Publication number: 20140353199
    Abstract: A packaging combination is disclosed that includes a box and at least first and second planar objects in the box. At least first and second shock absorbing clips are attached to the planar objects in the box. At least one of the first clips is fastened to the first planar object and the clip is positioned between one wall of the box and the second planar object. At least one of the second clips is fastened to both planar objects and is positioned between opposite walls of the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Louis G. DeJesus, Doug Dean
  • Publication number: 20140215975
    Abstract: An elongate, preferably rigid housing having a frusto-conical shape and a method for using the same. The large diameter end of the housing is generally adapted to be contacted with the lid of a container to ensure optimal sealing, while that portion of the frusto-conical housing having a small diameter is adapted to, either directly or indirectly, receive forces. The large diameter end is preferably at least partially hollow, and further comprises an inner member adapted to be contacted with smaller lids. Optionally, the small diameter end may be further characterized by a projection extending about the longitudinal axis of the device. For example, the projection may be cylindrical or frusto-conical. The small diameter end may further be characterized by having a recessed portion adapted to receive a tool, such as a conventional paint can opener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
    Inventor: Michael Lupelow
  • Publication number: 20140215967
    Abstract: An aid for paper currency that is used in bundling pre-strapped currency comprising a rectangular base with two perpendicular parallel ends, wherein a receiving space is formed between the base and perpendicular ends to insert strapped currency enabled for bundling using rubber bands. With the aid, the receiving space formed is able to hold strapped currency in the center of the bills due to its resilient formation. A bundle of currency is formed, so that the straps of currency can be brought together, then the aid can be slipped away from the bundle-of currency formed and used again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald Christopher Zurek, Lona Susan Horelle
  • Publication number: 20140190123
    Abstract: Plant for manual packaging of crates with fruit and vegetable products includes a first mobile horizontal belt conveyor on which products are placed, and which moves with a controllable motion and a second mobile conveyor on which is placed a plurality of crates. The two conveyors are arranged on parallel and horizontal but planes. The upper surface of the second conveyor is arranged at least partially overlying the position of the first conveyor. A return conveyor is arranged on the same horizontal plane as the first mobile conveyor, and moving in a direction opposite to the same. A third mobile conveyor may be provided, similar to the first conveyor, oriented and provided with a movement like the first conveyor and arranged, with respect to a median vertical plane of the upper belt of said return conveyor, in a position opposite and preferably symmetrical to said first conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: UNITEC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luca Benedetti
  • Patent number: 8746136
    Abstract: A banding device includes a frame. A feeding assembly is mounted on the frame for feeding elastic tubing into the frame. A transfer assembly disposed within the frame includes transfer arm and fingers. The fingers receive the rubber tubing as fed. A cutting assembly is disposed between the transfer assembly and the feeding assembly for cutting the tubing into bands. The fingers of the transfer assembly move between a first closed position for receiving the band and a second open position for opening the band. The transfer arm is moveable between a first position for receiving the band and a second position for transferring the band. A banding assembly disposed at the second position receives the band from the transfer assembly. The banding assembly stretches the band and receives an item to be bundled within the band. The banding assembly releases the band about the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ben Clements & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: John Corbin
  • Publication number: 20140116004
    Abstract: A device for holding and handling a roll of wrapping material having a tube handle, a tube extension adjustable connected to the tub handle, a top end cap on the tube handle, a bottom end cap on the tube extension, and a tensioning means, wherein the bottom end cap releasably holds the roll of wrapping material on the tube extension against the tensioning means, whereby the tensioning means is adjustable while the device is in use applying wrapping material to an item to be wrapped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Danehe, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hugh Pace
  • Publication number: 20130333329
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for portioning high radiation intensity waste and an apparatus thereof. A hanging mechanism hangs both a manual lifting mechanism and a lead shield, wherein the manual lifting mechanism is provided with a net basket hanging chain extending downwards, wherein the net basket hanging chain can be manipulated to be lifted or lowered. The net basket hanging chain is secured to a net basket containing the high radiation intensity waste. The lead shield is arranged under the hanging mechanism and in a path, along which the net basket is lifted or lowered, wherein the lead shield is provided with a space having an opening facing down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kuo-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 8578683
