Compacting Or Stretching Patents (Class 53/436)
  • Publication number: 20130167483
    Abstract: A container for a compressible article is disclosed, wherein the container includes first and second opposed sides having a first length, a first pair of flaps or edge attached to an end of the first and second opposed sides defining an end of the container, third and fourth opposed sides capable of having a second shorter length; and a second pair of flaps or edges attached to the third and fourth sides, the second pair of flaps having a fold line approximately aligned with the end of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: William R. Gray
  • Publication number: 20130160780
    Abstract: A non-heating type flavor inhalator of the invention includes a hollow cylindrical holder (2) having an ambient air admission opening (16) at a front end thereof and a mouthpiece end (4) at a rear end thereof, and a flavor cartridge (30) extending inside the holder (2) from the ambient air admission opening (16) toward the mouthpiece end (4) along the axis of the holder (2). The flavor cartridge (30) accommodates a flavor generating material (32) containing granular tobacco, and the flavor generating material (32) is kept in a predetermined required compressed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventor: Japan Tobacco Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130125511
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130123730
    Abstract: A method of individually packaging a single-use disposable diaper for use in intimate absorption of body fluid includes compressing a single-use disposable diaper for use in intimate absorption of body fluid from a first condition to a second, compressed condition, and retaining the single-use disposable diaper in the second, compressed condition with a pressure differential that acts upon a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material to maintain the single-use disposable diaper in the compressed condition. The pressure differential is created by locating the single-use disposable diaper in an interior space of a substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the single-use disposable diaper at the negative pressure within the flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Nadia Corlett
  • Publication number: 20130111851
    Abstract: A system for palletizing peat moss in bulk form, comprising a dosing and feeding unit; a filling and compaction unit, receiving an amount of peat moss determined by the dosing and feeding unit, and compressing each determined amount of peat moss into a compressed bloc of peat moss on a pallet; a stabilization unit, receiving, from the filling and compaction unit, pallets, each pallet supporting a compressed bloc of peat moss, and wrapping the compressed bloc for stabilization thereof; a weighing and height measuring unit, measuring each compressed bloc received from the stabilization unit; and a wrapping unit, finally wrapping each measured compressed bloc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: LES TOURBIERES BERGER LTEE.
    Inventor: LES TOURBIERES BERGER LTEE.
  • Patent number: 8434287
    Abstract: A method of retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct, the method includes removing at least one retaining strap from extending longitudinally about a flexible container retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct having a first end and a second end within the flexible container, the retaining strap extending about a first end and a second end of the flexible container. The method further includes securing a choker about a circumference transverse to the longitudinally compressed flexible duct and the flexible container to circumferentially compress a portion of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct at a position intermediate of the first end and the second end of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: William R. Gray
  • Publication number: 20130104502
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald M. Gust, Jacob P. Hendrickx
  • Publication number: 20130087471
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a dispensing container (1) A for probiotics (2) in a viscous or liquid carrier (3), the probiotics (2) having a higher specific weight than the viscous or liquid carrier (3), wherein the container (1) comprises a reservoir (4) for holding the carrier (3) and a dispensing head (5) being in fluid connection with the reservoir (4), the dispensing head (5) comprising at least one outlet (6), wherein the concentration of the probiotics (2) decreases from the outlet (6) of the dispensing head (5) towards a bottom portion (1a) of the reservoir (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Karl-Josef Huber-Haag
  • Publication number: 20120304599
    Abstract: A flexible supercapacitor and a preparation method thereof are provided. The flexible supercapacitor includes a polymer-based solid electrolyte layer, two active layers respectively disposed on opposite surfaces of the polymer-based solid electrolyte layer, and two electron conducting layers disposed on outer exposed surfaces of the two active layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN TEXTILE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Wen-Hsien Ho, Chung-Bo Tsai, Po-Chou Chen, Yan-Ru Chen
  • Publication number: 20120267281
    Abstract: A stackable package for bedding includes a flexible outer container having an upper end and a lower end, a bottom panel extending along the lower end of the flexible container and side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel toward the upper end of the flexible container for defining an open end of the flexible outer container. The stackable package includes an insert disposed inside the flexible outer container for reinforcing the bottom and side panels of the flexible outer container, and bedding disposed inside the insert. The side panels of the flexible outer container have upper ends that are joined together for sealing the bedding inside the flexible outer container. At least one of the panels has at least one vent opening formed therein for allowing air to circulate through the package after the package has been sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Comfort Revolution, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Fux
  • Patent number: 8281558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an especially panel-shaped vacuum insulation element which is wrapped in a film and is filled with a powder. According to the method, the unmolded, loose powder is filled, particularly poured, into the opening of a bag which is formed from a high-barrier film and is open on one side. A filter material that is permeable to air and impermeable to powder dust is fixed to the internal face of the film bag in the area of the opening of the filled film bag such that the interior of the bag is closed in a dust-tight manner while air can still be discharged. The interior of the dust-tightly closed film bag is then evacuated and the evacuated film bag is air-tightly closed in a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: VA-Q-TEC AG
    Inventors: Jochen Hiemeyer, Roland Caps
  • Patent number: 8276347
