Abstract: A flexible pouch with a self-contained straw for packaging a product includes a front panel and a back panel each having an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and side edges extending therebetween the upper and lower edges. A straw is disposed inside the pouch at an angle between an upper corner of the pouch and an opposite lower corner. The pouch includes a first seal applied to the upper corner of the pouch to form a pocket for holding an upper end of the straw, and a second seal extending along the unsealed portion of the upper edge of the pouch to close the pouch. A method of forming and filling a flexible pouch with an integral straw includes the steps of forming each of the panels and joining two panels by sealing together their side edges and lower edge to form the pouch. The method also includes the steps of opening the pouch and inserting the straw into the pouch by positioning the straw at an angle between an upper corner of the pouch and an opposite lower corner.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing a plurality of objects including a tray defining a storage area and a divider assembly located within the storage area.

Abstract: A beverage reservoir for a personal hydration device is filled with a beverage, e.g., water, and sealed in a tamper-evident manner. As a result, the reservoir can be sold pre-filled and the user can use the reservoir confident that the beverage contains no mold, fungus, or residue from previously stored and consumed beverage. The reservoir can also include a port for re-filling such that the user can use the reservoir in a conventional manner after consumption of the previously sealed-in beverage.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for applying to a palletized load (1) protective corner elements (2) having first and second sides (A, B) designed to protect contiguous sides (1a, 1b) of at least one corner of the load (1). The apparatus comprises transfer means for conveying at least one corner element (2) from an initial position to a position where the sides (A, B) of the corner element (2) are close to the corresponding edges (1a, 1b) of the corner to be protected, these transfer means comprising actuating means (4, 5, 6) for transferring the corner element (2) by a rotational movement through predetermined angles (&agr;, &bgr;) from the initial position (Pos2) to a position (Pos4) where at least a first side (A) of the corner element (2) is substantially aligned with a first side (1a) of the corner of the load (1).

Abstract: A process for splicing cut ends of a continuous strip of packets or bags used to hold bulk material. The steps of the process include forming a continuous strip of packets from packaging material and filling the packets with bulk material. The edges of the packaging material are sealed to form individual packets of the continuous strip such that adjacent packets share a common sealed area of packaging material. Openings are then formed in the common sealed areas between the adjacent packets. The continuous strip is then cut entirely across the common sealed area of the packets at two separate locations on the continuous strip to form cut ends such that each of the cut ends of the continuous strip contains an opening in the common sealed area. Without using splicing tape, the two cut ends of the continuous strip with openings are spliced together such that the openings in the two cut ends overlap. The splicing process can be accomplished by ultrasonic welding, impulse splicing or other processes.

Abstract: A system and method for behavior modification through dynamic identification of behavior patterns, assistance in finding and implementing healthy alternatives to undesirable behavior patterns, preparation of dynamically variable user-specific programs, monitoring of current user activities, and presenting feedback and information to the user. The system and method further support incorporation of professional and other information into a user-specific package from which the user-specific program is determined, and synchronization and data integrity across the platforms of the system.

