Progressively Seamed Cover Web Or Web Folds Patents (Class 53/545)
  • Patent number: 11235896
    Abstract: There is described a packaging apparatus for forming a plurality of sealed packages comprising a conveyor for advancing a web of packaging material along an advancement path, an isolation chamber, a tube forming device adapted to form a tube from the, in use, advancing web of packaging material, a sealing device adapted to longitudinally seal the tube, a filling device for continuously filling the tube formed by the tube forming device, a package forming unit adapted to form and seal the packages from the, in use, advancing tube formed by the tube forming device and filled by the filling device and a support platform supporting the isolation chamber from a first side of the support platform and carrying the package forming unit from a second side of the support platform opposite to the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Boccolari, Paolo Benedetti, Filippo Ferrarini, Luca Poppi
  • Patent number: 10603231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a tampon packaging where the packaging is manufactured separately from the tampon. A first transversal end is overlapped with a second transversal end of a strip of heat-sealable film. The first transversal end is heat sealed to the second transversal end of the heat-sealable film, thereby forming a tube of film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Ontex BVBA
    Inventors: Rudolf Heege, Thomas Heege
  • Patent number: 10571072
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method forming a bottom-gusseted package, wherein each package includes an inwardly-extending, pleat-like gusset at the bottom of the package. To permit heat-sealing formation of each package, the sleeve from which each gusset is formed comprises a lamination of two differing polymeric materials, so that only an exterior surface of each sleeve exhibits the desired heat-sealing characteristics. To facilitate package formation, the sleeves from which the bottom gussets are formed are maintained in a temporarily closed or sealed configuration during package formation by providing a preferably frangible bond or seal at the edge of each sleeve. This result is preferably achieved by folding the laminate material, and temporarily sealing or joining an outer layer of the laminate material from which gusset is formed, while an inner layer is maintained in an unsealed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Hudson-Sharp Machine Company
    Inventor: Scott Romenesko
  • Publication number: 20150096265
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically adhering seeds (hereinafter “seeds” shall refer to pre-germination seed rice when adhered to the mulching film, and to seeds which have germinated and divided after being planted and growing deeper roots in a rice paddy) to a biodegradable mulching film having an anti-blocking function, and to a method for adhering the seeds by using the apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to the apparatus for automatically adhering the seeds, which forms by means of a cutting means or a punching means through-holes or germination gaps on the mulching film on which germination holes have not been punched, can process adhesive coating and seed adhering in an accurate, swift, and automatic manner, and which is provided with a releasing agent so as to coat the releasing agent after coating the adhesive, thereby preventing blocking due to overlapping of the mulching film when winding same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Ock KWON
  • Publication number: 20150052856
    Abstract: There is provided a frame for a horizontal flow-pack packaging machine utilizing a center folded or side sealing machine with twin reel or reel feed form below, suitable for packaging a food product or a non-food product with heat sealable or cold weldable plastic film wound on a reel. The frame is provided with two cantilevered supports arranged one above the other in parallel, the lower support supports the operating mechanical components of the packaging machine and the upper support supports the control group and the pneumatic system of the packaging machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicants: MONDO SERVIZI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Morgan Sbabo
  • Patent number: 8938936
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, wherein a product flow of polysilicon chunks is transported via a feed channel, separated by at least one screen into coarse and fine chunks, weighed and dosed to a target weight by a dosing balance, discharged via a discharge channel and transported to a packaging unit where a first plastic bag is filled with the polysilicon chunks and sealed, the plastic bag containing polysilicon chunks being packaged with a further plastic bag which is formed by a shaper and subsequently welded, wherein the at least one screen and the dosing balance at least partially include a hard metal on their surfaces and the shaper for forming the plastic bag includes a wear-resistant coating. Also disclosed are a dosing unit, a packaging unit and a device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, which contains a dosing unit and a packaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Wacker Chemie AG
    Inventors: Matthias Vietz, Rainer Hoelzlwimmer, Bruno Lichtenegger
  • Publication number: 20140352257
    Abstract: The invention relates to an advancing device (10) for advancing a film web (200) in a bag filling installation (100, having a main advancing drive (20) with at least one driven main advancing roller (22) for advancing the film web (200), wherein for an adjustment of the tensile stress of the film web (200) in the transport direction (T) of the film web (200) an auxiliary advancing drive (30) is disposed before the main advancing drive (20) with at least one driven auxiliary advancing roller (32) for advancing the film web (200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Hans-Ludwig VOSS, Oliver HUIL, Ralf UDALLY, Thomas HAWIGHORST, Rüdiger GROßE-HEITMEYER, Roman SMID
  • Publication number: 20140318081
