Abstract: A process for producing a package comprising a composition contained within a closed water soluble envelope comprises the initial steps of moulding a first sheet of water soluble material to form at least one recess adapted to contain the composition, placing the composition in the at least one recess, placing a second sheet of water soluble material across the recess, and sealing the first sheet to the second sheet to form a continuous closed seal around the recess thereby closing the package. The or each closed package is conditioned in an environment of raised relative humidity for a period of time prior to or during the packaging of the package within a secondary pack. The secondary pack includes a moisture barrier to maintain the package within the secondary pack in a conditioned form.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A packing method of an object to be carried in a clean room that can reduce remarkably the amount of evolution of waste and accomplish resource saving, and a packing material therefor, wherein a packing material 102, which wraps an object 101 to be carried in a clean room 130 which is a clean atmosphere, is composed of a material of low dust evolution and capable of being cleaned, wherein the packing material 102 can be used a plurality of times by cleaning.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are packed by providing a carrying device that holds one or more semiconductor wafers. The carrying device is inserted into a packing bag and the packing bag is molded using at least a portion of the external form of the carrying device as a guide such that a portion of the packing bag substantially conforms to the portion of the external form of the carrying device. Thus, wafers may be packaged without using a vacuum while still inhibiting contamination from particles and the formation of haze on the surface of the wafers.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for a paper roll having a first wrapping head including at least one supply of a first wrapping material. A first movement device moves the first wrapping head in a first predetermined direction. The wrapping machine further has a second head including at least one supply of a second wrapping material. A second movement device moves the second wrapping head in a second predetermined direction. The wrapping machine assembles a wrapped paper roll including a paper roll, at least one first layer of plastic material positioned adjacent to the paper roll, at least one intermediate layer of cushioning material positioned adjacent the first layer of plastic material and a second layer of plastic material positioned adjacent to the intermediate layer of cushioning material.

Abstract: A stack of bank notes with substantially parallelepiped shape and a defined stacking axis is formed by a forming machine and fed by a gripper to a banding unit equipped with a part which receives and grips each stack, which operates in conjunction with a banding machine for the application of a pair of first retaining bands, each wrapped around the stack at its opposite ends and at least one second retaining band which is wrapped around the stack in such a way that it is in contact with two transversal surfaces and two lateral surfaces, so that portions of the first bands and second band overlap one another on each of the two opposite transversal surfaces.

Abstract: A packaging material for use in filling baskets and protecting articles during a shipping process. The packaging material includes a flexible backing having a first surface and a second surface. A mass of individual, thin, flexible strips of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass is connected to a flexible backing so as to substantially cover at least one side of the flexible backing.

Abstract: A decorative flower pot cover and method for producing same is disclosed wherein the decorative flower pot cover is provided with a multi-layered upper portion formed of a plurality of sheets of material wherein each sheet of material is provided with an opening therein adapted to receiver a lower potion of a flower pot such that, upon positioning the lower end of the flower pot through the openings in the sheets of material, a portion of the sheets of material are connected to a portion of a sidewall of the flower pot and the sheets of material forming the multi-layered upper portion of the decorative flower pot cover extend substantially independent of one another in an upwardly and outwardly angular direction from the sidewall of the flower pot so that an open upper end of the flower pot remains substantially uncovered by the decorative flower pot cover.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A packaging structure for packaging roll-shaped materials wound on a core, comprises: a bottom plate; left and right supporting plates to support both end portions of the core from a bottom side of the core; front and rear holding plates to support the left and right supporting plates from front and rear sides of the left and right supporting plates so as to hold a stand-up condition that the left and right supporting plates stand on the bottom plate; and a supporting structure to make the bottom plate, the left and right supporting plates and the front and rear holding plates in a single body structure and to make the left and right supporting plates and the front and rear holding plates collapsible.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: A packaging material for use in filling baskets and protecting articles during a shipping process. The packaging material includes a flexible backing having a first surface and a second surface. A mass of individual, thin, flexible strips of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass is connected to a flexible backing so as to substantially cover at least one side of the flexible backing.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric films for the storage or packing of plant material, the film being perforate and having a water vapor permeability of not more than 800 g m−2 day−1 and an oxygen permeability of not more than 200000 cm3 m−2 day−1 atmosphere−1, both permeabilities being measured at 25° C. with a relative humidity of 75 percent. Examples of polymers which can be used to make the film are regenerated cellulose, homo and copolymers of polyolefins, e.g. with vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate, polyesters and polyamides. Various plant materials, for example carrots, tomatoes, calabrese and mushrooms heat sealed in packs of films of the invention have shown improved shelf lives compared with similar plant materials packaged for example in polyethylene cling film or polyvinyl chloride stretch wrap.

