Abstract: An automated, fully programmable, and adaptable device fills straws or straw-like packages with any type of flowing, or flowable, liquid. A straw is dropped from a hopper down chutes into a capture area where it is held and filled with liquid, after which it is sealed. The straw dropping, capture, filling, and sealing actions are preferably automatically controlled by a preprogrammed electronic controller. The major elements of a typical embodiment of the invention include means for dropping a straw or other receptacle into a fixed mounting position consistently, optional means for heating fluids throughout the fill process, means for filling the receptacle, and means for sealing the receptacle. The straw hopper has a retractable slide plate at its base that slides back to allow only one straw at a time to fall through the chutes into the capture area. In the preferred embodiment, the slide plate at the bottom of the hopper moves back and forth in a predefined fully programmable sequence.

Abstract: A method of operating a filling apparatus for filling bags includes providing a fill hopper having a discharge opening, and positioning each bag to be filled beneath the discharge opening. To promote efficient operation, each bag is positioned in a stand-by position after one of a pair of bag openers, which open each bag, has been moved a sufficient distance from the previous bag to provide clearance in the stand-by position. The cycle time for positioning, opening, and filling each bag is desirably decreased for promoting efficient operation of the filling apparatus.

Abstract: Methods for filling and sealing containers having one or more flexible sides. Non-standard containers for holding fluid are releasably supported during the filling and sealing process. Both the interior and exterior of the filled container are subjected to an environment of reduced pressure to minimize the headspace and sealed.

Abstract: A stack of object is wrapped by first transversely outwardly stretching a tube having open ends and then pulling the transversely outwardly stretched tube over the stack to a position with the tube extending generally a full length of the stack and one open end of the tube projecting past an end of the stack. Then the tube is released such that it retracts into engagement with sides of the stack and the one open tube end bears on the end of the stack at least adjacent edges of the end of the stack.

Abstract: In a process for the production of portion packs of viscous to pasty filling material such as sausage meat, grease, putty or cement and the like in a tubular film (12) which is formed prior to introduction of the filling material (10) by welding or sealing of the longitudinal edges of a film strip (1) drawn off a supply and bent into a tubular form, and into which filling material portions are discontinuously introduced under pressure, whereupon the tubular film (12) is closed with braid formation, the tubular film (12) is drawn out of the welding or sealing station towards the filling station directly by the filling pressure and film strip (1) is subsequently drawn along from the supply into the welding or sealing station.

Abstract: A paper packaging container is obtained by tube forming with a longitudinal seal of web-shaped packaging material. The package is filled with liquid food, and a transverse seal of the tube packaging material is made to form a pillow-shaped preliminary shape container. The preliminary shape container is then cut, and a final shape container having a top, side walls and a bottom is formed by folding the packaging material along crease lines. Flaps are formed during the forming of the top of the container and are folded outwardly and downwardly onto side wall faces of the container. The top of the container is formed as a shed roof shape. The method of folding the flaps outwardly from the top of the container and the resulting shaped container allows attachment of a large spout with a wide mouth on the top, while achieving high speed manufacturability without subjecting the paper packaging material to high stresses.

Abstract: A process for the cost-effective packaging of high purity polysilicon fragments has the polysilicon fragments being packaged automatically.

Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and administration of medical solutions. The container incorporates a transparent front sheet made from a planar layer of a polymer and an opposing rear sheet. The rear sheet is made from a planar laminate layer. The front and rear sheets are sealed together along a common peripheral edge to form a volume enclosure. The volume enclosure is constructed of materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container thermoplastic to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The volume enclosure is then inflated with a pressurized gas to permanently stretch the front and rear sheets outwardly and to thereby increase the volume capacity of the container. An alternative embodiment of the container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, for containing a diluent and a medicament.

Abstract: A package for a drug-device combination product includes an outer package including a first gas impermeable sheet and a second gas impermeable sheet hermetically sealed there to on three sides. A gas permeable header is attached to an unsealed side of the first sheet and sealed to the second sheet on two sides. The first and second gas impermeable sheets and the header form an interior and an opening communicating with the interior. A gas permeable inner package is disposed within the outer package. A product is sealed within the inner package. The inner package is placed within the outer package and a top end of the header is sealed to the second sheet. The outer package is then sealed by sealing the first gas impermeable sheet to the second gas impermeable sheet at a seal point below the point where the header attaches to the first sheet.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including; providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.