    Abstract: A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by disposing an outer wrap around a bottom support and a portion of a vertically spaced slip frame former. One of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As bulk goods are added to the transportable container, the position of the slip frame former is radially adjusted to modify the shape of the transportable container. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container. Additional portions of outer wrap are disposed around a portion of the slip frame former to maintain the transportable container for receiving bulk goods as the previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Sharon Juntunen
  • Publication number: 20120240343
    Abstract: A device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance may be stored or laundered is taught comprising a washable bag with sufficient elasticity to retain the garment in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled. So that the washable bag can he dried as well as washed, the bag is preferably made from fabric that resists melting at temperatures conventionally experienced during the clothes drying process. The bag further has snag-free surface and at least one opening to receive the garment. Means for hanging may be provided so that the device can be easily stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Minnie F. Gully
  • Publication number: 20120233966
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method used for pressing at least one area of a packaging. The packaging is composed of a multi-layer composite material at least in some areas. A pressing tool used for pressing comprises at least one contour element that can be inserted into an interior of the packaging and at least one pressing element that is arranged outside of the interior and opposite the contour element. The pressing element and the contour element are arranged so that the pressing element and the contour element can be positioned relative to each other. The pressing element has an elastic consistency and is provided with a flexible reinforcing device at least in the area of the extent of the pressing element facing the contour element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Thomas Vetten, Christoph Schroiff
  • Publication number: 20120222390
    Abstract: A stackable package for bedding includes a flexible outer container having an upper end and a lower end, a bottom panel extending along the lower end of the flexible container and side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel toward the upper end of the flexible container for defining an open end of the flexible outer container. The stackable package includes an insert disposed inside the flexible outer container for reinforcing the bottom and side panels of the flexible outer container, and bedding disposed inside the insert. The side panels of the flexible outer container have upper ends that are joined together for hermetically sealing the bedding inside the flexible outer container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Comfort Revolution, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Fux
  • Patent number: 8225585
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a dosage material has a container with an outlet spout and a metering element adjoining the outlet spout. The metering element has an inlet opening on a side facing the container and an outlet opening on a side that faces away from the container. A wall of the metering element extends between the openings. A film material can be inserted into the device which passes at least through the inlet opening and the slot-shaped outlet opening and covers the inside of the wall. The device also has a feature that stretches a portion of a tube section of the film material. This stretching device includes at least two locations for fastening the portion to be stretched, the two locations being arranged on a stretch line that is at an angle to the lengthwise direction of the tube section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Lorenz Bohler
  • Publication number: 20120137634
    Abstract: The candle uses wax beads produced using existing equipment. The wax beads are transported to a bead hopper and the bead hopper deposits a volume of wax beads into jars prepared with a wick. Concurrently the jars are vibrated using a continuous vibratory motor to settle the wax beads for increased wax bead density. The filled jars are then transported to an in-container wax bead compression system where an automated plunging device compresses the wax beads. Jars are then transported by in-line conveyor to a wide conveyor. The jars are then filled at a liquid wax depositing station where the wax has been heated to its melting point and deposited into the jar to fill the void left by the in-container wax bead Compression system. The filled candle is then cooled to solidification. The finished candle is then ready for packing, distribution, sale, and use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: The Yankee Candle Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Cagle, Robert W. Brown, Michael P. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8191341
    Abstract: A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by vertically spacing a slip frame former from a bottom support. An outer wrap is disposed around the bottom support and a portion of at least one former wall to initially form the transportable container prior to the addition of the bulk goods into the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container and lock together the bulk goods disposed in the transportable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Sharon Juntunen
  • Publication number: 20120118691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to transportation containers and luggage; and, more particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus to prevent items from shifting or breaking in the container or luggage while moving or during travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jean-Marcel Ribaut
  • Patent number: 8171703
    Abstract: A method for packaging products, such as any solid or semi-solid product, utilizes a horizontal form, fill and seal (HFFS) system, coupled with a method for subjecting the packages to positive pressure differential while packaging. In the HFFS system, product receiving cavities are formed in a lower film, with each product being arranged in a respective cavity. The loaded product receiving cavities are positioned in a sealing unit, with an upper film above the product cavities. The sealing unit is closed and a lower chamber of the sealing unit is pressurized to force the lower film against the product, while the product abuts a standoff member, in order to remove existing headspace. After minimizing the headspace, a sealing head seals the upper film to the lower film about the product receiving cavities. Thereafter, the pressure is released, the sealing unit is opened and the package can be further processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: General Mills Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Arlinghaus, David Jordan, David A. Kirk
  • Publication number: 20120102884
    Abstract: A packaging component for use with an article includes a panel having a first shell with a first surface facing the exterior of the package and a first opposing, spaced apart inward-facing surface. The first shell defines a first cavity. The panel further includes a first core situated in the first cavity wherein the first core includes a plurality of in-situ expanded polymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Richard W. Roberts, JR.
