Abstract: A new bag cassette having a main bottom panel formed by a diagonal panel defined by a pair of spaced parallel fold lines and a pair of side panels is used to protect and position a bag and for squaring a carton. The bag spout is held in a reinforcing panel connected to the main bottom panel by a spacing panel and the bag is protected by the envelope formed by folding the two side panels perpendicular to the diagonal panel. To square a box having a cross section substantially corresponding with the periphery of the main panel, the cassette is inserted into the box with a diagonal panel extending diagonally between the pair of opposed corners of the box and with the side panels in folded enveloping position substantially perpendicular to the diagonal panel. As the cassette is moved down into the box it tends to force the box into squared position. Folding out of the side panels into a position parallel to the diagonal panel completes the squaring and positions the cassette in the bottom of the box.

Abstract: A medicine container and cover therefor. The medicine container has side walls which have wave portions. The medicine container also having end walls which are angular with respect to the side walls. Therefore, the medicine container can be easily and readily grasped for retaining the medicine container for dispensing the contents of the container. The medicine container also has a flange which extends from the walls. The cover is attached to the flange. The cover has tab portions which extend from the flange and which can be grasped for easy opening of the medicine container to dispense the contents of the medicine container.

Abstract: A package and packaging method for a liquid sample in which the liquid sample is sealed in a flexible envelope of film material and the envelope is in turn supported in a protective enclosure having greater rigidity than the envelope. The envelope is engaged around a portion of its perimetral extent to leave the envelope exposed outside the engaged portion and free and unsupported along the remaining portion of its perimetral extent. The protective enclosure is thicker than the envelope so that the envelope is recessed and confined between the outer surfaces of the protective enclosure. The envelope is removed from the enclosure by manually engaging the exposed portion and pulling with sufficient force to overcome the support of the envelope by the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package for and method of packaging a sterilizable calibratable medical device including a hydratable sensor component. The device is maintained in a sterile environment during storage and in a clean environment during the calibration procedure. The package includes a manifold connected to the sensor component by plumbing. The plumbing establishes fluid communication between the manifold and the sensor component and/or between the sensor component and the ambient environment of the plumbing. The manifold, plumbing and medical device are sealed in a wrap including a gas-permeable surface. The wrap and its contents, including the interior surfaces of the components, are sterilizable by exposing the wrap to a gaseous sterilization solution and appropriately adjusting the plumbing. The medical device is hydratable by directing the hydration solution to the sensor component by means of the plumbing.

Abstract: The invention is a method of protectively packaging one or more articles in a container utilizing a foam cushion as a protective medium for the article or articles within the container. The method comprises providing a foam cushion forming station wherein cushions are successively formed from plastic film material formed into bags which are moved vertically downwardly with a predetermined amount of a foamable composition deposited in the bags for thereafter substantially filling the bag as the composition foams. Open-topped containers with one or more articles present therein are successively moved in a predetermined pat of travel to and beneath the foam cushion forming station.

Abstract: A method of providing oxygen barrier properties to a retorted container is described. A retort container is filled with a product sensitive to spoilage from oxygen contact, such as certain food. The filled container is heat sealed closed, retorted, and then enclosed with a oxygen barrier material.

Abstract: In a method and a device for producing bags wrapped in a carton, carton blanks are fed to a first conveyor in which a square tubular half-finished carton is produced which is fed to a second conveyor wherein the half-finished carton is formed into a box-like shaped carton, into which a bag made of film in a bag making apparatus is inserted. The bag wrapped with carton is then filled with a product to be packed and sealed.

Abstract: A packaging system comprises a first bag portion defining an inflated first chamber and a second bag portion defining an inflated second chamber with the bag portions overlying each other to define a pocket therebetween having an article compressed and retained therein. The bag portions are pivotally connected together at a rearward side of the system and overlying edge portions of the bag portions are heat-sealed together at opposite lateral sides of the packaging system. The frontal side of the packaging system is open to permit insertion of the article into the pocket whereafter the packaging system is preferably inflated with a pressurized fluid, such as air, to compress superimposed panels of the bag portions against the article to retain it within the pocket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a protective cover for a flexible semi-bulk container to protect the container from contamination during filling, handling and storing. The protective covering forms no permanent bond and is strippable from the outside of the container when the container is ready for marketing and display.

