Concurrent Severing Patents (Class 53/552)
  • Patent number: 11905053
    Abstract: A biodegradable whole leaf pillow tea bag is provided, along with a system and method for manufacturing biodegradable whole leaf pillow tea bags. The method for manufacturing the whole leaf pillow tea bags includes the steps of providing a biodegradable infusion substrate having two opposing edge; creating a sleeve from the biodegradable infusion substrate by infusing the two opposing edges of the substrate together and closing the sleeve at its bottom; placing whole leaf tea in the bottom of the sleeve; vertically feeding the sleeve containing the whole leaf tea into a heat sealing machine that will, at predetermined intervals create heat seals across the sleeve to create pillow bags; cutting the pillow bags from one another across the heat seal. In one example, the biodegradable infusion substrate may contain hemp and/or the whole leaf tea may be infused with CBD oil or other supplements. The same method of manufacturing may be used to create a biodegradable pillow bag containing coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Vanessa Braxton
  • Patent number: 11897649
    Abstract: A fin sealer and method to seal a radially outwardly directed fin of a tubular web structure by directing the fin through a nip between a first and a second fin sealing rollers while communicating heat to the fin through at least one of the fin sealing rollers is provided. The fin sealer is configured to maintain a nominal face-to-face relation between an outer annulus of the first fin sealing roller and an outer annulus of the second fin sealing roller with a flexible connection between a hub element of the second fin sealing roller with the outer annulus of the second fin sealing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Jarrod W. Chalkley, James D. Evans, Thien Hoang Nguyen, Patrick S. McElhinney
  • Patent number: 11434030
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a separating device for severing at least one strap, in particular a plastic strap, the separating device having a blade with an edge for severing the at least one strap, and it being possible for the separating device to be connected to a strap end connecting device, the strap end connecting device having an assembly which has a heating element, it being possible for the blade to be connected to that assembly of the strap end connecting device which has the heating element. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a strap end connecting device for a strapping system having a separating device of this type. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a strap end connecting device for a strapping system having a strap end connecting device of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventor: Michael Meng
  • Patent number: 11312517
    Abstract: An assembly for forming bags, having a belt drive for feeding a film at a film speed to a former shoulder to form a tubular film, a set of jaws movable at a jaw speed to engage and seal a tubular film to form a closed bag, and a sensor assembly to provide a volume signal indicative of a volume of the closed bag, wherein the controller is configured to adjust at least one of the film speed and the jaw speed in response to the volume signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Brian Pearson, Andre Tombuelt
  • Patent number: 11260997
    Abstract: A vertical bag-making/filling machine (1) comprises: a film-feeding unit (8) which intermittently feeds a film (F) formed into a tubular shape downward; a nozzle (10) supplying contents (X) into the film; a sealing-off unit (17) arranged below a lower end of the nozzle and forming a bag body (Fg) by heat-sealing the film in a transverse direction; a lower shaping unit (30) regulating swelling of the film on the lower side of the sealing-off unit; an upper shaping unit (40) regulating the swelling of the film on the upper side of the sealing-off unit; and a separating unit (25) for separating the bag body (G) fully filled with the contents by cutting the transverse seal (Y1, Y2) formed by the sealing-off unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ORIHIRO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masataka Tsuruta, Seiichi Imai
  • Patent number: 11230064
    Abstract: A vertical flow-wrapper, for producing tubular bags from a foil web, with a frame/housing, at which a form-fill-tube, a longitudinal-sealing means and a cross-sealing means and a cutting means are provided. The vertical flow-wrapper includes a part of the frame/housing that is moveable relative to the frame/housing from an operation position into an inspection position and vice versa, and the cross-sealing means is provided on the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: GEA FOOD SOLUTIONS WEERT B.V.