  • Patent number: 8161716
    Abstract: A packaging method for a filter tow bale includes, including excessively compressing a distance between press bases to a height lower than a desired height of a packaged bale by 50 to 250 mm, more preferably 80 to 200 mm, further preferably 90 to 180 mm, then adjusting the distance between the press bases to the desired height in a packaged or non-packaged state, and then releasing a pressing force applied on a pressed bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hibi, Hirofumi Tsujita
  • Patent number: 8132393
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for compressing at least one roll of compressible material having an outer diameter and a circumference and an inner core having an inner diameter at least one roll of compressible material are provided. For example, a method according to one embodiment includes positioning a chuck about the circumference of the at least one roll, wherein the chuck is configured to engage the at least one roll at a plurality of evenly spaced locations about the circumference of the at least one roll. The method further includes radially compressing the at least one roll at a plurality of evenly spaced locations about the circumference of the at least one roll with the chuck such that the outer diameter of the at least one roll is substantially uniformly reduced without collapsing the inner core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas P. De Luca, Robert H. Brill
  • Publication number: 20120035759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bag dispensing device, especially for bags that have a previously lined base part that is superimposed in a lateral wall of the bag, enabling the bag supply and control process to be automated by means of the arrangement of a sorting element provided with a pair of rotating elements such that it selects, using control means, with artificial vision, the dimensionally correct bags from the bags that have some type of shape defect. The invention also relates to a bag dispensing machine provided with a dispensing device of the above-mentioned type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Alejandro Rodriguez Cuesta
  • Patent number: 8096234
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides methods and apparatus for packaging wood mulch. Examples include a wood mulch bale produced using a method comprising compressing wood mulch at a pressure of between 12,000 pounds and 60,000 pounds to form a volume of compressed wood mulch and disposing a band about the compressed volume of wood mulch, wherein the compressed volume of wood mulch is between about 3000 cubic inches and about 5400 cubic inches. Other variations are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eco Bales LLC
    Inventor: Michael Rivard
  • Patent number: 8074427
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a container packing filler are provided, which ensure that a net can be correctly and speedily rolled up into a bulk or ball shape. A stretchable tubular net (N) is fitted around a columnar support member (6). Then, a distal portion of the net is forcibly folded radially outward or inward by a plurality of roller belts (30) disposed circumferentially of the net (N), while the roller belts (30) are moved toward a net proximal side axially of the net (N), whereby the net (N) is rolled up radially outward or inward with the distal portion thereof being forcibly folded by circular rotation and axial movement of the roller belts (30) to form an annular roll portion (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignees: Taisei Kako Co., Ltd., Shionogi & Co.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Kenji Ohnishi, Tomoyuki Fujita, Masato Tsuji, Shinji Hiramoto
  • Patent number: 8074428
    Abstract: For the production and filling of (sheet-material) bags (10) with one tobacco portion (18) each, a plurality of bags (10) are preferably made available in the region of a filling station (20). The latter is located in the vicinity of a pressing station (19), which is supplied with the tobacco portions (18). In the region of the pressing station (19) or in a pressing chamber (35), each tobacco portion (18) is compressed in the vertical direction on a horizontal rest, namely on a platform (39), and in addition preferably compressed by a pressing crosspiece (42) in the horizontal direction. The tobacco portion (18) thus formed is introduced into the bag (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Reinhard Hoppe, Peter Krause
  • Publication number: 20110289886
    Abstract: A method for providing low count packages of absorbent articles in a high speed manufacturing process in which a plurality of absorbent articles are conveyed in series to the infeed of a continuously rotating stacker. The articles are sequentially inserted into cassettes disposed on the stacker such that a plurality of absorbent article containing cassettes is provided. The articles are extracted from the continuously rotating stacker by an angled extractor and packaged into low count packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Zulema Dorronsoro Martin, Thomas Luebcke, Andre Josephine Karel De Saert, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
  • Publication number: 20110266188
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for compressing woven material or other compressible material, such as, but not limited to, a comforter set or bedding set. The bedding set or other woven material is placed into a reclosable storage bag through the open bottom thereof. The bag is compressed by a compression apparatus and the open bottom of the storage bag is sealed shut. The result is a package with reduced volume, which reduces shipping and display costs, and is more aesthetically attractive to the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, Timothy Michael Arends, Gregory Topel, Daniel McDonald, Donald Lee Crevier, Thomas Moeller, Lisa Taylor, Alan J. Varacins, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 8028500