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tube (54) of pocket material (22) for manufacturing a pocket spring string includes a cartridge (30) for guiding the pocket material (22). The cartridge (30) has at least one first element (61) and at least one second element (62). A relative position between the at least one first element (61) and the at least one second element (62) may be set in a direction (60) perpendicular to an axis (50) of the cartridge (30), in order to adjust a spacing between sides of the cartridge (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Spuhl AG
    Inventor: Hans Knöpfel
  • Patent number: 8776678
    Abstract: A wrapping system for plant material utilizes a first wrapping material dispenser disposed along a first upper periphery of a compacting chamber, and a second wrapping material dispenser opposite the first dispenser, for automatically dispensing sheets of wrapping material in overlapping relation over the chamber and plant material therein. The system includes apparatus for joining the overlapping sheets together. The system is automatically operable to dispense sheets of the material in overlapping relation over the chamber and join them for receiving a flow of the plant material thereon. Before or while the plant material is received, the sheets are further dispensed to move downwardly in the chamber to receive and wrap about the plant material. The system then dispenses opposite ends of the sheets in overlapping relation over the material and joins the ends to complete the wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Publication number: 20130333338
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging stacks of folded tissue products or the like with blanks of plastic film is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one pocket comprising a plurality of side walls disposed within a drum having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of adjacent grooves disposed upon the side walls within the pocket, insertion means for inserting a single stack in the pocket, along an insertion direction, with the interposition and consequent folding of a corresponding blank, and control means adapted to drive the stop means along the insertion direction in a coordinated manner with respect to the operation of the insertion means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: André Mellin
  • Patent number: 8522516
    Abstract: A packaging machine includes a packaging machine main body, a film transport unit, a former and a former insertion guide assembly. The film transport unit is coupled to the packaging main body to transport a film from a first end part of the packaging main body towards a second end part of the packaging main body opposite from the first end part. The former is disposed in the second end part of the packaging main body to form the film transported by the film transport unit into a cylindrical shape and to direct the film downwards. The former insertion guide assembly is configured and arranged to guide the former to a predetermined position in the second end part of the packaging machine main body while the former is rotated from a lateral side of the packaging machine main body when the former is mounted to the packaging machine main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ichikawa, Masashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 8506686
    Abstract: A reel-to-reel aerosol collection and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of separate samples of aerosol particles using electrostatic precipitation technology for collecting such particles onto a tape mechanism for analysis at a future time. The particles are collected onto a region of the collection tape for a defined period of time and then that portion of the collection tape is advanced out of the collection zone and manipulated so as to form sealed pouches or pockets which can be either severed from the collection tape for individual storage in a temperature controlled storage container, or which can be stored on a take-up reel in a temperature controlled environment. The collected aerosol particles are stored with a buffer fluid to preserve and maintain the viability of the collected particles for future extraction and analysis. Several embodiments for forming sealed pouches or pockets and methods of storing the collected particles are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Langle, Michael F. Fischer, James M. Egan, Alexander J. Waller, Joseph W. Clement, Darren J. Radke
  • Publication number: 20130133290
    Abstract: Device for packaging goods, in particular a stack of goods with a tubular film having a film-feeding means with a welding and cutting array for producing and feeding a tubular film hood and having a film-fitting means that cooperates with the film-feeding means, can be translated up and down vertically and is designed to grip and fit the film hood over the goods, characterized in that the film-feeding means is disposed so that it is horizontally translatable between an operating position and a maintenance position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Dominik Tebeck, Christoph Garnschröder, Guido Ickert
  • Publication number: 20130044967
    Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a bag around an article, the method comprising: providing an oriented film; cauterizing the film at a temperature sufficient to de-orient a portion of the film to create a cauterized area on the continuous film; placing an article(s) on the film between adjacent cauterized areas; heat-sealing the film around the article(s) such that at least a portion of the film between the heat-sealed area and the article comprises the cauterized area. Also, provided is a form, fill, and seal apparatus comprising a heat sealer and a cauterizer, both having a temperature control, the heat sealer positioned to allow the heat sealer to form a seal between two edges of film having an article wrapped therein, and the cauterizer positioned to cauterize an area of the sealed film in an area adjacent to the sealed edges and the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael D. CLECKNER, Scott Wilkins, James S. Howard
  • Publication number: 20130019568
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste packaging system, a method of storing waste and to a film for use in this system and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Dimitri Gkinosatis
  • Publication number: 20120317936
