Compressing Contents Within Preformed Receptacle Patents (Class 53/527)
  • Patent number: 12253300
    Abstract: A vacuum adiabatic body according to an embodiment may include a first plate, a second plate, and a seal that seals a gap between the first plate and the second plate. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body according to an embodiment may include a support that maintains a vacuum space. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body according to an embodiment may include a heat transfer resistor that reduces an amount of heat transfer between the first plate and the second plate. Optionally, the vacuum adiabatic body may include a component coupling portion connected to at least one of the first or second plate so that a component is coupled thereto. Accordingly, the vacuum adiabatic body may be improved in productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Wonyeong Jung, Deokhyun Youn, Duchan Ki
  • Patent number: 12214569
    Abstract: A waste disposal system for an oilfield rig includes a container that defines a volume sized to receive and store waste from an oilfield rig; a compression plate positioned in the volume, the compression plate sized to extend between and orthogonal to two sides of the container and in planar parallel with a back wall of the container; at least one powered arm connected to the compression plate and configured to adjust the compression plate between a retracted position in the volume adjacent the back wall and an extended position to compress the waste into at least one portion of compressed waste; and an adjustable door connected to the container opposite the back wall and configured to swing away from the container to release the at least one portion of compressed waste from the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Mousa
  • Patent number: 12138881
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a fixed assembly and a reciprocating assembly. The fixed assembly includes a hopper, a first gas manifold, and a dispensing chamber, and the reciprocating assembly includes a channel assembly defining a channel conduit, a shield plate vertically aligned therewith, and a second gas manifold. The reciprocating assembly may move, in relation to the fixed assembly, to a first position to enable the channel conduit to be filled with bulk compressible material from the hopper, a second position to enable compressible material to be pushed from the channel conduit to the dispensing conduit and to be compressed in the dispensing chamber according to a first gas directed through the channel conduit by the first gas manifold, and a third position to enable the compressed material to be pushed out of the dispensing conduit according to a second gas directed through the dispensing conduit by the second gas manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Sean Sundberg, Jeremy Straight, Berina Yerkic-Husejnovic, Jarrod W. Chalkley, James D. Evans, Christopher R. Newcomb, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Gregory L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11794436
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a fixed assembly and a reciprocating assembly. The fixed assembly includes a hopper, a first gas manifold, and a dispensing chamber, and the reciprocating assembly includes a channel assembly defining a channel conduit, a shield plate vertically aligned therewith, and a second gas manifold. The reciprocating assembly may move, in relation to the fixed assembly, to a first position to enable the channel conduit to be filled with bulk compressible material from the hopper, a second position to enable compressible material to be pushed from the channel conduit to the dispensing conduit and to be compressed in the dispensing chamber according to a first gas directed through the channel conduit by the first gas manifold, and a third position to enable the compressed material to be pushed out of the dispensing conduit according to a second gas directed through the dispensing conduit by the second gas manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Sean Sundberg, Jeremy Straight, Berina Yerkic-Husejnovic, Jarrod W. Chalkley, James D. Evans, Christopher R. Newcomb, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Gregory L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11760521
    Abstract: A method and a device for filling containers with products, in which the products are successively conveyed horizontally to a filling installation in which the products, while being combined to form individual product groups, are grouped, and an offered-up container, which is conveyed horizontally to the filling installation, is filled in a single track with one or a plurality of product groups, wherein the filled containers subsequently are in particular horizontally transported away. The method includes conveying the products in multiple tracks to the filling installation, grouping the products to form product groups, feeding the product groups in multiple tracks to a common revolving vertical conveyor of the filling installation, conveying the product groups to an ejection position from which the product groups are conveyed onward in a single track to an offered-up container, and filling the offered-up container with at least one of the product groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Dennis Schmidt, Andreas Prahm, Andreas Neufeld, Frank Sachs
  • Patent number: 11447277
    Abstract: Systems and methods for metering a granular material for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Carrington Longest, Jr., Jarrod W. Chalkley, Tamika S. Murrell, Leah A. Meyers, Jeremy J. Straight, Travis M. Garthaffner
  • Patent number: 11214390
    Abstract: A stack of products such as pouches are formed in a product bucket, pushed into a stack guide bucket and from there into a carton. A stack tamp descends over the stack, engages and confines it downwardly during stack pushing from product bucket and through stack guide bucket into a carton. Multiple product buckets, stack guide buckets and cartons move downstream during cartoning, and are respectively aligned in a cartoning station. Reciprocal containment blades hold the stack in respective cartons prior to flap closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: R.A Jones & Co.
