Vertically Formed, Filled, And Sealed Tubular Package Patents (Class 53/451)
  • Patent number: 11897651
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for transferring a packaging unit (22) into a barrier system (12) for pharmaceuticals, wherein the packaging unit comprises a sterilized container (24) and at least one sterile product (26) arranged in the latter, and wherein the packaging unit, in an initial state, is surrounded by an outer packaging (30) sterilized at least on the inside, wherein the barrier system has an access opening (20) through which the packaging unit can be transferred from a surrounding region (16) of the barrier system into an interior (14) of the barrier system, wherein a film tube (50), closed at one end, is arranged in the surrounding region of the barrier system, the interior (52) of the film tube (50) communicating with the access opening, wherein a connecting device is provided for producing a connection region between a cover portion of the outer packaging and an overlap portion of an outer face of the film tube overlapping the cover portion, and wherein a separating device
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Syntegon Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Albrecht Kühnle, Benjamin Hoffmann, Ulrich Krauß, Markus Ilgenfritz
  • Patent number: 11504919
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a tubular bag machine having a drive control system and independently controlled electronic drive units controlled by a drive control system for driving functional elements of the packing machine in a cycle time-synchronous manner in predefined motion sequences, one drive unit being a transverse sealing unit with a drive motor and two transverse sealing jaws for transversely sealing a film tube, and the drive motor torque measured using a drive controller, and the drive motor position measured using a position sensor, the method including moving the film tube into the sealing zone between the transverse sealing jaws, closing the jaws according to a predefined target torque stored in the drive control system, measuring the actual position of the drive motor upon reaching the target torque, and comparing the measured position to a target position stored in the drive control system associated with the predefined target torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: ROVEMA GMBH
    Inventor: Gerhard Kuss
  • Patent number: 11383457
    Abstract: A method for operating a tubular bag machine with a drive control system and multiple electronic drive units controlled independently of each other for driving functional elements of the packing machine in a cycle time-synchronous manner through predefined motion sequences, one drive unit being a transverse sealing unit with a drive motor driving two transverse sealing jaws for transversely sealing a film tube, and at least conversion functions for converting the drive torque and the position of the drive motor into the sealing force between the transverse sealing jaws being stored or calculated in the drive control system, the method including determining the operating temperature of the transverse sealing jaws, selecting or calculating a conversion function as a function of the operating temperature, using the temperature-dependent conversion function in calculating the drive torque of the drive motor required to reach a desired target sealing force between the transverse sealing jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: ROVEMA GMBH
    Inventor: Gerhard Kuss
  • Patent number: 11370573
    Abstract: A method for testing a tubular bag machine, the tubular bag machine having multiple electronic drive units controlled independently by a drive control system for driving functional elements of the packing machine in a cycle time-synchronous manner during predefined motion sequences, one drive unit being a transverse sealing unit comprising a motor and two transverse sealing jaws for transversely sealing a film tube, the drive torque being measured using a drive controller, and the position of the drive motor measured using a position sensor, by removing the film tube from the sealing zone between the transverse sealing jaws, closing the jaws according to a predefined target torque stored in the drive control system; measuring the actual position of the drive motor at the target torque; and comparing the measured actual position to a target position stored in the drive control system and associated with the predefined target torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: ROVEMA GMBH
    Inventor: Timo Gartmann
  • Patent number: 11345801
    Abstract: A composition comprising the following components: A) an olefin multi-block copolymer that has a I2 ?30 g/10 min; B) a propylene-based composition comprising the following: a) a propylene-based polymer; b) a propylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer, a propylene/ethylene interpolymer, or an ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer; wherein the propylene-based composition has a Tmh (highest melting point) ?130° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Ultsch, Caroline Laure Marie Miesch, Yushan Hu
  • Patent number: 11345492
