Longitudinal Tube Formed From Single Web Patents (Class 53/550)
  • Patent number: 12037145
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for producing at extremely high production speeds small pouches filled with tobacco or other granular, powdered or solid content is provided. An endless web substrate, with or without flavor film thereon, is formed into a tubular shape with a longitudinal seam. The tube is cut to individual lengths, and a procession of tubes is crimp-closed at one end, filled and crimp-closed at the other end to complete pouch production. During production, the seams formed at the crimped ends of the pouch are parallel to one another and the longitudinal seam of the pouch is midway between the sides of the pouch and orthogonal to the seams formed at the crimped ends of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Garthaffner, Dwight D. Williams, Jeremy J. Straight, David J. Webb, Carl G. Miller
  • Patent number: 12037156
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for producing tubular packages includes a packaging material dispenser (12) and a forming section (20). The forming section (20) comprises a series of package formers (22a-22e) aligned in the machine direction, each defining a packaging material folding channel (24) through which the packaging material passes. The channels (24) of the package formers in the series vary in shape such that as the packaging material passes through the forming section it is gradually folded about a longitudinal axis from a planar configuration into a tubular structure. A series of items (44) to be packaged is conveyed in the machine direction and may be sequentially introduced proximal to the packaging material (14) at a location such that the packaging material is subsequently folded about each item in turn as it continues through the forming section. The apparatus may be a horizontal or vertical form, fill seal type apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Ferris, Daniel Bortos, Leesha Muman
  • Patent number: 12004523
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a displacement element pair for dividing a sausage strand, conveyed between the displacement elements, into individual sausages, each displacement element having at least one wing with a first wing section and a second wing section between which an outwardly widening, in particular V-shaped cutout is formed, both the first and the second wing section having a laterally curved pocket or an opening. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding apparatus for dividing a sausage strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: ALBERT HANDTMANN MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Schliesser, Alwin Schmid, Juergen Rechsteiner
  • Patent number: 11945621
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing packaging comprising the steps of: a) providing a packaging material (2) comprising cartonboard, semi-rigid plastics or other semi-rigid packaging material; b) forming fold lines (8) and/or cuts within the packaging material (2) by subjecting the packaging material (2) to laser (12) or mechanical scoring; c) folding the packaging material (2) along the fold lines (8) and/or cuts and securing in position to form a substantially tubular container (200); and d) forming at least one seal (302, 304) by sealing together at least two opposing regions (122, 124, 126, 128) of a blank (4) to form an at least partially sealed package (300); e) performing at least one of steps b), c) and d) on a horizontal or vertical fill, form and seal apparatus (400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: KRAFT FOODS SCHWEIZ HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Alain Kowalewski, David Emiro Galavis Borden
  • Patent number: 11834220
    Abstract: A machine for wrapping a film to form packs containing single articles includes a conveyor transporting the articles, an aspirated conveyor belt arranged consecutively to the conveyor, a supply station feeding a film and arranging the film with a central part resting on the conveyor belt and with lateral parts projecting from the belt, a frame associated with the conveyor belt and tunnel-conformed for passage of the articles, and folder means for abutting the projecting lateral parts of the film and winding the parts about the tunnel-conformed frame to form a tube of film about the tunnel-conformed frame. A glue device applies glue on one of the two flaps of the film and heat welding and cutting means are activatable for clamping the tube of film and heat-welding and cutting the film to obtain an envelope containing the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: C.M.C S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Ponti
  • Patent number: 11690329
    Abstract: An eco-friendly netting for growing and/or harvesting sod, plants, and/or any type of vegetation is disclosed herein. The eco-friendly netting includes a netting body portion forming a pattern of netting apertures, the netting body portion is formed from a material that is at least partially biodegradable. The eco-friendly netting may be preseeded. The eco-friendly netting may be treated or processed with anti-rot agents, degrading accelerators, degrading inhibitors, nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, algaecides, herbicides, water absorption/retention enhancers or any combination thereof. Methods of growing sod and harvesting sod, which utilize the eco-friendly netting, are also disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting may be treated or processed to increase or decrease its functional longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventors: Siby Pothen, Melissa Pothen