    Abstract: A machine for filling a flexible pouch having a fitment assembly, a gripper and a filler. The fitment assembly having a tap and a fitment mounted to the pouch body. The gripper operable to remove the tap from the fitment, retain the tap during filling operations, and mount the tap back onto the fitment after filling operations. The fitment assembly having a tap operable to be mounted on the fitment in a transport position and a fixed position, wherein in the transport position a first predetermined amount of force is required to remove the tap. In the fixed position, a second predetermined amount of force is required to remove the tap. The second predetermined amount of force is substantially larger than the first predetermined amount of force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Publication number: 20120285127
    Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine 100 has a pull-down belt mechanism 23, a vertical sealing mechanism 2, and a controller 29. The pull-down belt mechanism conveys a cylindrical film Fm. The vertical sealing mechanism applies pressure and ultrasonic oscillation to the cylindrical film which is conveyed by the pull-down belt mechanism, and seals the cylindrical film. The controller controls the pull-down belt mechanism, and the pressure and the amplitude of the ultrasonic oscillation applied to the cylindrical film by the vertical sealing mechanism. The controller applies pressure and ultrasonic oscillation to the cylindrical film immediately before reaching a first point in time when the cylindrical film begins to be conveyed. The controller changes at least one of the pressure and the amplitude of the ultrasonic oscillation applied to the film according to the speed of the film in a time period after reaching the first point in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoru KAMIGAITO
  • Patent number: 8286549
    Abstract: An apparatus for stuffing a pasty food that includes an applicator sleeve arranged between the inlet end and the outlet end of a stuffing tube. At least a portion of the applicator sleeve surrounds the stuffing tube about part or its complete circumference and the applicator sleeve supplies one or more strips coated and/or impregnated with transferable additives to the stuffing tube, with the strips being ultimately applied to the pasty food. The innovation further relates to a foodstuff in a tubular casing (e.g. sausage skin), in which at least one strip is arranged between the foodstuff and the surrounding casing, the strip being coated and/or impregnated with at least one transferable additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kalle GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Auf Der Heide, Martina Koenig
  • Publication number: 20120233970
    Abstract: A former assembly (10) for a packaging machine. The assembly (10) includes a frame (11) including a frame member (12) of “U-shaped” configuration. The frame (11) supports a former (17) having a former surface (18) over which stripped bag materials passes to be formed into a tubular configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Alfred Alexander Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120198793
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, wherein a product flow of polysilicon chunks is transported via a feed channel, separated by at least one screen into coarse and fine chunks, weighed and dosed to a target weight by a dosing balance, discharged via a discharge channel and transported to a packaging unit where a first plastic bag is filled with the polysilicon chunks and sealed, the plastic bag containing polysilicon chunks being packaged with a further plastic bag which is formed by a shaper and subsequently welded, wherein the at least one screen and the dosing balance at least partially include a hard metal on their surfaces and the shaper for forming the plastic bag includes a wear-resistant coating. Also disclosed are a dosing unit, a packaging unit and a device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, which contains a dosing unit and a packaging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: WACKER CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Matthias VIETZ, Rainer HOELZLWIMMER, Bruno LICHTENEGGER
  • Patent number: 8146332
    Abstract: A composite air and foam protective packaging product comprises a packaging cushion having, in cross-section, at least three plies of plastic film, foam between a first ply and a second ply of the three plies of plastic film, and air between the second ply and a third ply of the three plies of plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Storopack, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Slovencik
  • Publication number: 20120073250
    Abstract: A cassette support portion (706) is provided for supporting a cassette (701) containing film (702) on a support (704) for rotation in a waste storage device. The cassette support portion (706) includes a support contacting portion (740) and a cassette contacting portion (742) angled inwardly therefrom. There is further provided a cassette support (704) including said cassette support portion (706), a cassette (701) mounted on said cassette support portion (706) and a waste storage device including said cassette support (704) and support portion (706).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas Cudworth, David Akerman, Jonathon Knox
  • Patent number: 8127520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the filling of bags in automatic machines for the formation, filling and closing in a continuous process of bags from a tubular mesh, of those comprising a tubular body outside which the storage of tubular mesh is assembled, the device comprising means for the conveyance of individual pieces of large fruit and vegetable products, such as melons, watermelons or the like, from a loading position to a delivery position, and means for the holding and transfer, one by one, of the individual pieces conveyed to the delivery position, which comprise a head for the holding and subsequent release of the pieces and a mechanism for transmitting to the head a movement the path of which comprises a vertical downward section, of a sufficient length to convey the held piece through the inside of the tubular body of the machine towards the mouth of a bag open at the upper part, and such that the piece is accompanied in its entire downward path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Girnet Internacional, S.L.
    Inventor: Ezequiel Giro Amigo
  • Publication number: 20110239598
    Abstract: A device for feeding a converting unit with a web substrate, the converting unit converting the substrate when stopped. The device includes a main drive roller rotating on a main shaft a main electric drive motor (14) rotating (T) the main roller (12), a satellite roller oscillating about the main roller (12), between upstream and downstream on the path of a substrate. Two lateral levers secured to the main shaft hold the satellite roller and are mounted on the main shaft. The substrate is maintained between the main and satellite rollers to change cyclically between a constant speed to a zero speed at the exit side of the satellite roller. At least one secondary electric drive motor oscillates the main shaft, the two lateral levers and the satellite roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Edouard Borel, Philippe Clement, Yeznig Maghdessian
  • Publication number: 20110120063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for reforming of a web of flexible packaging material into tube form by rotatable forming rollers which define a material opening. The apparatus is at least one of the forming rollers is displaceable in relation to the material web when an opening device disposed on the material web passes through the material opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: Mats Turesson
  • Publication number: 20110099955
    Abstract: A packaging and filling machine is capable of easily preforming with the forming flaps by keeping the pressure of the filled liquid food in the tube the positive pressure, capable of preventing the pressure of the liquid food from dropping to negative pressure, even if the pressure of the liquid food decreases due to the up-and-down of the liquid food pressure, and capable of preventing outside atmosphere materials from invading into the tube. A positive pressure keeping means absorbs fluctuation of the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange, and prevents the liquid food pressure from dropping in negative pressure to keep the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange a positive pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Konno, Yutaka Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20110047939
    Abstract: A form, fill and seal system having a product fill assembly, a tube forming assembly and a fitment securing assembly. The system allows for the relative positioning of the fitment that is to be applied to the film that forms the bags, at various points along the film by having the fitment securing assembly relatively positionable with respect to the tube forming assembly. In turn, with adjustments, a fitment can be located at a number of locations on a finished bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Griffin, Steven Davis, Hildebrand John, Todd Jahnke
  • Publication number: 20110041461
    Abstract: A packaging material dispenser includes a brake arm with a horizontal portion that rests across the width of the peripheral surface of a roll of packaging material and includes a cutting tool arranged on the brake horizontal portion to aid in cutting across the width of the packaging material. The cutting tool is a slider-cutter that rides along a channel along the horizontal portion to enable the slider-cutter to ride within the channel to cut the packaging material. In another approach, the cutting tool is a stationary tear initiator configured to initiate a tear at one edge of the packaging material to facilitate tearing across the rest of the width of the packaging material. The brake arm is rotatably connected to a mast of the dispenser capable of holding at least one roll of packaging material on a support arm and allowing rotation of the roll thereabout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: ENCORE PACKAGING LLC
    Inventor: Timothy H. NELSON
  • Publication number: 20110011037
    Abstract: An apparatus for constructing sandbags has a movable, floatable platform, and a length of casing disposed in a roll and supported on the platform. The casing has two longitudinal edges and can be unrolled from the roll. There is a hopper for receiving and dispensing a quantity of sand on top of the casing as the casing is unrolled from the roll. The hopper is supported by a crane mounted on the platform, and positioned above the length of casing. There is a device for bringing the longitudinal edges of the casing together after the sand has been deposited, and a stitching machine for stitching the edges of the casing together to form a tube of casing filled with sand. The stitching machine is mounted on the crane above the device for bringing the edges of the casing together. There is a conveyor for conveying the tube away from the stitching machine and off of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Kean
  • Patent number: 7866131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical bagging machine (1), equipped with a first linear motor (18) for displacing a transversal seal unit (10) in a first direction, preferably vertically (20), and a second linear motor (19) for executing a displacement in a second direction, preferably horizontally (21), in order to displace a heat-sealing jaw (11) in the latter direction or to cause two heat-sealing jaws (11, 12) to be displaced against one another by means of a gear (22). The linear motors (18, 19) are interconnected (23) by means of a cross formation. Each linear motor (18, 19) consists of a primary part (24, 26) and a secondary part (25, 27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ROVEMA-Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Roman Kammler, Ralf Bardtke, Walter Baur
  • Publication number: 20110000169
    Abstract: The supply group of a packing band from reels, with an automatic change of the reel, for an object-packing machine, comprises a supply track (13) along which the packing band runs to the zone of use(45) thereof, means for transversally cutting (14) the band (11) located at a start of the supply track, means (17A) for supporting a first reel (12A) of the band (11A) of slim packing material and means (17B) for supporting a second reel (12B) of band (11B) of slim packing material. The group comprises a first entry track (20A) of the first band (11A) from the first reel (12A) to the supply track (13), a second entrance track (20B) of the second band (11B) from the second reel (12B) to the supply track (13), first means for advancing (21A) for introducing or extracting the front end of the first band (11A) to or from the supply track (13), second means for advancing (21B) for introducing or extracting a front end (HB) of the second band (11B) into or from the supply track (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: A.C.M.I. Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventor: Giacomo Magri
  • Publication number: 20100215813
    Abstract: This invention discloses a process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material. The process relates to optimizing both, the evacuation of the headspace in the pouch and the accuracy of the flowable material filled in the pouch. Specifically, the present invention employs a process that includes a multiple-step or a continuous compression of the pouch headspace to accomplish the goals. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G. Peterson, Joshua Michael Schutte
  • Publication number: 20100180554
    Abstract: Packaging plant comprising at least two combined vertical forming tubes, comprising a single motorized central conveyer equipped with dragging devices D, D? constituting at least two separate parallel tracks whose intermittent advancement is actuated by its main central motor C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Gino Rapparini
  • Patent number: 7694499
    Abstract: Packaging equipment for continuously making packages of stacks of tiles on a working conveyor that feeds the stacks of tiles to be packaged. The equipment has a first element for feeding a plastic film on top of the working conveyor that projects laterally below the stacks of tiles and also has a second element for feeding two laminar elements parallel to each other on top of the plastic film which laterally project below the stacks of tiles. Guiding rods are provided for vertically lifting and upper winding of the projecting portions of the plastic film that is around the stacks of tiles as they advance on the conveyor. Longitudinal welding device and another welding device are provided for welding the plastic film around the stacks of tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: SITMA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aris Ballestrazzi, Lamberto Tassi
  • Patent number: 7673434
    Abstract: A filling machine and a filling monitoring method monitor the condition of a pressure roller and do not harm the quality of fluid food. The filling machine includes a first rotary member inside of the joining surface of a longitudinally sealed portion of a packaging material being fed; a second rotary member disposed in opposition to the first rotary member with the packaging material pinched therebetween; a rotation detection signal generator for generating a rotation detection signal in association with rotation of at least one of the first and second rotary members; and a monitoring processor for reading the rotation detection signal and detecting abnormality of rotation of at least one of the first and second rotary members. Damage to the inner surfaces of the packaging material or to the strip tape, and dropping of a sticking resin piece into fluid food contained in the packaging material are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Shigehiro Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7640717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a counter element (22) being adapted to apply a pressure to a first portion of a packaging material in association with heating of the packaging material in order to seal the first portion of the packaging material to a second portion of the packaging material. The element (22) being provided with an abutment surface (23) adapted to at least abut said first portion of the packaging material. The abutment surface (23) is provided with a plurality of indentations (24) adapted to entrap fluid or gas present in the vicinity of the abutment surface (23) and the first portion of the packaging material. The inventions also relates to a method of providing a counter element (22) as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Ebi Shokri, Roland Palmquist, Reinhard Kupfer, Renato Cetrelli
  • Publication number: 20090229226
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for enclosing bales of materials with at least four substantially rectilinear sides in flexible sheet material tubes having one open end into which the bales are inserted leaving the tube open end projecting loosely beyond the end of the bale utilizing structure temporarily placed inside the tube open end tending to resist inward movement of said tube such that the tube end may be formed into pleats at the four corners of the end of the bale and structure external of the tube cooperating to form and fold the pleats against the bale end surface where they are affixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: William D. Beeland, Daniel E. Riggs, Donald W. Van Doorn
  • Publication number: 20090049805
    Abstract: A device (10) and a method for transverse sealing of a tube (12) of thermoplastic coated packaging material are provided. The tube is formed by sealing of an overlapping joint (14) between two mutually opposing edge sections (26, 28) of a sheet of packaging material. The device comprises first and second opposing jaws (16, 18) having first and second main sealing surfaces (20, 22), respectively. The tube is arranged to be flat-laid and squeezed between these main sealing surfaces to heat the thermoplastic there between and obtain a transverse seal along a main sealing line (24) of the tube. The device is characterized in that it is arranged to penetrate the outer edge section (28) of the overlapping joint along the main sealing line prior to sealing to allow the first main sealing surface (20) to contact the inner edge section (26) of the overlapping joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Klaus Specht, Salvatore Capasso, Kenneth Larsson
  • Patent number: 7487625
    Abstract: A method for packaging a good by means of a package formed of a shrinkable lower film 7 and an upper film 10 is provided. The lower film may be deep-drawn to form a container for accommodating the good, and after filling in the good, an upper film may be supplied for covering. The such-formed package is sealed and then may be subjected to shrinking in an evacuating and sealing station. Consecutively to the evacuating and sealing, an additional shrinking may be performed by subjecting the package to heat from all sides, so as to remove the film section having developed between the part of the lower and the upper film directly resting against the good and the sealing rim 16. A corresponding device for executing the method is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Natterer, Helmut Sparakowski
  • Publication number: 20080229715
    Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging a product. The machine has a frame for supporting the product and a source of packaging material for supplying packaging material into a position to be engaged by and at least partially surround the product. At least one upper sealing assembly is adapted to move between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. The upper sealing assembly comprises at least one sealing element for forming a seal along adjacent edges of the packaging material. At least one lower sealing assembly is adapted for cooperating engagement with the upper sealing assembly in its actuated position. The at least one upper and lower sealing assemblies are positioned for clamping engagement of the packaging material therebetween for forming the seal when the upper sealing assembly is moved to its actuated position in engagement with the lower sealing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Atlanta Attachment Company
    Inventors: Lee Schmidt, Preston B. Dasher, Elvin C. Price, Tadeusz Olewicz
  • Publication number: 20080223007
    Abstract: Film packaging, especially flow-wrap packaging (10) having a longitudinal sealed seam (19) and two transverse sealed seams (20, 21), at least the longitudinal sealed seam (19) being spaced apart from the associated longitudinal edges (15, 16) to form two longitudinal edge strips (17, 18) of different widths which are folded one over the other and onto the outside of the packaging (10). A restickable adhesive, especially a cold-seal adhesive (23), has been applied to the portion (22) of the wider longitudinal edge strip (18) that overhangs the narrower longitudinal edge strip (17), which adhesive is arranged to be stuck, when the packaging (10) is closed, to a “release” area (24) formed on the outside of the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Huhtamaki Ronsberg, Zweigniederlassung der Huhtamaki Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Friebe, Matthias Schraegle, Ulrich Baumann
  • Patent number: 7325374
    Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic packaging of one or more articles. One or more modular infeed systems are provided, each adapted to feed product to a wrapping machine, and each preferably adapted to communicate with a wrapping machine to identify its configuration to the wrapping machine. In a preferred embodiment, each modular infeed includes a film roll unwind assembly, an integrated film folding head, a product conveyance mechanism and a closed-loop communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Shanklin Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Chrisman, Charles P. Tatarian, Robert J. Simonelli, Mitchell W. Smith, Thomas P. Orsini
  • Patent number: 7124556
    Abstract: A device 10 for bagging dry ingredients, wherein a packaging mechanism 16 is integrally disposed under a weighing mechanism 13 for stored dry ingredients 12 and through a common frame 18. The weighing mechanism 13 comprises a plurality of juxtaposed dispensing pipes 22–25 for dispensing the dry ingredients 12 in a hopper 21, and weighing buckets 27–30 having an open/close dumper 26 for weighing the dispensed dry ingredients 12 and temporally storing them. The dry ingredients 12 in each of the weighing buckets 27–30 are discharged into a dispensing chute 31 through the open/close dumber 26 and are supplied at high speed to the packaging mechanism 16 immediately therebelow through the dispensing chute 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Kenji Noumi
  • Patent number: 7114309