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for packaging a product, such as a waste product, in a sealed tubular plastic container involves providing a source of a sheet of a plastic film and moving a portion of the film away from the source and about an open-ended, vertically-extending tubular pipe. The film is then moved toward an open top end of the pipe to form a second portion of the film into a tubular form around the pipe with the second widthwise end portions overlapping each other. The overlapping portions are sealed and the tubular form of the film is moved into an open top end of the pipe, so that the interior of the tube, formed by the film is open at the top of the pipe to receive the product. The product may then be transported downwardly through the tube, which is then sealed above and below the encapsulated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: INGENIEURSBURO J.K. DE HEER
    Inventor: Jan Kees De Heer
  • Patent number: 11291609
    Abstract: A soft capsule manufacturing apparatus for controlling an injection amount, an injection interval and/or an injection rate of core solution by an injection controller, wherein the operation of the injection controller is automatically adjusted and controlled by a control panel, after processing the signal from the detection sensor for checking the injection status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Wan Kyun Lee, Geum Duk Park
  • Patent number: 11225032
    Abstract: A device for producing tubular bags sealed on multiple sides, the device including a forming shoulder for deforming a plane film web into an envelope web and a forming tube surrounded by the envelope web, the forming tube having, adjacent to a forming shoulder outlet, fins for forming film overlap areas, and a film guide having first and second film guide elements, each of which is associated with one of the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: HASTAMAT VERPACKUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ivan Essen, Olaf Piepenbrock
  • Patent number: 11208223
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for small piece goods, the use of the packaging apparatus, and a method for producing a blister tube are provided. The packaging apparatus includes a packaging material guiding device for providing a shaped packaging material web suitable for receiving small piece goods, a longitudinal joining device which is arranged downstream of the packaging material guiding device and a transverse joining device which is arranged downstream of the packaging material guiding device. The transverse joining device joins the shaped packaging material web together at predetermined intervals transversely to the direction of travel to form a transverse joining area. The transverse joining device includes two joiners, which have a plurality of embossers that are individually movable transversely to the direction of travel and have an embosser stop area which cooperate such that elevations that are palpable are formed by the embossers in the transverse joining area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Torben Schüttfort
  • Patent number: 11104462
    Abstract: A guiding device for guiding a sheet of packaging material in a packaging machine for producing sealed packages includes: a plurality of folding rollers defining a passage for the sheet of packaging material, the passage having a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of folding rollers are configured to cause a first longitudinal edge of the sheet of packaging material to superimpose to a second longitudinal edge of the sheet of packaging material, opposite the first longitudinal edge, wherein the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge define an overlapping area having an extension, wherein the plurality of folding rollers include: a group of first folding rollers configured to rotate around first rotation axes, and at least one second folding roller configured to rotate around a second rotation axis, and a driving arrangement configured to move the at least one second folding roller towards and away from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Costa, John Richard Pedretti, Luciano Amidei
  • Patent number: 11040798
    Abstract: A system and method of at least partially forming reinforced packages. The method comprises moving a construct in a machine direction on a construct conveyor. The construct conveyor can comprise a primary lug belt with a primary lug, the construct can be disposed on the primary lug belt, and the moving the construct can comprise moving the primary lug belt in the machine direction to push the construct in the machine direction. The method further can comprise positioning a liner on the construct conveyor so that the liner at least partially extends over the construct and moving the liner in the machine direction on a secondary lug belt of the construct conveyor. The secondary lug belt can comprise a secondary lug and the moving the liner can comprise moving the secondary lug belt in the machine direction to push the liner in the machine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Graphie Packaging International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Robert Lee Conatser, Nicholas P. Lupfer, William Allen Cox
  • Patent number: 10981708