    Inventors: William E. Engelhardt, Steven C. Hamilton, Eric M. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10836523
    Abstract: Leaflets are stacked horizontally in a stacker tray after folding, with the leaflets themselves aligned in a vertical orientation. A tray transport platform supports a plurality of tray sleeves and a plurality of corresponding trays located adjacent to the stacker tray. The trays can slide into the tray sleeves as each tray is filled with leaflets. A robot gripper is adapted to be selectively placed inside the stacking tray. The gripper captures a batch of the leaflets as they are stacked, and places them in a selected tray. A sleeve holder is selectively placed in and removed from the selected tray to control entry of the leaflets into a corresponding tray sleeve, and a stuffer pushes each batch of leaflets inside of the sleeve. A controller operates the components of the apparatus so that the leaflets are transferred from the stacker machine to trays without human labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Challenge Printing Co.
    Inventors: Chad Sasso, Kevin Thies, James Velez, Margaret Polt
  • Patent number: 10308385
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Jerry Mike Reaves
  • Patent number: 9688465
    Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. A system and process for making the beverage capsule is also provided. The beverage capsule includes a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the body to define an ingredients chamber and an extraction chamber. The filter has an air flow permeability of at least 400 L/s·m2. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is dispensed over the opening to seal the interior space. The filter includes a vent region between the top surface of the ingredients and the bottom surface of cover for venting gas through said filter between said ingredients chamber and said extraction chamber. An alternate embodiment includes air flow channels defined in a side wall of body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: 2266170 ONTARIO INC.
    Inventors: Liberatore A. Trombetta, YuCheng Fu
  • Patent number: 9126127
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating hydrophilic material from hydrophobic material, comprising: (a) a body having a first and second parallel walls defining an elongated cavity; (b) a water-absorbing material in the cavity along the first wall and having a surface essentially parallel to the second wall, thereby defining a channel between the surface and the second wall; (c) a first inlet having a first inlet end disposed in the channel, the first inlet being configured for injecting a mixture of hydrophilic and hydrophobic material; (d) a first outlet having a first outlet end disposed in the channel proximate the surface downstream of the first inlet end and configured for removing the hydrophilic material; and (e) a second outlet having a second outlet end disposed in the channel a distance from the surface downstream of the first inlet end and configured for removing the hydrophobic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Erin Lynne Jablonski, Janet T. Tesfai, Renee N. Perry, Daniel Eric Mayo
  • Patent number: 9079372
    Abstract: A device with a shredder, a compactor that accepts shredded material from the shredder, and a refuse bin in a cooperating relationship with the compactor for accepting shredded material from the compactor and retaining the shredded material inside the bin in a compacted form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Shred Stop
    Inventors: Stephen Hershman, Keith Rettig
  • Publication number: 20140331608
    Abstract: A machine for making bio logs includes a conduit with a feed opening along a top side and a chamber below the feed opening. A door over the feed opening is movable between open and closed positions by a first piston connected to the door. A plunger disposed within the conduit is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by a second piston connected to the plunger. A method of making bio logs includes retracting the first piston to move the door to the open position, retracting the second piston to move the piston to the retracted position, disposing a quantity of filling material into the chamber, extending the first piston to move the door to the closed position, and extending the second piston to move the plunger to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Certified Erosion Control of New Hampshire, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Letourneau, John Eaton, Chris Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8863481
    Abstract: Bag installation for bagging machines may include bag installation systems and/or methods that provide efficient, convenient, safe, and/or simplified means and/or steps for installing a bag on, and/or maintaining bag on, a bagging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Publication number: 20140260100
    Abstract: A system and method for injecting pressurizing fluid into a filled and sealed container is provided. The container is filled with a product and is then sealed with a closure. A pressurizing fluid is injected through the closure into the container cavity after sealing and filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Silgan White Cap LLC
    Inventors: James M. Taber, Kevin W. Orth, Dennis Szczesniak
  • Patent number: 8783004