    Abstract: Packaging tools, which, in various embodiments, are adapted to assist a user in applying material from a roll of packaging material (e.g., packing tape, stretch wrap or shrink wrap) to an item or group of items. The packaging tool is typically adapted to move between: (1) a first orientation in which the packaging tool does not substantially restrict the rotation of the roll of packaging material adjacent the packaging tool; and (2) a second orientation in which the packaging tool does substantially restrict (e.g., prevent) the rotation of the roll of stretch wrap tool adjacent the packaging tool. A user typically maintains the packaging tool in the first orientation as the user wraps the packaging material about an item. The user may then move the packaging tool into the second orientation, which allows the user to pull the packaging material tight and separate the applied length of packaging material from the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8484936
    Abstract: A spool (10) for storing film for a waste storage device includes a core (12) and a flared funnel portion (14). Film is stored on the core (12) and can be retained in place by shrink-wrapping (34) as a result of which the core can be formed without an outer wall or base, reducing material and molding costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sangenic International Limited
    Inventor: Robert William Tannock
  • Publication number: 20120317935
    Abstract: A device for inserting plastic bags into empty consumer product's container, such as soda bottles in which to bottle A is secured to the base B of the device, a small chamber C is secured to the top of the bottle. A wadded-up plastic bag is placed into the chamber. A plunger D, on a leveraging arm E is positioned at the other end of the chamber and with the forward motion of the leveraging arm, the plunger is forced through the chamber pushing the plastic bag into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Richard Antoniak
  • Patent number: 8245635
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic alignment apparatus for rubber bands which automatically aligns a rubber band so as to automate a rubber banding process. The automatic alignment apparatus for rubber bands includes a pair of alignment rods installed in parallel on a plate, screw grooves respectively formed on outer circumferential surfaces of the alignment rods, alignment grooves formed on upper parts of the alignment rods, limit parts formed above the alignment grooves to prevent an aligned rubber band from being separated from the alignment rods, a driving unit and a power transmission unit to rotate the alignment rods, a first sensing unit to sense the rubber band aligned by rotation of the alignment rods, a second sensing unit to sense a consumption state of rubber bands temporarily banded onto the alignment rods, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Zeus Techno, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi Hyun Kim, Hee Soo Woo
  • Patent number: 8209943
    Abstract: There is provided a distributed medicine supplying device, which allows medicines to be distributed at a time relative to a plurality of prescription data and to be distributed appropriately in response to various types of requests. The distributed medicine supplying device includes: a receiving unit 7 for receiving prescription data; a storing unit 8 for storing an assignment condition to medicine to be accommodated in measures 4 of a tray 5; a central processing unit 10 for determining a position of the medicine to be distributed to each of the measures 4 of the tray 5 in accordance with the assignment condition stored in the storing unit 8 based on the prescription data 12 sequentially received by the receiving unit 7; and a displaying unit 9 for displaying the distribution position determined by the central processing unit 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Fuminori Kondo
  • Patent number: 8074425
    Abstract: A system for filling reclosable food storage bags comprising a packaging container containing a plurality of reclosable food storage bags and a frame for supporting and holding open the food storage bags during a filling procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Beverly J. Ballard Hanson, Tim N. Tibbert
  • Publication number: 20110247306
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gripping device for more hygienic handling of a lid for a container. In general, the gripping device fits over the lid and releasably grips the outer surface of the lid. At least a portion of at least one interior circumference of the gripping device has a gripper for imparting suitable friction to releasably grip the lid. When the gripping device is placed over the lid, the gripper grips the lid and does not release the lid until after the lid is placed on the container. The gripping device facilitates sealing of the lid around the entire circumference of the container, thereby preventing accidental spills caused by unclosed or partially closed lids. By using the gripping device, the lid may be handled without the operator's hand touching any part of the lid itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Armen Khatchaturian
  • Publication number: 20110172382
    Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods relating to the finishing line of a continuous solution polymerization plant. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a pelletizer having cooling liquid, e.g., water or aqueous solution, into which is added a pelletization aid. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises means to remove residual polymer particles from the pelletizer cooling liquid. In a further aspect, the apparatus comprises conduits of at least 50 m in length for carrying propellant cooling liquid from the pelletizer to a drying apparatus. The residence time of the pellets in the cooling liquid may be 10 seconds or more. In a further aspect, a drying apparatus is provided for the pellets which comprises first and second drying zones. In a further aspect, a pneumatic conveyor is provided for carrying pellets to a packaging apparatus. In a further aspect, a packaging apparatus is provided comprising a blender silo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Cheng-Ming Yeh, Vetkav Rajagopalan Eswaran, Edgar Peter Hentsch, Oscar Kearney Broussard, III
  • Patent number: 7963955
    Abstract: Foil bags are used as a primary packaging for liquids, the bags permitting the liquid to be taken therefrom without the application of a considerable amount of force. A container is provided for a medicinal liquid, the container being gas-tight and liquid-tight so that it is storable over many months. The container includes a collapsible foil bag on which a flange, which is stable in respect of shape, is disposed. The flange is designed for fitting onto a discharge connection member. The container can be disposed in a casing which is stable in respect of shape. The medicinal liquid does not come into contact with air and is protected from the effect of light. The medicinal liquid may be dispensed from the foil bag in many partial quantities over a prolonged period of time, with a respective partial amount thereof being converted into an aerosol by means of an atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Freund, Dieter Hochrainer, Heinrich Kladders, Bernd Zierenberg, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Martin Essing, Holger Reinecke
  • Publication number: 20110126490
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with yard waste bags of the flat-bottom paper type is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base and a shaft, the shaft terminating at one end in a handle and at the other end in the base. The shaft is hollow. The base and the shaft are constructed out of plastic and in the form of a hand tamper. The tamper is sized such that, when the tamper is operatively disposed within an empty one of said bags with the base on the bag bottom, the base substantially fully occupies and overlies the bag bottom and the handle projects above the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Manolo De Leon
  • Patent number: 7937915
    Abstract: A hand dispenser for stretch film. The stretch film from the hand dispenser is dispensed by using one hand from a person. The hand dispenser comprises a handle with prongs, a collar with a flange and a notched cylinder with flexible sections, and a foam sleeve for a cushion grip. The handle prongs are inserted into the extended core of the roll. The film is wound around one end of the extended core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignees: Broadway Kleer-Guard Corp., M.S. Plastics
    Inventors: Albert Kohn, Johan Blok, Al Saraisky
  • Patent number: 7900421
    Abstract: Packaging tools, which, in various embodiments, are adapted to assist a user in applying material from a roll of packaging material (e.g., packing tape, stretch wrap or shrink wrap) to an item or group of items. The packaging tool is typically adapted to move between: (1) a first orientation in which the packaging tool does not substantially restrict the rotation of the roll of packaging material adjacent the packaging tool; and (2) a second orientation in which the packaging tool does substantially restrict (e.g., prevent) the rotation of the roll of stretch wrap tool adjacent the packaging tool. A user typically maintains the packaging tool in the first orientation as the user wraps the packaging material about an item. The user may then move the packaging tool into the second orientation, which allows the user to pull the packaging material tight and separate the applied length of packaging material from the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7861495
    Abstract: There is provided a distributed medicine supplying device, which allows medicines to be distributed at a time relative to a plurality of prescription data and to be distributed appropriately in response to various types of requests. The distributed medicine supplying device includes: a receiving unit 7 for receiving prescription data; a storing unit 8 for storing an assignment condition to medicine to be accommodated in measures 4 of a tray 5; a central processing unit 10 for determining a position of the medicine to be distributed to each of the measures 4 of the tray 5 in accordance with the assignment condition stored in the storing unit 8 based on the prescription data 12 sequentially received by the receiving unit 7; and a displaying unit 9 for displaying the distribution position determined by the central processing unit 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Fuminori Kondo
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7770365
