Flexible, Expandable Receptacle (e.g., Bag, Tube) Patents (Class 53/469)
  • Publication number: 20100101190
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of the subject invention facilitates the filling of an air-permeable casement or shell with feather down material. The apparatus of the subject invention includes two chambers which are selectively connected to one another by means of a passageway. The subject invention further includes a mechanism for selectively inducing a partial vacuum in either chamber to facilitate the filling of article casements with feather down. By inducing a partial vacuum in the first chamber and connecting a supply hose to its access port, feather down may be conveyed from a supply container into the first chamber. By selectively opening the passageway and inducing a partial vacuum in the second chamber, the feather down is conveyed from the first chamber to the second chamber in a clean, efficient and controlled manner where it is contained within an air permeable casement formed over the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Mary Stephens Dillon
  • Publication number: 20100083621
    Abstract: A containment system includes a vapor resistant container for a material, and a seal for the vapor resistant container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Mark A. Stennes, Douglas M. McMillan
  • Patent number: 7681379
    Abstract: A packing member for packing an article, includes a medium accommodating portion for accommodating medium; a non-return valve for passing the medium to the medium accommodating portion and stopping the medium away from the medium accommodating portion; an introducing portion for introducing the medium into the medium accommodating portion with the non-return valve from an outside of the packing member to balloon the medium accommodating portion; and a sealing region, disposed upstream of the non-return valve with respect to a direction of the introduction of the medium from the introducing portion toward the non-return valve, for sealing against the introduction of the medium to prevent leakage from the introducing portion to an outside of the packing member, the sealing region being sealed to keep the medium in the medium accommodating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nishi, Atsushi Goto, Taiji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7681378
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bags wherein bags are filled one by one with a filling material and thereafter closed by means of an oscillating structure of an ultrasonic welding device. A parameter for the oscillating behavior of the oscillating structure is determined at no-load between closing two bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Haver & Boecker OHG
    Inventors: Hubert Brormann, Robert Neumann
  • Publication number: 20100064638
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for packaging a curable resin composition and a catalyst composition that react with each other when mixed, comprising providing a partitioned tube for receiving the resin composition and the curing agent in separate compartments; delivering a stream of a resin composition into one compartment of the tube; delivering a stream of a curing agent in the other compartment of the tube; advancing the partitioned tube and constricting and sealing the partitioned tube at spaced apart intervals and severing the sealed tube to produce a package partitioning the resin composition from the catalyst composition. Solid particulate is continuously added into the stream of at least one of the catalyst composition and the resin composition and mixing the solid particulate and stream to produce a mixed composition; and the relative amount of solid particulate in the mixed composition is controlled by continuously determining the mass of solid particulate added to the mass of the stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: J-LOK CO.
    Inventors: John G. Oldsen, Walter J. Simmons, W. Neal Simmons, Robert A. McGinnis, JR.
  • Patent number: 7673438
    Abstract: A method of forming, filling, and sealing a flexible pouch with a guide pocket includes the steps of forming the pouch, and forming a first crease and second crease in the pouch that each projects outwardly and extends longitudinally from the upper edge, tapering in the direction of the lower edge. The method further includes the steps of opening and filling the pouch with the product and closing the pouch by sealing the upper edge transversely through the guide pocket, such that the first and second crease is eliminated as the upper edge is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Publication number: 20100056783
    Abstract: Novel process for the preparation of statins and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof represented by the general formula-(1) through novel intermediate compounds of general formula-(4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Manne Satyanarayana Reddy, Srinivasan Thirumalai Rajan, Maramreddy Sahadeva Reddy
  • Patent number: 7665278
    Abstract: Methods of automatically packaging an object in netting include: (a) automatically extending a product pusher having a pusher head through a product chute; (b) pushing at least one object from a location upstream of the product chute, through a product chute to a location downstream of the product chute in response to the extending step; (c) pulling netting material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the netting material as the object exits the product chute; (d) automatically retracting the pusher head after the pushing step extends the pusher head outside the product chute; then (e) automatically directing a clipper to pivot into position when the pusher head is partially retracted a distance sufficient to position the pusher head inside the product chute; and (f) applying at least one clip to the netting material using the clipper to secure the object in the netting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown, David R. Gupton