Abstract: A vertical pouch forming, filling and sealing machine and method for making pouches and filling same with a liquid content in the range of about 5 to 20 liters, is described. As a pouch is being filled with a liquid it descends into a support cage to restrain the pouch from ballooning out and prevents the weight of the liquid in the filled pouch from tensioning the film in the hot horizontal seal zone of the horizontal sealer. The support cage compensates for loss of surface tension of the film in the hot horizontal seal zone during the horizontal sealing cycle. The cage also has a gate section to discharge the filled pouch by gravity after the horizontal sealing cycle.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus is provided which applies a protective cover to a product such as a stack of flat sheets of building material. A platform supports the product in a predetermined orientation. Adjacent the platform is a frame which supports a cover manipulator. The cover manipulator is mounted on a transport on the frame and operates to grasp a protective cover from a cover magazine. The transport mechanism is operable to move the cover manipulator from a position adjacent the cover magazine to a second position adjacent the platform. The applicator then presses the cover against the product in a predetermined orientation and a fastening mechanism secures the cover to the product. Typically, the cover is a flat sheet of cardboard or similar protective material. The material has scored or relieved portions which permit its top and ends to be folded over the end of the product to which it is applied.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for adhering a sanitary member to a can lid includes an impressor head. The impressor head includes a base. A tooth descends from the base and is shaped in size and configuration to be received in fitting relationship with the inner rim wall and/or the recess of a can lid. A member having a diameter greater than the diameter of the rim of the can is disposed tautly and flatly across at least a portion of the rim of the can and then impressor head is moved towards the can lid through the member so that the tooth is received in fitting relationship with the entire surface of the can lid which may or may not include a countersink of the can lid with a film member disposed between the recess, the tooth and a side wall of the rim.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: A system and method of continuously forming, sealing, and filling flexible packages with sterile beverages is disclosed wherein the forming, sealing, and filling is performed without stopping or indexing the packages in order to achieve high throughput rates and efficiency. A web feeding device inputs sheet material into the system, which is continuously formed into a series of juxtaposed shaped packages in a forming unit. The packages are formed by a folding technique resulting in top and bottom gussets, and sealed side seams with an open top for filling thereof with liquid. The entire web of formed packages is transported through a filling device, which continuously fills the packages while in web form. The top fill openings of the packages are then sealed in a continuous process, and fabrication within an aseptic or ultra-clean environment is thereby completed. Post-treatment of the packages outside of the aseptic environment, but in a clean environment, then may proceed.

Abstract: A pre-prepared mesh-film web is used on a conventional vertical form-fill-seal packing machine to form a plurality of mesh-film bags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.

Abstract: Packs of rod-shaped smokers' products comprise containers of a material which permits monitoring of their contents by a suitable detector serving to generate signals which indicate the presence of characteristic indicia on one or more packed smokers' products. Such signals are encoded and the encoded information is applied to the respective containers. The information can be decoded and compared with signals furnished by the detector in order to ascertain whether or not the smokers' products are genuine, i.e., made by the manufacurer whose trademark(s) and/or other identifying information appear or appears on the containers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package are provided in which cross seals are made substantially parallel to a central axis (60) of fitments (40). The cross seals (68, 82) are substantially parallel to the vertical plane that includes the central axis (60) of the fitment (40), and may comprise at least a section angled toward the fitment (66, 84, 86) to create an angled side.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a closed bottom and the sleeve is sized to contain a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the closed bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A method for securing thermoplastic pour spout fitments 22 to thermoplastic-coated containers 20, wherein at least a surface of the pour spout fitment 22 is heated remotely at heating stations 42-46 to a temperature significantly below the melting point of the thermoplastic fitment. When the heated fitment surface is applied to a selected surface of an erected, thermoplastic-coated container 20, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon cooling, the fitment 22 and the container surface are bonded together.

Abstract: A beverage reservoir for a personal hydration device is filled with a beverage, e.g., water, and sealed in a tamper-evident manner. As a result, the reservoir can be sold pre-filled and the user can use the reservoir confident that the beverage contains no mold, fungus, or residue from previously stored and consumed beverage. The reservoir can also include a port for re-filling such that the user can use the reservoir in a conventional manner after consumption of the previously sealed-in beverage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending a flat cardboard preform into a corner protector that encloses and protects a corner of a picture frame from impact damage during shipping and handling of the frame includes positioning symmetrically between the corner and preform a thin, wedge-shaped template plate having a forwardly protruding, right-triangularly shaped vertex angle. Bending motion of corner protector cover flap sections upward from the plane of the preform is limited by contact of the flap sections with edges of the template plate to perpendicular positions relative to the plane of the preform, thus assuring that channel-shaped protective covers for sides of the frames formed by subsequent inwardly and downwardly bending of upper end portions of the flap sections to overlie a face surface of the frame will have rectangular cross sections, even if the sides of the frame are non-rectangular, e.g., angled or contoured.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.