    Abstract: Methods of making packages from flexible material, wherein the packages include one or more self-folds formed by applying activation energy to the flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Neil John Rogers, Michael Remus, Hugh Joseph O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10970654
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for appropriately distributing items using augmented reality. After receiving a list of detected items to be placed in a container(s), an optimal placement of the detected items in the container(s) is determined. Such an optimal placement may be determined by using the dimensions and a maximum weight of items the container(s) can hold, the dimensions of the detected items, a maximum amount of weight for the container the customer can carry as well as other factors. After determining the optimal placement of the detected items in the container(s), a visual representation of such an optimal placement is displayed on an augmented reality device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jana H. Jenkins, Jeremy R. Fox, Fang Lu, Uri Kartoun
  • Patent number: 10751255
    Abstract: An apparatus for aseptic sealing a capsule having coaxial parts that at least partly overlap when telescopically joined, certain embodiments of the apparatus comprising: a capsule carrier assembly provided with at least one cavity for accommodating a respective capsule therein; a clamping member comprising a first half and a second half disposed on either side of the cavity at a capsule processing station, and each half arranged to linearly displace towards the cavity containing the capsule to a clamped position over and/or around at least a portion of the capsule; wherein the clamping member comprises a sealing means adapted to apply a sealing fluid uniformly to a circumferential gap around the capsule to be sealed when in the clamped position, and wherein the clamping member further comprises a suction means adapted to provide an area of low pressure around the capsule after application of the sealing fluid so as to remove any excess sealing fluid from the capsule when in the same clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Capsugel Belgium NV
    Inventors: Tarryn Dierckx, Gunther Van Goolen, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
  • Patent number: 10702917
    Abstract: A cooling system (10) for molding fixtures, and particularly for foundry molds, comprising: —water treatment means (II)—compressed air generation means (12)—means (13) for pressurizing the treated water—a device (14) for mixing air with the treated water, and for the controlled ejection of atomized water under pressure toward a cooling circuit (16) of a molding fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: ALFI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Irene Pellizzon
  • Patent number: 10689137
    Abstract: A form, fill and seal machine for making a reclosable package with a reclosable fastener includes a reclosable fastener handling assembly, a forming tube, a vertical seal assembly and a sealing jaw assembly. The handling assembly includes a flattening device, a reclosable fastener feed device and a slack sensor. A form, fill and seal machine alternatively includes a forming tube, a vertical seal assembly disposed adjacent the forming tube, wherein the vertical seal assembly is configured to continuously seal the film tube, and a tear notch applicator positioned downstream of the vertical seal assembly and configured to apply a slit to the continuously moving film tube. The tear notch applicator is positionally fixed in the machine direction. Methods for continuously forming a reclosable package are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Triangle Package Machinery Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Wolf, Vadim Lubezny, Ed Barba, Joelle Walker, Adam Koolbeck, Nicholas D. Pankey
  • Patent number: 10328653
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an inflation and sealing device that can include a material support at an angle to a guide for an inflation and sealing mechanism. The device can have a material support with a discontinuous surface. The device may also have low- or non-stick surfaces and bump-off elements to prevent sticking to a cooling region or exit from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING LLC
    Inventor: Thomas D. Wetsch
  • Patent number: 10322828
    Abstract: A bottom-gusseted package comprises a package body, and a bottom gusset positioned transversely of a longitudinal axis of the package body. Formation of the bottom-gusseted package is effected by positioning individual sleeves transversely of the longitudinal axis of a flexible web which forms the package body. During package formation, the flexible web is cut to form individual packages, with each individual sleeve positioned to form a bottom gusset in a respective package. Cooperating heat-sealing jaws, including cooperating U-shaped sealing surfaces, act to integrate and seal each individual sleeve with the flexible web to form the bottom gusset of each package, with the heat-sealing jaws preferably configured to include cooperating top sealing surfaces for simultaneously forming a top seal in an adjacent one of the packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventors: James W. Yeager, John F. Hogan
  • Patent number: 10232969
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: PRIMAPAK, LLC.