  • Patent number: 7654064
    Abstract: Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member. The web may be reverse indexed to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Riccardi, Bernard Lerner
  • Patent number: 7647748
    Abstract: Netting chutes suitable for use with manual, automatic and semi-automatic packaging operations to enclose product in netting packaging include chutes with embossed floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May
  • Patent number: 7640714
    Abstract: Methods of packaging a medical device to orient at least a portion of the medical device and a medical device packaging assembly are provided. A method includes providing an elongate holder having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the holder and providing the medical device including an elongate shaft where the shaft includes a first cross-sectional area having a rotational orientation and a second cross-sectional area having a second rotational orientation. The method further includes aligning the first and second areas so that the first and second rotational orientations are aligned along a longitudinal region of the shaft and inserting at least a portion of the medical device into the lumen of the holder Radial rotation of the first area with respect to the second area is substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Wilson-Cook Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Waller, Vihar C. Surti
  • Publication number: 20090320415
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a process for producing a packaged drink whereby filling can be performed at room temperature without resorting to using a chemical or sterile water, the favorable taste and flavor of the content can be maintained while relieving the thermal degradation thereof, it becomes unnecessary to employ a heat-resistant container or to thermally sterilize or cool after sealing, and thus both of the equipment cost and the running cost can be largely reduced. After thermally sterilizing the content to give a definite sterilization value, it is quickly cooled to room temperature and then stored in a storage tank that has been preliminarily sterilized under such conditions as being equal to or exceeding the thermal sterilization conditions for the contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Senbon, Takeshi Iwashita
  • Patent number: 7634896
    Abstract: A liner emptying device and a liner filling device as well as methods using them for contamination-free filling and emptying of a liner. This contamination-free filling and emptying prevents any danger to the health of the people working with the packaged substances. Both the liner emptying device and the liner filling device are connected to the liner via a fastening device and the residual films sealing off the device can be removed via an access port, whereby the liner can be filled or emptied without contaminating the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hecht Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Steven Multer, Karsten Weber
  • Publication number: 20090308486
    Abstract: A method of forming a transportable container of bulk goods begins by placing the distributing end of a hopper over the open top of a bunched bag. Bulk goods are dispensed from the distributing end of the hopper through the open top of the bag to establish a level of bulk goods in the bag. The hopper moves vertically relative to the closed base of the bag during the dispensing of bulk goods from the distributing end of the hopper to maintain vertical spacing between the distributing end of the hopper and the level of bulk goods in the bag. A hopper fill level is maintained in the hopper during the dispensing of bulk goods from the hopper. An outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag while filling the bag to form the transportable container. The outer wrap is maintained near the level of bulk goods in the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Sharon Juntunen, Stanley Davis, Clark Kreider
  • Publication number: 20090301034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sealed containers or pouches. More specifically, the present invention relates to containers, such as flexible packages or bags wherein the containers or pouch can be compressed or evacuated to remove excess air, fluid or other gaseous content and then sealed in such compressed or evacuated arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akash ABRAHAM, Richard L. SANDT
  • Publication number: 20090282786
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for hygienic disposal of a sanitary product. The apparatus comprises a biodegradable bag for disposal of the sanitary product. The biodegradable bag comprises a catch clip, a pull stick, and an adhesive strip. The catch clip, affixed at the closed end of the biodegradable bag, seizes the sanitary product into the biodegradable bag. The pull stick holds the biodegradable bag in a predefined position over the seized sanitary product during inversion of the biodegradable bag over the seized sanitary product. The inverted biodegradable bag with the seized sanitary product is then twisted and sealed airtight using the adhesive strip affixed towards the open end of the biodegradable bag. The biodegradable bag prevents the user from coming in contact with the sanitary product, thereby providing hygienic disposal of the sanitary product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent David Bland