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an absorbent article includes a holding tool, a female tool disposed along a machine axis, and a male tool disposed along the machine axis. The holding tool has an aperture aligned along the machine axis and means for holding a flexible sheet across the aperture. The female tool has at least one folding element extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis, and the male tool has means for holding a fluid storage element and at least one pleating blade extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis. At least two of the holding tool, female tool, and male tool are capable of relative motion along the machine axis. Further the at least one pleating blade and of the male tool and the at least one folding element of the female tool are aligned to permit manipulation of the flexible sheet about the fluid storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Curt Binner
  • Publication number: 20110203228
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, III, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110154783
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. BIERSCHENK, Frank M. BRENKUS, Kevin COTE, Amelinda MELANSON, Jerry M. REAVES
  • Publication number: 20110138518
    Abstract: A sterile glove includes a hand and finger portion and a cuff having an inside surface and an outside surface. The cuff is adapted to be folded over at a fold when the glove is packaged in a sterile package and the fold forms an opening for inserting a hand into the glove. A stretching mechanism is coupled substantially near or on the fold and is adapted to increase a size of the opening while donning the glove. At least a portion of the stretching mechanism is detachable. The stretching mechanism has an unstretched state and a stretched state, and the stretching mechanism is in the unstretched state when the glove is packaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Jagmohan BHALLA
  • Patent number: 7958696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, III, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Patent number: 7958699
    Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a loose material that includes a compression chamber. Movement of a first ram discharges the loose material in a compressed state through an outlet port in the compression chamber. A packaging receptacle is positioned proximate the outlet port to receive the compressed material. The packaging receptacle is then moved to a second position where the movement of a second ram ejects the compressed material from the inner volume of the packaging receptacle. The second ram may be alternatively extended into and retracted from the packaging receptacle during ejection of the compressed material. The refilling of the compression chamber for the next cycle may begin prior to the retraction of the second ram from the packaging receptacle. A packaging jacket may be positioned about the packaging receptacle such that the ejection of the compressed material injects the compressed material into the packaging jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Rethceif Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Allen Honegger
  • Patent number: 7950203
    Abstract: A method of retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct, the method includes disposing a strap about a closed flexible container enclosing a longitudinally compressed duct to circumferentially restrict a circumferential dimension of the flexible container and a corresponding circumferential dimension of the longitudinally compressed duct intermediate a first end of the longitudinally compressed duct and a second end of the longitudinally compressed duct. The method further includes opening an end of the flexible container to allow expansion of the longitudinally compressed duct intermediate the opened end of the flexible container and the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: William R. Gray
  • Publication number: 20110094191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for mobile handling of wood chips, comprising a mobile platform (2) on which a wood chipper (3) is provided, a chip conveyor (4) connected to the chipper, a packaging device (6) and a packaging casing (7) provided at the packaging device (6) provided in order to package chips (9) into a tubular package (8) by means of said packaging casing (7), whereby said chip conveyor (4) is in the form of a screw conveyor with a screw (41), the outfeed end of which is provided to feed chips to a compaction device (5) positioned in connection with said packaging device (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: BRUUNS INNOVATIONS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Lars Bruun, Gosta Bruun
  • Patent number: 7908830
    Abstract: A stretch wrap assembly comprising a base, a turntable mounted on the base, a column on the base and a carriage movable upon the column. The carriage includes a first nip roller, a first pre-stretch roller, an idler roller, a second pre-stretch roller and a second nip roller. The carriage is configured to have stretch wrap threaded through the carriage from a roll of stretch wrap, around a portion of a circumferences of the first nip roller, the first pre-stretch roller, the idler roller, the second pre-stretch roller, and the second nip roller and to the package. The first nip roller and the second nip roller can be on a chassis to be able to move rotationally and laterally relative to the first pre-stretch roller and the second pre-stretch roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cousins Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Neil G. Cousins, Srbislav Z. Davidovic