    Inventor: Bruno Baumeister
  • Patent number: 11136155
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine packages, in bags made from a film, articles discharged and dropped from an article discharge apparatus. The bag-making and packaging machine has a transverse sealing mechanism, a receiving member, a vertical moving mechanism, and a control unit. The transverse sealing mechanism transversely seals a film tube. The receiving member contacts an outer surface of the film tube above the transverse sealing mechanism and receives the articles A that drop through the inside of the film tube. The vertical moving mechanism moves the transverse sealing mechanism and the receiving member in the up and down direction. The control unit switches between a first mode and a second mode. In the second mode, the receiving member contacts the outer surface of the film tube at a lower height position than in the first mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Koike, Kento Fujita
  • Patent number: 9387624
    Abstract: A device for individually packaging medication comprises: a conveyance member for conveying a long packaging sheet, the packaging sheet being folded in two along the longitudinal direction thereof with a fold line disposed on the lower side; and a sealing member for sealing the packaging sheet. The sealing member is configured by integrating longitudinal and lateral sealing units. The longitudinal sealing unit being adapted to seal the edge of the packaging sheet, located on an opposite side of the fold line, and the lateral sealing unit being adapted to seal the packaging sheet at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The device further comprises: a support member for supporting the sealing member; and a control unit causing the sealing member to rotate idle while separating the longitudinal sealing unit from the packaging sheet and thereafter causing the longitudinal sealing unit to come into contact again with the packaging sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shoji Yuyama
  • Patent number: 9382026
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a packaging material (4) for a package, comprising an ultrasonic welding device (2) that includes a sonotrode (3) and an anvil (5) for sealing the packaging material (4), the sonotrode (3) being rotatable about a first axis of rotation (X) and the anvil (5) being rotatable about a second axis of rotation (Y). The apparatus further comprises a cutting device (6) which includes at least one knife (7) for cutting the packaging material (4) and which is arranged within the anvil (5). The invention is characterized in that the knife (7) has a blade (8) with a cutting edge (28) that includes at least two tips (33, 35) and at least two curved sections (22) interconnecting the two tips (33, 35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Ippers, Ulrich Wieduwilt
  • Patent number: 9284075
    Abstract: A method for compacting and packaging a plurality of slugs of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form compact slugs of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber for each slug of product or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slugs can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the slugs of product are discharged to a multiple bagmaking packaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Bierschenk
  • Patent number: 8898987
    Abstract: A roofing shingle has a shingle body with a butt edge, a headlap portion, a head edge, and first and second side edges. An exposure zone has a width that extends from the butt edge toward the headlap portion and is configured to be exposed to the environment when the shingle is installed on a roof. A water impermeable sheet is attached to the shingle body. The sheet has a width with upper and lower edges. The width extends from between about the butt and head edges to beyond the head edge of the shingle body. The width of the shingle body is such that a first distance between the head edge of the shingle body and the upper edge of the water impermeable sheet is equal to or greater than the width of the exposure zone. The sheet is formed from a different material than the shingle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: Anna M. Amatruda, Peter Chihlas, Gregory F. Jacobs, Robert L. Jenkins, Stephen A. Koch, Jennifer A. Millberg, Richard A. Snyder, Dale H. Walton
  • Publication number: 20140311100
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus including a cutting device, the cutting device comprising an elongate holder, an elongate knife having an elongate cutting edge, and a heat seal device located on the elongate holder on opposed sides of the knife, the heat seal device comprising a pair of elongate pressure strips projecting outwardly from the elongate holder, each pressure strip extending along a respective side of the knife, wherein each pressure strip comprises an elongate bar mounted for sliding movement in a respective slot in the elongate holder, the sliding movement varying the distance an outer edge of the elongate bar projects from the elongate holder, and a biasing element within the respective slot, the biasing element engaging an inner edge of the elongate bar and arranged to bias the elongate bar outwardly of the slot. A packaging method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Frito-Lay Tracking Company GmbH
    Inventor: Mark Antony Tilley
  • Publication number: 20140174043
    Abstract: A mandrel assembly for use in shrink sleeve labeler machines includes a replaceable insert having a cutting slot that is spaced apart from both upper and lower elements of the mandrel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Nyren
  • Patent number: 8689531