Abstract: A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space.

Abstract: Methods for filing tubes having inner and outer tubes separated by a predetermined gap are provided including delivering the tube to a tube filling station, filling the predetermined gap at the tube filling station by centering the outer tube with respect to an elongated nozzle including a plurality of filling pipes corresponding to the predetermined gap and a mandrel for insertion into the inner tube by means of a centering sleeve disposed externally around the elongated nozzle to provide the outer tube with a nominal cross sectional shape and centering the inner tube with respect to the elongated nozzle by means of the mandrel disposed within the inner tube to provide the inner tube with its nominal cross sectional shape, positioning the elongated nozzle proximate to a common tube shoulder at the first end of the tube connecting the inner tube to the outer tube, filling the predetermined gap with the plurality of filling tubes while guiding the elongated nozzle out of the second end of the tube while retain

Abstract: A density controller is provided for a bagging machine designed for filling or packing material such as silage, compost or the like into an elongate flexible bag or container. The adjustable density controller comprises a drag member or strap with a selectively adjustable length that is positioned beneath the bag being filled and the ground. The weight of the material in the bag on the flexible member resists the forward movement of the bagging machine away from the closed end of the bag. The density of the material being packed or bagged is varied by the surface area of the flexible member that is positioned beneath the bag being filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products having different shape and dimensions, such as for example food products of different size, into pre-formed bags of appropriate size, such as for example heat-shrinkable bags of thermoplastic material, comprises a conveyor for carrying in sequence a plurality of products to be packaged from a product loading portion to a product packaging bracket end portion thereof, means for detecting the dimensions of each product to be packaged while it moves from said product loading portion to said product packaging bracket end portion of said at least one conveyor and a plurality of bag dispensing devices for dispensing a plurality of bags varying in at least one dimension thereof.

Abstract: A process of forming dunnage is disclosed. A chain of interconnected plastic pouches (38) are fed along a path of travel to a fill and seal station (24). The pouches (38) 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 (50) to separate a face (46) from a back (48) of each such pouch and continuing the flow of air through each such opening to inflate each opened pouch. Each such inflated pouch is then sealed to create hermetically closed and inflated dunnage units (56). Novel web and dunnage units are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and packaging for diagnostic specimens meeting regulatory conditions comprising an inner bladder and a containment envelope. The diagnostic specimen may be placed inside the inner bladder which may be sealed. The containment envelope comprises a sheet having a first end and a second end. The inner bladder may be placed in a cavity located on the first end of the containment envelope. The containment envelope may be sealed by placing the first end into a pocket located on the second end of the containment envelope. The containment envelope comprises a spun bonded olefin material. The cavity of the containment envelope is preferably smaller than the fully expanded inner bladder to maintain the inner bladder in compression at a maximum intended pressure differential.

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.

Abstract: An packaging apparatus and method to uncuff a package assembly is disclosed. The package assembly includes a container with at least one upstanding sidewall defining an open top. A bag is disposed within the container and a top portion of the bag is folded over the at least one sidewall at the open top to define a cuff. The packaging apparatus includes a first fluid jet directed substantially upward that is configured to uncuff the top portion of the bag from the container. An automatic bag closer gathers the top portion of the bag and applies a clip to close the bag. A second fluid jet is directed substantially downward and is configured to push the top portion of the bag substantially within the container.

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

Abstract: A method for inserting one or more canisters into a flexible pouch includes having the pouch with a re-sealable end portion for permitting insertion of the canisters. The pouch also includes a collapsible and flexible floor portion on which one or more of the canisters are positioned. A side portion encloses the canisters and connects the end portion to the floor portion. The method further comprises positioning the canisters into a position adjacent the pouch, and attaching one or more of the canisters to a mechanical arm for providing transportation to the pouches. The canisters are placed through the re-sealable open end and onto the collapsible and flexible floor portion so that the floor portion forms a stable storage platform for the canisters.

Abstract: A lap sealable film for forming bags on conventional vertical form/fill/seal equipment containing a seal layer and a barrier layer. The seal layer and barrier layer form opposing surfaces of the film. The seal layer contains single site catalyzed polyethylene and is capable of sealing to the barrier layer. The barrier layer comprises a heat resistant and moisture barrier material, such as high density polyethylene or polypropylene.