Abstract: Packs of rod-shaped smokers' products comprise containers of a material which permits monitoring of their contents by a suitable detector serving to generate signals which indicate the presence of characteristic indicia on one or more packed smokers' products. Such signals are encoded and the encoded information is applied to the respective containers. The information can be decoded and compared with signals furnished by the detector in order to ascertain whether or not the smokers' products are genuine, i.e., made by the manufacurer whose trademark(s) and/or other identifying information appear or appears on the containers.

Abstract: A separable laminated container (A) of the present invention comprises an outer layer (1) made of synthetic resin and having an air suction hole (10) and an inner layer (2) made of synthetic resin and separably laminated on the inside of the outer layer, the inner layer having a portion previously separated from the outer layer just around the air suction hole. The air suction hole can be formed by driving a punch into the outer layer at a neck (4) of the separable laminated container from the outside, and punching just the outer layer leaving the inner layer behind. The portion of the inner layer previously separated from the outer layer may be left in the inwardly extended state. The inner layer is preferably made of synthetic resin having flexural modules of less than 10,000 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A method of sealing a medical container such as a vial with a polymeric closure, wherein the polymeric enclosure includes a tubular collar portion and an integral radial portion, which includes disposing the tubular collar portion over the radial rim portion of the container to surround the reduced diameter neck portion and radially deforming the tubular collar portion adjacent its free end into the reduced diameter neck portion and against the adjacent radial rim portion and, wherein the polymer selected for the closure is sufficiently malleable to permit radial deformation, yet sufficiently rigid to retain its shape following deformation and sufficiently resistant to creep to maintain a seal between the plastic closure and the container following radial deformation.

Abstract: Handling stand up bags (2) for beverages, wherein as bags (2) are filled, closed, provided with a drinking straw (3) and, being inserted in a plurality of bags into an outer packaging (4), are discharged, so as to make such a method faster and thus more economic, the stand up bags (2) are transported in a lying position between closing and insertion into the outer packaging (4).

Abstract: A method of filling a flexible pouch having a base and sidewalls extending from the base to define a mouth. The method comprising the steps of delivering the pouches an infeed conveyor to a predetermined orientation and transporting the pouches in a controlled manner toward a filler station, and transferring the pouches from the infeed conveyor to a transport conveyor in which the pouch is gripped adjacent to the mouth so as to be suspended from the transport conveyor. Opening the mouth of the pouch to permit filling at the filling station passing the pouches through the filler station, closing the mouth and sealing the mouth prior to release from the transport conveyor.

Abstract: A flexible stand-up liquid pouch is formed from a sheet of foil film laminate material whereby opposed side walls of the material are folded together with sealed circumferential edges to form an enclosed chamber. A liquid is provided in the chamber, and the side walls of the sheet material which form the container have raised portions which, when sealed together, cooperatively form an internal straw restraining passage inside the container. The straw restraining passage communicates with the liquid chamber and a straw is held loosely captive inside the straw restraining passage and is axially displaceable therein. The straw restraining passage defines a reduced cross-sectional area of the chamber, and the pouch is manufactured with a weakened portion on an upper portion of the pouch, whereby the weakened portion can be torn by a user, thus enabling the internal straw to emerge, due to the buoyancy of the straw, from the interior of the pouch.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped media such as a CD-ROM or DVD, together with a cup-type beverage container of the kind typically having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then engaged to the beverage container. The lid includes a cylindrical support structure disposed on the upper surface thereof defining central support for the disc media by means of the annular opening at the center of the disc, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media. The cylindrical support structure includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. The lid also includes an annular shelf around the perimeter thereof, the inside diameter of which is larger than the outside diameter of the disc media, and the peak of which is coplanar with the peak of the inner structure.