  • Patent number: 11634293
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive control system to control a plant using direct output feedback in which a function of the full plant state, as opposed to estimates thereof, is used for feedback control of the plant. The adaptive control system of this invention is therefore highly useful in the control of plants, particularly plants for controlling the physical properties of rolls of web material and more particularly a calendering apparatus. Accordingly, in a particularly preferred embodiment the adaptive control system of this invention controls loading of a calender apparatus, such as a pair of opposed rolls forming a calendering stack, based upon the physical properties of a previously processed web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worlwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Petras, Matthew W. Trautschold, Mark G. Dollevoet, Vivek M. Karandikar, Julie A. Hansen, Walter F. Montgomery, Antwain Taylor, Kevin B. Sartain, Justin P. Stergar
  • Patent number: 11584555
    Abstract: The packaging machine includes a wrapping tunnel, adapted to form a tube of plastic film around a group of articles and a feed conveyor, adapted to feed articles to be packaged toward the wrapping tunnel. An elevator is positioned between the feed conveyor and the wrapping tunnel, and is movable vertically from a lower position, to receive articles coming from the feed conveyor, to a higher height, to transfer articles to the wrapping tunnel. A pusher is arranged to push articles to be packaged from the elevator into the wrapping tunnel. An auxiliary conveyor is also provided between the feed conveyor and the elevator. An upender is associated with the auxiliary conveyor, adapted to be arranged selectively in an active position, to co-act with the auxiliary conveyor to upend articles coming from the feed conveyor and transfer them toward the elevator, and in a deactivated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Pattuzzi, Luca Antoniazzi, Daniele Bolognesi, Moreno Cremonini
  • Patent number: 11565843
    Abstract: A form fill seal apparatus for forming and filling a plurality of bags with a product having a tube formation assembly forming a tubular film, a bag forming assembly configured to form transverse seals and to cut the tubular film to form bags. A product delivery system is provided to deliver product from a positive displacement pump to a product delivery tube. A control system is structurally configured to direct the positive displacement pump to operate in two different modes, a first, continuous operating mode and a second, dosing operating mode. A method of filling is likewise disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: WINPAK LANE, INC.
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 11562410
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for pre-packaging and pre-configuring software products using chatbot message exchanges with users are described. Embodiments may include receiving a user inquiry, initiating a first chat session comprising a primary chatbot within a user interface, receiving user request data corresponding to a first string of communications, and determining a product based on the user request data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Kyndryl, Inc.
    Inventors: James David Cleaver, Michael James McGuire, Seema Nagar, Pramod Vadayadiyil Raveendran, Thuy Luong, Kuntal Dey
  • Patent number: 11510824
    Abstract: A rotary device for welding a continuous web comprises a rotary unit rotating about a respective axis and welding units for welding the web mounted, angularly spaced, on the rotary unit. A movement device varies a radial position of the welding units. First and second supporting elements supporting the web are disposed, respectively, upstream and downstream of respective ones of the welding units, to keep the web tensioned when the respective welding unit is at an operating position. The first and second supporting elements are supported by a load-bearing structure connected to the welding units in such a way that a radial movement of the welding units corresponds to a movement of the first and second supporting elements towards and away from the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: GDM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Duchini, Aldo Fusar Poli, Matteo Piantoni, Gabriele Resmini, Marco Rosani, Maurizio Spatti
  • Patent number: 11492153
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packaging machine that according to one embodiment includes a rollers block with a plurality of roller assemblies distributed in series along a horizontal longitudinal axis of the machine and a transmission block with a motor and a transmission mechanism configured for transmitting the rotation of the motor to all the roller assemblies. At least one roller assembly is independent of the rest of the roller assemblies, is movable with respect to the transmission block, and is configured for cooperating with the transmission mechanism in an operative position, in which the transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the motor of the transmission block to the roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: ULMA PACKAGING, S. COOP.