Abstract: A bagger system for enclosing material very tightly in a plastic bag, to reduce packaging costs, present a pleasing appearance, decrease leaks, and minimize distortion of the printed information on the packaging. The system comprises a base guide to hold the material to be encased and stretching fingers to open a plastic bag. The rotational movement of the stretching fingers provides even stretching about the circumference of the bag and permits an approximation of the cross section of the material to be encased, allowing for use of a smaller bag. After the material is placed in the bag, the material and bag are ejected, whereupon the plastic bag retracts tightly around the material, presenting a pleasing appearance to consumers and minimizing distortion of any printed information on the bag.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of inflated plastic dunnage and other fluid filled units is disclosed. In a disclosed and pictured dunnage embodiment, the machine includes a hollow shaft rotatably mounted on a frame. In the preferred embodiment the shaft is solid. With either embodiment a drive is operably connected to the shaft for causing the shaft to rotate about its axis and a drum mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft. The drum is in the form of a pair of closely spaced discs having perimetral, cylindrically contoured sealing surfaces for support and, in cooperation with driven metal belts, transport of a web being formed into dunnage units. Sets of heating and cooling shoes having spaced arcuate surfaces are complementally positioned adjacent the drum surfaces with the cooling shoes downstream from the heating shoes in the direction of dunnage formation rotation. A nozzle is mounted generally tangentially of the drum at a location midway between the discs.

Abstract: In the process and plant for forming double-pouch containers, two continuous external ribbons (3), facing one another, are fed in an advancement direction to an infeeding zone where a third, central ribbon (5) is inserted between the external ribbons (3). The pouches are formed by injecting a forming fluid between the external ribbons (3) in order to determine an expansion thereof against compartments of two half-molds having a shape which corresponds to a final pouch shape. Each container has two similar pouches, one facing another, which are defined by a pair of external walls and by a central wall coupled along a perimeter thereof to the external walls. The process enables rapid and economical formation of double-pouch containers.

Abstract: Resealable zipper plastic bags have upwardly protruding support members on each side of the bag mouth which are engaged within downwardly opening channels of two opposed indexer assemblies. With the bag mouth under tension, a slider assembly engages the bag slider, moves it to a fully closed position, then advances the slider to a fully open position. The indexer assemblies are moved toward each other to relieve tension on the bag mouth and cause the mouth to splay open. An insert plate is inserted and rotated to spread the bag mouth for introduction of product through a product chute. Once full, the chute and spreader assembly are withdrawn, tension is applied to the bag mouth, and the slider assembly moves the zipper slider to a fully closed position. The bag support members are then released from the indexer assemblies and the product filled bag is discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible bag is positioned in a rigid container, such as a fifty-five gallon drum, and the bag is filled through its spout with flowable product, such as tomato paste. The bag is then expanded in the container to be substantially rigid and thereby reduce film movement and resultant flex cracking. A lid is sealed onto the container and a vacuum drawn from between the bag and the container, to, in turn, expand the bag. Gas volume needs to be present in the bag before the vacuum is applied so that the gas in the bag can expand from the vacuum on its outside. Once expanded, the container can be shipped.

Abstract: A method of forming and sealing a flexible, reclosable package having a zipper closure and slider mounted thereon. The reclosable package is initially formed having a pair of opposing side panels and a zipper closure extending between the pair of side panels. The zipper closure is initially attached to the side panels only along a pair of spaced side seals. The reclosable package is filled with product through a fill opening created between the zipper closure and either one of the side panels. Once the package is filled, with product, the attachment flanges of the zipper closure are sealed to both of the side panels. Thus, the zipper closure is sealed to the side panels only after product has been inserted into the product package.

Abstract: A beverage reservoir for a personal hydration device is filled with a beverage, e.g., water, and sealed in a tamper-evident manner. As a result, the reservoir can be sold pre-filled and the user can use the reservoir confident that the beverage contains no mold, fungus, or residue from previously stored and consumed beverage. The reservoir can also include a port for re-filling such that the user can use the reservoir in a conventional manner after consumption of the previously sealed-in beverage.

Abstract: Methods are known for conveying bags in the form of a continuous web such that they open at a suitable place during continuous conveyance and during maintenance of the open condition so they can be filled and sealed after closing. Prior art methods utilize complicated methods for retention. According to the invention, the bag web is suspended on horizontal studs mounted on carrier chains running in such a way that the bags open and a surrounding groove around the studs along the chains prevents the bags from falling off during passage of filling stations etc.