Abstract: A flexible bag is positioned in a rigid container, such as a fifty-five gallon drum, and the bag is filled through its spout with flowable product, such as tomato paste. The bag is then expanded in the container to be substantially rigid and thereby reduce film movement and resultant flex cracking. One way that the bag can be expanded, pursuant to this invention, is for a lid to be sealed onto the container and a vacuum drawn from between the bag and the container. Gas volume needs to be present in the bag before the vacuum is applied so that the gas in the bag can expand from the vacuum on its outside. Another way to expand the bag is, after filling the bag with the flowable product, to inject pressurized gas into the bag. For this embodiment, the container need not be vacuum sealable. For example, the container may be formed from a metal, plastic, cardboard and the like, and the container walls can be either solid or have openings.

Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of fold lines defining respective folding side portions and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the rigid panel and extends onto at least one of the folding side portions. The ends of the film material are connected to the rigid panel, with at least one end connected to one of the folding side portions. The folding side portions include patterned cuts defining tabs which separate the film material from the center portion when the folding side portions are folded away from the film material.

Abstract: A packing method of an object to be carried in a clean room that can reduce remarkably the amount of evolution of waste and accomplish resource saving, and a packing material therefor, wherein a packing material 102, which wraps an object 101 to be carried in a clean room 130 which is a clean atmosphere, is composed of a material of low dust evolution and capable of being cleaned, wherein the packing material 102 can be used a plurality of times by cleaning.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for shipping a container comprising a support member for supporting the container in an upright position, a sheet of material wrapped about the support member and at least a portion of the container such that the sheet of material encompasses the support member and at least a portion of the container, and securing means for securing the sheet of material about the support member and at least a portion of the container and method of assembling same.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: In order to produce (cigarette) packs with an (inner) wrapper made of heat-sealable sheet material and with folding tabs which are connected to one another by sealing, first of all a cigarette group (11) is enclosed by a wrapper blank and following completion of the necessary folding operations, is fed to a sealing turret (48). In the region of the latter, folding tabs on sideways directed side walls and on radially outwardly directed end walls of the folded wrapper are sealed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping bales of pulp are disclosed, the method comprising transporting the bales between upper and lower conveyors, applying a first wrapping sheet to the lower surface of the bale, applying a second wrapping sheet to the upper surface of the bale, measuring the height of the bale prior to transporting it between the upper and lower conveyors, and adjusting the distance between the upper and lower conveyors based upon the measured height of the bale such that both of the wrapping sheets are uniformly disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the bale. The apparatus includes an upper conveyor, a lower conveyor juxtaposed with the upper conveyor, such that the bales may be transported between the upper and lower conveyors, a transmitter for measuring the height of the bales upstream of the upper and lower conveyors, and a positioner for adjusting the distance between the upper and lower conveyors based on the measured height of the bales.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the folding of an inflatable airbag for motor vehicles which comprises the steps that an airbag to be folded is fastened with its open end at a carrier; that a preferably substantially cylindrical piston is pushed forward into the airbag through an opening in the carrier and against the closed end of the airbag; and that the carrier and the piston are introduced into a sleeve, with the airbag being pressed together irregularly. The invention also relates to a folding apparatus for carrying out this folding method.

