By Heating Patents (Class 53/442)
  • Patent number: 11958646
    Abstract: A shrink-wrapping tunnel heater which comprises a gas heater which heats gas used to heat and shrink a shrink film onto articles, such as packages or packaging units. The heater has at least one porous burner which comprises a porous body or reactor. The porous body or reactor designed to combust fuel therein to produce heat, but without an open flame. Articles are moved through the shrink tunnel and the heated gas heats and shrinks shrinkwrap film onto the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Lelie
  • Patent number: 11939127
    Abstract: Pallet unit (1) for transporting objects comprising a pallet (10) and a stack (11) of object blocks (B1 . . . B5) arranged on the pallet (10). The pallet unit (1) comprises a wrapping sheet (12) having vertical portions (V1 . . . V12) and horizontal portions (h1 h15) covering parts of the blocks (B1 . . . B5), said wrapping sheet (12) being laid along a continuous path and extending at least partly within the stack (11). Method for palletizing object blocks using said pallet unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Johannes Zimmer, Julius Petrausch
  • Patent number: 11919691
    Abstract: A thermoplastic flexible package includes a first non-shrinkable panel, an opposing second non-shrinkable panel, a first shrinkable panel and an opposing a second shrinkable panel. The panels are connected longitudinally with panel seals. The first non-shrinkable panel and the second non-shrinkable panel each forms a gusset. A first seal connects the first shrinkable panel and the second shrinkable panel in the transverse direction at or near the upper edges. A second seal that opposes the first seal connects the first and second non-shrinkable panels and the first and shrinkable panels in the transverse direction at or near the lower edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: AMCOR FLEXIBLES NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jamie L. Schuberth, Jay D. Hodson, Jeffrey J. Smits
  • Patent number: 11745939
    Abstract: A packaged article is composed of a bulk bag having a top end and a bottom end. Further included is a pallet having a first side and a second side. Also included are an outer bag having a first closed end and a first open end and a heatshrink bag having a second closed end and a second open end. The first closed end of the outer bag is between the bottom end of the bulk bag and the first side of the pallet. The first open end of the outer bag is gathered over the top end of the bulk bag to enclose the bulk bag within the outer bag. The second closed end of the heatshrink bag is proximate to the top end of the bulk bag and the second open end contacts the second side of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Crown Products & Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur B. Brown
  • Patent number: 11517483
    Abstract: High-speed methods to close tubular plastic wrappers may include providing a packaging film on a mandrel in the form of a hollow tube, forming a folded surface by rotating the hollow tube and mandrel while counter-rotating a plate having a plurality of folding blades, to form a plurality of folds that define the folded surface, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tube, each folding blade engaging a portion of the protruding tube portion, applying heat and pressure to the folded surface to form a closed end, inserting the tampon into the tube, and closing the first end of the tube. The film material comprises at least one thermoplastic surface, and the mandrel has a first end extending from a revolving platform and a second end, distal the first end. The mandrel can rotate with respect to the revolving platform on which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Cankar, Markus Klar, Markus Anger, Martin Bergermann, Jens-Petter Arnesen
  • Patent number: 11485533
    Abstract: A system and method that causes at least one item to be placed within a portion of an elastic film positioned across a top surface of a container, the portion including a center portion in which the at least one item is placed. Air may be extracted from the container to create a vacuum within the cavity and to expand the center portion to create a void in the center portion within the cavity. Air may flow into the container to release the vacuum and contract the center portion of the elastic film as the void is decreased and eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Stuart Hoffman, Eric K. Wyman, Paul Roy Raines
  • Patent number: 11472581
    Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a frame for supporting a wrapping unit arranged to wrap a load with a film of plastic material, and a covering apparatus arranged to supply a covering sheet to be positioned on top of the load. The covering apparatus includes a reel of covering sheet and gripping assembly movable along an unwinding direction and arranged to grasp and unwind from the reel and place above the load the covering sheet. The covering apparatus includes a supporting structure connected to an upper portion of the frame and slidably supporting the gripping assembly, and a supplying unit supporting a respective reel of covering sheet and reversibly coupled to the supporting structure so as to be removable and replaceable with another supplying unit, in particular in case of depletion of the reel of covering sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: AETNA GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cereā€²
  • Patent number: 11401067