  • Patent number: 7617657
    Abstract: An elongate, tubular, transparent thin-film scallop bag formed with a tapered, open top edge and a closed bottom edge, and sized to hold a column of scallop medallions. The bag includes a plurality of regularly spaced perforations for eliminating trapped and excess moisture trapped during the filling of the bag with the scallops, and further formed with at least one vent hole larger than said perforations near the base of the bag to relieve back air pressure during the loading process. The bag's composition includes at least a twenty percent mixture of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), at least a thirty percent low density polyethylene (LDPE), and at least forty-five percent Metallocene 8C. The novel composite provides the requisite strength for a thickness that can carry the necessary perforations spacing without tearing or stretching, while providing a surface characteristic that is smooth and allows the scallops to slide easily into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Wlkay Plastics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Davis Liu
  • Publication number: 20090266031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for packaging dry ice in a plastic film, the said device comprising: —means for dispensing and shaping a plastic film comprising a shaping sleeve over the exterior wall of which the plastic film is paid out, —a dry ice generator connected to a source of liquid carbon dioxide, the dry ice generator being positioned inside the shaping sleeve so as to leave a gap between the generator and the shaping sleeve and allow the plastic film shaped to become filled with dry ice, —and means for sealing the shaped plastic film, characterized in that the shaping sleeve is equipped with thermal insulating means and/or with heating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Hervé Flamant, Jacques Fouche, Philippe Gibert
  • Publication number: 20090266036
    Abstract: A reclosable flexible package is suitable for retail sale of food products and is comprised of a film material. The reclosable flexible packages are suitable for mass production on high-speed form-fill-seal equipment. The flexible package includes a pair of semi-rigid strips attached to the walls of the flexible pouch and positioned parallel to the package opening. The semi-rigid strips are configured and arranged to nest together and bias toward one another. Upon opening of the package, the semi-rigid strips are moveable between a closed position and an open position. Further, the semi-rigid strips are configured such that they automatically reclose the package when the strips are released from the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Kraft Foods Global Brand LLC
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Zerfas, Robert C. Jones
  • Patent number: 7600308
    Abstract: Drainage elements are made by delivering loose fill elements under gravity from a container into a sleeve of netting that is tied at one end to a pipe, or other endless element, that is passing through the container. The sleeve of netting is supplied from an apertured cage extending below the container. In one embodiment a blower and chute arrangement is used to blow air downwardly into the drainage element being formed to increase the rate of flow of the loose fill elements into the sleeve of netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventors: Harry Bussey, Jr., Buddy Harry Bussey, III
  • Publication number: 20090241478
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously or intermittently and vertically forming, filling and sealing packaging includes an infeed section, a pleating assembly, a forming tube and a sealing assembly. The pleating assembly imparts at least one pleat to the film. The film may be driven and measured at a nip following the pleating. The forming tube receives the film from the infeed section after the pleat has been made. A film tube is formed about the forming tube. The film tube is vertically fed downward to the sealing assembly which imparts seals to the film tube, thereby forming packages. A hole punch punches holes in the film tube. The film travels a film path that includes the hole punch, the forming tube, the vertical seal assembly and the horizontal seal assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Brian E. Kettner, Curt A. Frievalt
  • Publication number: 20090241474
    Abstract: A bagging assembly for bagging bales of fibrous material is disclosed. The bagging assembly incorporates a chute defining a channel for receiving a bale, which is pushed there between by a stuffing assembly. Aspects of the bagging assembly include raising a bale using a bale elevator to a higher elevation position so that the bale could be stuffed by the stuffing assembly and using a bag retrieving mechanism for retrieving a bag from a bag location for use in bagging the bale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Bradley P. Actis
  • Publication number: 20090235619
    Abstract: A flexible non-PVC, non-DEHP container or bag for medical fluids has a container body formed of a multiple layer polyolefin film. The container has one or more ports equipped with a polyolefin fill tube and port closure assembly. The container has a low moisture vapor transmission rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: HOSPIRA, INC.