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer
  • Patent number: 10175138
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a packaging structure and a detection method for the tightness thereof and a manufacturing method for the same, a display apparatus, and a photovoltaic device. The packaging structure includes: a substrate base-plate and a packaging cover plate arranged opposite to each other, and a packaging adhesive formed between the substrate base-plate and the packaging cover plate and used for connecting the substrate base-plate and the packaging cover plate to form a sealed space, in which packaging adhesive a fluorescent agent is mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., ORDOS YUANSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaowang Fan, Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9809342
    Abstract: A device for facilitating folding of a container comprising a first flattening element and a second flattening element arranged to flatten a first end portion and a second end portion of a sealed end of the container, respectively. By flattening the first and second end portions, these are made thinner, which, in turn, facilitates folding of the first end portion and the second end portion towards a middle portion of the sealed end, placed between the first end portion and the second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Markus Florentzson, Mats Nyhlén, Johnny Månsson
  • Patent number: 9676512
    Abstract: A forming device and method for use in a packaging machine of the type where packages are produced from a tube. The forming device comprises two opposing sealing elements between which the tube is arranged to be flat-laid and squeezed to heat the thermoplastic and obtain a first transverse seal of the tube. It further comprises two volume control elements. The forming device is characterized in that it is arranged to displace the first transverse seal off-center in relation a longitudinal axis of the first portion of the tube in a displacement direction essentially perpendicular to the first transverse seal to enable later shaping of a corresponding final package with a wall arranged with a predetermined angle of inclination in relation to the displacement direction. The invention also relates to a machine, a process and a packaging laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Björn Karlsson, Niels Damkjaer, Tomas Lagus
  • Patent number: 9669952
    Abstract: Methods, computer program products and apparatus for producing encased products use a rotary encoder with a measuring wheel, the measuring wheel residing against a depression of a wheel saddle that has a shape that curves inward with a radius of curvature that corresponds to an outer perimeter radius of a cooperating measuring wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Whittlesey
  • Patent number: 9610715
    Abstract: A material spill prevention system with feed location sensing system to reduce the possibility of material spillage relative to the film being utilized for bag formation. The material spill prevention system monitors whether there is a proper film feed situation and, if not, precludes the release of material from the dispenser as in by precluding a flow controller opening and the release of material to the bag intended to receive the release chemical (e.g., a foam packaging bag). The prevention system is applicable to a variety of film feed arrangements as in a C-fold film drawn by a nip roller arrangement from a roll source with the dispenser mechanism positioned intermediate the nip and film source relative to film travel. An embodiment of the spill prevention system also features an absolute position transducer for monitoring position of a flow controller which controls output of material from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: PREGIS INTELLIPACK LLC
    Inventors: George Bertram, Douglas Walker
  • Patent number: 9334072
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser system for use with an apparatus for forming and filling pouched products, the system comprising a first fluid dispenser shoe, the first fluid dispenser shoe comprising an inlet bore for placing in fluid communication with a source of liquid to be dispensed; at least one liquid dispensing manifold in fluid communication with the inlet bore; and a plurality of exit orifices positioned along the at least one liquid dispensing manifold for dispensing the liquid on an outer surface of the pouched product, wherein the first fluid dispenser shoe is positioned downstream of the apparatus for forming and filling pouched products and adjacent a stream of pouched products as they exit the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Dwight D. Williams, Cary Longest
  • Patent number: 9327856
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an oscillating force that actuates a mechanism and comprises the following components: a frame; channels attached to each of the sides of the frame; a servo motor positioned on the top of the frame; a shaft assembly having an offset slider assembly where the top end is attached to the servo motor and the bottom end is positioned adjacent to the bottom of the frame; a pusher block having a rectangular shaped opening therein and horizontal rails each attached to opposite side of the pusher block and each is slidably positioned in the channels attached to the sides of the frame and the off-set slider assembly being positioned in the rectangular shaped opening of the pusher block; an actuation mechanism attached to the pusher block that provides a forward and backward oscillating motion to the pusher block; and a heat sealing mechanism that is actuated by the actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Markey Kastens
  • Patent number: 9283736
    Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-layer film for making pouches for containing flowable materials, said multi-layer film comprising generally five layers in order: inner sealant-layer, first interposed layer, the core layer, second interposed layer, and the outer sealant layer. The sealant and core layers are ethylene-based, and the interposed layers are polypropylene-based. The multi-layer film thickness is in the range of from about 35 microns to about 66 microns. The interposed layers comprise a novel polypropylene blend with a major component polypropylene and a minor component polypropylene, wherein the minor component polypropylene is a heterogeneous polypropylene interpolymer with a density in the range of from about 0.875 to about 0.91 g/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: LIQUI-BOX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan Keith Breck
  • Patent number: 9174754
    Abstract: An induction sealing device for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages of pourable food products and fed in a first direction, the sealing device having an inductor device which interacts with the packaging material by at least one active surface; a supporting body made of heat-conducting material and housing the inductor device; an insert made of magnetic flux-concentrating material and housed in the supporting body; and a member made of plastic material, and having at least a first portion interposed, in the first direction, between the supporting body and the insert so as to be at least partly surrounded by the supporting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Palmquist, Andrea Babini, Håkan G. Andersson, Ulf Danielsson
  • Patent number: 9167844
    Abstract: A product having an internal substance protected by a rugged exterior shell is disclosed. The internal substance is reactive with the exterior shell but is separated therefrom by a coating on an interior surface of the external shell so that the product can be stored for a long period of time without the internal substance reacting with the exterior shell. The coating is meltable so that, when desired, the product may be heated (e.g. immersed in hot water or exposed to heat) in order to melt the coating so that the internal substance can react with the external shell so that the internal substance can excrete out of the exterior shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 9162786
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: CLEAR LAM PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer
  • Patent number: 9138921
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a foam-in-bag device. The device can include a dispenser unit configured for dispensing a fluid foam-precursor into a web of film material for making foam-in-bag packaging material, a fluid supply conduit connected to the dispenser unit for delivering the foam-precursor to the dispenser unit, a valve connected to the dispenser outlet and that is actuatable between: an open condition allowing flow of the foam-precursor so as to permit the dispensing of the foam precursor, and a closed condition preventing flow of the-foam precursor so as to prevent the dispensing of the foam precursor. The device can further include a power-loss protection mechanism configured to direct auxiliary power to actuate the valve to the closed condition upon a loss of incoming power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: PREGIS INTELLIPACK LLC
    Inventor: Edward Cocciadiferro
  • Patent number: 9073294
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are sealing solutions for sealing water-soluble films, in particular aqueous mixtures including one or more polymeric solvents such as polyols. Aqueous sealing solutions including a relatively dilute solvent for one or more polymeric components of the water-soluble film (e.g., water-soluble polymeric components thereof, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)) can exhibit one or more benefits, including a reduction in dissolution of the film by the sealing solution and an increase in seal strength. Also disclosed are sealed articles formed with the sealing solutions, for example water-soluble packets containing various liquid or solid compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: MONOSOL, LLC
    Inventors: Sumeet Kumar, Percy Bromby, II, David M. Lee
  • Patent number: 9067696
    Abstract: In a method for producing tubular bags, a forming shoulder for shaping a packaging material web into a tubular bag having a laterally offset longitudinal seam includes a shoulder part and a prism part connected to each other along a shaping edge. Half of the shaping edge facing the incoming packing material web lies in the first and second quadrants of the cross-section of the prism part and the seam is formed in the fourth quadrant. Curvature-free surface lines in the second and fourth quadrants originating from the shaping edge approach each other with increasing distance from the prism part, and the shaping edge angle measured between the surfaces of the shoulder part and the inner face of the prism part decreases from the second to the third quadrant and increases again from the third to the fourth quadrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Henry Drut
  • Publication number: 20150135649
    Abstract: A packaging unit for producing sealed packages from a tube of a sheet packaging material fed along a feed path having a first axis; unit comprises: jaws movable cyclically along path between a seal position in which they grip and seal tube to form sealing bands of packages, and a rest position in which they are detached from tube; and folding flaps fitted movably to jaws; folding flaps are movable between: an open position in which they are detached from tube, and a fully closed position in which they cooperate with tube for forming folded flaps in package; jaw means are also cyclically movable in an intermediate position, which is arranged between rest position and seal position; folding flaps are movable relative to jaws means into a partly closed position, which is arranged between open position and fully closed position, when jaw means are set in intermediate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Ivan Orsini, Stefano Andreotti, Marco Poppi, Roberto De Pietri