    Abstract: A device for filling and compacting pourable products is proposed, comprising: —at least one product feed (16) for feeding a pourable product to a container (12) that is to be filled, —at least one ram (14) for compacting the product supplied to the container (10), characterized by means for applying a predetermined force to the ram (14) and for detecting the force acting on the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Beck
  • Publication number: 20140090338
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling and/or tamping product in a container is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a device for filling a container with a material including a conduit comprising a top opening and a bottom opening, and a tamper integrally coupled to the conduit. The tamping face may be configured to move in a straight path along the axis normal to the plane of the bottom opening from the second position to a third position. The shape of the perimeter of the tamping face may be configured to mirror the internal shape of a provided container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Jesus R. Oropeza
  • Patent number: 8683920
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling and/or tamping product in a container is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a device for filling a container with a material including a conduit comprising a top opening and a bottom opening, and a tamper integrally coupled to the conduit. The tamping face may be configured to move in a straight path along the axis normal to the plane of the bottom opening from the second position to a third position. The shape of the perimeter of the tamping face may be configured to mirror the internal shape of a provided container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jesus R. Oropeza
  • Publication number: 20140048170
    Abstract: An apparatus for tamping the contents of a container having a bottom surface prone to bending and/or cracking during tamping. The apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, JR., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
  • Patent number: 8584437
    Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Publication number: 20130111851
    Abstract: A system for palletizing peat moss in bulk form, comprising a dosing and feeding unit; a filling and compaction unit, receiving an amount of peat moss determined by the dosing and feeding unit, and compressing each determined amount of peat moss into a compressed bloc of peat moss on a pallet; a stabilization unit, receiving, from the filling and compaction unit, pallets, each pallet supporting a compressed bloc of peat moss, and wrapping the compressed bloc for stabilization thereof; a weighing and height measuring unit, measuring each compressed bloc received from the stabilization unit; and a wrapping unit, finally wrapping each measured compressed bloc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: LES TOURBIERES BERGER LTEE.
    Inventor: LES TOURBIERES BERGER LTEE.
  • Publication number: 20120297739
    Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material. Further, the insert may include at least one reinforcement, including at least one wire or metal strip, or portions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: Paul A. Weissbrod
  • Publication number: 20120233966
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method used for pressing at least one area of a packaging. The packaging is composed of a multi-layer composite material at least in some areas. A pressing tool used for pressing comprises at least one contour element that can be inserted into an interior of the packaging and at least one pressing element that is arranged outside of the interior and opposite the contour element. The pressing element and the contour element are arranged so that the pressing element and the contour element can be positioned relative to each other. The pressing element has an elastic consistency and is provided with a flexible reinforcing device at least in the area of the extent of the pressing element facing the contour element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Thomas Vetten, Christoph Schroiff
  • Publication number: 20120137634
    Abstract: The candle uses wax beads produced using existing equipment. The wax beads are transported to a bead hopper and the bead hopper deposits a volume of wax beads into jars prepared with a wick. Concurrently the jars are vibrated using a continuous vibratory motor to settle the wax beads for increased wax bead density. The filled jars are then transported to an in-container wax bead compression system where an automated plunging device compresses the wax beads. Jars are then transported by in-line conveyor to a wide conveyor. The jars are then filled at a liquid wax depositing station where the wax has been heated to its melting point and deposited into the jar to fill the void left by the in-container wax bead Compression system. The filled candle is then cooled to solidification. The finished candle is then ready for packing, distribution, sale, and use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: The Yankee Candle Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Cagle, Robert W. Brown, Michael P. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8161716