    Abstract: A bag making and packaging machine includes a conveying unit, a transverse sealing mechanism, and a gusset forming mechanism. The conveying unit is configured and arranged to continuously convey a tubular packaging material. The transverse sealing mechanism has a pair of sealing jaws configured and arranged to revolvingly move while following annular loci to seal the tubular packaging material in a transverse direction with respect to a conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material. The gusset forming mechanism has a pair of folding members configured and arranged to be pressed against side portions of the tubular packaging material to form gussets in the side portions of the tubular packaging material while the folding members move along the conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material before the transverse sealing mechanism seals the tubular packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Miyazaki, Masashi Kondo, Makoto Ichikawa, Takahiro Yasuda
  • Patent number: 8631633
    Abstract: A method is described for sealing a continuous tubular packaging (20), which is fed in a vertical direction, the continuous tubular packaging (20) being shaped as a continuous tubular element (20) exhibiting with a closed bottom (5), in which products are contained, and a group (1) for actuating the method. The group (1) comprises: sealing means (4), configured such as to act in a transversal direction with respect to the continuous tubular packaging (20) in order to separate an inner volume thereof, such that a closed stick pack (2), containing said products, and a new closed bottom (5) are formed; and compression means (8, 9) arranged downstream of the sealing means (4) with respect to the feeding direction (W) of the continuous tubular packaging (20), which are configured such as to compress the continuous tubular packaging (20), consequently eliminating air fluid contained therein, and which are activatable prior to sealing the continuous tubular packaging (20) with the sealing means (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • 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: 8434612
    Abstract: The postal sorting machine has sorting outlets in which mailpieces are accumulated, said sorting outlets being disposed in line along a certain longitudinal axis. It further includes a recirculation device for recirculating the mailpieces stored in the sorting outlets, this device comprising a belt (40) mounted to move along the sorting outlets and to which cleats (41, 42) are fastened to define a succession of compartments (4a, 4b, 4c) that face respective ones of the sorting outlets, each compartment being arranged to store, on edge, mailpieces taken from a corresponding sorting outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventor: Damien Hugues
  • Patent number: 8402724
    Abstract: A device for deflecting a loose fill product from the seal zone of a bag and sealing the bag is provided. The device includes a product stopper. The product stopper is adjacent to the sealing element of a bagging machine. The product stopper includes a mount that mounts the product stopper to a bagging machine and a pinching element that pinches a bag proximal to a sealing zone before the bag is sealed by the sealing element at the sealing zone. In one embodiment, the pincher includes a spring loaded mechanism for pinching the bag proximal to the sealing zone. In another embodiment, the pincher includes an air assist mechanism for pinching the bag proximal to the sealing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Calvin Cecil, Xuan Pham, George Van Bergen
  • Publication number: 20130025243
    Abstract: A method is provided for cutting packages out of a composite film in a thermoform packaging machine by previously detecting the position of the sealed seams and by suitably adapting the position of a cutting pattern. Additionally, a thermoform packaging machine is provided for executing the above-mentioned method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Guido Spix
  • Publication number: 20130014476
    Abstract: A selectively reconfigurable wrapping machine [A] for sequentially wrapping upright products. An infeed conveyor carries products to a wrapping station module where a tube of shrink-wrap material, pulled from rolled storage [B], is formed about the products by a film directing and tracking module generally designated [C] by use of a film plow [D]. Marginal edges of the shrink-wrap material are joined by a selectively configurable bottom seal module [E] which pulls the tube in to form a selectively positionable longitudinal bottom seal. A film sealing and cutting module [G] has opposed sealing heads [G2L, G2R] carried to face each other with fixed angular orientation such that the heads travel with products in the tube for a distance as it moves giving sealing dwell time for nonstop operation. A microprocessor-driven control system provides user setup controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Brian R. Stork
  • Publication number: 20120159905
    Abstract: A vertical filling and packaging machine of the present invention includes tension devices (11) that are disposed near positions of ironing rollers (5) and that pull both sides of cylindrical film (1) laterally outward. Tension devices (11) pull both sides of cylindrical film (1) laterally outward to flatten a portion sandwiched by ironing rollers (5) of cylindrical film (1) before the pair of ironing rollers (5) sandwich cylindrical film (1) into which content has been injected. As a result, when lateral seal part (1e) is formed on cylindrical film (1) by lateral seal device (6), lateral seal part (1e) is not easily wrinkled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ORIHIRO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masataka Tsuruta, Akira Yamaguchi, Tsubasa Shintani
  • Patent number: 8201606
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Klaus Specht, Salvatore Capasso, Kenneth Larsson
  • Patent number: 8176650
    Abstract: A through-air dryer system that diverts the airflow within the through-air dryer during warm up and cool down from the normal airflow during the drying of paper in the papermaking process. During warm up and cool down, a majority of the airflow is supplied to one of the dryer's heads and extracted through the opposite head to reduce thermal stresses. If needed to further reduce thermal stresses, a minority of the airflow is supplied through the dryer's shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank S. Hada, Robert J. Seymour, Marek Parszewski
  • Patent number: 8176713
    Abstract: A tubular bagging machine includes an innovative indentation-forming device and a modified cross-sealing device. The innovative indentation-forming device includes two punches that form two indentations in the foil web. The machine then forms the foil web into a foil tube with the indentations aligned directly opposite each other and bowed outward. The cross-sealing device includes two opposing sealing jaws each having a blank formed in it. The jaws are closed together to form transverse seal zones in the foil tube. The blanks are aligned with each other and receive the aligned indentations so that they are not sealed together, resulting in the formation of an air bubble in one of the seal zones. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the bags, bags produced by the disclosed machines and methods, and retrofit kits for upgrading existing tubular bagging machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Rovema Packaging Machines, LP
    Inventor: Erich Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 8117808
    Abstract: An apparatus for transverse sealing of a packaging tube, filled with products, in order to form bag packages, has a delivery conveyor for delivering the packaging tube, a removal conveyor for carrying the bag packages away and a transverse sealing unit engaging an interstice between these two conveyors. Means is provided for supporting the bag packages at least in part at the transition through this interstice. This means for supporting the bag packages is a supporting base, which reaches beneath the bag packages from two diametrically opposed sides and both supports the bag packages and transports them onward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Strasser
  • Patent number: 8087220
    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: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond Uttaro, John Robinson, Michel Laurin
  • Publication number: 20110283664
    Abstract: A vertical bagging machine including a spindle for receiving and supporting a roll of stock material, the spindle defining a spindle axis, wherein the stock material is unwindable as a sheet, a folding plate defining a folding plate plane that is substantially parallel with the spindle axis, the folding plate including a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first and second edges are generally equal in length and connect at a central peak, a spreader chute including a first guide plate and a second guide plate, the second guide plate being generally parallel with and spaced apart from the first guide plate, wherein the first and second guide plates are substantially perpendicular to the folding plate plane, and first and second folding rollers defining a nip therebetween, the first and second folding rollers being generally parallel with the folding plate plane and disposed between the folding plate and the spreader chute, wherein the sheet is moveable over the central peak, through the nip, and over the
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: RENNCO LLC
    Inventors: Robin G. Thurgood, Brian C. Bowerman, Dale R. Vincent
  • Patent number: 7987655
    Abstract: A tubular bagging machine includes an innovative indentation-forming device and a modified cross-sealing device. The innovative indentation-forming device includes two punches that form two indentations in the foil web. The machine then forms the foil web into a foil tube with the indentations aligned directly opposite each other and bowed outward. The cross-sealing device includes two opposing sealing jaws each having a blank formed in it. The jaws are closed together to form transverse seal zones in the foil tube. The blanks are aligned with each other and receive the aligned indentations so that they are not sealed together, resulting in the formation of an air bubble in one of the seal zones. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the bags, bags produced by the disclosed machines and methods, and retrofit kits for upgrading existing tubular bagging machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Rovema Packaging Machines, LP
    Inventor: Erich Eberhardt
  • Publication number: 20110088358
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming packages. The device comprises at least two transverse seam jaws, which are movable relative to each other, for forming a transverse seam constituting a bottom in a first package to be formed and, simultaneously therewith, forming a transverse seam constituting an upper side of a second package to be formed in said second package. The transverse seam jaws additionally form two connecting seams extending transversely to the transverse seams, to which connecting seams the two longitudinally extending transverse seams are connected, preferably near the ends thereof. The connected packages define a collecting space between said connecting seams and said transverse seams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Barend Bastiaan Romijn