Abstract: An end sealer shifting assembly, comprising a transmission, a push rod assembly which is driven by the transmission, and end seal compression jaw in driving engagement with the push rod assembly, and a compliance assembly for jaw compliance with a contact member (e.g., a heater wire cutter cross cut jaw) when the jaw is driven into a compression relationship with the contact member. The compliance device preferably includes springs and the transmission assembly preferably includes a cam device with a second spring working to retain a contact relationship and work together with the compliance spring. A method of assembling such a device and operating such a device is also featured.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing pre-padded food-containing bag by perforating across a continuous web of flattened tubular thermoplastic material, forming an opening in a layer of the perforated web, separating the layers of the web, inserting an absorbent the pad through the opening into the inside of the tubular web and making a seal across the tubular web at predetermined lengths to form a bag. The result is that a continuous web of bags containing absorbent pads at discrete intervals. There is also provided an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A high speed bagging system and a method for placing a liquid product into a bag and placing at least two of these bags into a pouch is described. The system comprises at least two bag fillers housed in a common filler housing and operating simultaneously to place the liquid product in respective bags on a continuous basis during a working cycle. Filled bags are simultaneously conveyed on a two lane conveyor system. The two-lane conveyor is configured to optimize floor space area. Each conveyor belt has an outlet end associated with a respective bagging machine at a bagging station. The bagging machines are adapted to place at least two of the bags into a pouch on a continuous basis during the working cycle. The bagging machines feed a respective pouch closure device to close a mouth opening of the pouches which are then discharged on a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers generally includes a mechanism that conveys a web of film along a path of travel, the film web including one or more pre-formed flexible containers; an inflation assembly positioned adjacent the travel path to direct gas into the containers, thereby forming inflated containers; and a device for sealing closed each inflated container. Various improvements for more reliably and consistently inflating the containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a container having a first end and a second end. A tubing cassette for supplying tubing is mounted proximate the first end of the container. A first sealing member and a second sealing member are moveable between an open position, wherein tubing from the tubing cassette can pass between the first and second sealing members, and a closed position, wherein the first and second sealing members can be activated to create a seal in the tubing. The first and second sealing members are guided by guide pins that travel along stepped channels for moving the first and second sealing members between the open and closed positions, and for pulling the tubing and waste packages through the waste disposal apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are flexible pouches including a process for manufacturing said pouches from preforms. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing and filling said pouches wherein the preform/pouch is handled via the neck portion throughout the production line. In one embodiment, the filled pouch is further dressed, decorated, or inserted into a rigid outer container, for example a box. In a preferred embodiment, the production line is a modified version of the type commonly used for handling rigid containers, such as those used to manufacture and fill soft drinks.

Abstract: A process for heat sealing a water soluble film to a water soluble member, wherein an aqueous composition is applied to at least one of the surfaces of said film and said member before said surfaces are heat sealed together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing filled bags (1). Such a device is arranged in view of high filling frequencies in an installation for filling bags such that a first belt conveyor (2) is provided which acts in the closure area of the bags (1) wherein the first belt conveyor (2) is assigned to a single conveyor (3) for transporting the bags (1) and the outlet of the first belt conveyor (2) is assigned to the inlet of a heat-sealing station (4).

Abstract: A bulk bag-filling machine with a traversing strap latching and traversing filler spout mechanisms. The strap latch mechanisms and the filler spout may be moved independently or in unison forwardly towards the front or forward most edge of the filling station, thereby permitting the operator of the filling apparatus to easily and safely suspend the heavy bulk bag's strap loops on the four strap latches and make the filler neck connection to the filling spout prior to traversing the strap latches and filler neck to their rearmost position, thereby positioning the bag for filling. Boxes may also be utilized by the adaptation of transfer tables in which case the strap latches are not required.

Abstract: There is provided an improved method for filling a tube with a paste, ointment, gel or cream along with a device therefore which comprises simultaneously reducing the internal volume of the filled tube with the flattening and closure of the filling orifice.

Abstract: Methods for filling and sealing containers having one or more flexible sides. Non-standard containers for holding fluid are releasably supported during the filling and sealing process. Both the interior and exterior of the filled container are subjected to an environment of reduced pressure to minimize the headspace and sealed.