    Abstract: A tray sealing machine comprises a gripper device including first and second tray grippers that operate together to take up trays provided by a feed unit and transport them to a sealing station that is downstream in a production direction. A speed of the first and second tray grippers in the production direction when respectively performing a closing motion from a respective initial position toward a respective closing position can be accelerated such that the speed of the first and second tray grippers in the production direction relative to a belt speed of the feed unit during a predetermined first time interval is slower than the belt speed, and during a subsequent predetermined second time interval until the respective closing position has been reached is greater than the belt speed, so that gripper fingers on the first and second tray grippers immerse into respective position windows located between the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Albert Gabler, Peter Buchberger
  • Patent number: 11345496
    Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a packed body that does not fall off and collapse during transportation and does not cause damage to cartons and paper material locally and around which a packing film can be wound easily. A packed body production method includes a first step in which a layered body is formed by stacking cartons containing toilet paper rolls and in which an insertion section into which a fork unit of a forklift is inserted is formed at a predetermined position in the layered body, a second step in which a first packing film is wound spirally around at least side surfaces of the layered body, and a third step in which a second packing film is wound around the layered body so as to close an opening of the insertion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: CORELEX SHIN-EI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 11325734
    Abstract: A heat shrinking apparatus 1 includes: a conveyance unit 11 conveying a package 3 obtained by wrapping an object(s) 5 with a heat-shrink film 4; an endless belt 21 disposed below a conveying surface of the conveyance unit, rotating along a conveying direction of the conveyance unit; and a hot air jet unit 19(20) jetting out hot air from an inside to an outside of a belt surface of the endless belt facing the conveying surface, wherein: the endless belt has a hot air passing portion 30 extending in a belt width direction; the hot air jet unit jets out the hot air toward the conveying surface through the hot air passing portion; and the endless belt rotates following a movement of the package so that a seal portion(s) 6a(6b) provided at a front end and/or a rear end of the package is/are heat-shrunk with the hot air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: OMORI MACHINERY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 11217821
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a sulfide-based solid electrolyte with a balance between the ion conductivity of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte and the heat generation amount of an electrode layer containing the sulfide-based solid electrolyte during an electrode reaction. Disclosed is a method for producing a sulfide-based solid electrolyte comprising a sulfide glass-based material that contains at least one lithium halide compound selected from the group consisting of LiI, LiBr and LiCl, the method comprising immersing the sulfide glass-based material, which is at least one sulfide glass-based material selected from the group consisting of a sulfide glass and a glass ceramic, in an organic solvent having a solubility parameter of 7.0 or more and 8.8 or less, for 1 hour to 100 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Osada, Ayano Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11174050
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a conveyor that moves one or more supports towards a packaging station, while a plastic film to be applied to said one or more supports is simultaneously transported to the packaging station itself. A longitudinally cutting unit longitudinally cuts the plastic film in order to form two or more film strips, and a compensating device exerts a tensioning action on one or more portions of said film strips. A packaging method includes longitudinally cutting the plastic film into strips and compensating to suitably tautly hold the film strips during their movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Cryovac, LLC
    Inventor: Riccardo Palumbo
  • Patent number: 11130596
    Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to an automated packaging apparatus and system that packages loose particles into a conical container as well as the final folded packages. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied to successive paper cones. The apparatus packs the crumbled leaves into the cones, closes the wide top portion of the cone into a precise shape, and then runs a quality control check to ensure that the final filled cone meets preset specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: MPI, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Holderman, Gregory A. Russell
  • Patent number: 11097865
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a packaging apparatus and method for packaging an article with a tubular film to be pulled over the article. The packaging apparatus has a machine frame on which a film supply apparatus and a film covering apparatus are mounted. The packaging apparatus includes a releasable drive coupling usable to operatively couple a drive with either the film covering apparatus or the film supply apparatus (or a subcomponent of the film supply apparatus). Once coupled, the drive can move the film covering apparatus or the film supply apparatus relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventor: Carsten Fenn
  • Patent number: 11059614
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an insulation packaging system. The insulation packaging system includes a plurality of insulation packages with first ends and second ends. The plurality of insulation packages defining an axis. A first film wraps around the axis to compress and couple the plurality of insulation packages together, while a second film wraps around the first and second ends of the plurality of insulation packages. The first and second films are different films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Mark Alan Granger, Bradley Ray Lockwood
  • Patent number: 10974857
    Abstract: A method for creating an opening in a sheath, made of stretch film, that retains a goods stack arranged on a pallet. The pallet comprising an upper-side deck surface as support for the goods stack and lower-side support feet. The sheath engages under the support feet arranged in the region of the four outer edges of the pallet. At least one opening is in the sheath between two support feet . At least one opening is generated such that the sheath is first heated, the heated sheath is retracted from the pallet and then, still in the heated state, displaced upward. The upwardly displaced sheath is secured in its upwardly displaced position by cooling. The invention also relates to a shaping apparatus, and additionally to at least one heating device for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: MSKā€”Verpackungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Hannen, Michael Oymann, Enrico Czok
  • Patent number: 10943207
    Abstract: Shipment receiving systems and methods are disclosed. Invoice and store inventory management data is provided to an invoice processor for assigning expected destinations to lanes of a material transporter having and a plurality of outlet lanes that each have an indicator. A scanner determines a case identifier for each case which is routed accordingly. One or more notifications is provided to the indicator of one or more of the plurality of outlet lanes. Received shipment data enables reconciliation of upstream supply change management systems and downstream store inventory systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert James Taylor, Jason Bellar, John Crecelius, Matthew David Alexander, William M. Propes, Jesse Berry, Jeffrey Scott Cruz
  • Patent number: 10921059
    Abstract: Provided is a device for drying objects that are, for example, moving on a conveyor belt or assembly line. The objects may be container such as, for example, empty or filled can, empty or filled bottles, or non-container objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeem Edward Newland, III, William Mark Feldmann
  • Patent number: 10807807
    Abstract: A method of arranging articles. The method can comprise moving a bucket in a machine direction on a conveyor assembly. The bucket can comprise a receiving space. The method further can comprise loading a plurality of articles into an arrangement of articles in the receiving space as the bucket moves in the machine direction. The arrangement of articles can comprise at least a first article and a second article of the plurality of articles. The method also can comprise elevating at least the first article with respect to the second article in the receiving space of the bucket, and compacting the arrangement of articles in the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly W. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 10479579
    Abstract: A method of packaging a product includes heating a film of plastic material to a forming temperature until it is thermoformable. At least one of the heated film and at least one product to be packaged are moved in relation to each other until the at least one product deforms the heated film and forms at least one pocket in the heated film that at least partially encapsulates the at least one product. The deformed film with the at least one product at least partially encapsulated in the at least one pocket is then cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Melvin A. Pendergraph
  • Patent number: 10160558
    Abstract: A selectively reconfigurable wrapping machine [A] for sequentially wrapping upright products. An infeed conveyor carries products to a wrapping station module where a tube of shrink-wrap material, pulled from rolled storage [B], is formed about the products by a film directing and tracking module generally designated [C] by use of a film plow [D]. Marginal edges of the shrink-wrap material are joined by a selectively configurable bottom seal module [E] which pulls the tube in to form a selectively positionable longitudinal bottom seal. A film sealing and cutting module [G] has opposed sealing heads [G2L, G2R] carried to face each other with fixed angular orientation such that the heads travel with products in the tube for a distance as it moves giving sealing dwell time for nonstop operation. A microprocessor-driven control system provides user setup controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: TEXWRAP PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Brian R. Stork
  • Patent number: 9969511
    Abstract: A method for shrinking selected spaced apart portions of film wrapped around a series of products of similar dimension being conveyed by a conveyor along a path in a selected direction is provide. The method involves the steps of: (a) indexing the conveyor and stopping the conveyor; (b) while the conveyor is stopped, causing heated fluid to flow from one or more nozzles so that a first heated fluid flow impinges upon selected portions of film in the vicinity of a product leading edge and a second heated fluid flow impinges upon selected portion of film in the vicinity of a product trailing edge; (b) repeating steps (a) and (b) multiple times so that, for multiple instances of the product, selected portions of film along both trailing and leading edges of each instance of the product are caused to shrink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: OSSID LLC, IBARAKI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ernest C. Newell, Yasutaka Suga
  • Patent number: 9926091
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shrink tunnel for use in a production system for the production of packaging units from packaging materials filled with a product and having shrink film shrunk thereon, the shrink tunnel comprising a tunnel zone, heating means for application of heat to shrink the shrink film onto packaging units moved through the tunnel zone, the tunnel zone being maintained at a tunnel temperature equal to a target operating temperature, wherein the tunnel has an operating mode and a standby mode, wherein heat output during the standby mode is less than heat output during the operating mode, and wherein the standby mode is triggered by at least one of a time control and a signal control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Schilling
  • Patent number: 9340328
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted for sealing bags includes a hot air manifold along which a bag is conveyed after the bag has been filled with contents and closed. The manifold includes a hot air chamber having first air passages transmitting hot air under pressure to heat a portion of a first adhesive layer on the bag to an adhesive state, and second air passages transmitting hot air under pressure to heat a second adhesive layer on the bag to an adhesive state. A hot air deflector covers selected second air passages transmitting the hot air, wherein the apparatus is adapted for sealing woven polymeric bags with the adhesive layers. The hot air deflector is moveable to a position uncovering the selected second air passages to increase the amount of hot air, wherein the apparatus is adapted for sealing multi-wall paper bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Coating Excellence International LLC
    Inventor: Gary F. Sargin
  • Patent number: 9266632
    Abstract: An article processing method is generally provided, namely, a method in furtherance of the formation of a split or splittable article pack. Spaced apart article groups are formed from a stream of articles. Each panel of panels of a supply of panels is passed through a processing station for execution of a processing step so as to establish a stream of processed panels. A processed panel of the stream of processed panels is associated with an article group of the spaced apart article groups so as to form a splittable article pack. The splittable article pack may be bundled for subsequent splitting, or split via in-line processing and discrete sub-packs having origins in the split splittable article pack bundled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon J. Anderson, Gerald R. Kluver
  • Patent number: 9216832
    Abstract: This invention is to replace the need for a corrugated carton by wrapping an article with a heat shrinkable bubble wrap film. Heat shrinking the bubble wrap will allow the bubble wrap to shrink sufficiently to conform to an article such as a group of containers, e.g. bottles. Because of the inability of the bubble wrap film to tightly shrink around the containers, the containers can move and bump each other. To ensure stability, the bubble wrapped article is film wrapped with a heat shrink film and heat shrunk to provide an article that does not require a corrugated box for to ensure the integrity of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Patent number: 9162787
    Abstract: A tangential airstream heat shrinking device of plastic film has a chassis, a heating chamber, air blowers, and high-temperature airstream ejectors. The heating chamber is mounted on the chassis and the heating channel is under the heating chamber. The air blowers are mounted to a bottom of the chassis. The high-temperature airstream ejectors are respectively fit into the mounting holes of the heating chamber. Heated air is discharged through a high-temperature airstream discharging opening of the air blade section under a respective high-temperature airstream ejector. A high-temperature airstream discharging opening is located inside the heating channel of the heating chamber. Each high-temperature airstream ejector can be rotationally adjusted so that the high-temperature airstreams are supplied along routes defined by different tangents at different angles along the circumference of a film-packaged article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Tzu-Chin Hung
  • Patent number: 9032696
    Abstract: A method of shrinking a heat shrinkable film onto product units, in which a heat shrinkable film is wrapped around a product unit so as to form an opening in the heat shrinkable film on a side of the product unit. A hot, gaseous medium is then emitted from at least one discharge or nozzle to thereby shrink the heat shrinkable film on the product unit while simultaneously moving the product unit on a conveying arrangement along a transport path. The emission of the hot, gaseous medium is controlled such that essentially all of the hot, gaseous medium emitted from the at least one discharge to shrink the heat shrinkable film on the product unit, during movement of the product unit along the transport path, is directed at the side of the product unit having the opening in the heat shrinkable film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Schilling
  • Patent number: 9027313
    Abstract: Apparatus and a process for dividing heat-shrinkable plastic film into different temperature regions within a shrink wrap oven including a movable platform; a cylindrical tube immovably mounted within the oven in the direction of movement of the platform and including a platform for supporting a portion of the heat-shrinkable plastic film and a slit running the length of said cylindrical tube; a package covered with heat shrinkable plastic film and including that portion of the heat-shrinkable plastic film resting on the platform adjacent the cylindrical tube; an electric fan mounted at the opposite end of the cylindrical tube containing the platform and sucking ambient air through the cylindrical tube to cool that portion of the heat-shrinkable plastic film as the heat-shrinkable plastic film is tightly shrunk around the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Reelex Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Copp, G. Taylor Richey