Abstract: An overhead stretched film wrapping apparatus, wherein the carriage carrying the film dispenser is adjustable upwardly or downwardly during the overhead wrapping; pre-stretched film dispensing devices and gantry mounted variations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a quantity of ice for transportation to a remote location consisting of bagging a plurality of bags of ice, then stacking the frozen bags of ice vertically on a pallet to a predetermined height. The pallet is wrapped with a material to form a first assembled unit. The unit is then placed in a freezer having a temperature at or below 20.degree. F. for a period of time sufficient to set the product. Once "set", the unit is boxed in a rigid container having sidewalls and a lid. The sidewalls are banded to form a rigid second assembly and the second assembly which is returned to the freezer for storage until it is transported to a remote location.

Abstract: A package for extended storage and in-store display of fresh red meat is disclosed. Preferably the package is made by a vacuum skin packaging process wherein the forming web is a composite peelable film having a peelable oxygen barrier layer and an oxygen permeable skin layer which remains to enclose the product when the peelable film is removed after storing. A means and method for readily initiating the peeling process is provided by a combination of a manual pull tab and selected perforations of the forming web.

Abstract: A cassette containing a group of sealed cells is used as a means for delivering doses of fluid to be injected into a sterilizing chamber. After the cassette is automatically positioned over a piercing mechanism, the cassette is moved downwardly so that a cell is pierced. Fluid is then forced out of the cell by pneumatic pressure into an injector valve, which opens in a manner which does not adversely affect a vacuum within the chamber.

Abstract: A plastic bag lined container is disclosed which includes four sides, a bottom and a top, with the container including a plastic bag liner loosely disposed therein which at least covers the container sidewalls. Incorporating a plastic liner in the container for discharge of elastic tapes or threads substantially reduces friction against the sidewalls during high speed discharge, while providing air pockets for even packing along the sidewalls, achieving uniform tension in the material during discharge to assure relatively precise elastic elongation in final products wherein the elastic tapes or threads are used.

Abstract: A packaging material and a method of forming the packaging material into a flexible, disposable food container adapted to contain and maintain food in a fresh and sanitary condition, and to ship, display, heat and brown, and serve the food is disclosed. The method includes forming patches of microwave interactive material on a web of plastic and laminating the web of plastic to one side of a web of structural stock material to form a composite web; the microwave interactive material is sandwiched between the web of plastic and the web of structural stock material. Sealant is applied to portions of the plastic layer in registry with the patches of microwave interactive material to seal ends of the composite web. Printed graphics are applied to portions of the structural stock material layer in registry with the patches of microwave interactive material and the sealant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing a foam wrapped package for protecting a roll of pressure-sensitive carbonless copy paper. Interleaved foam and film are wrapped under tension around the outer periphery of the roll of carbonless paper by selectively rotating the roll and separately feeding packaging foam and stretch film toward the rotating roll.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of packaging vials containing diagnostic specimens for purposes of transport. The method is comprised of the steps of: firstly, wrapping a vial in shock absorbing material; secondly, inserting the vial wrapped in shock absorbing material in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel having moisture absorbing material lining the bottom; thirdly, wrapping the sides of the pressure vessel with a plurality of layers of cardboard; fourthly, shielding the top and bottom of the pressure vessel with a plurality of layers of cardboard; and fifthly, sealing the pressure vessel with cardboard wrap and shielding in a cardboard box.

Abstract: A method for packaging a product includes the steps of placing the product on a first metallic sheet; placing a second metallic sheet over the product; placing the first sheet, product, and second sheet on a supporting member; applying a top web over the second sheet and in sealing arrangement with the supporting member, by a vacuum skin packaging process; and bringing the first and second sheet together to substantially enclose the product between the two sheets. Alternatively, a packet having a first metallic sheet, a product on the sheet, and a second metallic sheet disposed over the product is placed on a supporting member; a top web is placed over the packet by a vacuum skin packaging process; and the first and second sheets are brought together to substantially enclose the product between the sheets. In another embodiment, the product may be placed within a pouch which is then placed on a first sheet with a second sheet placed over the pouch.