    Inventors: Aritz Murgia Mendizabal, Miguel Angel Ugarte Inza
  • Patent number: 11434096
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive control system to control a plant using direct output feedback in which a function of the full plant state, as opposed to estimates thereof, is used for feedback control of the plant. The adaptive control system of this invention is therefore highly useful in the control of plants, particularly plants for controlling the physical properties of rolls of web material and more particularly a calendering apparatus. Accordingly, in a particularly preferred embodiment the adaptive control system of this invention controls loading of a calender apparatus, such as a pair of opposed rolls forming a calendering stack, based upon the physical properties of a previously processed web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Petras, Matthew W. Trautschold, Mark G. Dollevoet, Vivek M. Karandikar, Julie A. Hansen, Walter F. Montgomery, Antwain Taylor, Kevin B. Sartain, Justin P. Stergar
  • Patent number: 11407535
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a bag feeding device for forming a packaging bag series having a continuous bag portion partitioned by a side seal portion from a long film and a bag mouth opening/closing device having a conveying path formed between a conveying device for pulling and conveying the packaging bag series with first grips and a guide rail parallel to the conveying path. The movers traveling on the guide rail has second grips for gripping the side seal portion. By controlling and adjusting the distance between one mover and the mover immediately after that, an upper end opening of the bag portion is opened or closed according to various processes of the packaging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: GENERAL PACKER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masashi Oshima
  • Patent number: 11401062
    Abstract: A packaging assembly for wrapping mail items of differing sizes and each including at least one mail component or a stack of mail components, wherein the packaging assembly comprises: a mail item collecting assembly, a flow wrap station comprising a folding assembly for creating a folded web, a longitudinal sealing assembly for creating a longitudinal seal, and a cross sealing assembly. The packaging assembly is characterized in that the flow wrap station is configured to create said folded web so as to have a single side fold which is positioned on a first side of the subsequently placed mail items, wherein the side fold extends in a transport direction. The packaging assembly further comprises a measuring assembly for determining a transverse position of a second side of the mail item which is opposite the first side. The longitudinal sealing assembly has an infeed end which is positioned downstream of the cross sealing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: BUHRS PACKAGING SOLUTIONS B.V.
    Inventor: Fransiscus Maria Mous
  • Patent number: 11365019
    Abstract: A strapping machine includes a driver, first and second power output units, and a switching unit. The first power output unit includes a first drive shaft being co-rotatable with a main shaft of the driver only when the main shaft rotates in a first rotational direction via a first one-way bearing for driving the switching unit, and for clamping, hot-melting and cutting a strap. The second power output unit includes a second drive shaft being co-rotatable with the main shaft only when the main shaft rotates in a second rotational direction via a second one-way bearing, and a plurality of output gear trains being engagable with the second drive shaft via the switching unit for feeding, retracting and tensioning the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: EXPACK INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yu-Ting Lai
  • Patent number: 11345501
    Abstract: A jaw assembly (10) that receives a tubular bag material (11) that is transversely sealed and transversely cut by the jaw assembly (10) to form bags 12 of snack food. The tubular bag material (11) is delivered in a downward direction (13). The jaw assembly (10) includes sealing jaws (27, 28), with the jaws (27, 28) operating in pairs to transversely seal the tubular bag material (11). Each of the jaws (27,28) has an end surface (29) that heats and engages the tubular bag material (11), to form the seal therein. Each surface (29) is spaced from its respective rotational axis by a radius (31). Most preferably the radius (31) is less than 85 mm, but greater than 65 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Alfred Alexander Taylor, Deni Ferfolja
  • Patent number: 11225343
    Abstract: An overwrap feed station wraps a product with an overwrap material by drawing the overwrap material around the product to form a tube around the product as the product moves through the feed station. The feed station is configurable in first, second, or third configurations based upon a desired location of a longitudinal seal to be formed on the tube around the product. A first former is configured to guide the overwrap material through the entrance of the feed station so that longitudinal edges of the overwrap material overlap on a first side of the tube during wrapping of the product. The second former is configured to guide the overwrap material through the entrance of the feed station so that longitudinal edges of the overwrap material overlap on a second side of the tube during wrapping of the product. The third former allows forming the seal on the corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: PAPER CONVERTING MACHING COMPANY