    Abstract: A suture package retaining device having a housing with an interior space. Suture packages are located in an interior space of the housing and biased towards a top of the device. A top-most suture package is positioned at the top in alignment with an opening. The top-most suture package is held in position in the retaining device, permitting a user to access a suture of the package through the opening. When a user applies upward force to remove the suture, the suture package is maintained in a fixed position, allowing the user to disassociate the suture from the package. The device may include a slot through which suture packages may be inserted into or removed from the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Equinox Surgical Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: John Marcos Enriquez, III, Kenneth Warren Volker
  • Publication number: 20100170199
    Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Paul V. Kelley, Scott E. Bysick
  • Patent number: 7736057
    Abstract: An article to aid loading a leaf bag is disclosed. The article has a tubular body member configured and arranged to fold substantially flat and insert into a leaf bag and a funnel structure extending from the tubular body member, which is also configured and arranged to fold substantially flat. The funnel structure comprises at least one panel connected to at least one flexible insert to form a substantially cone-shaped funnel that empties into the tubular body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Leaf Bag Funnel, LLC
    Inventor: David VanBost
  • Patent number: 7617660
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming waste containing packs from a length of flexible tubing is formed of a housing having a top portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The top portion displays an opening to receive waste material therein and a cassette containing a package of a flexible pleated tubing. The intermediate portion has a retractable guillotine-type member sealingly contacting the tubing dispensed from the cassette and extending downwardly into the lower portion of the housing. Retraction of the member causes waste material received in the tubing of the upper and intermediate portions of the housing to be dispensed in a closed end tubing in the lower portion of the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Refills Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 7543426
    Abstract: A tool used for wrapping boxes or shipments with plastic or other wrap in an ergonomic manner, as in warehouses or shipping departments. The tool is elongated and allows the user to rotate about the object to be wrapped. A tensioner makes it possible for the user to ensure that the wrapping is taught. A stopper allows the tool to come into contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Nelson Phero
  • Patent number: 7530213
    Abstract: A capsule orienting and separation apparatus is provided which allows a multiplicity of gelatin capsule shells to be uniformly oriented in a separable condition and for the caps of those shells to be separated from the capsule bodies. The apparatus allows a multiplicity of capsule shells all to be concurrently oriented in an upright disposition by a manually operated mechanism. The capsule caps are all uniformly oriented atop the capsule bodies and are exposed for gripping by a capsule cap lift assembly. The capsule caps are concurrently lifted from the capsule bodies while the capsule bodies remain in position in a matrix of openings in a capsule receiving tray. The capsules can then be filled with capsule filler material and tamped down as appropriate. The capsule caps are then all concurrently replaced on the capsule bodies and the capsule caps and capsule bodies are then concurrently permanently sealed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Dene Barrett, Earle Wilkins
  • Patent number: 7530212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable vacuum packaging machine which, other than a conventional vacuum packaging machine composed of a bulky and weighty single component element, is configured in such a way as to be divided into a body section and a head section, whereby a vacuum packaging work can be conveniently implemented using the head section without requiring movement of the body section, irrespective of place so long as a flat condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyul-Joo Lee
  • Publication number: 20080302065
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in packing containers into a carton, the apparatus including a base defining a support surface having a width substantially equal to the width of the carton bottom wall, a longitudinal stop disposed at an end edge of the support surface, a lateral stop disposed at a side edge of the support surface, and a corner edge stop. A corner edge stop support connects the corner edge stop to the base and positions the corner edge stop such that the distance between the corner edge stop and the support surface is substantially equal to the carton side wall widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Johnny J. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7401449
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering goods, and goods stacked on a pallet with plastic wrap supplied in a roll comprises: a) a roll head adapted to rotatably carry the roll of plastic wrap, the roll head having a friction mechanism so that ease of rotation of the roll with respect to the head is controlled thereby facilitating stretching the wrap around the goods after an end portion of the wrap is initially secured adjacent to the goods; and, b) an elongate handle portion carrying the roll head and extending therefrom in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the roll of plastic wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventors: Randy Thomas Watson, Steve Tom Garneau, Cliff Raymond Baril
  • Publication number: 20080168745