  • Patent number: 7895813
    Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Primo International
    Inventors: Niaina Andria, George Itzkovitz
  • Publication number: 20100313523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compression plate, which ensures a tight wrapping of continuous film on at least one compressible object during a packaging process. Prior to closing the continuous foil wrapped around the compressible object, the compression plate compresses the compressible object unevenly so as to ensure a desired shape of the packed compressible object after closing the continuous foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SEELEN A/S
    Inventor: Anders Andersen
  • Publication number: 20100293894
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low friction gliding plate designed to optimize the process of packing at least one compressible object, such as insulation material, in continuous foil. In addition the present invention relates to a method for using a low friction gliding plate in packaging at least one compressible object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SEELEN A/S
    Inventor: Jan Waltersdorph Knoblauch
  • 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: 7827766
    Abstract: A bulk material is compacted from its bulk state into a rectangular parallelepiped so that it can readily be wrapped with stretch film. To this end, a stretch film is wrapped spirally around a cylindrical skirt section having an open end while the stretch film is being moved towards the open end of the skirt section, thereby forming a cylinder of such stretch film. While the cylinder of wrapped film is being moved further, a pressed load material is pushed out of the skirt section to push the pressed load material into the cylinder of wrapped film fed past the open end of the skirt section. The wrapped cylindrical film is severed at positions spaced from opposite ends of the load material covered therewith or is sealed at these opposite ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Matsumoto System Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryozo Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20100273698
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a package containing a compacted particulate composition, comprises wrapping a compacted particulate composition to sealing same with at least one film. Thereafter treating the resultant seams of the sealed composition to produce a package that is suitable for handling by a user than known packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Gunnar Noding, Frederic Moreux
  • Publication number: 20100236194
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, III, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100215813
    Abstract: This invention discloses a process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material. The process relates to optimizing both, the evacuation of the headspace in the pouch and the accuracy of the flowable material filled in the pouch. Specifically, the present invention employs a process that includes a multiple-step or a continuous compression of the pouch headspace to accomplish the goals. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G. Peterson, Joshua Michael Schutte
  • Publication number: 20100166927
    Abstract: A machine for canning tuna and similar food products comprises a conveyor belt feeder, a plurality of dosing chambers aligned with the feeder and formed in a rotor rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the feed direction, a mouth connecting the feeder to the dosing chambers, a blade to separate the product introduced in the dosing chambers from the bulk of fed product so as to obtain product cakes, shaping means suitable to shape the cakes into the desired shape and transferring means arranged at a second station reachable through a partial rotation of the rotor to transfer the shaped cakes into the cans carried by another rotor. The connecting mouth has a cross-section of substantially constant shape and the shaping is performed in the dosing chambers by shapers radially mobile along the arms of the rotor when the dosing chambers are still aligned with the feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Gianluca PARISINI, Ian Thomas COOPER
  • Patent number: 7739857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, III, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Patent number: 7735303
    Abstract: A tuna fish canning apparatus is provided wherein each can has a premium cake appearance. The machine has first and second turrets adjacent each other which rotate around a common axis. Fish slugs loaded into a shared pocket by the adjacent turrets are severed along a plane between the turrets to produce first and second cakes with each cake having a cut surface and each cake adapted to be transferred into a can. The present invention provides first and second knock-out plungers for ejecting the first and second cakes into cans, wherein the first and second knock-out plungers are positioned on opposite sides of the plane between the first and second turrets so that each cake has its freshly cut surface at the top of the can to provide a premium appearance. A method for achieving the same result is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Atlas Pacific Engineering Company
    Inventor: Michael Allen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7712410
    Abstract: An erosion control log and method for packing and handling erosion control logs. In one aspect, the erosion control logs are formed, stacked, compressed and prepared for delivery while retaining maximum decompressibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: American Excelsior Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Starrett, Rocky A. Van Gilder