  • Publication number: 20150140179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion packet (51) comprising a top (52), a bottom (53), a first side (54) and a second side (55); wherein the bottom (53) of the packet is defined by a gusset (61) and each side (54, 55) of the packet is defined by a seal that extends between the top (52) and bottom (53) of the packet; the packet (51) being characterised in that the seals defining the sides (54, 55) are arranged such that the packet has a compartment with a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: CONOPCO, INC., D/B/A UNILEVER
    Inventors: Sarah Elizabeth Askew, Suzanne Emma Axe
  • Publication number: 20150121813
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package with a desired shape on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The method comprises sealing a film to form a back seal; forming a first end seal to form a partially formed first package; flattening a first side of the partially formed first package to form a flat first side; filling the partially formed first package with product; forming a second end seal on the partially formed first package to form a first package from the partially formed first package; flattening the second side of the first package to form a flat second side, wherein the flattening the first side and the flattening the second side occur on a first machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph BIERSCHENK, Frank Mathew BRENKUS, Ronald M. GUST, Steven Kenneth TUCKER
  • Patent number: 8978346
    Abstract: A multi-layer film for making pouches for containing flowable materials, said multi-layer film having generally five layers in order: inner sealant-layer, first interposed layer, the core layer, second interposed layer, and the outer sealant layer. All layers are ethylene-based. The combined thickness of the first and the second interposed layers is in the range of from about 10% to about 27% of the total thickness of said multi-layer film. Similarly, a combined thickness of the inner and the outer sealant-layers is in the range of from about 10% to about 27% of the total thickness of the multi-layer film. The interposed layers are of a high-density polyethylene that has a density of at least 0.950 g/cm.3 and a melt-index of less than 1.05 dg/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Keith Breck
  • Patent number: 8959879
    Abstract: A vertical bag-manufacturing and packaging machine includes a feeding unit having an upstream tube portion, an opening/closing mechanism, and a downstream tube portion. The upstream tube portion is configured and arranged to downwardly convey the article. The opening/closing mechanism is disposed on a downstream side of the upstream tube portion with a gap being formed between a downstream end of the upstream tube portion and an upstream end of the opening/closing mechanism, and configured and arranged to selectively open or close to selectively discharge or hold the article discharged by the upstream tube portion. The downstream tube portion is disposed on a downstream side of the opening/closing mechanism, and configured and arranged to downwardly convey the article discharged by the opening/closing mechanism, the downstream tube portion having an internal diameter that is larger than an internal diameter of the upstream tube portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Iwasaki, Masayuki Yamane, Taro Sano, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8950655
    Abstract: A packaging container including a top wall and a bottom wall that are substantially horizontal when the packaging container is straight, and side walls. The top wall and the bottom wall have a triangular shape and a rectangular shape, respectively, a section of a transverse direction of a main body of the packaging container formed in four ridgelines which connect three corner points of the top wall and four corner points of the bottom wall has a trapezoidal shape, and the horizontal top wall overhangs a front side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Okezawa
  • Patent number: 8938938
    Abstract: A packaging and filling machine is capable of easily preforming with the forming flaps by keeping the pressure of the filled liquid food in the tube the positive pressure, capable of preventing the pressure of the liquid food from dropping to negative pressure, even if the pressure of the liquid food decreases due to the up-and-down of the liquid food pressure, and capable of preventing outside atmosphere materials from invading into the tube. A positive pressure keeping means absorbs fluctuation of the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange, and prevents the liquid food pressure from dropping in negative pressure to keep the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange a positive pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Konno, Yutaka Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8919081
    Abstract: A method of producing a sealed package of a pourable food product involving feeding a tube of packaging material along an axis; moving a pair of first jaws and a pair of second jaws cyclically and alternately along sealing paths parallel to the axis, and along repositioning paths; moving the jaws, as they travel along the sealing paths, into a closed position in which the sealing members grip the tube and respectively form, at different times, a first and a second seal sealing the tube and defining respective opposite ends of the package; and moving the jaws, as they travel along the respective repositioning paths, into an open position, in which they are detached from the tube; acquiring a desired value of a quantity related to the package weight; and forming the second seal at a distance, which is a function of the value, from the first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Andreotti, Andrea Donati, Marco Poppi
  • Publication number: 20140352259
