Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.

Abstract: A standup bags made of a flexible material and methods of producing these standup bags. In particular, the standup bags have at least one substantially flat surface which is free of seams and folds. When the bag is filled with a flowable substance, the pressure exerted by the fluid upon the flat surfaces allows the bag to be self-standing. Additionally, the standup includes at least one contour structure that defines the geometry of the bag and also contributes to the standup bag's ability to be self-standing when even partially filled with a flowable substance.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: Device for filling sacks (1), comprising at least one filler material metering device (2), a feeding hopper (3) and a sealing tab folder (5), wherein

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A portable packaging device for manually forming individually packaging articles within a closed tubular sheet, preferably a tubular film. The article to be packaged is inserted into and enclosed within the length of tubular sheet, and separated from the remaining length of tubular sheet to form the closed individually packaged article. The portable packaging device is convenient, portable, lightweight and easily maintained. A thermoplastic, vapor-impermeable tubular film having adhesive on one surface can provide an airtight seal that is especially effective when the device is used to package waste-containing disposable adsorbent articles, such as soiled diapers, for disposal.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.

Abstract: An improved pouch-filling machine includes a pouch-opening apparatus for opening with closure strips such as zipper type locks in a continuous operation. The pouches are supported by continuously moving carriers, and the pouch-opening apparatus includes first and second stages wherein the first stage performs a preliminary opening of the upper edges of the pouch to permit gripping of the upper edges in the second stage. After this preliminary opening, the carrier carries the pouch to the second stage wherein a gripper arrangement grips and pulls the upper pouch edges outwardly to open the zipper lock. Further, the machine includes a transfer conveyor which continuously feeds the pouches to the pouch-opening apparatus in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for picking-up and opening in the shape of elongate bags for automatic packing of cylindrical articles, preferably can lids. The method is charaterized by picking-up essentially flattened packages from a package magazine by means of pick-up means, opening the individual package by application thereon, at least in the area of the opening-mouth end of bags, of surface-holding means to opposite sides of the package and thereafter moving said means away from the package and then moving said means apart whereby the package mouth is distended.

Abstract: A diaper disposal system for packaging odorous waste objects in individual sealed (substantially air-tight) packages includes a body, base, hinged lid, flexible material, and a first sealing member and second sealing member. The sealing members are operable to seal or form a substantially air-tight seal in the flexible material to prevent the odor from escaping. The sealing members move between an open position and closed/sealing position by twisting an inner lid, closing the lid, or moving an activation arm. The sealing members preferably seal the tubing by thermally fusing the tubing. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to cover a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A diaper disposal system for packaging odorous waste objects in individual sealed (substantially air-tight) packages includes a body, base, hinged lid, flexible material, and a first sealing member and second sealing member. The sealing members are operable to seal or form a substantially air-tight seal in the flexible material to prevent the odor from escaping. The sealing members move between an open position and closed/sealing position by twisting an inner lid, closing the lid, or moving an activation arm. The sealing members preferably seal the tubing by thermally fusing the tubing. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A bag for use in an automatic bagging apparatus, said bag comprising: a back panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and first and second side edges; and a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and first and second side edges, the back panel being longer than the front panel, wherein the back panel includes a tear line which runs parallel to the top and bottom edges of the back panel and extends between the side edges thereof, the tear line including a middle portion which is perforated and two lateral portions which are cut and intersect the side edges of said back panel, the front panel being juxtaposed with the back panel such that the side edges and bottom edges are contiguous, the front panel being joined to the back panel along their corresponding side edges and bottom edges is disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for packaging objects using a hose-shaped stretch foil guided in run-like manner as hose of lateral folds in particular, a foil hood (6) harmonized to the good to be packed is formed, which hood is reefed onto several gripper means (8) movable in essentially horizontal direction, of a lifting frame movable in essentially vertical direction. Subsequently the reefed foil hood (6) is tentered in essentially horizontal direction by the movement of the gripper means (6) such that the tentered opening of said foil hood is larger than the contour of the object (1) to be packed and wherein said foil hood (6) is expanded in essentially horizontal direction. In a subsequent step said foil hood (6) is pulled over said object (1) by the essentially vertical movement of said lifting frame, wherein said foil hood (6) is pulled off from said gripper means (8) and is expanded in essentially vertical direction.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: A machine for activating cutting members included in sealing dies carried by a rotating wheel to cause the cutting members to sever a tube of material held within the sealing dies. The machine includes a striker assembly and an actuator. The striker assembly includes a base and a striker element movable relative to the base between first and second location. The actuator is connected to the base to move the striker assembly between first and second positions. When the striker assembly is moved from the first position to the second position, the striker element is moved into operative engagement with a moving sealing die being carried by the rotating wheel to cause the cutting member of the engaged sealing die to shift from a retracted position to a cutting position to sever the tube. While in operative engagement with the moving sealing die, the striker element moves with the sealing die and relative to the base from the first location to the second location in a direction generally tangential to the wheel.