  • Patent number: 7845146
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing dunnage including a plurality of rollers for pulling a web of material through the machine, a nozzle with at least one port through which gas or liquid flows, a plurality of ceramic elements in opposing positions such that the web of material can pass between the plurality of ceramic elements. A heating element is routed through each of the plurality of ceramic elements such that heat will radiate through openings in the top surfaces of the ceramic elements that will melt the portion of the material that is passing between the opposing ceramic elements. The apparatus may be equipped to manufacture multiple pieces of dunnage simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: M L Distributing, LLC
    Inventor: Ralph Eibert
  • Publication number: 20100281832
    Abstract: A method is described for sealing a continuous tubular packaging (20), which is fed in a vertical direction, the continuous tubular packaging (20) being shaped as a continuous tubular element (20) exhibiting with a closed bottom (5), in which products are contained, and a group (1) for actuating the method. The group (1) comprises: sealing means (4), configured such as to act in a transversal direction with respect to the continuous tubular packaging (20) in order to separate an inner volume thereof, such that a closed stick pack (2), containing said products, and a new closed bottom (5) are formed; and compression means (8, 9) arranged downstream of the sealing means (4) with respect to the feeding direction (W) of the continuous tubular packaging (20), which are configured such as to compress the continuous tubular packaging (20), consequently eliminating air fluid contained therein, and which are activatable prior to sealing the continuous tubular packaging (20) with the sealing means (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: MARCHESINI GROUP S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
  • Publication number: 20100263336
    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: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond Uttaro, John Robinson, Michel Laurin
  • Patent number: 7779612
    Abstract: A process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film; supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined amount of flowable material; pinching the continuous tube above a sealing region so as to form a pinched portion of the continuous tube; evacuating the headspace between the pinched portion and the predetermined amount of flowable material; and sealing the continuous tube at the sealing region to form a top seal of a previously formed pouch containing flowable material and a bottom seal of a next-to-be filled pouch. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart Fergusson, Larin Godfroy, Tony Reid, Jim Sadler, David L. Schiele
  • Patent number: 7748201
    Abstract: A form-and-seal unit for producing aseptic sealed packages from a tube of packaging material filled with a pourable food product. The unit comprises a fixed structure and two forming assemblies which interact alternately and cyclically with the tube of packaging material, and have respective pairs of jaws movable between an open position and a closed position in which they grip the packaging material tube between respective sealing means, and respective forming flaps selectable from different types of forming flaps for producing different types of packages, and having respective half shell forming portions which surround the tube of packaging material to determine the volume and shape of the packages. The approach movement of the forming flaps towards the packaging material tube is controlled by a fixed cam mechanism having different work profiles selectively engaged by cam-follower rollers of the forming flaps depending on the type of forming flaps used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Marco Poppi
  • Patent number: 7726098
    Abstract: Tandem, vertically-aligned vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) assemblies enable a method for manufacturing an ingredient package. An inner ingredient-bearing package is manufactured by a first superior VFFS assembly, which inner package is then downwardly displaced to a second inferior VFFS assembly. The inner package and a second ingredient are deposited (filled) into an open-ended outer packaging material being formed by the inferior VFFS assembly. After deposing the inner package and the second ingredient into the formed outer package, the outer package and inner package are sealed to one another at superior ends thereof to finally form an ingredient package. The finally formed package may be removed from partially formed packages in superior adjacency thereto. The finally formed package compartmentalizes the first and second ingredients for later consumer consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Paul Edward Doll
  • Publication number: 20100101189
    Abstract: Pouches (2) of cohesionless material, typically a smokeless tobacco product, are manufactured on a machine equipped with feed components (101) by which the material is supplied to a conveyor (4) at a delivery station (8), then transferred by the conveyor (4) from this station (8) to a transfer station (9) where a forcing mechanism (14) directs measured portions (100) of the material from the conveyor into at least one duct (12) connecting with a form-fill-and-seal wrapping station (10) where the portions (100) are enclosed in a continuous succession (21) of pouches (2). Before being separated one from the next at a downstream cutting station (23), the single pouches (2) pass through an in-line quality control station (105) at which their weight is checked individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A