Abstract: A tamper indicator for a blister package having a rupturable lid which is attached to a base formed with recesses that hold articles in the recesses between the lid and the base. The indicator comprises an easily ruptured and tearable film that completely covers the exposed surface of the base and is attached to the lid near the juncture of the lid and the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging edible solid fats, and more particularly to a two-piece packaging system comprising an outer casing of container or similar rigid material, defining the overall shape of the package, and an inner sealed bag of a thin, flexible packaging material. In the practice of the present invention, the fats are heated to a molten state, introduced into the inner sealed bag, and allowed to cool and harden in the bag.

Abstract: A film web is dispensed from a film web dispenser and wrapped around a bundle by moving the bundle into an applicator mandrel, revolving the film web dispenser relative to the applicator mandrel, dispensing the film web from the film web dispenser on to the applicator mandrel at a constant supply speed. The film web, wrapped around the applicator mandrel, is transported beyond the downstream end of the applicator mandrel, the bundle is moved beyond the downstream end of the applicator mandrel and the film web is applied from the applicator mandrel onto the bundle so as provide a containment force in the film web after it is applied onto the bundle. A dual stage wrapping system is used in such a manner that each orbinting dispenser is restrained to dispense the film web at a constant supply speed less than the lowest film demand speed at the applicator mandrel and independent of the tension on the film web between the film web dispenser and the applicator mandrel.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the fabrication of a thermoplastic container having a lid bonded thereto. The container and lid are formed from laminated thermoplastics wherein at least one of the layers that forms the laminate is dielectrically heatable. The heatable layers of the cup and lid are placed in contact with one another, dielectrically heated, and melt together to form a continuous bonded area or lid seam between the cup and lid. The materials of the cup and lid are selected such that the resultant bonded area forms an exygen barrier between the contents of the container and the outside environment. The strength of the bonded area is selected such that the lid may be manually-removed from the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for draping blanks around blocks of parallel cigarettes has a continuously driven turret with radially inwardly extending pockets in its peripheral surface. Successive pockets of the turret receive blocks of cigarettes from successive pockets of a first endless belt or chain conveyor which partially overlies the peripheral surface of the turret and carries pushers which transfer the blocks into the pockets of the turret in the region of overlap. First blanks are caused to overlie the pockets of the turret ahead of the region of overlap so that the blocks deform the blanks during transfer into the pockets of the turret. The blanks are provided with flaps and tucks during travel with the turret, and the latter is further overlapped by a portion of a second endless belt or chain conveyor whose pockets receive blocks and the at least partially draped first blanks from the pockets of the turret in the region where the second conveyor overlaps the peripheral surface of the turret.

Abstract: A thermally insulated container is provided, mainly intended for storing and transporting material such as vaccine, biological material or the like, which requires storing at a constant temperature during several months. The container comprises an outer and an inner vessel each of which is hermetically sealed and defining an outer and an inner space respectively. The material to be kept at said temperature is arranged in the inner space. A solid-to-liquid phase transforming material is arranged in the inner space completely surrounding said material. A composite insulation fills out the outer space and comprises layers of a porous material under vacuum alternating with layers of a heat reflecting material. The insulation encloses the inner vessel on all sides and the outer space is free from structural connections extending between the inner and outer vessels, so that thermal bridges between the inner and outer vessels are effectively prevented.

Abstract: A combination, or distributor package including upper and lower groups or sub- packages of containers each created by a unitary multi-packaging device, a thin, flexible sheet separating the upper group from the lower group and a tightly, tensioned, envelop around the top, bottom and sides of the groups created by a spirally applied stretch film.