    Abstract: A packaging method for a filter tow bale includes, including excessively compressing a distance between press bases to a height lower than a desired height of a packaged bale by 50 to 250 mm, more preferably 80 to 200 mm, further preferably 90 to 180 mm, then adjusting the distance between the press bases to the desired height in a packaged or non-packaged state, and then releasing a pressing force applied on a pressed bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hibi, Hirofumi Tsujita
  • Patent number: 8065859
    Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a moving hopper wall and mechanism for moving the wall at an input end of hopper. The wall moving mechanism and the moving wall of the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. A safety enclosure isolates the wall moving mechanism from contaminants and prevents exposure to the wall moving mechanism. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of a tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above a primary compression mechanism. A tunnel-adjustment mechanism varies a cross-section area of the tunnel exit in order to control the amount of compaction on the feed as it leaves the tunnel and enters the bag. In some embodiments, dual counter-rotating toothed compression mechanism force feed between the rotors and into the tunnel at a rate and pressure greater than what is possible with only one multiple-toothed compressor rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Paul R. Wingert
  • Patent number: 7997052
    Abstract: Stationary compacting, bagging machine comprising a structure intended to compact sorted or unsorted waste inside bags manufactured in laminated polypropylene adequate for this purpose, in which said equipment can perform high compaction of waste, extracting the liquid arising from compaction and eliminating empty spaces between the different kinds of materials, in such a manner that these bags can be deposited in proper landfills with no leaks into the atmosphere nor contamination of the groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Edson Mario Salamoni Terra
  • Patent number: 7958696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, III, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Patent number: 7934360
    Abstract: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Patent number: 7866124
    Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a compression mechanism and an input hopper that receives agricultural feed. The hopper has a sloping wall and a lower end exit chute located to transfer the feed into the primary compression mechanism (e.g., a rotating toothed cylinder). The tapered hopper causes the feed to bridge, stopping the feed from falling through the chute. A new distribution mechanism in the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. By preventing the feed from clogging, there is less reason to risk one=s safety by foolishly inserting their limb into the hopper. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of the tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above the primary compression mechanism. This increases the compaction on the top portion of the tunnel without unduly juicing the feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Paul R. Wingert
  • Patent number: 7861862
    Abstract: An arrangement of envelope packages, the arrangement including a plurality of discreet envelope packages, each package including a plurality of generally aligned envelopes which are compressed together. The plurality of envelope packages are arranged in a first row and a second row located above the first row in a vertical direction thereof. At least one envelope package of the first row is oriented generally perpendicular to at least one envelope package of the second row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Carrigan, Witold Misiaszek
  • Patent number: 7854323
    Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Weissbrod
  • Publication number: 20100166927
    Abstract: A machine for canning tuna and similar food products comprises a conveyor belt feeder, a plurality of dosing chambers aligned with the feeder and formed in a rotor rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the feed direction, a mouth connecting the feeder to the dosing chambers, a blade to separate the product introduced in the dosing chambers from the bulk of fed product so as to obtain product cakes, shaping means suitable to shape the cakes into the desired shape and transferring means arranged at a second station reachable through a partial rotation of the rotor to transfer the shaped cakes into the cans carried by another rotor. The connecting mouth has a cross-section of substantially constant shape and the shaping is performed in the dosing chambers by shapers radially mobile along the arms of the rotor when the dosing chambers are still aligned with the feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Gianluca PARISINI, Ian Thomas COOPER
  • Patent number: 7739857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, III, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100101186
    Abstract: A container is provided. The container includes a lid, a bottom and a compactor. The compactor is contained within the container and serves to collect, accumulate or compact any loose products within the container. The compactor and lid can mate such that rotation of the lid can transfer torque to the compactor to adjust a storage portion of the cavity of the container to collect, accumulate or compact the loose product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: J.L. CLARK, INC.