Abstract: An outer container having a container insert therein for holding a predetermined volume of material. The outer container includes a container bottom having a periphery and a container wall extending generally upwardly to define an interior container portion of predetermined volume sized to accommodate the container insert. The container wall includes a neck portion complementarily sized to accommodate the exterior surface of the container insert. The container insert includes a bottom having a periphery and a wall extending generally upwardly to define an interior portion of predetermined volume for holding the material. The insert wall-includes a vent which allows air to pass from the interior container portion to the atmosphere when the container insert is positioned therein. For assembly, the outer container is maintained at a temperature greater than the container insert and the container insert is positioned therein.

Abstract: Stacks (2) of flat articles supplied in a serial stack stream are wrapped with a film (3) in a first packing step so the film (3) covers the top, bottom and two vertical sides of each stack and projects beyond both sides of the covered stack sides. Packing of the film-wrapped stacks (2.3, 2.4) is finished in a second packing step at a strapping/welding position. Depending on the stack height (d.1, d.2), stacks (2.3) having a height (d.1) greater than a predetermined limit stack height are strapped and stacks (2.4), whose height (d.2) is equal to or smaller than the limit stack height, film areas (3.1) projecting beyond the top and bottom of the stack are welded together, strapping being suppressed or performed simultaneously with the welding operation.

Abstract: A method for packaging bulk goods into an intermediate bulk container including the steps of placing an inner package made of a flexible resilient material onto a base, providing the inner package with a reinforcement structure in an interior thereof, filling the interior of the inner package with bulk goods whereby the inner package obtains substantially the shape of a parallelepiped, and then surrounding the inner package with an outer package made of a plastic material to provide stability.

Abstract: A process for packaging objects using a packaging material filling baskets and protecting articles during a shipping process. The packaging material includes a flexible backing having a first surface and a second surface. A mass of individual, thin, flexible strips of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass is connected to a flexible backing so as to substantially cover at least one side of the flexible backing.

Abstract: An inexpensive inner bag loaded into a cylindrical container such as a drum. The inner bag has excellent airtightness and facilitates transferring the inner bag to a separate container. The inner bag comprises two hexagonal first sheets and two pentagonal second sheets. Each first sheet has a pair of opposite sides extending longitudinally and a trapezoidal portion formed around one longitudinal end of the sheet. Each second sheet has a pair of opposite sides extending longitudinally and a triangular portion formed around one longitudinal end of the sheet. The first and second sheets are placed in an opposite relation to each other. The peripheries of the first and second sheets, excluding the other ends, are bonded together by heat-sealing.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A combination custom printed form and container and method of using is provided. In a preferred embodiment, custom information for a prescription is printed on the form which includes information and warning labels to be attached to a prescription drug vial and information such as receipts and patient counseling information. After attaching the labels to the prescription drug vial, the prescription drug vial is placed in the associated container which is given to the customer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and package for packaging contaminant-sensitive articles such as semiconductor wafers on shock absorbers in a sealed rigid plastic enclosure such as a box or the like which may be enclosed within another sealed enclosure wherein the sealed enclosures are each provided with a self-sealing member together with a hollow needle connected to a source of purging gas and a vacuum source for selectively piecing one or more of the self-sealing members to communicate the gas and vacuum sources with a selected one of the enclosures interiors for purging and/or evacuating the enclosures interiors to remove ion contaminants, moisture, oxygen, plastic particles, etc. whereby corrosive activity on the articles is eliminated and the sealed condition of both enclosures is maintained after the contaminants, etc.

Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of generally parallel fold lines which define respective folding side portions and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the center portion and extends onto the folding side portions. At least one edge of the film is secured to one folding side portion. According to one embodiment, the free edge of the film carries a securing member for adjustably mating with one or more mating members on a respective folding side portion. Glue strips, or other securing members, extending along the side portions, are provided for securing one edge of the film material to the rigid panel and for securing the other edge of the film to the securing member. When the securing member is mated with the mating member, the objects will be held tight between the film and the center portion when the side portions are folded in a direction away from the film.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for collecting and disposing of waste (1), in particular household rubbish. Waste is separately collected and sorted at the place at which it is produced in plastic bags (3a, 3b, 3c) provided with appropriate distinguishing markings (2a, 2b, 2c) in accordance with recycling criteria. Portions of waste (4) are packaged by closing and vacuum-sealing the plastic bags, and the closed and vacuum-sealed bags that contain the various types of waste are placed together at random into at least one common garbage container (5) and transported to a central collecting point where the plastic bags are sorted according to their markings for final disposal and/or recycling.