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making reclosable packages having slider-actuated string zippers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7076935
    Abstract: A convertible computer controlled form, fill and seal bagging machine comprising a film drive drawing a film sheet about a pouch former with the film sheet being folded and overlapped along longitudinal edge portions; a first sealer heat fusing the overlapped edge portions together to form a hollow film tube; a temperature and a pressure controller controlling the temperature and pressure of the first sealer; a transverse sealer forming a transverse seal across the hollow film tube; a feeder supplying a predetermined content in the hollow tube at a pouch forming station; a computer controller controlling the temperature and pressure of the first sealer to progressively form a seal along the longitudinal edge portions based on a selected predetermined programmed pouch size and the length of the seal bar of the first sealer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Glopak Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Basque
  • Patent number: 7059102
    Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of packs, for a product in portions, with a paste-like product that is to be packaged, especially sausages, in a foil tube (15), starting from a band-shaped flat foil (1), which has been provided unilaterally with a connecting layer, this flat foil is unwound from a stock supply (2) and bent in the longitudinal direction to form the tube in such a way that the connecting layer is located on the outside, and the longitudinal sides (10) of the longitudinal edges (9) are located opposite one another, after which a strip (12), which is capable of forming a connection or which is provided with a connecting layer, is placed in the longitudinal direction over both longitudinal edges (9) and is connected to them, after which the foil tube (15), which is formed in this way, is then filled directly with the product that is to be packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jürgen Hanten
  • Patent number: 7003929
    Abstract: A forming apparatus is provided for forming a film into a sleeve around a filling tube. The forming apparatus has contact surface geometry that is contacted by the film as it travels thereacross configured to ensure smooth forming of the film into the sleeve. Smooth forming of the film into the sleeve is achieved, in part, by reducing longitudinal tensile forces in the film, by selecting the contact surface geometry to minimize transverse variations in tensile forces in the film, and by having contact edges of the contact surfaces shaped to reduce unnecessary stresses in the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Laplace
  • Publication number: 20040016216
    Abstract: In a machine for making filter bags for infusion products, a flattened tube (34) is used which is made from a web (17) of filter paper that: is heat-sealable by thermal reactivation of a layer of glue; is fed continuously in the horizontal position; has individual charges (19) of the infusion product placed on its top surface at suitable intervals; and, lastly, is gradually folded onto itself until its longitudinal edges (18) are juxtaposed. An apparatus (250) for sealing the tube (34) comprises an operator block (94) bearing two rows (251) of emitters (96) designed to give off a gaseous fluid heated to a suitable temperature. The operator block (94), accommodated inside the tube (34) with the emitters (96) aligned and juxtaposed with the edges (18), directs the fluid against internal faces (97) of the tube (34) directly at the layer of glue on the web (17) which is simultaneously folded around the operator block (94) itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: TECNOMECCANICA S.r.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Romagnoli
  • Publication number: 20030213217
    Abstract: The bag-manufacturing and packaging machine transverse sealing mechanism is for a bag-manufacturing and packaging machine that makes bags by sealing a tubular packaging material longitudinally and transversely while also filling the bags with items to be packaged. The transverse sealing mechanism functions to thermally seal the packaging material in a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the packaging material is conveyed. The transverse sealing mechanism is equipped with a plurality of sealing jaws and an adjusting part. The plurality of sealing jaws rotate about a rotational axis and execute thermal sealing by making contact with the tubular packaging material. The adjusting part adjusts a relative distance between the sealing jaws. The bag-manufacturing and packaging machine transverse sealing mechanism readily accommodates different bag sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Kondo, Yukio Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6453639
    Abstract: A machine for making filter bags for products for infusion comprises a first wheel forming a station for winding a thread with pick-up tab around the filter bag, means for positioning and guiding the thread with pick-up tab relative to the filter bag operating along an arced path covered by the filter bag to allow the thread to be wound around the filter bag; the positioning and guiding means comprising a chute having a central channel to keep the thread with pick-up tab in a substantially stable and well-defined position relative to the filter bag traveling along the arced path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine
    Inventor: Cristian Sgubbi