    Inventors: Edward P. Cronin, Joseph P. Valley, III
  • Patent number: 7650733
    Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprises the steps of a) closing off a perforation (12a, 12b) in a perforated plate (10); b) directing powder (30) into said closed-off perforation; and c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Alan Anthony Wilson, Phillip William Farr, Marcus Edward Pike
  • Publication number: 20090288375
    Abstract: A circular filling machine particularly for slender and elongated products, comprising a carousel assembly which supports a plurality of filling funnels which can be inserted in corresponding containers supported by transfer pans, the filling machine further comprising vibration elements for the funnels, vibration elements for the containers, and a tamping assembly for the insertion and final packing of the product in the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Caterina Pagani
  • Patent number: 7614205
    Abstract: Described is a unit (1) for feeding powdered infusion material to a machine (M) producing packs (3) made from filter material (5). The machine (M) comprises a production line (2) for making such packs (3) and consists of a conveyor (4) with mobile recesses (7) moving in a feed direction (L) designed to be covered with filter material (5) and to form impressions (8) in the filter material (5); rotary feeders (10) fitted to the unit (1) designed to feed an amount or dose (C) of the powdered infusion material into the impressions (8), and rotary precompactors (14) mounted on the rotary feeders (10) acting together with rotary feeders (10) to distribute the doses (C) uniformly inside the impressions (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Conti
  • Publication number: 20090241479
    Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SRC INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Publication number: 20090241484
    Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SRC INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Publication number: 20090241480
    Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SRC INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Patent number: 7509788
    Abstract: A packaging assembly for insulation material has a compression chamber and a surge hopper vertically mounted above the compression chamber. An air drawing assembly positioned beneath the compression chamber draws air through the surge hopper and the compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Hasselbach, Michael E. Evans
  • Publication number: 20090013652
    Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprises the steps of a) closing off a perforation (12a, 12b) in a perforated plate (10); b) directing powder (30) into said closed-off perforation; and c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: GLAXO GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Alan Anthony Wilson, Phillip William Farr, Marcus Edward Pike
  • Patent number: 7458194
    Abstract: A self-standing bag containing a generally rectangular-shaped bale of compressed loose material. The self-standing bag has a generally elongated shape with a height and a base section defined by a first side and a second side. The bag is formed from a tube of impervious flexible material defining an enclosure completely enclosing the bale. The bag comprises a flat bottom end, preferably closed by an end seal. The bottom end is normal to a longitudinal axis of the tube and enables the bag to stand upright. The self-standing bag further comprises a sealed top end. A method for producing such a self-standing bag of compressed loose material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Premier Tech Technologies Limitee
    Inventors: Patrice Maltais, Jean-François Albert
  • Patent number: 7444794
    Abstract: A bulge reducer is configured for use on a form, fill and seal packaging machine for gable top packages. The machine has a drive element and plurality of discrete package carriers for conveying the packages along a conveyance path through the machine. The bulge reducer includes a drive member operably connected to the machine station chain. A reciprocating member is operably connected to the drive member for the reciprocation toward and away from the conveyance path. The reciprocating member contacts one of the package side walls as the package moves along the conveyance path to exert an inward force on and urge the side wall inwardly of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventor: Paul J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7426815
    Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprises the steps of a) closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; b) directing powder into said closed-off perforation by the action of a first leveller blade moveable in a sweeping path relative to the perforated plate; and c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container, and an apparatus for achieving such method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Smithkline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Anthony Wilson, Phillip William Farr, Marcus Edward Pike
  • Publication number: 20080178563
    Abstract: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: SRC INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Patent number: 7404280
    Abstract: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Patent number: 7299746
    Abstract: A refuse bin comprises a refuse container (10) having a top opening (12) and a lid (14) hinged relative to the container to cover the opening. A compacting mechanism is fitted to the lid and comprises a compacting plate (22) mounted under the lid and an actuating rod (24) coupled to the compacting plate through an aperture (26) in the lid. The coupling is such that the rod (24) may be maneuvered from a storage position wherein the rod lies across the top surface of the lid and the plate is drawn up under the lid to an operative position wherein the rod stands upright over the aperture in the lid and may be pushed downwardly through the aperture to push the plate down into the container. The compacting mechanism further comprises a ratchet mechanism (50, 52, 54) for releasably locking the actuating rod (24) against movement upwardly through the aperture in the lid such that refuse in the container can be compacted by force applied to an edge (48) of the lid opposite the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Garbage Genie Concept 2000 Limited
    Inventor: Yvan LaPorte
  • Patent number: 7237576
    Abstract: Bagging machines for bagging agricultural, compost, or other materials into an elongate bag for storage and/or composting are disclosed. The bagging machines include a mobile frame, a hopper, a rotary packing apparatus, and a material forming enclosure. The bagging machine is adapted to move forward as the loose material is packed into the bag against the closed end thereof. The bagging machines also may include a packing density measurement system including an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly is adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to engage packed material within the material forming enclosure. The anchor assembly engaging the packed material is adapted to apply an anchoring force to the bagging machine against the forward movement thereof. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen