Receptacle Forming Patents (Class 53/433)
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Patent number: 7464517Abstract: A styrofoam material 2 is placed in a corrugated carton 1, and a plastic bag 3 is then loaded into the corrugated carton 1. Air between any two of the corrugated carton 1, the styrofoam material 2, and the plastic bag 3 is evacuated so that the plastic bag 3 is adhered onto dented portions 2a for product placement of the styrofoam material 2, and inner surfaces of the corrugated carton 1. As a result, products 4 can be easily placed on the styrofoam material 2 onto which the plastic bag 3 is loaded without the products 4 getting snagged on the plastic bag 3 and the plastic bag 3 being torn.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Akatsuka, Kazuhiro Mashima
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Patent number: 7458197Abstract: In a web packaging machine (10) and method packaging a food product (P) between upper and lower webs (14 and 25), wherein the lower web (14) is transported through a series of stations which form the lower web (14) into a component of a package at a forming station (18), and receive the food product (P) at a loading station (20), and close the package with the upper web (25) at a closing station (26), a pasteurization station (300) is provided between the loading station (20) and the closing station (26) and pasteurizing the food product (P).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Hanson, Craig R. Bonneville, Tou T. Vang, Vernon D. Karman, Gary Lee Hahn, Nelly Feze, John J. Jurkowski
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Patent number: 7392636Abstract: A method for making pods (1) for products for infusion comprises the steps of: feeding a first portion (5) of filter material; making a compressed disk (2) of product, the disk being equivalent to a single dose of the product, at respective dosing and forming stations (3, 4); placing the compressed disk (2) on the first portion (5) of filter material; and superimposing a second portion (6) of filter material over the first portion (5) of filter material with the compressed disk (2) on it in such a way as to form the pod (1). The invention also relates to an apparatus that embodies this method.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.Inventor: Roberto Conti
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Publication number: 20080148690Abstract: In a method for the gas-tight packing of objects with film material bearing tightly against the objects, by means of a vacuum, wherein the object is inserted in a bowl and a deep-drawable film is connected to the bowl for sealing the bowl, and wherein a bowl with at least one peripheral edge is used for forming the packaging material, the deep-drawable film is cut to the dimension of the peripheral edge and the deep-drawable film is subsequently or simultaneously applied to the peripheral edge in a gas-tight manner. A further film is then cut to the dimension of the peripheral edge during the application of the deep-drawable film, or after its application, and the further film is subsequently or simultaneously applied to the peripheral edge. The further film remains approximately in the plane of the peripheral edge after its application. A system for the gas-tight packing of objects with a first cutting device for a deep-drawable film has at least one cutting device for a further film.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Jorg von Seggern
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Publication number: 20080134641Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Nadia Corlett
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Patent number: 7306553Abstract: To provide a bag-making method ensuring excellent liquid tightness at the melt-bonded part between the mouth member and the bag unit. A bag-making method for producing a bag by melt-bonding and thereby integrating a mouth member formed of a preliminarily heated synthetic resin and a bag unit formed of a flexible film, the method comprising a preliminary heating step of softening the synthetic resin of the mouth member at the part to be melt-bonded to the bag unit, melt-bonding part of mouth member, while preventing the synthetic resin of the mouth member at the end part in the bag side, end part of mouth member, from being softened at the preliminary heating step, and a step of inserting the preliminarily heated mouth member into the opening of the bag unit and pressing them by a sealing mold to melt-bond the melt-bonding part of the mouth member to the opening; and a medical container produced by the bag-making method.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Mizuo, Teruaki Nakagawa
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Patent number: 7263814Abstract: An apparatus for supplying one or more gases, such as oxygen, to a target area, comprising a top layer and a bottom layer sealed around the perimeter of the layers to form a reservoir between the layers, wherein the top layer is not gas-permeable and the bottom layer is highly gas-permeable, said reservoir containing one or more gases. The present invention also describes methods of using such an apparatus to supply oxygen to a wound for improved wound healing.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Oxyband Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Coni F. Rosati
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Patent number: 7246476Abstract: Disclosed is a method for high-speed vacuum unitary packaging of portion-cut meats, wherein a vacuum four-side sealed object containing a plurality of portion-cut meats obtained by dividing a livestock meat, such as beef, pork, chicken, or the like, or a large-size fish into many portions, is divided into four-side sealed objects with vacuum being maintained at high speed using an impulse sealer for vacuum unitary packaging.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Best Pack Co., Ltd.Inventors: Haruo Ogiue, Toshio Hanai
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Patent number: 7237371Abstract: Deep draw packaging includes placing an object (C) in a concave container portion (1) formed by molding a film with small shrinkability (A), that is a film having a residual thermal shrinkage rate at 100° C. of 1 to 15 %. The film (A) is formed by stretching a film having deep draw moldability and then thermally relaxing the film. The film has a surface which is formed of a heat sealable material which becomes the inner wall of the container portion. The concave container portion (1) is thereafter transferred to to a vacuum packaging apparatus (5) where it is covered by a cover portion (2) formed of a film (B) which can be heat welded to the film (A). A side face portion (11) and a bottom face portion (12) of the concave container portion (1) are thermally shrunk into close contact with the object (C). Less curling is exhibited when an upper peripheral portion (13) of the concave container portion (1) is sealed with the film (B).Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Kureha Chemical Industry Company, LimitedInventors: Masataka Yamamoto, Takeo Omori
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Patent number: 7194847Abstract: A method of filling a collapsible package in a cartridge for use with a caulking gun is provided. The method comprises pressurizing an internal space of a collapsible package to expand the package. Drawing a vacuum external to the collapsible package and removing the positive internal pressure. The vacuum maintains the package in an expanded state. A nozzle is then inserted into the collapsible package to reverse fill the package with a vicious material.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Sashco, Inc.Inventors: Elliot Summons, Wayne Summons
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Patent number: 7137234Abstract: A device and method for stacking product into a container in a vertical orientation. The device includes at least one pivoting mechanism pivotable between a loading position and an initial/final position. The at least one pivoting mechanism retains a container thereon. The device may further include at least one corresponding diverting mechanism for injecting product into the container. The diverting mechanism includes a feeding area and a diverting arm swingable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverting arm allows product to enter the feeding area. An ejection station is positioned proximate to the feeding area and injects the product into the container after the product enters the feeding area via movement of the diverting arm. In one aspect the ejection station is provided by a pinch belt arrangement and is controlled by a control.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Michael E. Caporali, Bruce H. Hanson, Shane F. Mills, J. Edward Roth, Michael A. Wisniewski
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Patent number: 7111440Abstract: A head space inserting system is used in a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages. The inerting system directly introduces an inerting gas into the head space of the formed package subsequent to filling and prior to sealing. The inerting system includes an inerting gas source, an inerting gas heater to heat the inerting gas and an inerting gas nozzle. The inerting gas nozzle is disposed within the form, fill and seal packaging machine to introduce the inerting gas directly into the head space of the packages. The nozzle is further disposed between the top heating station and the sealing station. A method for inerting an atmosphere in the package head space is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventors: Paul Anderson, Ronald Swank
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Patent number: 7076930Abstract: The machine for the packaging of products with stretchable and thermoplastic film comprises:—Means for the tubularization of a wrapping film (5) taken from a feeding bobbin and means (6) for the longitudinal tight-seal welding of the super-imposed edges of such tubularized film;—Means (7, 7?) which alternate in the transversal grip of the head of the tubular wrapping which comes out from said tubularization means, which are pre-arranged for the longitudinal movement of said wrapping, to longitudinally stretch it and to perform on same two transversal, parallel and tight seal weldings, a transversal cut placed between the said weldings and to retain the wrapping upstream and downstream of the two welded zones separated by the cut,—Means (2, 3, 4) for the cyclical introduction of a product (P) through the inlet of said tubularization means (1) and up to its outlet;—Means (10) to temporarily support the packaging being formed;—Means (12, 12?) to stop the forward movement of the tubular wrapping on the outlet mouType: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: A.W.A.X. Progettazione E RicercaInventor: Renato Rimondi
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Patent number: 7051493Abstract: A multilayer film, which is particularly suited to packaging of cheese on a Hayssen® RT packaging machine, has a first layer comprising cyclic olefin copolymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 125° C., and a second layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of cyclic olefin copolymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 125° C., polyamide, polyester, and polystyrene. The first and second layers are on opposite sides of a tensile axis of symmetry of the film. The film exhibits from 0 to 45 degrees of transverse edge curl, a yield point of at least 1200 psi at a temperature of 85° C., and an elongation at break of from 0 to 300 percent at 85° C.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventors: Hubert J. Cook, Janet W. Rivett, Gautam P. Shah, Richard M. Dayrit, Kelly R. Ahlgren