Abstract: A stretch wrapped and roped package for heavy loads such as cylindrical coils of metal, paper or the like that includes a skid supporting the load. A friction layer on the top of the skid and another friction layer on the bottom of the load which is covered by an overwrap of protective material such as plastic or paper. The skid is especially designed to reduce risk of damage to the stretch wrap roping that holds the skid onto the bottom of the load.

Abstract: A gift wrap article is formed by providing wrapping material which is padded and waterproof. The inner surface of the wrapping material has a cohesive coating, while the outer surface has a layer of gift wrap decorative design. The article is placed on a portion of the inner surface of the wrapping material and the wrapping material is applied over the article so that the article is between and completely surrounded by two layers of the wrapping material. The layers of the wrapping material are squeezed together to cohesively secure the inner surfaces of the two layers together and form a closed package with the article within the package and with the gift wrap outer layer visually exposed.

Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus for manufacturing thin plastic sheet air-inflated shipping or storage cushions or pillows for delicate articles and the like involving the use of novel retractable air-injection straws and plastic blank supporting and sealing techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: A method for making a suture package includes injection molding a shallow polymer tray for holding a suture. Fenestrations formed in a substantially flat floor area of the package cause the package to lay flat by interrupting material stresses set up by, e.g., differential cooling during injection molding.

Abstract: Unsealed packets of cigarettes emerging from a packaging machine present an outer surface that consists of an opaque wrapping material, to which a revenue stamp and a coupon are affixed as the packets are transferred directly and in an ordered succession from the packaging machine to a cellophaner; on reaching the cellophaner, each packet in turn is enveloped in a sheet of transparent overwrapping material covering the opaque wrapping material, the revenue stamp and the coupon, and the overwrapping sealed in such a way that the finished packet will remain substantially airtight

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for automatically compressing, rolling, and packaging individual mattresses in a compressed state.

Abstract: A multilayer, thermoplastic stretch wrap film containing at least three polymeric film layers and comprised of a first layer and a second layer. The first and second layers may comprise a polymer of two or more monomers, wherein a first monomer is ethylene, in a major amount by weight, and a second monomer is an alpha olefin of from about 3 to about 12 carbon atoms, in a minor amount by weight. If the first and second layers are outer layers, they have a cling force to each other of at least about 140 grams/inch. The stretch wrap film also has at least one inner polymeric layer, located between the first and second layers. The inner polymeric layer comprises a low polydispersity polymer having a polydispersity of from about 1 to about 4, a melt index (I.sub.2) of from about 0.5 to about 10 g/10 min., and a melt flow ratio (I.sub.20 /I.sub.2) of from about 12 to about 22. The inner layer(s) comprise(s) from about 5 wt. % to about 40 wt.

Abstract: An inexpensive inner bag loaded into a cylindrical container such as a drum. The inner bag has excellent airtightness and facilitates transferring the inner bag to a separate container. The inner bag comprises two hexagonal first sheets and two pentagonal second sheets. Each first sheet has a pair of opposite sides extending longitudinally and a trapezoidal portion formed around one longitudinal end of the sheet. Each second sheet has a pair of opposite sides extending longitudinally and a triangular portion formed around one longitudinal end of the sheet. The first and second sheets are placed in an opposite relation to each other. The peripheries of the first and second sheets, excluding the other ends, are bonded together by heat-sealing.