Abstract: A case loading machine and method of operation is described for positioning at least two flexible bags, having an unstable product therein, in a case and in side-by-side contact with one another. A case engaging and displacement mechanism is positionable inside a case from an open top end of the case whereby to divide the case into compartments of predetermined size. The mechanism holds the case at a loading position with one of the compartments aligned at a bag receiving position. A bag engaging and transfer mechanism engages one of the bags from a bag filling position and transfers it into the aligned compartment. The bag engaging and transfer mechanism is provided with a compression compartment to compress the flexible bag and displace the unstable product therein whereby the bag is sized to enter into the aligned compartment. The case is then displaced to align another compartment at the loading position to receive a further bag.

Abstract: An improved loading assembly in a packaging system utilizing chains of interconnected preopened bags is disclosed. The assembly includes an elongated chute component including a tubular portion having spaced end loading and exit openings. The chute is movably mounted adjacent a load station for sequential cooperation with bags sequentially registered in and opened at the load station. A gate is mounted on the chute. The gate is movable between a closed position closing the exit opening and an open position for transfer of products being packaged from positions within the chute into registered bags. The gate includes a canning arrangement for moving the gate from its closed to its open position. A spring against the gate for urging the gate toward its closed position. A process of packaging using the assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray or card conveyor, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray or conveyor. Preferably, the delivery placer includes an arm having a holder which comprises a vacuum system. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be used to feed an insert onto a scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. In certain embodiments of the invention, the insert has multiple folds to allow it to be folded around the product prior to packaging. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing packaging bags having lateral bellows, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps consisting in: forming respective cutouts (150, 160) in each of the two lateral, bellows-forming zones of a packaging bag sheet (100) so that the bag has only two thicknesses superposed at the mouth of said bellows, at least over a portion of its width; and heat-sealing (184, 186) the adjacent edges of the sheet to the peripheries of the cutouts (150, 160) to close the bag. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the method and bags obtained thereby.

Abstract: A multi-layer, water-soluble film, a method of producing such film, and a method of packaging a chemical in such film are provided. The multi-layer film comprises a continuous layer of water-soluble material suitable for forming an outer layer of a bag, and a barrier coating affixed to discrete areas of the continuous layer, leaving a plurality of uncoated intervals occurring at repeating distances on the continuous layer. The continuous layer is of sufficient thickness and strength to provide sufficient structural integrity for use as a bag. The barrier coating, suitable for forming the inner surface of a bag, lacks sufficient structural integrity to contain the contents of the bag once the outer layer is substantially dissolved.