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Patent number: 7010901Abstract: A method of producing a hot melt adhesive solid, the method comprising the steps of inserting a hot melt adhesive heated to higher than a flow temperature into a container having a mold-releasing internal surface and a bottom plate which is openable and closable or removably fixable to the container, cooling the hot melt adhesive at least until the surface of hot melt adhesive becomes solidified, and taking out the hot melt adhesive from the container by opening the bottom plate or displacing the same; hot melt adhesive solid; method of packaging the same; and method of transporting the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Matsumura Oil Research Corp.Inventors: Kazuhiro Ogura, Yoshio Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 6935090Abstract: The filling wedge (4) with its preferably concave wedge surfaces (12, 12?) is provided with feed channels (5) and preferably with a heating device (13) for heating up the wedge surfaces. To prevent heat-sensitive filling material from being heated up when it is passed through the filling wedge, arranged between the feed channels and the wedge surfaces is a means reducing the heat transfer, preferably in the form of a respective cooling channel (8, 8?). Consequently, a thermal separation is achieved in the filling wedge between the feed channels and the wedge surfaces, which makes it possible to work with high operating temperatures for the capsule shell material. Such high temperatures are required, for example, in the case of capsule shells of thermoplastic starch.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Swiss Caps Rechte und Lizenzen AGInventor: Leo Stolz
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Patent number: 6871477Abstract: A continuous process for forming a transdermal patch which comprises the steps of: continuously feeding a strip of material comprising a layer of permeable membrane; continuously feeding into close proximity and in face-to-face relationship with the first strip a second strip formed of impermeable backing material; passing the first and second strips together through a filling and sealing station in which the material containing an active substance is introduced between the strips and pouches are formed by first sealing devices which seal the strips together in a longitudinal direction of the strips and second sealing devices which seal the strips together in a transverse direction of the strips; the size of the pouches being adjusted by adjusting the number position and/or frequency of operation of the first sealing devices and/or by adjusting the number position and/or frequency of operation of the second sealing devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1999Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: United Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Co. LimitedInventor: Mark Rupert Tucker
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Publication number: 20040255556Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing pre-padded food-containing bag by perforating across a continuous web of flattened tubular thermoplastic material, forming an opening in a layer of the perforated web, separating the layers of the web, inserting an absorbent the pad through the opening into the inside of the tubular web and making a seal across the tubular web at predetermined lengths to form a bag. The result is that a continuous web of bags containing absorbent pads at discrete intervals. There is also provided an apparatus for carrying out the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: Cryovac, Inc.Inventors: Dilip Kumar Boal, James Hal Stuckey
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Patent number: 6748726Abstract: A sealing device includes a top part forming a bell and a bottom part forming a vat, receiving a container to be sealed with a film in the chamber defined by the top and bottom parts. The top part includes on a side supplying the film, a slot for the passage of the film running through a wall of the top part, and a device, preferably an inflatable pipe, for obstructing the slot and blocking the film. The wall of the top part also includes a device for inserting and/or extracting fluid, opening inside the chamber between the slot and the wall lower edge, for extracting gas under vacuum, injecting gas and/or filling the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventors: Jean-Pierre Rossi, Marie-José Rossi
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Patent number: 6735928Abstract: A bagging and packaging machine for forming a bag from a strip of bag material and introducing an article into the bag includes a gas supply unit for supplying an inert gas into the bag to substitute for air contained in the bag and a gas supply control means for controlling supply of the inert gas by the gas supply means into the bag. The bagging and packaging machine is designed to allow the inert gas to be supplied under high pressure at a flow rate sufficient to increase the gas replacement rate in the bag when the machine is started, to be supplied under low pressure at a flow rate lower than the high pressure flow rate during a bagging and packaging operation subsequent to the start of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masashi Kondo, Ryoichi Sato
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Publication number: 20040055256Abstract: A head space inserting system is used in a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages. The inerting system directly introduces an inerting gas into the head space of the formed package subsequent to filling and prior to sealing. The inerting system includes an inerting gas source, an inerting gas heater to heat the inerting gas and an inerting gas nozzle. The inerting gas nozzle is disposed within the form, fill and seal packaging machine to introduce the inerting gas directly into the head space of the packages. The nozzle is further disposed between the top heating station and the sealing station. A method for inerting an atmosphere in the package head space is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.Inventors: Paul Anderson, Ronald Swank