Abstract: A biological product shipping tube comprising a first tubular section having a closed end, a second tubular section integrally connected to the first tubular section, a collar formed at the end of the second tubular section opposite the first tubular section, and a cap-closure arrangement formed at the other side of the collar from the second tubular section. The first tubular section defines the bottom portion of the shipping tube. The second tubular portion has a non-tapered exterior. The interior of the first tubular section communicates and is aligned with the interior of the second tubular section. The collar has a greater outer diameter than the second tubular section. The second tubular section has identification information integrally imprinted onto the exterior surface. The collar has a flat chordal edge along its outer diameter. The identification information is printed adjacent to this flat chordal edge.

Abstract: A roll of continuous laminated web product usable for forming a flexible package includes a first continuous flexible web formed of a gas barrier material adapted to form an inner bag of the package, and a second continuous flexible web adapted to form an outer bag of the package. The first and second webs are adhered together by adhesive bonds in the form of a discrete pattern of bonded areas which repeats in the machine-direction of the laminated web construction to define a plurality of sequentially disposed, dual walled sheets between such discrete patterns of bonded areas. Each of the discrete patterns of bonded areas includes discrete bonds which are spaced-apart from each other in the cross-machine-direction of the roll to define at least one passageway between the discrete bonds.

Abstract: A process for wrapping a load with prestretched film comprising unwinding and prestretching the film before applying the film to the load, passing the load through a curtain of film and cutting the film behind the load while forming the curtain and wherein said prestretching step includes positioning the prestretching means in a standby position in front of the load wherein said means are positioned close together while initially prestretching the curtain, moving the prestretching means apart transversely in association with the required delivery of the prestretched film until such means are in a spaced apart position near the side surfaces of the load, prestretching the film to cover the side surfaces of the load, prestretching the film to cover the rear surface of the load, and then moving the prestretching means toward one another transversely behind the load until they are close together in association with the necessary delivery of prestretched film.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular promotional display for blister card battery packages. The blister card packages are loaded into a multicompartmented module at the manufacturing point. The filled modules are shipped to the promotional display assembly point where a plurality of modules are placed into a display tray. Thus, the modules serve as both a shipping container and a display container for the batteries.

Abstract: A package device including a housing and a removably mounted insert support which enables the insertion, support and display of a vessel, e.g. a glass vessel containing a fragrance.

Abstract: The process according to the invention consists of superposing a plurality of panels of compressible materials (1), of providing the pile thus produced with at least one enclosure (2) of shrinkable plastic material, of subjecting the pile to a first compression normally on its wide surface, of causing the shrinking of the enclosure (2) on the compressed pile to provide a package, of superposing in order of thickness a plurality of identical packages of compressed panels, of applying a flat rigid element (12) against each of the terminal surfaces of the pile of packages thus produced, of subjecting the said pile to a second compression, perpendicular to the flat elements (12) and of joining the pile of packages (5) thus compressed with the aid of assembly means.

Abstract: A method for cooking meat in a bag wherein a cling film is vacuum sealed and shrunk around the meat, said cling film having a cavity for forming the meat. Next, the cling film is surrounded by an outer film which is vacuum sealed and shrunk around the cling film. The outer film has a softening point above the cooking temperature of the meat. The meat is then heated in the bag to the cooking temperature of the meat. It is found that when this invention is employed that there is minimum purge formed in the bagged cooked product.

Abstract: A method and a device for scrap-free manufacture of coated profiles and thermoformed containers.A hollow pipe having a cross-section suitable for the desired profile is extruded.The extruded hollow profile is cut longitudinally.Thereafter the profile is planar laminated by a web formed material having desired characteristics.The cut, laminated profile thereafter is formed into the original shape thereof, or another suitable shape, and is formed into container casings.When thermoforming containers, a hollow profile is extruded from a thermoformable material in an extruder, this hollow profile is cut, in one or several longitudinal cuts. In web or roller form such cut profile is supplied to a so called scrap-free thermoforming machinery, where the thermoformed containers are manufactured.

Abstract: A packaged medical device comprising a medical device; a gas-permeable sterile bag containing the medical device therein; a wrapping member made of oxygen-impermeable material and wherein said medical device-containing bag, previously subjected to radiation-sterilization, is sealed; and a deoxidizing agent contained in the wrapping member together with the medical device-containing bag. The packaged medical device does not give off an odor upon unsealing and is free from decrease in strength of plastic parts thereof.