Abstract: A method for integration of the institutional supply chain for medical products utilizing a nested bill of materials on a care event level of a clinical pathway for one or more medical procedures. The medical supplies appropriate for use in a care event are expressed as a bill of materials. Each item of medical supply is assigned a unique identifier which includes at least identification of the item itself, identification of the supplier of the item, and identification of the care event with which the item is to be used. Portions of the supplies are provided by multiple vendors to a unitized container sequencing center where the supplies are bundled by care events and packed into a unitized container. This container is then shipped to a customer or distributor for further shipment to a customer.

Abstract: Intravenous solutions are manufactured and distributed in batches by gathering raw materials and components for manufacturing containers for intravenous solutions, and active ingredient but excluding solvent. In a central manufacturing plant, critical steps are performed such as dispensing predetermined amounts of the active ingredient into holders. The products of the central manufacturing plant are packed into shipping containers which are distributed to respective decentralized manufacturing plants where the contents are unpacked, manufacture of containers is completed, solvent is obtained, intravenous solution is mixed, and the containers are filled, hermetically sealed and sterilized in an autoclave.

Abstract: An improvement to a beverage package that includes a flaccid beverage bag, a carton around the bag and a fill spout and dispensing device attached to the bag. The improvement wherein the carton is collapsible and includes front and rear panels with first and second spaced-apart side panels extending between the front and rear panels thereby forming a rectangular upper opening bounded by the panels. Furthermore, a spout securing panel is received in the opening and has the spout extending therethrough, and a cover panel is over the securing panel. A method for transporting and dispensing a beverage is also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging system for non-rigid materials includes various embodiments. In one embodiment the blocks of material are separated from each other by a partially wrapped liner with a partition extending between the blocks. In another embodiment pairs of blocks are partially wrapped with a liner and separated from each other by a distance which permits additional blocks to be inserted in an alternating manner in the spacing in between the blocks. In a third embodiment the cells are created by a support which is of generally inverted T-shape with each block being placed in an individual cell.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A packaging assembly, and method of packaging a plurality of products, for economically and safely shipping and displaying a plurality of products. The packaging assembly includes a display stand, a plurality of display packs holding the plurality of products, and a shipping cover. The display stand is constructed from a single sheet of cardboard, and includes a rectangular base panel, a front panel having a gap for viewing, and two parallel side panels. Each side panel includes a plurality of slots that correspond with slots in the other side panel. Each display pack is an approximately planar assembly formed from front and rear portions of transparent, vacuum-molded plastic. The front and rear portions are each configured with a flange, the flanges each forming conforming notches allowing the two portions to be adjoined and heat sealed or glued together. The display pack includes a product chamber configured to hold the product, and further contains a product display card.

Abstract: A package is capable of enclosing a food product in two different gaseous atmospheres at different times. Initially, the food product may be packaged in a low oxygen atmosphere in order to prolong the shelf life of the product. When it is time to sell the product for example, it may be desirable to supply oxygen to the food product. In the case of red meats, the oxygenation process causes the meat to turn a bright red color. The package includes a tray covered by a film with a plurality of apertures formed in the tray. The package may be maintained at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. The apertures are covered by a bacterial barrier layer covered by resealable tape which can be removed to allow air ingress and then resealed to protect the integrity of the tray contents.

Abstract: A method for protecting a roll of pressure-sensitive paper and a package produced by the method uses bubble wrap and film to protect the roll of paper. The bubble wrap has a plurality of bubbles which permanently entrap air. These pockets of air in the bubble wrap cushion the roll of paper initially as well as over long periods of time.

Abstract: A method of preventing or reducing the incidence of staphylococci and other infections as a result of surgical or medical treatment procedures is implemented by inserting into or attaching to each sterile package containing a tool, implement, or implantable for use in such a procedure at least one impregnable swab containing a solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 packaged in a separate sterile pack, for use by the surgeon, therapist, or assistant in wiping down the tool, implement, or implantable, as the case may be, before use to maintain the sterility thereof in such procedure. The solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is in a concentration of about 3% by volume. A plurality of separate sterile packs may be inserted in or attached to the sterile package, in which each of the sterile packs contains at least one swab impregnated with a solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in such concentration.