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Patent number: 6668522Abstract: Method and device for packing bags filled with product in a box. The bags are made gas-permeable and after the bags have been filled with product the residual volume of gas therein is removed by drawing off the gases present in the bag by means of suction. This is achieved by conveying the bags over a belt on which vacuum is acting. Prior to this step the bags can be subjected to a vibratory treatment in order to optimise the position of the product in the bags.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: BluePrint Holding B.V.Inventor: Martin Prakken
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Patent number: 6594971Abstract: A packaging enclosure for receiving a flexible endoscope during a sterilization procedure and sterile storage thereafter has a portion thereof which is semi-permeable. Provision is made for hanging the packaging enclosure over a hook or peg. In one embodiment the packaging enclosure conforms to the endoscope so that its two flexible portions may hang over opposite sides of the hook. Alternatively, a hook or aperture may be provided on the packaging enclosure for hanging it over the hook.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Tralance Addy, Su Syin Wu, Debra Timm
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Publication number: 20020190109Abstract: The invention relates to a packing drum containing a moisture cross-linking melt adhesive (8) which is surrounded by a moisture-tight can comprising a lid (2) made of a composite material, PE- or PP-coated white sheet metal consisting of a casing (1) and a floor. The floor has the form of a moisture-tight flexible membrane (3). The packing drum can in particular be charged in a very economic manner with adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Paul Mrgan, Gerald Petry, Franz-Georg Henrichs
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Patent number: 6457297Abstract: A pouch-like container with faces made of materials having different consistencies and/or characteristics, particularly for solid, granular or fluid products. Conveniently, one of the two faces is produced from a scarcely flexible sheet, while the other face is produced from a much lighter and preferably transparent sheet in order to show the contained product. The low-flexibility face has ribs to preset a deformability and set the final shape that the container will assume. The container is manufactured by coupling, along longitudinal lines (lateral borders) and transverse lines, two sheets which are unwound continuously from two rolls. The tougher sheet is pre-ribbed along lines which force a controlled deformation, forming the container when it is filled with the product.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: BP Europak, S.p.A.Inventors: Giorgio Trani, Marion Sterner
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Patent number: 6408598Abstract: A packaging process is disclosed which includes the steps of providing a tray, providing an upper film which includes a sealant layer which is sealable to the tray, orienting the film to an orientation ratio of from about 6.0:1 about 16.0:1 positioning, a high profile product on the tray, extending the upper film above the tray and product, drawing the upper film into a concavity by differential pressure, maintaining the concave shape of the upper film while heating the film, removing gases from the space between the upper film and the tray and product, introducing a desirable gas into the space, releasing the upper film such that it shrinks toward the product and the tray while the desirable gas is retained within the space and prevents close contact of the film with the lowermost portions of the product, and sealing the upper film to the flange of the tray, wherein at least the step of heating the film shrinks the film, thereby tensioning it onto and across the underlying product.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventor: H. Walker Stockley, III
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Patent number: 6321509Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for inserting an oxygen scavenger into a modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of food, especially raw meats. A scavenger feeder feeds a chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A separator separates the oxygen scavenger located at an exposed end of the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. An adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the oxygen scavenger which has been separated from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A conveyor conveys the separated oxygen scavenger to a position which is adjacent to a film layer which is used to form an outer package of the modified atmosphere package so that the oxygen scavenger is attached to a surface of the film layer by the adhesive. The film layer is subsequently formed into the outer package so that the oxygen scavenger that is attached to the film layer is contained within the outer package.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Gary R. DelDuca, Stephen L. Goulette, Darryl P. Hansen, Vinod K. Luthra
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Publication number: 20010011445Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products in vacuum or in a modified atmosphere, comprising:Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: August 9, 2001Applicant: PTS S.r.1.Inventor: Mauro Scolaro
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Patent number: 6182421Abstract: A packaging method includes the steps of conveying a plurality of individual articles toward an assembly area at which the individual articles are formed into a group of articles which are then conveyed to a package area at which the group of articles can also be sized and packaged in a pouch. Preferably, the articles are balls of cotton candy, but individual articles can be similarly packaged.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventor: John T. Sullivan