    Inventors: David J. Hyska, John C. Odegard, Robert J. Dunstan, Jr., Brian L. Christman
  • Patent number: 11225342
    Abstract: An overwrap feed station wraps a product with an overwrap material by drawing the overwrap material around the product to form a tube around the product as the product moves through the feed station. The feed station is configurable in one of first and second configurations based upon a desired location of a longitudinal seal to be formed on the tube around the product. A first former is configured to guide the overwrap material through the entrance of the feed station so that longitudinal edges of the overwrap material overlap on a first side of the tube during wrapping of the product. The second former is configured to guide the overwrap material through the entrance of the feed station so that longitudinal edges of the overwrap material overlap on a second side of the tube during wrapping of the product. The second side is transverse to the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: PAPER CONVERTING MACHINE COMPANY
    Inventors: David J. Hyska, John C. Odegard, Robert J. Dunstan, Jr., Brian L. Christman
  • Patent number: 11124323
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: PRIMAPAK, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer
  • Patent number: 11084064
    Abstract: An automated object sorting system is provided. In various embodiments, the automated object sorting system includes an automated object extraction assembly and an automated object collection assembly. The automated object extraction assembly extracts one or more objects from an object sorting tray based on one or more attributes and/or traits of interest. The automated collection assembly selectively deposits the extracted objects in selected collection receptacles according to the particular attributes and/or traits of each respective object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Deppermann
  • Patent number: 11066293
    Abstract: A spring feeding device configured to feed a spring (9) comprises a feeding member (60) delimiting a channel (68), a pusher (70) configured to push the spring (9) along the channel (68) delimited by the feeding member (60), and a drive mechanism con-figured to displace both the feeding member (60) and the pusher (70) such that the feeding member (60) and the pusher (70) move in opposite directions (91, 92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Spühl, GmbH
    Inventor: Christopher Hug
  • Patent number: 10940962
    Abstract: A device is provided for producing a tubular container which is able to be filled with granular, pulverulent, pourable and flowable materials, wherein the container can include webs manufactured from geotextile material. The device includes a displaceable frame with at least one unwindable geotextile web, wherein the frame includes a filling trough with an outlet hopper for the material, and wherein the filling trough has a conveying device for the filled material, the conveying device acting counter to the direction of movement of the frame, which, at the rear end of the filling trough, surrounds the material in an enveloping manner, in the region of the outlet hopper, by the unwindable geotextile web, as the frame is advanced, so as to form a tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: TOPOCARE GMBH
    Inventor: Roland Draier
  • Patent number: 10843828
    Abstract: An overwrap feed station wraps a product with an overwrap material by drawing the overwrap material around the product to form a tube around the product as the product moves through the feed station. The feed station is configurable in one of first and second configurations based upon a desired location of a longitudinal seal to be formed on the tube around the product. A first former is configured to guide the overwrap material through the entrance of the feed station so that longitudinal edges of the overwrap material overlap on a first side of the tube during wrapping of the product. The second former is configured to guide the overwrap material through the entrance of the feed station so that longitudinal edges of the overwrap material overlap on a second side of the tube during wrapping of the product. The second side is transverse to the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: PAPER CONVERTING MACHING COMPANY
    Inventors: David J. Hyska, John C. Odegard, Robert J. Dunstan, Jr., Brian L. Christman
  • Patent number: 10618681
    Abstract: A changeover device for an intermittent packaging machine with wrapping material constituted by a flexible film for successive welding, forming and work operations of envelopes for containing the packed product, comprises a plurality of mobile stations at adjustable interdistances, designed for performing, in succession, operations of welding, forming and processing of the envelopes (including different envelope formats), each of which is constituted by a substantially vertically-arranged frame, slidably positioned on fixed guide rails. The machine is equipped with a changeover device in which each single station is provided with a brake group able to maintain the single station blocked in a predetermined position along all the work line. Moreover, the adjustment of the interdistance between the stations is accomplished by a motorised shuttle which moves by a linear actuator along the processing line. The shuttle can comprise a sensor, an engaging device, and a brake release device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: PFM Iberica Packaging Machinery S.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Fioravanti