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 apparatus for packaging a product, said apparatus having a bag magazine containing a number of preformed bags from which bags are separated by a lifting member which lifts each bag at or adjacent to its sealed end; a support device for separating a bag from the magazine and presenting it for opening by a movable gripping and opening device; means for opening the inlet region of the bag by said gripping and opening device, said gripping and opening device transporting the bag onto an outlet, said outlet being configured to grip the inlet region of the bag such that a product can then be ejected into the bag.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: In the process of die-cutting bag stacks to form individual bag tops, die-cut handle apertures, or other mounting apertures, die blade configurations forming the vent lines of an array of vent apertures are also used to bond the outer surfaces of the front and rear bag walls together. The die-cutting operation selectively bonds the successive front and rear bag walls together at or adjacent the cut edges of the vent lines, thereby allowing the bags in a bag stack to subsequently self-open when dispensed.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for packaging an object, like a stack of goods (1) disposed on a pallet (2), with a shrinkable foil (8, 20) a foil hood (20) is formed out of a foil hose (8). Said foil hood (20) subsequently is opened by a first gripper means (10, 11), is gripped and is moved to the object. Subsequently, said foil hood (20) is pulled over said object to be packaged and simultaneously shrunk onto said object. Therein, the heating means (17) during pulling over of said foil hood (20) is disposed with a fixed distance above a gripper means (16) for pulling over said foil hood (20) over said object. By the method in accordance with the present invention and by the corresponding apparatus, the output of the plant can be increased, wherein said foil hood (20) is shrunk onto said object essentially without creating folds, without the foils of the good itself or the hood pasting together.

Abstract: In the packaging of a wide variety of products in flexible film bags, problems with edge tear and incomplete bag cut-off have been encountered. The edge tear and incomplete cut-off are worse for films containing low melting polymers, such as metallocene-catalyzed ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers. These problems can be solved using a clamp-cut-seal process, as opposed to a clamp-seal-cut process. By cutting before sealing, the film is still cool, and the strain on the film due to the cutting does not pull on the seal area enough to cause edge tearing (i.e., tearing at the seal). The higher resistance to elongation of the cool, clamped film also serves to reduce or prevent incomplete bag tail cutoff. Also, by providing a means for sealing which clamps the film before it is cut, defective seals from bag “pull back” can be avoided.

Abstract: A method of opening a bag mounted on a tape includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; gripping the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens. The first and second means for vacuumizing are activated before or during the gripping step, or after these means have been moved, but before the bag mouth opens. An apparatus for transporting a bag, and loading a bag, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sealed pouches, and apparatus and processes for producing the same. The pouch includes contoured first and second lateral edges, with each lateral edge having concave and convex surfaces. The concave surface of the first lateral edge is substantially opposite the convex surface of the second lateral edge and the convex surface of the first lateral edge is substantially opposite the concave surface of the second lateral edge. Accordingly, a distance between the first and second lateral edges is substantially the same for all elevations of the pouch.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: A machine for automatically loading tubes with elasticated netting in a folded condition comprises an array of fingers which, by reciprocative movement of the tube relatively through the array, will draw off a continuous sleeve of the netting from a spreader device and store it on the tube. Thereafter the fingers and spreader device are raised and the fingers splayed from the tube, enabling the sleeve of netting to be cut above the tube, after which the loaded tube can be removed and replaced by an unloaded one.

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 process of and apparatus for forming dunnage are disclosed. A chain of interconnected plastic pouches are fed along a path of travel to a fill and seal station. The pouches are sequentially opened as each pouch is positioned in the fill station. Each pouch is opened by directing a flow of air through a pouch fill opening to separate a face from a back of each such pouch and continuing the flow of air through each such opening to inflate each opened pouch. Steps are taken to control the volume of air in an inflated pouch. Each such inflated pouch is then sealed to create hermetically closed and inflated dunnage units. Novel web and dunnage units are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention consists in a method of sealing tubular or bag-shaped packaging casings (10) filled with a tough filling, where the packaging casing (10) is first of all compressed to an adjustable degree, so that a pinched area (34) is produced, beside which a neck without filling is then produced by crimping the packaging casing (10), which neck is subsequently, if necessary, extended and sealed by setting two closure clips. The invention also consists in a sealing device comprising a crimping element (24, 26) and an additional clamping means (28, 30) for compressing the package beside the crimping element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling a packaging casing to produce a sausage-like product, wherein the tautness of the casing during both filling and closing is detected by a sensor and filling or closing is interrupted when the upper or lower limit for tautness is exceeded.