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Patent number: 6145280Abstract: A method of packaging a rectangular electrolytic battery, comprising the steps of forming a sleeve from a flat, rectangular sheet of a laminate material by overlapping and joining opposite edges of the sheet; inserting a rectangular battery into one end of the sleeve, the battery having two electronic contacting leads extending from one side thereof and the battery being positioned within the sleeve wherein a portion of the leads is within the sleeve and a portion of the leads is outside said sleeve; joining the ends of the sleeve to form a seal along each end thereof, hermetically sealing the interior of the sleeve, one end of the sleeve forming a seal about the leads and the other end of the sleeve sealed adjacent the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: NTK Powerdex, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Daroux, David A. Glover, Richard F. Riczinger, Allen D. Mackell
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Patent number: 6135869Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous manufacture of food products such as sausages is provided which eliminates the need for intermediate stuffing of the food product into casings which are discarded prior to final packaging. The preferred apparatus of the invention includes first and second heated rollers (16, 17) each presenting a plurality of elongated, axially aligned channels or recesses (18,20) which are circumferentially and axially spaced on the corresponding rollers (16, 17); in addition, the second roller (17) includes a series of elongated, continuous, tube-receiving openings (22) extending between each series of aligned recesses (20). Mechanisms (28, 29) are associated with the rollers (16, 17) in order to continuously feed elongated synthetic resin sheets (34, 35) into the nip between the rollers (16, 17).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Frigorifico San Carlos Sociedad Anonima / Adam AndersonInventor: Antonio Jorge Schutz
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Patent number: 6131371Abstract: A process is disclosed for collecting and disposing of waste (1), in particular household rubbish. Waste is separately collected and sorted at the place at which it is produced in plastic bags (3a, 3b, 3c) provided with appropriate distinguishing markings (2a, 2b, 2c) in accordance with recycling criteria. Portions of waste (4) are packaged by closing and vacuum-sealing the plastic bags, and the closed and vacuum-sealed bags that contain the various types of waste are placed together at random into at least one common garbage container (5) and transported to a central collecting point where the plastic bags are sorted according to their markings for final disposal and/or recycling.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Peter TilsInventors: Hans-Peter Esser, Joachim D. Hein
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Patent number: 6123969Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for deoxygenating a food product and packing it. This method includes the steps of supplying one or more products to an evacuation chamber, evacuating oxygen from the chamber for deoxygenating the chamber and the product or products, injecting protective gas into the chamber to replace at least part of the oxygen evacuated from the product and chamber with protective gas, and transferring the products to a packing unit and sealing it in a package. The invention also relates to an apparatus for such as purpose and to deoxygenated food package.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventor: Elisabeth Sjoberg
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Patent number: 6021625Abstract: A process for applying a biobarrier member to a vent opening in a foil member used for medical device packaging. The process provides for cutting a biobarrier member from a roll of stock and sealing the biobarrier member about the vent opening in the foil member. The seal is tested for integrity and the biobarrier member is tested for porosity.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Cerwin, Robert A. Daniele, Clifford Dey, J. Mark Findlay, Konstantin Ivanov, Matthew E. Krever, Jervis P. Lynch, Robert Nunez, William R. Reinhardt, Mehmet Reyhan, David Szabo, Manfred Reiser, Rolf Grotehusmann, Manfred Hild, Bernhard Frey
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Patent number: 5989613Abstract: A system for packaging of perishable food products involves initially packaging the food product in a receptacle containing an inert gas atmosphere and sealing a film to the receptacle. The inert gas atmosphere prevents deterioration of the food product subsequent to shipment from a central processing facility. The receptacle includes a sealing flange and a tab portion extending from the sealing flange, to which the film is sealed. To prepare the food product for display at a retail establishment, the tab and the film sealed thereto are removed from the package, to form an opening between the film and the receptacle. An atmosphere exchange operation is carried out through the opening, by inserting a nozzle through the opening and introducing an oxygen-containing gas into the receptacle cavity through the opening. The inert gas atmosphere initially contained within the receptacle is exhausted through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Freshpak, Inc.Inventor: Raymond G. Buchko
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Patent number: 5971152Abstract: A package having a container having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a sidewall defining a cavity, with the container having an inner locking tab in the cavity defining a recess in the outer surface of the container, and with a stiffening material being placed in the recess to add strength to the locking tab.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Ray Products, Inc.Inventor: Randall J. Bowsman