  • Patent number: 9056692
    Abstract: In a medicine packaging apparatus, a distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section is reduced without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. An unfolding guide 65 for unfolding and opening a package sheet 61 provided in a packaging unit 4 includes a main ridge 94 extending along with a crease of the package sheet 61 and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces 95a, 95b which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge 94. A contact start position 100a with the package sheet 61 of the unfolding guide surface 95a on the outer side of a curve in the conveying direction A relative to the main ridge 94 is located on an upstream side in the conveying direction A of the package sheet 61 of a contact start position 100b with the package sheet 61 of the unfolding guide surface 95b located on the inner side of the curve relative to the main ridge 94.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Nakaji Takeda
  • Patent number: 9038355
    Abstract: An apparatus for unfolding folded plastic film having a first side joined to a second side along a longitudinal folded edge for use in forming a packaging tube. The folded film travels through a slot and the folded sides are separated at their respective outer longitudinal edges. The longitudinal left side is conveyed toward and over a guide plate left side edge and then over a left form tube section. The longitudinal right side is conveyed toward and over a guide plate right side edge and then over a right form tube section. The longitudinal middle section including the longitudinal folded edge and part of both the first and second sides adjacent the longitudinal folded edge is conveyed toward and over guide plate angular edges and then onto a carrying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Rethceif Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Allen Honegger
  • Patent number: 9027314
    Abstract: Provided herein is a liquid-filled, non-reclosable tetrahedral or pillow-shaped packaging container having a longitudinal fin seal and a pair of transverse seals. In the case of tetrahedral packages, the transverse seals are perpendicular to one another. Also provided herein is an apparatus for the formation of such fin seals as part of a continuous packaging and filling operation. A third aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure is the development of a heated jaw that exhibits consistent heating across the jaw face. Yet another feature of the apparatus of the present disclosure is provided in a modified, closed-loop electrical system for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the temperatures of the heated jaws, as they are moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Bernhard Zeiler, Charles D. Buis, Neal Burgess, James A. Renninger, John B. Manly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8978348
    Abstract: There is provided a medicine feeding device which can apply uniform tension to wrapping paper wound in a roll state to wrap a medicine. The medicine feeding device comprises a tablet case which stores a medicine, and the wrapping paper wound in the roll state, wraps a medicine discharged from the tablet case in wrapping paper 72, and comprises a tension application mechanism 113 which applies predetermined tension to the continuously pulled-out wrapping paper. This tension application mechanism is constituted to freely move up-and-down, and to apply tension to the pulled-out wrapping paper by its own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuo Inamura
  • Patent number: 8959879
    Abstract: A vertical bag-manufacturing and packaging machine includes a feeding unit having an upstream tube portion, an opening/closing mechanism, and a downstream tube portion. The upstream tube portion is configured and arranged to downwardly convey the article. The opening/closing mechanism is disposed on a downstream side of the upstream tube portion with a gap being formed between a downstream end of the upstream tube portion and an upstream end of the opening/closing mechanism, and configured and arranged to selectively open or close to selectively discharge or hold the article discharged by the upstream tube portion. The downstream tube portion is disposed on a downstream side of the opening/closing mechanism, and configured and arranged to downwardly convey the article discharged by the opening/closing mechanism, the downstream tube portion having an internal diameter that is larger than an internal diameter of the upstream tube portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Iwasaki, Masayuki Yamane, Taro Sano, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8959878
    Abstract: A tablet inspecting device which can overcome counting and discrimination errors is provided. A medicine packaging envelope strip is formed by connecting in a strip shape multiple envelopes separated when a user takes tablets, and is imaged, thus counting the tablets. A conveyance passage along which the strip is conveyed in an associated longitudinal direction, conveyance mechanism, and gap forming part forming a gap between adjacent tablets, the conveyance passage including a horizontal passage, a first inclined passage with upward inclination extending from the horizontal passage, and a second inclined passage with downward inclination and an upper end spaced apart from an upper end of the first passage, the gap forming part including a rod body having projecting portions staggered throughout a peripheral surface thereof, being arranged at the space approximately orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and being rotatable about a center axis thereof, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ookuma Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Okuma