    Inventors: Mark I. Ostler, Marc M. Daniels, John Domkowski, Sheldon M. Wecker
  • Publication number: 20090234317
    Abstract: A pouch for mixing and dispensing a composition including a pouch body and a port body. The pouch body includes opposing, first and second major flexible walls sealed to one another along respective peripheries thereof to define an internal chamber and a pouch perimeter. The pouch body has a C-like shape. The port body projects from the first wall and is fluidly open to the internal chamber. With this configuration, various components, such as a powder component and a liquid component, can be mixed by a user's hand(s) in pressing the walls in a kneading fashion, with the resultant composition being dispensed through the port body. In some embodiments, the pouch is provided to a user with a powder component pre-loaded in the internal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Lissa M. Navarro
  • Patent number: 7587882
    Abstract: A method for operating a package emptying station having a work station, in which an emptying step is performed, an inlet via which the package to be emptied is inserted into the work station, an outlet via which the emptied package is ejected, and a product outlet through which the emptied contents of the package is discharged. Continuous tubular film packs are provided both at the inlet and also at the package outlet which seal off the inlet and the outlet and encase the package to be emptied or the emptied package during the insertion or corresponding ejection of the package. The film is sealed off and severed between individual packages such that the interior and the exterior do not come into contact. In this manner, both contamination of the package contents by environmental substances and also any contamination of the environment by the package contents can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hecht Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Timothy Rocholl, Jan Hecht
  • Publication number: 20090226573
    Abstract: A package which is sealed with at least one baffled venting closure system, said baffled venting closure system being formed of at least two closure-lines which extend across the width of the package, and an air flow passage formed between the at least two closure-lines, wherein each of said closure-lines form one or more closure-line vents which allow air to vent out of the interior of the package into the air flow passage and out of the bag to the environment external to the package, and wherein at least one of said closure-lines has at least one wall segment parapeting said closure-line from the closure-line vent adjacent thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Alejandro Gonzalez Leon, Pedro Miguel Mendoza, Larry Jose Parada, Lucas Enrique Rojas
  • Publication number: 20090223173
    Abstract: A process for aseptic packaging of sterile liquids in flexible containers including a pre-chamber pressurized with a sterilized inert fluid that is injected through an auxiliary line and flows out to activate a sterile barrier such as to allow complete asepsis of the packaging process. A pressing device compresses the film to form a seal against the outer surface of the feed tube that introduces sterile liquid into the aseptic packaging chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Gino Rapparini
  • Patent number: 7581369
    Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting, by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through first and second axially aligned product chutes; (b) pulling covering material from an exterior surface of a covering material chute residing about the second product chute to automatically enclose the object in the material as the object exits the second product chute; (c) applying at least one clip to the material to secure the object in the material; and (d) pivoting the covering material chute and second product chute together to load a sleeve of material onto the covering material chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. May, Samuel D. Griggs, Matthew Lowder, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7581371
    Abstract: A package includes a pouch including a base portion having a first width, the base portion having a closed bottom; and a neck integrally connected to the base portion, the neck having a second width narrower than the first width, the neck including an end portion; and a first easy-open device adapted to remove the end portion from the neck; wherein a common wall formed by the base portion and neck has an outer and inner surface; a discrete cap in connected relationship with the outer surface of the common wall of the pouch, the cap covering the end portion of the neck, the cap including a second easy-open device adapted to remove at least part of the cap and provide access to the end portion of the neck; and a flowable product disposed in the base portion of the pouch. Methods for making a package are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Owensby, Randall Cantrell
  • Patent number: 7574847
    Abstract: A seal kit for vehicle air conditioning systems and associated methods are provided. The seal kit includes a container and a set of a plurality of retrofit seals positioned in the container and adapted to retrofit a set of a plurality of existing seals of any one preselected group of different vehicle air conditioning systems corresponding to a preselected group of different vehicles. The seal kit simplifies and shortens the selling cycle by condensing multiple similar vehicles' seal requirements into kits allowing the ready identification of system seals by year, make, model, and when applicable, engine type. The condensing of individual components or seals into kits also allows reduction of inventory. The identification by year, make, model, and engine type speeds the selling process by quickly identifying the necessary kit and allowing one kit to be sold instead of multiple components or seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Santech Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron C. Brezina, Michael Deese
  • Publication number: 20090169138
    Abstract: A medication and medical supply storage package and packing method are provided for use with an automated medication and medical supply dispensing device. In various embodiments, the medication and medical supply storage package and method are configured to accommodate oversized medications or medical supplies by providing a package and packaging method that include first and second surfaces that are sealed with first and second seals, as well as an intermediate seal that extends through a limited portion of the first and second surfaces. As a result of the limited extent of the intermediate seal, oversized medication and medical supplies may extend into an open area on at least one side of the seal, allowing existing medication and medical supply dispensing devices to locate and dispense oversized medications or medical supplies that would otherwise have to be manually picked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: William A. Bieganski
  • Publication number: 20090161995
    Abstract: A method for forming a plate-mat bag using a form, fill, and seal machine and the resultant bag. The film used to form the bag is oriented so that the product side layer is not a critical barrier layer. The top most portion of the bag is unsealed forming a tab. Below the top most portion, a peelable upper seal is utilized so that a consumer can destroy the upper seal using the tab and tear open the bag along slits made in the product side layer. This results in an easy open package which when opened can serve as a plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Eric Henderson, John Michels, Joe Sagel
  • Publication number: 20090158695
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses principally a method of permitting packaging of one or more piece goods in one or more bag units, where said bag units are, in a selected transport direction, oriented after one another and mutually united with the aid of two, each arranged bag side allocated, thickened portions. A first means (1) is disposed whereby each one of said bag units, from a folded and/or united state, becomes openable by causing said respective bag side allocated thickened portions to pass along a distance from one another oriented rails or similar arrangements. A second means (2) is disclosed in order to, in thus opened bag units, allow insertion of one or more piece goods (G). A third means (3) is utilised, whereby each one of said bag units is sealed along a sealing zone, in order thereby to allow the enclosure of said one or more piece goods. A fourth means (4) is adapted to clip and/or cut off a sealed bag through or above said sealing zone, however under said thickened portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Johan Jostler, Jan Jostler, Sven Olof Berg
  • Patent number: 7526905
    Abstract: Packaging systems and apparatus include a product chutes a clipper mechanism residing downstream of the product chute, and a vertically extendable and retractable product holding member disposed downstream of the clipper mechanism. In operation, the product holding member is configured to: (a) automatically vertically move to a first operative position whereby the holding member contacts and traps a target product to inhibit the target product from traveling downstream thereof, then (b) automatically vertically move to a second different position to allow a product to travel downstream thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown, David R. Gupton
  • Patent number: 7503885
    Abstract: A soft shell, flexible storage tank is provided, including corners of an improved configuration adapted to resist leaks. The walls of the tank and the corners are relatively more rounded and larger in radius than those of conventional flexible tanks. The walls and the improved corners act together to resist leaks. The rounded corners tend to reduce the effective pressure in the tank walls by loading the seams predominantly in shearing stress when the tank is filled with a liquid. The rounded corners are developed as panels, which are thermally bonded to produce secure and reliable liquid-tight seams. Each of the panels is bonded by lapped seams to others of the panels. Each of the rounded corners includes a generally triangular corner that is bonded to at least three other panels. In effect, the flexible storage tank functions as a pressure vessel, which tends to resist leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: MPC Containment Systems LLC
    Inventors: Edward Reicin, Jack Moreland
  • Patent number: 7500339
    Abstract: The invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a waste packet forming device integrated with a tool for cutting the packet, and a method for using the apparatus. The disclosed integrated twist-and-cut system provides an improvement over existing waste disposal systems by reducing steps in the disposal of waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosemary Knuth, John Rousso, Richard Chomik, John Cichello, David Hayes, Mark Yoho, Jim Simer
  • Publication number: 20090056279
    Abstract: When packing a polycrystalline silicon with a two-layer structured packing body comprising an inner bag (1a) and an outer bag (1b), there are used the inner bag (1a) and the outer bag (1b) having bottom sections (4a, 4b) provided with a pair of tucked sections, the shape of which is substantially a triangle in plan view, formed by inward-folding the portions continued from both of rectangular side face sections (3a, 3b), and when storing the inner bag (1a) that stores the polycrystalline silicon therein into the outer bag (1b), the bottom sections (4a, 4b) are superimposed with the respective tucked sections (6a, 6b) of the inner bag (1a) and the outer bag (1b) displaced from each other by 90° so that they do not overlap on each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventor: Go Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20090038270
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: William J. Mahon, Gary R. Dye, Robert D. Wheeler, Michael R. Sandner, Henry Ruddy, John J. Corrigan, III
  • Patent number: 7484292
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for making drainage elements in a vertical manner. In one embodiment, a vertically disposed hollow rotatable mandrel with a screw-threaded flight is used for guiding a length of perforated pipe and filling an annular space between the pipe and a cylinder of mesh material secured at one end to the pipe with aggregate. A hopper is used for directing the aggregate into the space between the mandrel and a cylindrical outlet of the hopper. A motor for driving the mandrel may be reversed at a slower speed than the forward speed to stop delivery of aggregate and to allow time for the upper end of the cylinder of mesh material to be severed and secured to the pipe to form a drainage element as well as to allow severance of the pipe. In another embodiment, the perforated pipe is driven through the hopper and the aggregate flows under gravity into the mesh sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventors: Harry Bussey, Jr., Buddy Harry Bussey, III