  • Publication number: 20150121812
    Abstract: This invention is to register printed film on product while wrapping the printed film from a single roll. This is achieved by using a sensor that can read a mark on the film in order to insure that a predetermined length of film is pulled off the roll and the printed portion of the film is in registration with the product. The marks on the film establish the amount of film needed to wrap the product. A sensor such as a photo sensor reads the mark and determines whether the proper length of the film has been pulled off the roll. When the amount of film pulled of the roll does not coincided with sensor reading, the distance between where the product stops and the sealing bar is varied. This allows the length of the film to be adjusted until the sensor readings and the length of the film coincides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Patent number: 9003747
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide an alternative way of wrapping a product with cardboard at faster speed and maintain stacking strength. This accomplished by bending two strips of cardboard into the shape of a U channel where the sides of the U form an angle smaller than 90 degrees with the center part of the U form. The sides of the U channel cardboard will be open by a guide that will allow each U channel cardboard piece to slide around each end of the product without requiring glue to hold the U Channel in position. By maintaining an angle of less than 90 degrees the U channel cardboard acts like a spring clamp around the product and maintains its position on the conveyor belt while the product is film wrapped and the film is heat shrunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Publication number: 20150068943
    Abstract: A process for collation shrink wrapping an object that may include a number of individual product containers, preferably substantially identical product containers. The process may include the steps of (i) obtaining a collation shrink film that may include a multimodal linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), the film being a stretched film that is uniaxially oriented in the machine direction (MD) in a draw ratio of at least 1:3, (ii) wrapping the object in the film, and (iii) heating the object wrapped in the film in order to collation shrink the film around the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Borealis AG
    Inventors: Peter Niedersuess, Minna Aarnio-Winterhof, Paulo Cavacas
  • Publication number: 20150040520
    Abstract: An apparatus for heat shrinking a package, comprising: a chamber configured such that a package on a surface or the apparatus may be heat shrunk via a heating fluid in the chamber; and a preheat container configured to supply a preheated liquid to a heat tank from which the heating fluid is supplied to the chamber; wherein the preheat container is above the surface such that liquid in the preheat container can be preheated by heat from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Landolt, Andre Steiner
  • Publication number: 20150013273
    Abstract: The present invention is tamper evident shrinkable label with expanded content. The label comprises a label formed from a film having first and second ends, an adhesive coating on a backside of the label for attachment to a consumer product, an expanded content panel at least partly defined by the first end of the label and extending past the second end of the label on a consumer product, and a release coating on a front side of the label positioned opposite to releasably adhere to the backside of the expanded content panel on a consumer product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Sancoa International Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Barron G. McKillip, Barry Hostetter, Ulrich E. Weyermann
  • Publication number: 20140366488
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for shrinking a shrink film (1) onto a stack of goods (2), wherein a shrink frame (3) is provided, which can be moved on the stack of goods and which surrounds the stack of goods while the shrink film is shrunk on. The shrink frame has a plurality of heating apparatuses distributed over the perimeter of the shrink frame for heating the shrink film for the shrinking process. Furthermore, there is a cover plate (6) that covers the stack of goods and that is arranged in particular at a distance from the top side (7) of the stack of goods during the shrinking process. Side walls (11) extending along the stack of goods are provided between the shrink frame and the cover plate, and intermediate spaces for the heated gases flowing upward are formed between the stack of goods and the side walls. The cover plate can be moved toward the top side of the stack of goods and can be moved away from the top side of the stack of goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Norbert Vermeulen
  • Publication number: 20140331610
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical product supply including primary packaging (e.g., a blister card) having a plurality of receptacles and pharmaceutical product (e.g., one or more pills, capsules, etc.) enclosed within at least one of the receptacles. Heating the pharmaceutical product supply to at least an activation temperature of a heat-activated encapsulation material associated with the supply may encapsulate the pharmaceutical product to reduce the likelihood that the pharmaceutical product can thereafter be administered, and thereby facilitates disposal of the pharmaceutical product. In one embodiment, a tray of a primary packaging is constructed of the heat-activated encapsulation material. In another embodiment, primary packaging may be disposed within a cavity of secondary packaging (e.g., carton), and the heat-activated encapsulation material may be in the form of a layer that is also located within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Robert J. Ziemba, Vernon D. Ortenzi