  • Patent number: 8943782
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for packaging flat objects into a packaging material web (110). The device includes a conveyor device (30) with an essentially plane conveyor surface (34) which is capable of conveying the flat objects (100) one after the other and distanced to one another in a conveyor direction (F). Moreover, at least one processing tool (10) with a processing-active zone (12) is present. The processing tool (10) is capable of processing the packaging material web (110) in the region between two objects (100) in a processing region (B) of the device (1). Thereby, the packaging material web (110) covers the objects (100) on both sides. The processing tool (10) is movable for processing at least perpendicularly to the conveyor surface (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventors: Roman Dax, Thomas Luginbuehl
  • 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: 20140298758
    Abstract: The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: EXTREME PACKAGING MACHINERY. INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Uttaro, John Robinson, Michel Laurin
  • Patent number: 8839595
    Abstract: A filling device and associated method for filling viscous filling material, in particular sealants, into a tubular casing material. The filling device comprises: a shutoff valve, a filling tube disposed downstream from the shutoff valve in the direction of flow of the filling material, a clip placement and clip closing device disposed downstream from the filling tube in the direction of flow of the filling material and a supply of tubular casing material disposed at least partially on the filling tube. At least one sensor is also provided for directly or indirectly measuring the length of casing material drawn from the supply of casing material, the output signal of the sensor being able to control at least the closing of the shutoff valve through which the pressurized filling material can be fed to the filling tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Poly-clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jürgen Hanten
  • Patent number: 8820035
    Abstract: A sealing machine adapted to support a plurality of different heating/sealing/cutting mechanisms, including tubular heaters and heated cutting blades, is disclosed. The sealing machine utilizes a common interface and mounting system for all side sealers. In addition, in some embodiments, the control system within the sealing machine is adapted to monitor and control the temperature of these various mechanisms automatically so as to create proper seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shanklin Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Christman, Thomas Orsini, Todd Brown, Robert Simonelli
  • Publication number: 20140196406
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: CLEAR LAM PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer
  • Patent number: 8739499
    Abstract: There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Yuyama MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Itsuo Yasunaga, Chisei Asaoka, Norifumi Oike, Kensuke Kaminishi, Masahiko Kasuya, Nakaji Takeda, Hiromichi Tsuda, Yasuyuki Morita, Shinya Taira, Tomohiro Sugimoto, Naomichi Toyota
  • Patent number: 8720168
    Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine has a tube, a sailor-collar-shaped part, and a vertical sealing mechanism. The sailor-collar-shaped part wraps a sheet-shaped film around the tube so that two edges thereof define overlapping portions. The vertical sealing mechanism ultrasonically seals the overlapping portions of the sheet-shaped film in the vertical direction. The vertical sealing mechanism has an oscillator and a roller. The oscillator generates ultrasonic waves. The roller is disposed downstream of the oscillator along the advancing direction of the film. The roller holds down the film while rotating in the advancing direction of the film after the film has passed the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kamigaito, Masashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 8707662
    Abstract: A packaging machine for producing sealed packages from a web of packaging material having a surface of uneven thickness comprises a pressure roller to press the surface against a corresponding forming roller for sealing the package. The pressure roller comprises an elastically deformable body; and a core of greater rigidity housed therein, with the core comprising a first end surface cooperating with the body, and a radially inner second end surface. The core includes a first portion and a second portion, with the radial distance between the first and second surface at the first portion being greater than at the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Borsari, Stefano Costa, Claudio Ferrari
  • Patent number: 8707660
    Abstract: A package for an article (1) comprises a pressurized outer bag (5) having gas-tight seals (7) at opposite ends, and an inner web for supporting the article within the outer bag. The web extends along the length of the outer bag and is secured to the outer bag only at the gas-tight seals (7). The web is maintained under sufficient tension by the pressure within the outer bag to suspend the article within the bag and to maintain a space between the article and the outer bag on all sides of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Dubble Bubble Limited