Abstract: A method of filling, sealing and sterilizing a pharmaceutical package including a polypropylene bottle containing a balanced salt solution includes the steps of filling each bottle to maximum capacity to exclude residual air, the introduction of a silicone rubber gasket into the bottle cap to absorb pressure and prevent leakage during a steam sterilization procedure, and the enclosure of the filled bottles in a blister pack before stream sterilizing. The blister packs have Tyvek.TM. closures and are placed blister-side-up during the sterilization process to eliminate deformation of the blister during sterilization. Maximum filling of the bottle with liquid and the substantial elimination of air prevents dimpling of the bottle.

Abstract: A method of packaging components (4) for shipping comprising: loading the components in rails (2); assembling a plurality of the rails into a composite structure (20); and wrapping the composite structure in an anti-static envelope (40) so as to form a quasi-rigid anti-static package (46). The method may further comprise the step of securing the composite structure, e.g. by fixing a strap (18) at each end, immediately before the wrapping step.A material for use in packaging components for shipping comprising a sandwich material (40) having: a first layer (42) of conductive material and a second layer (44) of static-dissipative material, the first and second layers being bonded together. The outer layer may be made of conductive paper to provide adequate snag- and tear-resistance and the inner layer may be made of an anti-static plastics material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for successively forming foam filled bags or cushions of the type wherein a foamable composition is deposited in a plastic bag. The formed bags are adapted to be placed in containers with articles being packaged, and so that when the foam expands, the bags and resulting foam are conformed to the configuration of the articles. The method and apparatus includes advancing a pair of plastic webs through the nip of a pair of drive rollers, while heat sealing the opposing longitudinal side edges of the webs together. Periodically, a predetermined amount of the foamable composition is deposited between the advancing webs immediately above the nip, and the heat sealing along the side edges is periodically and momentarily interrupted to form side edge openings for the subsequent escapement of gases generated during foaming.

Abstract: The process according to the invention consists of superposing a plurality of panels (1), of providing the pile thus produced with at least one enclosure (2) of shrinkable plastic material, of subjecting the pile to a first compression in a direction normal to its wide surface, of causing the shrinking of the enclosure (2) on the compressed pile to provide a package, of superposing in order of thickness a plurality of identical packages of compressed panels, of applying a flat rigid element (12) against each of the terminal surfaces of the pile of packages thus produced, of subjecting the said pile to a second compression, perpendicular to the flat elements (12) and of joining the pile of packages (5) thus compressed with the aid of assembly means.The invention is applied to the packaging of panels of compressible materials.

Abstract: A packaging system comprises a rolled-up bag generally assuming a spiraled configuration and defining an inflatable chamber therein adapted to be at least partially filled with a filler medium, such as pressurized air. A pouch is secured on the bag for retaining an article within the confines thereof. The bag is adapted to be pre-placed within a closeable box and the article then placed in the pouch, or, alternatively, the article can be placed in the bag, the bag rolled-up and then placed in the box. The bag is then inflated to at least substantially encapsulate and support the pouch and article within rolled-up portions of the bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging an object, and in particular a fragile object such as an earthenware flower pot, which utilizes first and second bands of flexible material encircling the object in substantially perpendicular, vertical planes. The first band lies under the second band in the areas where the bands cross and has an opening formed in the top portion thereof on either side of the overlying second band. A handle is provided which spans the portion of the second band between the openings and has enlarged ends each of which passes through and engages one of the openings in the first band. The bands are preferably identical and interchangeable, are preferably formed of an impact resistant material to protect fragile objects, and may be provided in a plurality of different sizes, the bands selected to package a particular object being the smallest sized bands which will encircle such object.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a wrapping apparatus having a frame, a reciprocally driven carriage moveably mounted on the frame, the carriage being adapted to hold a rotatable roll of stretchable film material and a film width varying mechanism. A driven rotatable turntable adapted to support a load is positioned adjacent to the frame, and the leading edge of the film material is held adjacent the load. A brake is connected to the film roll to restrict movement of the web of material from the roll and the film width varying mechanism is mounted in the material path so that the film web travels through a pivotable "C" shaped assembly of the film width varying mechanism to collapse the film web width so that the web edges are formed into rope configurations connected by a membrane of film.

Abstract: A casing article is disclosed which includes a shirred casing having a tubular leader extending through its bore wherein one end of the leader is attachable to a web for drawing the web through the bore of the shirred casing.

Abstract: A sealable container (20) includes an inner wall (24) formed of a semipermeable sheet material and shaped into an inner bag (30), an outer wall (26) formed of a gas impermeable sheet material and shaped as an outer bag (32), with a gas space (28) therebetween. A product, e.g. ground coffee (22), is heat sealed under vacuum in the inner bag (30) and gas is introduced into the gas space (28) via openings (56) in the outer bag (32). The container is then heat sealed again to isolate the openings (56) from the gas space (28), to prevent ambient air from gaining ingress to the product. The finished package has a smooth exterior appearance.

Abstract: A package for an expandable food product and a method for manufacturing the same including an outer container, an expandable food pouch within the container and a coating on the inside surface of the container to adhere the pouch thereto when the package is exposed to a source of heat. A further embodiment of the package includes an expandable food pouch with a designed fault along its peripheral edge to facilitate the controlled release of pressure formed within the pouch.

Abstract: A box with an integral hinged lid is formed from a blank, typically by folding the blank about an open-ended inner wrapper containing the article to be packaged. Prior to opening of the package the lid is joined to the front of the package by integral connecting member which are easily broken. The lid is defined, in part, by lateral tabs of triangular shape and a narrow tab of trapezoidal shape which, during folding of the blank, serve to fold the open end of the inner wrapper.

Abstract: A package and method of packaging and dispensing a plurality of bottles or other like articles. The packages include a tray for supporting a plurality of bottles and a band around the perimeter of the bottles. A shrink wrap is placed around the bottles, band and tray. The tray is filled by placing the open edge adjacent the exit port of shaker dispensing table. The bottles are dispensed from the tray by moving the band to cause the bottles to slide over the open edge of the tray onto a receiving table.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping a package in a stretchable and then cold- and/or hot-contractible film comprises two identical successive stations located along a line for feeding the packages and comprising each a rotatable support member positioned about the feeding line, on which there is rotatably mounted at least a coil of film which unwinds and envelops the advancing packages, and comprising also a cutting device, positioned downstream the support member to cut the film between two adjacent packages; also provided between the two stations and means for rotating the packages through 90.degree. so that the packages which come out from the machine will have two sheets of film wound about each package and both of them on two opposite faces thereof, but positioned orthogonally to one another, and a single sheet of film wound on the remaining sides of the package.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting pouches into boxes or lining boxes with pouches is disclosed. Rather than manually line boxes, the apparatus takes a pouch from a horizontal stack of pouches, opens the pouch over an open box, partially inflates the pouch, and, inserts the pouch into the box. A vertically reciprocating mandrel is included with tucker fingers to fold the bag's mouth over the outside perimeter of the box thus presenting a line box ready to receive a product.

Abstract: A sealable package (20) in accordance with this invention includes an inner bag or container (24) located within an outer bag or container (26). The inner bag is formed of a flexible sheet (40) of material resistant to the passage of gas therethrough. The outer bag is formed of a flexible sheet (42) of material. The inner bag is secured to the outer bag along its top (32) and bottom (30) edges and along a vertically oriented back seam (52) by areas (44) of adhesive interposed therebetween. The adhesive areas define passageways (58) therebetween through which air from the ambient atmosphere may flow to enter into the space (28) between the two bags. The inner bag is arranged to be filled with some material (22) and then vacuumized and the top sealed closed.

Abstract: A bag having an article applied to an inside surface thereof is formed in a continuous bag-making operation by conveying a bag-making film web and a continuous strip of material in joinable proximity with each other. The article is formed by severing the strip of material and at least one edge portion of the severed article is bonded to the continuous web of bag film. The longitudinal margins of the web are then brought together and bonded to form a tube with the article bonded to the inner surface of the tube, and bags are formed and severed from the tube with the article bonded to one inner surface of the bag.