  • Publication number: 20140325940
    Abstract: A method for packaging a large component into a protective case, which has a first and second reclosable access and a plurality of protective-case parts, wherein the large component has an access opening, comprising the following steps: providing prefabricated protective-case parts; attaching the protective-case parts to the large component; welding the transitions between the protective-case parts; shrinking the protective case; and arranging the first reclosable access in the protective case over the access opening. The packaging process is significantly accelerated compared to the known methods due to the prefabrication of the protective-case parts before the start of the method. Furthermore, the prefabrication provides the advantage that the prefabricated parts can be produced in series. As a result, the protective-case parts for several large components of the same type can be produced or purchased more cheaply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: SENVION SE
    Inventors: Christoph Mueller, Sven Schumann
  • Patent number: 8826632
    Abstract: A packaging module for wrapping packs or article groups with packaging film. The packs or article groups to be wrapped are transported in an upright position on a horizontal conveying device to a packaging station. A film wrapping device includes at least one wrapping rod extending perpendicular to the transport direction and is guided on both long sides of the horizontal conveying device by continuous traction devices. The continuous traction devices each includes guiding sections that define the position and the deflection of the continuous traction device. The corresponding guiding sections of the two parallel continuous traction devices are adjustable pair wise in the same direction in their vertical and/or horizontal position and/or in their angular position about a pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Christian Hastreiter, Peter Koch
  • Publication number: 20140231493
    Abstract: A package assembly includes a number of containers, a heat-shrink wrapping disposed around the containers and tear strip; the tear strip aids in opening the heat-shrink wrapping. The tear strip can be defined by perforations disposed through the heat-shrink wrapping and arranged in pathways. The perforations are cut in the heat-shrink wrapping with a packaging apparatus having a cutting member. The cutting member is used in combination with a die to leave a chad attached to heat-shrink wrapping. Thereafter, the heat-shrink wrapping is shrunk with a heating source in order to bundle containers together within the package assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: DELKOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Dale C. Andersen, Kevin B. Weiss
  • Patent number: 8807130
    Abstract: An apparatus intended for generating process heat for a packaging arrangement and can be operated using an energy source which can only be regulated to a limited extent, if at all. For this purpose, the apparatus contains a heat-transfer medium and a heat accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Norbert Fleck
  • Publication number: 20140208695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shrink film having a multilayer structure, wherein the core layer of the film includes polypropylene, hydrocarbon resin and block-copolymer rubber. The invention also relates to a label including said film and to use of films for labelling recyclable or reusable items. Further the invention relates to a method for producing shrink film, to a method for attaching a shrink film to an article, and to a method separating a shrink film from an article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: UPM RAFLATAC OY
    Inventor: Noel Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20140202117
    Abstract: A method for shrinking selected spaced apart portions of film wrapped around a series of products of similar dimension being conveyed by a conveyor along a path in a selected direction is provide. The method involves the steps of: (a) indexing the conveyor and stopping the conveyor; (b) while the conveyor is stopped, causing heated fluid to flow from one or more nozzles so that a first heated fluid flow impinges upon selected portions of film in the vicinity of a product leading edge and a second heated fluid flow impinges upon selected portion of film in the vicinity of a product trailing edge; (b) repeating steps (a) and (b) multiple times so that, for multiple instances of the product, selected portions of film along both trailing and leading edges of each instance of the product are caused to shrink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Ernest C. Newell, Yasutaka Suga
  • Publication number: 20140178533
    Abstract: A labelling system includes a dispensing apparatus to present respective cut and opened sleeves of shrink-wrap label stock material for insertion of claws of crustaceans, and a heating apparatus to apply heat to the sleeves to shrink the sleeves around the claws. A related method includes inserting a claw of a crustacean into a sleeve of shrink-wrap label stock material, and applying heat to the sleeve to shrink the sleeve around the claw. Another method involves providing a dispensing apparatus to present respective cut and opened sleeves of shrink-wrap label stock material to receive claws of crustaceans, and providing a heating apparatus to apply heat to the sleeves to shrink the sleeves around the claws. A seafood product may include a crustacean having a claw, the claw carrying a shrink-wrap label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CLEARWATER SEAFOODS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Timothy Andrew Burke, Ben Garvey, Lee Babin, Gleb Sekretta, Louis-Phillipe Frederick Manuge, Sean O'Leary