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Patent number: 5941052Abstract: A method of packaging includes unwinding a center-folded film from a roller, the center-folded film having a first web and a second web; forming a recess between the first and second film webs; feeding a plurality of products into the thus formed recess, as the film advances, the products spaced apart from each other, and the products having a first and second transverse side; sealing and severing the advancing film between each product to be packaged along each of the two transverse sides of each product so as to form a plurality of bags with one open mouth on a front side of each bag, wherein each bag encloses a respective product; and sealing or clipping each open bag mouth. An apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventor: Riccardo Evangelisti
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Patent number: 5908651Abstract: A recovery system for a hot fill system. The hot fill system has a first diverter for diverting the flow of overflow product from a product tank to a filler feed tank. The system also has a source of compressed air for clearing the line between the overflow tank and the product tank. The system also has a source of water for clearing the line from the product tank to the filler feed tank. The system also has a heater for reheating overflow product with a recirculation/recovery loop. The system allows for the recovery of product which would have been lost during a hot fill product run.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventors: Stig Gustavsson, Keith Koberstein
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Patent number: 5868244Abstract: A package for sterilized, absorbable medical devices is disclosed. The package has a plurality of cavities in communication with a vent, wherein the vent is preferably centrally located. After sterilization, the package is sealed adjacent to the vent thereby providing individual hermetically sealed sterile cavities which are cut away from the package to form unitary packages.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Konstantin Ivanov, William Reinhardt, Shakti Routh, Michael Pohle
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Patent number: 5813197Abstract: A continuous lamina (3) is indexed through a forming station so as to be arranged around a tubular element (14); edges of the lamina (3) are welded together to form an unexpanded envelope (2a) which is then inflated when the envelope (2a) is closed in a die (11) through opposite sides of which said tubular element (14) passes; a container (2) formed by expanding said envelope (2a) is then filled and closed while a following envelope (2a) is being expanded.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Unifull S.p.A.Inventor: Carlo Aguzzoli
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Patent number: 5749203Abstract: A method for sterilizing an article supported in a housing is provided. The method includes placing an article in a housing, introducing pressurized steam and a sterilizing gas into the housing and closing the housing. The sterilizing gas may be mixture of ethylene oxide/carbon dioxide or ethylene oxide/nitrogen. The percent by volume of ethylene oxide in the housing at the conclusion of the sterilizing gas introducing step may range from at least about 2% to about 25% by volume. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with a form-fill-seal process.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1994Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Kimberly-Clark CorporationInventor: James Earl McGowan, Jr.
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Patent number: 5729957Abstract: A package for cylindrical products, particularly cigarettes or similar, this package consisting of a wrapping sheet (2) in which the cigarettes are wrapped. The wrapping sheet consists of heat-weldable plastic material and is sealed, when wrapped around a group of cigarettes (S), by the welding of parts, flaps or wings (102, 202, 402, 502, 602, 702) overlapping each other on one or more sides of the group of cigarettes (S). A vacuum or low pressure may advantageously be created inside the sealed wrapping sheet (2). A process and device for the fabrication of the package, according to which the phase of wrapping, in other words that of folding the wrapping slip (2), is executed completely in only one station to which the group of cigarettes (S) and the wrapping slip (2) are fed and in only one subsequent folding station (P), while the welding is executed in intermediate phases or in a final phase.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Sasib S.p.A.Inventor: Valter Spada
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Patent number: 5713185Abstract: A method of the invention enables the production of a tubular package open at both ends and comprising a double- or multi-layered film. The film layers can be of one and the same or different materials. A package is formed around a mould (10), which is easily replaceable and determines the eventual size of the package (29). The method, which can be automated, includes producing the package (29), wrapping an article (25) and placing the article (25) in the package (29). The sections of said mould (10) are withdrawn from the package and the space in between the layered film is filled (23, 24) with air or some other gas, whereby the article attaches to the package.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: LVC-Group Ltd. OyInventors: Christer Jean Lindstrom, Carola Maj-Len Lindstrom, Viljo Juhani Rytkonen
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Patent number: 5689937Abstract: A reproducible and reliable method for packaging food which may include an automatic temperature control system. The film is sealed to the tray at a first location spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge of the tray. The film is then severed. At appropriate times, excess heat may be removed from the inside of the sealing and severing apparatus. The upper housing of the severing apparatus may have a cooling vent which is automatically operated to exchange the hot atmosphere which is collected in the upper part of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: World Class Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Gorlich, Robert F. McPherson, Jr.