    Inventor: Fulvio Boldrini
  • Publication number: 20100083616
    Abstract: An apparatus that can be used for packaging refuse, such as soiled diapers, for disposal or items, such as food and medicine, for storage can comprise a receptacle having an upper open end, a cover connected proximate the upper end of the receptacle, and a rotatable tube mounted on a pair of bosses carried by the receptacle. The rotatable tube can carry a roll of linearly attached disposable bags for receiving refuse and the like. Sealing means can be provided for sealing at least one of the disposable bags after receiving refuse or other item to be packaged. A suction motor can be provided in communication with the disposable bags to vacuum air out of the disposable bag. A cutting assembly can be connected to the cover for cutting the disposable bag from the plurality of linearly attached disposable bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Randall C. Place, Michael A. Johnson, Kevin S. Breuker
  • Patent number: 7681830
    Abstract: A film feeding device etc. in which, even if film rolls in which tapes are applied to joint between films of the rolls are used, an occurrence of a bag making failure caused by the tape is prevented. A film feeding mechanism (10A) has a receiving member (72) for holding the leading edge of a film (1B) of the standby side and a joining sealer (71) for joining films (1A, 1B). A tape (B) applied to the film (1A) on the use side is detected by a sensor (83), and according to the result of the detection, a cutter (81) cuts of the film (1A) at a portion on the downstream side of the tape. Then, the cut film (1A) and the film (1B) of the standby side are joined by the joining sealer (71), and the two films joined are sent as a long film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Orihiro Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Orihiro Tsuruta, Shunji Yamada, Takayuki Yokoyama
  • 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: 20090223178
    Abstract: A packaging group (10) with high packaging speed of products (11) fed in succession in accordance with a predefined and variable pitch, comprising a conveyor (14) of the products (11), at least one roll (15, 15?) of at least one plastic film (17, 17?), feed means (16, 16?) of the at least one plastic film (17, 17?) from the at least one roll (15, 15?) respectively atop and underneath the products (11) substantially upon exiting the conveyor (14), a counter-welder belt (18) downstream of the conveyor (14) which receives the products (11) covered on their upper and lower parts with the at least one plastic film (17, 17?), a transverse welder device (19) at the counter-welder belt (18), said transverse welder device (19) comprising a rotating star-like structure (21) equipped with at least three spokes (22) provided at their tips with welder means (23) cooperating one after the other in succession with the counter-welder belt (18), in order to weld together portions of the at least one plastic film between the p
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: SITMA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aris BALLESTRAZZI, Lamberto Tassi
  • Publication number: 20090199519
    Abstract: There is provided a vertical filling-packaging machine capable of feeding fluidized content material into a tubular film with good quantitative accuracy and in which air bubbles are mixed into the content material. The packaging machine according to the present invention performs an operation of feeding content material through injection nozzle (15) into tubular film (1?) that includes a bottom portion. This packaging machine performs an operation of transporting the tubular film downward, and an operation of tightly sealing the tubular film by heat sealing using lateral sealing mechanism (60). Lower end (15a) of the injection nozzle is configured to be immersed in the content material throughout entirety of the series of packaging operations, and the operation of feeding the content material starts in a state in which the injection port of the injection nozzle is immersed in the content material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: ORIHIRO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Orihiro Tsuruta, Katsumi Nagai
  • Patent number: 7546722
    Abstract: A vertical filling-packaging machine is provided for satisfactorily forming a heat-sealed part by heat-sealing, cooling, and cutting a cylindrical film without moving the same and also for manufacturing a variety of packaging bags in different outline shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Orihiro Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Orihiro Tsuruta
  • Publication number: 20090031675
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek J. Zeedyk, Bernard Lerner, Kent McDonald, Michael Coleman, Gregg Martens
  • Publication number: 20080289303
    Abstract: A sealing device producing sealed packages filled with pourable food product from sheet packaging material comprises a supporting frame, a forming mechanism movable with respect to the frame along a path to fold the sheet packaging material, a sealing arrangement carried by the forming mechanism to seal the sheet packaging material and form the packages, and an electromagnetic power device supplying electric energy to the sealing arrangement. The power device comprises at least one primary winding fixed to the frame and connectable to an electric energy source, and a secondary winding movable along the path, powering the sealing arrangement, and receiving electric energy by electromagnetic induction from the primary winding as the secondary winding travels past the primary winding. When interconnected by electromagnetic induction, the primary and secondary windings are so arranged as to have respective adjacent portions interjacent in a first direction crosswise to the forming mechanism movement path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Teltra Laval Holdings & Finance SA