  • Publication number: 20140157724
    Abstract: An object is first wrapped with a strip of thermoplastic film such that upper edges of the strip project upward past a top face of the object and fold inward onto outer edge regions of the top face of the object. Then a cover sheet is laid on the top face over the folded-in edges of the strip with outer edges of the cover sheet projecting outward past and hanging down around the wrapped object outside the film strip. A heated plate is then pressed down against the cover sheet and hot air is blown against the strip on the side faces so as to shrink the strip against the side faces and such that the hot air rises and welds the outer cover-sheet edges sheet to the strip around upper regions of the side faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Reiner HANNEN, Norbert VERMEULEN
  • Publication number: 20140151258
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a film comprising a blend of about 90% to 99% polyester and about 1% to 10% biodegradable aliphatic or aromatic polyester (by weight). It has been surprisingly discovered that polymeric films comprising the disclosed blend exhibit improved flexibility and impact strength compared to polyester films known in the art. Films with the disclosed blends also advantageously do not adversely affect recyclability of the film. The disclosed films can be used in a wide variety of areas, including (but not limited to) shrink sleeve applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Parimal M. Vadhar, Larry B. McAllister, JR., XiaoJun Li
  • Publication number: 20140144104
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a first pack (1) and a second pack (2) arranged in a stack which is movable on a transport path (3) comprises a deflection unit (4). The deflection unit comprises at least one deflection device (40; 41) having at least one pair (400, 401; 410, 411) of rotatable rollers which are positioned laterally adjacent to the transport path (3). A first roller of the pair of rollers is positioned at one side of the transport path (3), and a second roller of the pair of rollers is positioned at the other side of the transport path (3). The at least one pair of rollers is arranged to define a deflection path (402; 412) which includes an acute angle (?) with the transport path (3) of the stack. The apparatus allows for separation of the first pack (1) from the second pack (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventors: Pawel Babraj, Edward Kowalik
  • Publication number: 20140096486
    Abstract: A method for producing a packaging unit includes combining individual products into a product formation, providing a shrink-wrap film having a perforation area that is susceptible to contact-free activation, and using the shrink-wrap film, securing the individual products to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Wolfgang Buchkremer, Gernot Keil, Franz Mader, Werner Oster, Hajo Friesen, Norbert Pastoors
  • Publication number: 20140091004
    Abstract: A package assembly for packaging a replacement mower blade is provided. The package assembly includes a blade hang tab removably attached to an end of a mower blade. A shrink film tube is positioned about the mower blade and blade hang tab, wherein the shrink film is heated to shrink the shrink film and secure the blade hang tab to the mower blade. In another embodiment, the package assembly includes multiple blades encased within shrink film with a blade hang tab attached to one of the blades within the shrink film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Matthew Montgomery, Aaron Morton, Jeffrey Wolf, Edward Mohler
  • Publication number: 20140069060
    Abstract: A system and method for coiling and sealing an elongate, flexible component includes a coiler and a sealer positioned beneath the coiler. The coiler includes a rotatable central core and a feeding tube for guiding and transferring a free end of the flexible component onto the central core to form a coil. The coil is then dropped in a generally vertical downward direction from the coiler into a partially-sealed and partially-opened container positioned beneath the coiler and disposed within the sealer. The sealer seals the remaining one or more open sides of the container and then drops the coil encased within the sealed container in a generally vertical downward direction onto a conveyor. The container may be made of a heat-shrinkable material and the conveyor may transport the sealed container into a heat-shrink oven to heat shrink the container around the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: WINDAK INC.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Shelander, Margus Niinepuu
  • Publication number: 20140053509
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a shrink film free of silicon-containing material, fluorine-containing material, and solvent-formed seams. The shrink film utilizes a water soluble layer covering an adhesive layer. The water soluble layer is in dry form and non-tacky, allowing processing of the shrink film subsequent to adhesive application to the shrink film. When the water soluble layer is dissolved, the adhesive layer is exposed and is capable of forming a permanent bond. The adhesive can be used to form a seam in the film and/or can be used to form a bond between the film and a substrate. The water soluble layer facilitates removal of an optional release liner from the adhesive. A substrate with the shrink film attached thereto and a related method of attaching a heat shrinkable film to a substrate are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin O. HENDERSON, Hoang T. PHAM