Abstract: Process for the fastening of objects into a box made of a bottom and of at least four lateral sides including introducing, into this box, a sheet of a flexible material, for example, made of cardboard, this sheet consisting of a central part having dimensions that are approximately the same as the bottom of the box, in a manner so as to be able to be displaced in a direction to the bottom of the box and, on at least two opposing sides of this central part, at least one flexible folding panel. The flexible folding panels are folded up to the top. The fastening sheet is shaped, prepared, inserted and pushed into the box until the sheet contacts the upper surface of the objects housed in the box. The folding panels are pushed back, applied and fixed, for example, by gluing, against the internal side of the lateral walls of this box, in a manner so as to create solid fixation of the fastening sheet onto the lateral walls of the box, and, as a result, the fastening of the objects housed in it.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package are provided in which an evacuation device (26) and a fitment (20) are attached to a sheet of flexible material (16). The sheet of flexible material (16) is formed into a package that is filled and sealed.

Abstract: An automatic packaging system has a first feed mechanism for feeding a light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow A, an inspection mechanism for reading bar-code information from the light-shielded photosensitive roll, measuring and comparing dimensions of the light-shielded photosensitive roll with the bar-code information to inspect whether the light-shielded photosensitive roll is correct or wrong, a second feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow B if the light-shielded photosensitive roll judged as being correct, and a third feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow C.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show one embodiment of the present invention in the form of a food bag quick-seal apparatus comprising an elongate rod-shaped member; an elongate C-shaped clamp member for receiving the elongate rod-shaped member; and the C-shaped clamp member further having handle means for facilitating the engagement of the rod-shaped member into the C-shaped clamp member.

Abstract: Method for packaging products being prone to decay, such as food products, more particularly vegetables and/or fruit in a synthetic foil, wherein the synthetic foil is perforated in an operation step, converted into a package and filled. The foil is thereby conveyed through a punching device, whereby perforations are punched in the synthetic foil, the perforated synthetic foil is formed as packages having the desired dimensions and these packages are filled with the products and closed.

Abstract: A bendable lollipop stick which enables the placing of the lollipop into a small container. Using such a packing method for lollipops enables the use of simple automatic or mechanical vending machines.

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging photosensitive rolls includes a flanged member installing device for selecting flanged members corresponding to a photosensitive roll and automatically installing the flanged members respectively on opposite ends of the photosensitive roll, a tape member applying device for automatically applying a joint tape to an end of the photosensitive roll, a packaging sheet working device for automatically processing light-shielding leaders to dimensions corresponding to the photosensitive roll, an applying mechanism for automatically applying the processed light-shielding leaders to the photosensitive roll, and a packaging sheet takeup device for automatically winding the light-shielding leaders around the photosensitive roll.

Abstract: Clip (10) for holding lid flaps (110) of a carton (100) in an open position against carton walls (101) to facilitate packing of carton (100). Clip (10) includes a horizontal spine (20) to which are attached a center post (30), a long prong (40) a short prong (50), and a handle tab (25). To use clip (10), clip (10) is positioned with center post (30) above a corner (107) of carton (100) and lowered to insert center post (30) in interior dihedral angle (108) of corner (107). Long prong (40) contacts a first lid flap (110) and rotates flap (110) into the open position. Short prong (50) contacts a second flap (110) shortly afterward and rotates second flap (110) into an open position.

Abstract: A bloom support device for protecting a cut flower during shipping, the bloom support device having a concave body providing a substantially closed proximal end clearingly disposed about a stem of the flower and a substantially open distal end compressingly folding a bloom of the flower into a folded arrangement and retaining the folded arrangement in a secure shipping arrangement. The concave body has a stress intensification feature for tearing the bloom support device off of the bloom.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot with a plant cover, the plant cover at least comprising a base portion, and optionally having a skirt or a detachable upper portion. The plant cover has a heat shrinkable bonding material which can be heat shrink to secure to plant cover about the pot.