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose mechanical device for use in conjunction with a bottle, specifically a bottle whose opening is mechanically closed with a top of sorts and whose contents are meant for consumption and suitable for the addition of supplemental tastes after the top of the bottle has been removed. The multi-purpose mechanical device of the present invention may be used as a bottle opener, an infuser or injector of consumable matter into an open bottle, or a vessel for use in measurement and/or ingestion of a liquid consumable. Additional benefits of the mechanical device of the present invention are that it has a low production cost; is a simple, two-component mechanism; is small, compact, and easily portable; it is able to fit into a palm of a hand of a user, a pocket of an article of clothing, a carry means, or the like; and it may be attached to a lanyard, key ring or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Darin Collins, Venus Collins
  • Patent number: 7395646
    Abstract: An article packaging device for packaging articles within a tubular sheet. The article to be packaged is inserted into and enclosed within a length of tubular sheet, and separated from the remaining length of tubular sheet and the device to form the closed individually packaged article. The packaging device is designed to be portable, convenient, lightweight and easily maintained. A thermoplastic, vapor-impermeable tubular sheet having adhesive on one surface can provide an airtight seal that is especially effective when the device is used to package waste-containing disposable adsorbent articles, such as soiled diapers, for disposal. An apparatus for forming the tubular sheet into a layered pack of pleats having an adhesive material positioned on at least one surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Procters & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nabil Enrique Salman, Stefano Michele Sinigaglia, Robert Paul Cassoni, Pablo Ibarra, Jose Mauricio Berrizbeitia
  • Patent number: 7392641
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for creating a vacuum in, and sealing containers for the preservation of vacuum packed products. It includes a plate or tray base (11, 41) forming at least a part of a suction chamber and having at the rear a couple of constraint means, and a top body (12, 42) which forms the remaining part of said suction chamber and which houses an aspirator group and holds a sealing bar and means for controlling the functions of the device. The body is movable above the plate or tray base between a raised open position and a lowered closed position and removable by means of a free and independent manipulation of the plate or tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Flaem Nuova S.p.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Abate
  • Patent number: 7370455
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Oliver Products Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dewey, Donald J. Van Weelde, James A. Van Doorne
  • Publication number: 20080083208
    Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for harvesting and boxing leaf vegetables cultivated in greenhouses, which comprises a main frame holding a front cutting bar, means for transferring the product longitudinally from the cutting bar towards the rear in boxes to be filled, and a platform supporting workers and a number of benches of boxes. At the rear of the machine at least one transporter (23) is provided positioned transversally to the forward direction, designed to receive the product from the longitudinal transfer means and to deposit it in the boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Enrico MOLA
  • Patent number: 7337596
    Abstract: A capsule orienting and separation apparatus is provided which allows a multiplicity of gelatin capsule shells to be uniformly oriented in a separable condition and for the caps of those shells to be separated from the capsule bodies. The apparatus allows a multiplicity of capsule shells all to be concurrently oriented in an upright disposition by a manually operated mechanism. The capsule caps are all uniformly oriented atop the capsule bodies and are exposed for gripping by a capsule cap lift assembly. The capsule caps are concurrently lifted from the capsule bodies while the capsule bodies remain in position in a matrix of openings in a capsule receiving tray. The capsules can then be filled with capsule filler material and tamped down as appropriate. The capsule caps are then all concurrently replaced on the capsule bodies and the capsule caps and capsule bodies are then concurrently permanently sealed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: Dene Barrett, Earle Wilkins
  • Patent number: 7320204
    Abstract: There are disclosed by a process and apparatus for positioning and sealing photostimuable phosphor imaging plates within barriers envelope blanks therefore and formed on a roll thereof wherein a barrier envelope blank including a U-shaped heat sealed portion thereof of such roll is indexed to a positioning station whereat the barrier envelope blank is caused to be opened at a free end thereof thereby permitting insertion of a restored imaging plate into such barrier envelope whereupon the barrier envelope including restored imaging plate is indexed to a station whereat heat sealing of the free end of the U-shaped heat sealed is effected to thereby enclose the restored imaging plate therein and thereafter the thus heat sealed barrier envelope is indexed to a product station for removal from the roll of barrier envelope blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Air Techniques, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgar Alzner, Henry Hubner, Yehuda Rosenstock, John Sylvester