Abstract: A wrapped mass of material. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a cold-flowable material such as a hot-melt adhesive wrapped in a liner such that the liner is easily removed from the material. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for wrapping the material with the liner. The wrapped mass of material comprises a flexible liner and a mass of material including a peripheral surface. The liner includes an inside surface, an outside surface opposite the inside surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge. The inside surface of the liner is at least partially wrapped around the peripheral surface of the mass of material forming a wrapped mass of material. The wrapped mass of material is spirally wound about itself.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion and an upper portion which are connected along a detaching element, for example, perforations. Upon opening of the sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space and conforms to the outer surface of a pot. The potted plant is disposed in the inner retaining space of the lower portion of the sleeve such that at least a portion of the pot is covered by the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the detaching element forming an upper edge of the lower portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A conveyer system for receiving, orienting and conveying pouches is disclosed. The conveyor system includes a plurality of pucks, each puck having a lower extent with a recess extending upwardly from the lower surface thereof and having an upstanding cylindrical wall. An indexing conveyer includes a belt in a closed loop configuration supported by an idler roller at one end and with a drive roller at the other end with a motor to drive the rollers and belt in a step and repeat operation. The exterior surface of the belt is formed with a plurality of plates with a cleat on each plate to receive the recesses of a plurality of pucks thereacross. An infeed conveyer has a spine alignable with the cleat at the input end of the indexing conveyor adapted to receive and orient pucks from the infeed conveyer to the indexing conveyer. The infeed conveyer has an input end and an output end, the output end being located adjacent to the input end of the indexing conveyer.

Abstract: A bagging machine for bagging material in an elongate bag. An anchor connected to a cable extends from the machine and resides in the material being placed in the bag. The anchor may be extended different distances from the machine to provide a varying restricting force to restrict the movement of the machine away from the bag being filled. Powered reels are provided to reel in cable or play out cable to vary the distance between the anchor and machine.

Abstract: A method for covering a pot, the cover is a flattened sleeve comprising a base portion sized to fit a pot and having an upper portion which is detachable leaving an upper edge and a closed bottom in the base. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot, the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion tapered to fit a pot and may have a skirt having an edge and having a lower end having excess material therein for forming a bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot, the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion sized to fit a pot and may have a non-linear upper edge defining a skirt and having a bottom having a drainage means therein. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

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 sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and packaging wire ties directly from a wire tie forming machine. While the prior art contemplates dispensing wire ties along first and second flexible strings or wires to form a coil of ties having the first and second strings or wires passing through first and second eyelets, respectively, formed in the ties, the present invention teaches first and second, rigid rods emanating from the first and second tying anvils on the tie forming machine, which rods are configured to slide each formed tie away from the tie forming machine, wherein the ties are counted via electric eye or the like and selectively dispensed into a package via computer controlled actuator. Bagging a quantity of the ties in this fashion provides an automated, dependable, economical system for packaging the specified quantity of ties, and is particularly useful for smaller lots of ties, for example, 500 ties or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for the supply of bags formed into stacks to a point where in each case the top bag of the stack is to be opened, contains two parallel conveyors, e.g. in the form of revolving chains, which are synchronously driven. The stacks are held together by two holding members. The holding members are so inserted with a widened foot in the holders of the conveyor that they can be slid out of the holders again through a stop member. These holders have a small mutual spacing, so that the stacks of bags can be juxtaposed on the apparatus with a small reciprocal spacing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a drainage line unit. The apparatus includes a mandrel having an inner cavity. Rear, upper and front openings communicate with the mandrel cavity. Preferably, a controller connected to at least one sensor is operably positioned to control the apparatus. A pipe feeder feeds perforated vent pipe through the inner cavity of the mandrel from the rear opening to the front opening and therethrough. The pipe is positioned within the inner tube cavity so as to define a void space between the pipe and the wall of the mandrel. A hopper assembly has an exit port positioned for feeding a plurality of plastic bodies into the cavity. A blower produces a sufficient air flow through the mandrel cavity for moving the plurality of plastic bodies to substantially fill the void space so that the pipe emerges from the front opening of the mandrel surrounded by the plurality of plastic bodies.