Abstract: A material in the form of a sheet for enveloping a bale of agricultural material is coated with or contains a preservative in order to prevent spoilage of wrapped bales of agricultural material by aerobic organisms.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, molds a closure directly onto the carton. The machine includes a carton erection station adapted to receive a carton in a generally flat form and to erect the flat form carton into a tubular form defining an internal carton region. A direct injection molding station has an internal mold tool and an external mold tool. The internal mold tool is configured for receipt within the internal carton region and the internal mold tool and the external mold tool are configured to receive and clamp the carton therebetween. The direct injection molding station further includes a polymer injection system for injecting polymer from a location external of the carton to the internal mold tool. The closure is directly molded in place on the carton. A mold tool set, a method for carrying out the molding and a closure molded thereby are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: A straw application machine for automatically applying drinking straws, wrapped in protective cover, to beverage containers at very high speeds. The machine comprises a guide roller which presses each straw of a web of parallel straws into a slotted straw drum. A blade cutting drum separates the straws as it rotates in close association and synchronization with the slotted straw drum. A strip of sticky tape runs along the back of the web of parallel straws and a protective cover is removed from the tape exposing an adhesive prior to passing underneath the right side of the guide roller. After the straws are cut from the web, an ejector bar applies each straw to a beverage package where it is retained by the adhesive tape or glue. Multiple servo motors control the operating speed of the machine. Alternate embodiments for the slotted straw drum include a drum center having rubber ends with slots for holding a larger straw, and a drum center having end plates with inserts for holding straws.

Abstract: A packaging core (10) has an elongated, hollow tubular body portion (14) with funnel shaped ends (18, 22) and is used to prepare bales (34, 36, 38, 40) for transportation. The bales are formed into four-bale sets (56), each set (56) being bound together around a packaging core (10), for example with elastic bands (52). A pole lift can then be used to load the bale sets (56) onto a truck or other vehicle for transportation. The four bale sets (56) are more stable during transport than individual bales and are therefore less disorganized when they arrive at their destination. This reduces the time and effort spent during the loading and offloading processes, as well as the risk that neighboring bale sets (56) will be damaged during the offloading process.

Abstract: A plant packaging method of providing a tubular sleeve having a lower portion and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion and disposing the tubular sleeve about a potted plant.

Abstract: A plant packaging method of providing a tubular sleeve having a lower portion and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion and disposing the tubular sleeve about a potted plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for packing an order of parts. An operator is prompted to select an indicated part. The part is read by the system to verify the selection of the part. An array of indicators directs the operator to where the part should be placed in a shipping tote. An array of sensors confirms the packing of the part.

Abstract: A plant packaging method of providing a tubular sleeve having a lower portion and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion and disposing the tubular sleeve about a potted plant.

Abstract: Foaming apparatus for displacing the remaining air volume in a container, particularly bottles (2), filled with filling material using foaming, with the apparatus comprising a nozzle arrangement which comprises at least one injection nozzle (12) disposed above a transport conveyor (4) and which apparatus is provided for the displacement of the remaining air volume and is configured to impact the bottle with a jet of a gaseous or liquid foaming medium. It is thereby provided that the foaming medium is guided through a protection gas space (40) into the bottle opening, with the protection gas space being configured in part in the ambient air.

Abstract: A sticky element, comprising a sticky element having an insect-attracting color and an insect-attracting scent, the sticky element comprising sufficient sticky qualities to cause an insect to become permanently attached to the sticky element when any portion of the insect contacts with the sticky element, the sticky element adaptable to being disposed upon a surface. The surface may comprise a wrapping material, a flower pot cover, a flower pot, a floral arrangement, or other surface. When the sticky element is disposed on a wrapping material, the wrapping material is used to wrap a floral arrangement or decoratively cover a flower pot.

Abstract: A sticky element, comprising a sticky element having an insect-attracting color and an insect-attracting scent, the sticky element comprising sufficient sticky qualities to cause an insect to become permanently attached to the sticky element when any portion of the insect contacts with the sticky element, the sticky element adaptable to being disposed upon a surface. The surface may comprise a wrapping material, a flower pot cover, a flower pot, a floral arrangement, or other surface. When the sticky element is disposed on a wrapping material, the wrapping material is used to wrap a floral arrangement or decoratively cover a flower pot.