    Abstract: A method for forming a flexible pouch having a fitment, the method including the steps of sealing the bottom, top and one side of a material to form a pouch. The pouch is formed around a forming tube, leaving one side of the flexible pouch unsealed. A fitment is installed on the flexible pouch, either on the corner (45 degree angle) or on the top of the pouch. The product filled through the unsealed side of the flexible pouch while continuously moving the flexible pouch down the forming tube, the forming tube also continuously supplying product to fill the flexible pouch and sealing the unsealed side of the flexible pouch. An apparatus for forming a flexible pouch is provided having a forming tube. The forming tube is adapted to allow material to wrap around the forming tube to form a flexible pouch, the forming tube also operable to dispense product into the flexible pouch through an exit of the forming tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Patent number: 8869859
    Abstract: A dispensing and sealing system generally includes a film-feed assembly with a support mechanism for a supply of film and a film-drive mechanism to advance the film along a path, a dispenser with an outlet port for dispensing fluid into the film, and a transverse seal mechanism for forming a seal in the film transversely of the path. A calendering device and a movable structure for the support mechanism are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Michael Knaak, Scott Rote, Mark Kurth, Dan Johnson, Kyle Koning, Dan Somen
  • Patent number: 8844248
    Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a bag around an article, the method comprising: providing an oriented film; cauterizing the film at a temperature sufficient to de-orient a portion of the film to create a cauterized area on the continuous film; placing an article(s) on the film between adjacent cauterized areas; heat-sealing the film around the article(s) such that at least a portion of the film between the heat-sealed area and the article comprises the cauterized area. Also, provided is a form, fill, and seal apparatus comprising a heat sealer and a cauterizer, both having a temperature control, the heat sealer positioned to allow the heat sealer to form a seal between two edges of film having an article wrapped therein, and the cauterizer positioned to cauterize an area of the sealed film in an area adjacent to the sealed edges and the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Jindal Films Americas LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Cleckner, Scott Wilkins, James S. Howard
  • Patent number: 8844249
    Abstract: A film supplying apparatus includes: an upstream belt conveying unit and a downstream belt conveying unit that sequentially convey a label formed by cutting a label-forming base material, to a label delivery position; a label detection sensor that detects the label at an upper position of the downstream belt conveying unit; an encoder attached to a take-up spindle of a label delivery apparatus; and a control unit that calculates the amount of shift in the label on the basis of a label detection signal from the label detection sensor and a pulse signal from the encoder, and controls the operation of the downstream belt conveying unit conveying the label, so as to convey the label and stop the label at the label delivery position, while modifying the amount of shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Ushidate, Seiichi Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20140196406
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: CLEAR LAM PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer
  • Patent number: 8776485
    Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine is capable of reducing poor sealing caused by a packaged article catching in lateral seal portions. The form-fill-seal machine is provided with an upper tube, a lower tube disposed therebelow, a former, a lateral sealing mechanism below the lower tube, and opening and closing sliding members. A packaged article is dropped through the interiors of the upper tube and the lower tube. The former winds a sheet of a film F around the circumference of the lower tube to convert same into a tubular film. The lateral sealing mechanism laterally seals the tubular film. The opening and closing sliding members, which are disposed between the upper tube and the lower tube, shut off an upwardly oriented flow of gas from the interior of the lower tube when in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishitsuji, Fumitaka Tokuda, Shinji Takeichi, Toshikazu Shimada, Toshiharu Kageyama, Toshikazu Shotsu
  • Patent number: 8739504
    Abstract: A packaging method comprises dispensing a material continuously from a roll, forming a plurality of packages from the material, filling each package with contents and sealing each package once filled. A hanging aperture is created for each package, prior to it being formed into the package, the material having been folded or creased in the area in which the aperture is to be created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Cadbury Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Jason Willey
  • Patent number: 8720168
    Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine has a tube, a sailor-collar-shaped part, and a vertical sealing mechanism. The sailor-collar-shaped part wraps a sheet-shaped film around the tube so that two edges thereof define overlapping portions. The vertical sealing mechanism ultrasonically seals the overlapping portions of the sheet-shaped film in the vertical direction. The vertical sealing mechanism has an oscillator and a roller. The oscillator generates ultrasonic waves. The roller is disposed downstream of the oscillator along the advancing direction of the film. The roller holds down the film while rotating in the advancing direction of the film after the film has passed the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kamigaito, Masashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 8707660
    Abstract: A package for an article (1) comprises a pressurized outer bag (5) having gas-tight seals (7) at opposite ends, and an inner web for supporting the article within the outer bag. The web extends along the length of the outer bag and is secured to the outer bag only at the gas-tight seals (7). The web is maintained under sufficient tension by the pressure within the outer bag to suspend the article within the bag and to maintain a space between the article and the outer bag on all sides of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Dubble Bubble Limited
    Inventor: Neville Howes