  • Patent number: 7478515
    Abstract: Systems and devices for automatically pressing a covering material against a product chute during a packaging operation to apply a braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown, David R. Gupton
  • Publication number: 20090000255
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separating foil layers in a foil processing line, the foil layers being caused to move relative to each other, and to a method and an apparatus for further processing the separated foils for manufacturing a product in which an insert is interposed between two foils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Andreas Dandl, Dieter Kamml, Marco Hobelsberger, Heinz Hinterseer, Martin Klein
  • Patent number: 7469521
    Abstract: A container and a method of making the container are disclosed. The process consists of arranging two sheets of material in face-to-face relationship with mating fastening elements carried by the sheets being disposed adjacent one another. Three sides of the sheets are sealed together to form an enclosure, a product is placed in the enclosure, the fastening elements are engaged to seal the fourth side of the sheets, the sealed enclosure is folded over on itself and a second product is placed between the now facing sides of the enclosure, and the folded over enclosure is sealed with a breakable seal disposed outside of the first seal such that the first and second products are captured and sealed within the so-formed container. An embodiment of the container is disclosed which comprises a diaper changing kit enclosing a diaper and at least one of a variety of baby changing accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Sarah F. Cheaure, Michael J. Cheaure
  • Publication number: 20080313999
    Abstract: Netting chutes suitable for use with manual, automatic and semi-automatic packaging operations to enclose product in netting packaging include chutes with embossed floors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May
  • Publication number: 20080307755
    Abstract: A process for carrying out a packaging for food stuffs, such as hazelnuts, dried fruits, or powdered milk, packaged in bulk, comprises the steps of: —provision of a big bag container (2), —carrying out a filling of the above said product (P), into the big bag container (2), —provision of a seal enclosure (3) susceptible of containing the big bag container (2) with the above said filling of product (P) therein, and—sealing the enclosure (3) containing the big bag container (2), with the above said filling of product (P) therein, a sub atmospheric pressure level. Preferably, a protective inert gas, such as nitrogen, is inserted into the enclosure (3) containing the big bag container (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: STELLIFERI & ITAVEX S.P.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Stelliferi, Giuseppe Esposito
  • Publication number: 20080295462
    Abstract: An ice distribution system and method according to which ice-filled bags are distributed within a unit such as, for example, an ice merchandiser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Reddy Ice Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Metzger
  • Patent number: 7454881
    Abstract: A method of sealing a liquid container, including filling a liquid into a liquid containing bag including a cylindrical inlet; and sandwiching the cylindrical inlet with a pair of heat-sealing heads upon application of heat such that the cylindrical inlet is sealed with the liquid therein, wherein at least one of the pair of heat-sealing heads comprises a concave edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Hanatani, Moriaki Saito, Masami Iguchi, Hideki Satoh, Shigeo Hatada, Michio Urata
  • Patent number: 7452165
    Abstract: A tubular mesh enclosure (1040) formed from a mesh material having a nominal opening size of less than 0.5 inches. The mesh enclosure has opposing pair of ends (1042, 1044) with at least one end (1044) being sealed. A filling (1010) is surrounded by the tubular mesh enclosure with the enclosure defining a length and a generally non-circular longitudinal cross-section defining a major width. A ratio of the length to the width greater than approximately 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Rodney W. Tyler
  • Patent number: 7448185
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek J. Zeedyk, Bernard Lerner, Kent McDonald, Mike Coleman, Gregg Mertens
  • Patent number: 7444795
    Abstract: A method for sealing-in a gas in a gas filling compartment 5 of a bag having a cut-in 6 formed near the upper edge of the gas filling compartment. In the method, two edges of the bag with the contents inserted therein are gripped by grippers and suspended, the blow-in port of a gas (air) blow-in nozzle is brought to contact the cut-in, the back surface side of the bag is supported by a backing member, gas (air) is blown into the gas filling compartment, and the position below the cut-in is held from both sides of the bag by a gas cut-off grippers while the gas blow-in continues, so that the gas inside the gas filling compartment is not allowed to escape from the cut-in, and then the entire bag mouth, including the cut-in, is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Yasuhira
  • Publication number: 20080264000
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and subsequently dispensing a plurality of flexible baglike containers. In one embodiment the baglike containers are configured in an unloaded, empty, mode to be in a substantially flat configuration. These flat items are stacked flat into a batching container and (such as a cardboard box) dispensed “off the bottom” of the stack by a container loading apparatus. The container loading apparatus grasps the flat items, pulls them from the bottom of the stack, and then loads them through a feed hole as known in the art. One of the inventions herein is the particular manner in which the flexible baglike containers are loaded into a stack within the batching container. Under this particular inventive manner, the bags are stacked in offset sub-batches. This provides improved stacking but still provides suitable dispensing characteristics. Another disclosed concept is the use of multiple boxes and an automated feed system for said boxes to reduce associated infeed labor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Ollie B. Wilson