    Inventors: Valentin Nemkov, Nikolay Madzharov
  • Patent number: 7389623
    Abstract: The sealing apparatus comprises (a) a heat seal jaw, (b) a heat seal bar having two heaters arranged in parallel, being provided in a front edge of said heat seal jaw and having a working surface, (c) a counter jaw disposed oppositely to the heat seal jaw, (d) a counter rail provided to said counter jaw and having the working surface, (e) a drive means for advancing/retracting the heat seal jaw and counter jaw relatively, (f) a heating means for actuating the heaters while clamping a packaging material by the working surface of the heat seal bar and the working of the counter rail and, (g) a cutter section comprising of a cutter disposed at the position between the two heaters and a resilient counter cutter, and is characterized in that the counter cutter is held by a holding section provided on the working surface of the heat seal bar or the counter rail and projecting from the holding working surface. The seal apparatus can improve hygiene and the flap formation of the packaging container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Keiji Yano, Kozo Yoshida, Takashige Yano
  • Patent number: 7341632
    Abstract: A foam-in-bag dispending system is featured with a dispenser with chemical output port, a film feed assembly which feeds film to the dispenser for receiving chemical output from the dispenser. The film feed assembly includes a film drive roller set which includes a first roller and a second roller rotating on non-coincident axes, an a support structure which supports the film drive roller set. The support structure includes a first frame structure and a second frame structure with the first frame structure supporting the first roller and being adjustable relative to the second frame structure so as to move said fist roller away from said second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Intellipack
    Inventor: Lynn Noble
  • Patent number: 7338424
    Abstract: A horizontal packaging machine (10) for making fluid-tight packages (11) equipped with zip closure (15) comprises: at least one unit (12) for unwinding a film (13) of synthetic material for packaging a series of products (18); at least one unit (14) for unreeling a pair of tapes (15) to form a zip closure; a shaping tunnel (16) located downstream of the film (13) unreeling unit (12); a sealing unit (20) located downstream of the shaping tunnel (16); Downstream of the sealing unit (20), the machine comprises a power-driven film feed roller (21) designed to apply a uniform pulling force on the film (13) which is unwound and fed into the sealing unit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: BG Pack S.p.a.
    Inventor: Mario Latronico
  • Patent number: 7178316
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sealing apparatus is provided for transversely ultrasonically sealing a packing material comprised of a laminated body including at least a thermoplastic resin layer having a tubular form and containing a fluid. The apparatus includes a horn having an elongated and flat sealing face and an opposing jaw with an action face including a pressing portion for pressing the packing material in cooperation with the sealing face of the horn to a define at least one transverse sealing zone of the tubular packing material. At least one groove is disposed on the action face of the opposing jaw for forming a molten thermoplastic resin bulge in a vicinal area of the at least one sealing zone on a side in contact with the fluid in the tubular packing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kume, Mitsuhiko Shinohara, Takeshi Iseki, Michio Ueda
  • Patent number: 7174699
    Abstract: A combination sealing and cutting device comprising: an elongated anvil having an elongated slot therein; an elongated blade having a longitudinal aperture therein; a heating element in the longitudinal aperture; and an actuator mechanism for driving the blade toward and into the elongated slot to accomplish simultaneous sealing and cutting of overlying polymer films. According to various preferred embodiments, the combination sealing and cutting device further includes a pair of parallel flanges extending along both edges of the blade that serve to retain the blade; and film retaining beads along the longitudinal edges of the parallel flanges that serve to retain the plastic films being cut and sealed against the outer edges of the elongated slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bakery Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Eric Wyman, Thomas Pearce, Mark Manzi, Roland Lomerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7155883
    Abstract: A packaging machine has a wrapping device for forming a tubular wrapping from a continuous web of heat-seal material, and for feeding products successively into the tubular wrapping; each product being located between two free tubular portions of the tubular wrapping, which are folded substantially onto the relative products, and are stabilized by at least one pair of sealing devices, each of which has a sealing surface heated electrically by a heating device, operation of which is controlled by a control device carried by the sealing device and for determining an actual temperature of the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: KPL Packaging S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Baldanza, Moreno Cremonini, Giordano Gorrieri