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Patent number: 5682726Abstract: A method for forming and packaging an iontophoretic patch in an inert atmosphere to provide increased shelf-life. The method includes a number of sub-assemblies for forming a well in a laminate material, forming the reservoir and dosing the reservoir, sealing the laminate material and another laminate material together to form a continuous web from which the individual patches are cut. In addition, the patch can be subsequently enclosed in an individual package. In this way, the patch and/or package provides a commercially suitable shelf-life to the drug-filled patch stored therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Philip G. Green, Ronald J. Clark, Bernt Fredrik Julius Broberg
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Patent number: 5643625Abstract: Refrigerated dough packaging method includes packaging the dough in a package having a pressure release valve associated with a flange to substantially prevent the expanding dough from interfering with the gas venting abilities of the package.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: The Pillsbury CompanyInventors: Michael R. Perry, Victor T. Huang, Diane R. Rosenwald, Andrew H. Johnson, Katy Ghiasi
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Patent number: 5632134Abstract: A method of preparing a package having a product enclosed between a support member and a multiple-film lid, comprising the steps of providing a support member supporting a product; providing a multiple-film lid over the product and the support member, the multiple-film lid having a first film for enclosing the product on the support member when sealed thereto and a second film over the first film, the first film and the second film defining a first space therebetween and the first film and the support member defining a second space therebetween; evacuating the first and second spaces; and sealing the multiple-film lid to the support member so as to form a sealed package.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.Inventors: David C. Noel, Henry W. Stockley, III
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Method of pre-formed in-line thermofusing of multilayer polymeric films to form packaging components
Patent number: 5632133Abstract: The novel method of the present invention is directed to the continuous formation of a multi-layer, laminated package by in-line thermofusing of several separate films. A first roll of the first film having defined first properties is provided, along with at least a second roll of a second film having defined second properties. A tie layer may be disposed, as either a separate film disposed between, or co-extruded upon contacting surface of one of the first or second films. A tacking station is provided for continuous disposition of the first and second films at the tacking station. At the tacking station, where the first film is tacked to at least the second film. Such tacking is carried out by contacting the respective films and by applying a first pressure to at least a portion thereof to provide a continuous strip of pre-laminated film. The continuous strip of pre-laminated joint film is subjected to sufficient heat and a second pressure sufficient to laminate and to bond together (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Inventor: Ihor Wyslotsky -
Patent number: 5590509Abstract: A process for packaging a product on a receptacle includes advancing a film tubing on a conveyor, the tubing having therein a product on a receptacle, the film having a forward end which is sealed; sending a gaseous mixture into the tubing; blowing heated air onto an outer surface of the forward sealed end region of the tubing to pre-shrink this end of the tubing and to expel gas rearwardly from the forward region; applying a vacuum inside the tubing from a rearward portion of the tubing of film, to facilitate the welding of the tubing of film at the rear portion of the container; heat sealing the tubing in an area rearward of the receptacle, so that the receptacle having the product thereon is surrounded by the film; separating the sealed tubing film portion from a remainder of the tubing film; and heat-shrinking the sealed portion of the film. The process of the invention solves a problem in the packaging of products of the "bloody offals type," i.e.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1994Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co-Conn.Inventors: Robert Esteves, Michel Fruchard
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Patent number: 5555705Abstract: A method of filling and sealing a package with a product wherein a container having a bottom generally deformable in shape is filled with a product having a volume less than the container volume but equal to the filled volume. A continuous top lid is placed onto the container and positioned adjacent to a sealing surface and rim section of the container. In this position enough headspace exists to permit the proper lid placement without squeezing product onto the seal surface. The filled container supported on an anvil and lid are then transferred into a vacuum chamber within the vacuum chamber and with a sealing head disposed above the anvil in the raised position, the pressure within the chamber is evacuated by a vacuum. This process lowers the pressure of the headspace gas from the container to that of the chamber. When the desired vacuum level is achieved, the sealing head is lowered and the lid is sealed to the sealing surface of the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Kal Kan Foods, Inc.Inventor: Roy Balcombe