Abstract: A flexible bag (10) and system and method for aseptically filling it. The bag has two walls (12a, 12b) and a spout (16) attached to one wall. This spout is opened and closed during filling. A plug member (18) may be attached to the wall of the bag opposite the wall containing the spout. During filling, the plug member is aseptically removed from the spout member inwardly of the bag contrainer; the bag is filled via the spout; and then the plug member is replaced from inside the bag. The plug may also be free of the opposite wall of the bag container. The filling system includes a set of jaws (130) for holding the spout in position for filling, a support mechanism (110) for controlling the movement of the plug member into and out of the spout member, and facility for sterilizing the inside of the filling head, the spout member, and the plug member.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing laminate materials in packaging a transdermal drug delivery system comprising a rubber modified acrylonitrile methyl acrylate copolymer film, alone or in combination with a polyester film, wherein the active drug incorporated in the transdermal system remains substantially solubilized and stable in the system during storage prior to use. The packaging laminate is preferably translucent to allow visual inspection of its contents, and has sufficient tear resistance to substantially provide child resistant and/or proof properties.

Abstract: A drive and actuating system for an envelope-filling station in which enclosures or sets of enclosures are fed, by a driven conveyor, to a push-in station in which a push-in arrangement, which has a pivot drive, receives the enclosures or sets of enclosures and pushes them into envelopes, which are held ready in an open state. The envelopes are then delivered into a position opposite the push-in station, from oriented transversely to the push-in direction, by an envelope-conveying arrangement. Further, a multiplicity of functions of the individual parts of the envelope-filling station can be forcibly synchronized in an adjustable manner and a comparatively straightforward and clear construction of the overall drive and actuating system is produced.

Abstract: A tube of film (12) is pierced by an injection needle (18) that fills the tube with air as the film and needle move. Two spaced heat seal wires (22) seal longitudinal extents of the tube from each other. A piston shaft (100) is constrained to move with a carriage (56) to compress and expel air from a cylinder, which air is supplied to the space within the tubular bag. An air paddle (92) pushes on the outer side of the bags to cause air that has recently been injected to be urged forwardly, within the bag, and through the space between an anvil (23) and the sealing wires (22) into the bag that is formed moments later by heat sealing.

Abstract: Resealable zipper plastic bags have upwardly protruding support members on each side of the bag mouth which are engaged within downwardly opening channels of two opposed indexer assemblies. With the bag mouth under tension, a slider assembly engages the bag slider, moves it to a fully closed position, then advances the slider to a fully open position. The indexer assemblies are moved toward each other to relieve tension on the bag mouth and cause the mouth to splay open. An insert plate is inserted and rotated to spread the bag mouth for introduction of product through a product chute. Once full, the chute and spreader assembly are withdrawn, tension is applied to the bag mouth, and the slider assembly moves the zipper slider to a fully closed position. The bag support members are then released from the indexer assemblies and the product filled bag is discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method places a printed label on a bag. A first plurality of rollers can feed one or more bags, and a second plurality of rollers can feed one or more labels. A tamp pad can place the label on the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for packaging articles in bags is proposed, where a packaging magazine is used for receiving and guiding an article to be packaged. An article to be packaged is slid by a slider into the packaging magazine. The packaging magazine then moves together therewith into an opened bag, which is removed from a bag stack. With the bag, which surrounds the packaging magazine, the latter is then slid into the transfer magazine from where further conveying takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a packaging comprising the stages consisting in producing a packaging which is open at its upper end and then in sealing the upper part of the packaging along a leaktight sealing line so as to constitute a top band with the upper end of the packaging, characterized in that the method comprises a supplementary stage consisting in folding said top band down towards the bottom of the packaging and in fixing it onto the packaging so as to form a handle. The invention also proposes a packaging produced by such a method, characterized in that it has a folded-down top band forming a handle.

Abstract: An adjustable density control means is provided for a bagging machine designed for filling or packing material such as silage, compost or the like into an elongated flexible bag. The adjustable density control means comprises an elongated and flexible sheet or belt member which is selectively adjustable positioned beneath the bag being filled and the ground. The weight of the material in the bag on the sheet member resists the forward movement of the bagging machine away from the closed end of the bag. The density of the material being packed or bagged is varied by the length of the sheet member which is positioned beneath the bag being filled.