    Inventor: Neville Howes
  • Publication number: 20140090340
    Abstract: The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: EXTREME PACKAGING MACHINERY. INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Uttaro, John Robinson, Michel Laurin
  • Patent number: 8621830
    Abstract: The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Raymond Uttaro, John Robinson, Michel Laurin
  • Patent number: 8616768
    Abstract: A pleated stand-up packaging pouch has a rib in a pinch form which is formed by adhering inner faces of end edges of the packaging material and at least one pleat which is formed by folding the pleated stand-up packaging material in a three-ply strip form in the orthogonal direction to its longitudinal direction and adhering inner faces of the folded portions, and is characterized in that the pleat formed on an edge between a folded bottom face portion and a peripheral portion extends from the peripheral portion in the same plane as the peripheral portion, and the bottom face portion and an upper end of an underside face of the pleat form a substantially right angle, and the pleat has a cut-off portion at the portion where the pleat and the rib cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Chokoku Plast Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromichi Inagaki, Sakaru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8572936
    Abstract: A sealing jaw for producing sealed packages of a food product from a tube of packaging material fed along a path, the jaw having a first work surface which interacts with a second work surface on a counter-jaw to grip the packaging material and form a sealing strip crosswise to the path. One of the jaw and counter-jaw defines an anvil, and the other defines a heating device which interacts with the anvil to form the strip. The first surface has at least two projections elongated along respective first axes, and which, when forming the strip, compress respective areas of the packaging material against the second surface; and at least one cavity which extends along one of the first axes, is interposed between the projections along a second axis crosswise to the first axis, and is located laterally with respect to a central plane of the first work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Financne S.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Mancin, Francesco Giordano, Ernesto Di Dodo
  • Patent number: 8464502
    Abstract: A packaging device for packing stacked soft hygienic products, e.g. sanitary napkins, panty liners or the like, into a plastic bag made of an endless film, has specific forming shoulder (21) and MD sealing unit (5) to produce a MD seal (35) at a closure edge (46) of the bag. Thus four integral side panels are available at the bag (WB) for imprinting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stephan Spiekers, Geert Ivo Coletta Maria Cloostermans-Huwaert, Andre Josephine Karel De Saert, Markus Port, Ibrahim Ulas, Thomas Reinhold Albert Wessel
  • Patent number: 8402720
    Abstract: In a machine (1) for manufacturing pouches (2) filled with portions (36) of a tobacco mixture, comprising a rotating drum (8) on which a continuous stream (5) of the mixture is formed and conveyed to a station (13) where the portions (36) are divided from the stream, and where the portions (36) are transferred by a pneumatic ejection and feed system (21) to a wrapping station (7), moisturizing substances are added to the mixture by a dispensing system (22) associated with the ejection and feed system (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Roberto Ghiotti
  • Patent number: 8397474
    Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Art Malin, Steve Ausnit, Donald L. Crevier, Joel Johnson, David J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8375689
    Abstract: The invention is a packaging machine using heat sealable film, of the type suitable for packaging the product (P) with a heat sealable film or net (S), through the use of heat sealing rollers that make the longitudinal edge of the wrap, of cut-and-sew blades that make the two transverse edges of said wrap and of a forming tunnel that shapes said film unwound from a reel. This machine is characterized in that the above-mentioned devices and their operating accessories are all applied to and supported by a single structure, in such a way as to form a working unit in a single piece which is connected with the pin to a support, integral with a fixed base and capable of rotating angularly on a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lorapack S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandra Sambugaro
  • Patent number: 8356455
    Abstract: A system for reducing power consumption of a packaging machine, including a processing device performing a predetermined process on supplied processing objects and discharging them, and a packaging machine packaging the objects discharged from the processing device. The packaging machine includes a centralized control unit controlling the operation of the packaging machine. The control unit operates the packaging machine in a power-saving mode when an insufficient supply of the processing objects is in or is likely to be in the processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Sato, Shinji Koike