Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system having a tool for inserting electronic components into a carrier tape, which has passage openings. The tool has a pick-up device to pick up the components from a carrier film and position them in the passage openings by means of a lifting movement. The packaging system has a guide plate for the linear sliding conveyance of the carrier tape populated with electronic components, and in each case devices for applying upper and lower cover films to the carrier tape. The invention additionally relates to a method of populating the carrier tape with electronic components.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of packs, for a product in portions, with a paste-like product that is to be packaged, especially sausages, in a foil tube (15), starting from a band-shaped flat foil (1), which has been provided unilaterally with a connecting layer, this flat foil is unwound from a stock supply (2) and bent in the longitudinal direction to form the tube in such a way that the connecting layer is located on the outside, and the longitudinal sides (10) of the longitudinal edges (9) are located opposite one another, after which a strip (12), which is capable of forming a connection or which is provided with a connecting layer, is placed in the longitudinal direction over both longitudinal edges (9) and is connected to them, after which the foil tube (15), which is formed in this way, is then filled directly with the product that is to be packaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a cushioning package containing an article to be packaged. The apparatus comprises a cushioning sheet forming unit 8 to form a cushioning sheet 1 by heat-sealing flexible elongated resin sheets which are continuously fed in a longitudinal direction and placed one on another and advance in a width direction of the sheet, which includes small sacs, an article storage space forming unit 3, which is a sequential unit to said cushioning sheet forming unit, to form an article storage space 1c by placing the cushioning sheet 1 on another, a sheet adhering unit 4 to adhere the overlapped cushioning sheets 1, an article disposing unit 5 to dispose an article C to be packaged in the article storage space 1c, and an air filling unit 6 is to fill the small sacs 11 with air.

Abstract: A carton pulling assembly pulls a partially formed carton from a mandrel on a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The machine has a vacuum source for providing a vacuum and includes a machine controller. The partially formed carton has a sealed bottom wall. The carton pulling assembly includes a carton puller element movable in a reciprocating manner toward and away from the mandrel. A vacuum head assembly is mounted to the carton puller element for reciprocating movement therewith. The vacuum head assembly includes a cylinder and a finger configured for reciprocating movement within the cylinder having a suction element mounted thereto. The finger has a vacuum channel for communicating vacuum from the cylinder to the suction element. The finger is movable between an extended position in which the suction element contacts and engages the partially formed carton sealed bottom wall and a retracted position in which the reciprocating finger pulls the carton from the mandrel.

Abstract: A machine for producing a packaging filler material employing inflated pouches or cells fabricated from a tubular supply of plastic-like material having a top and bottom integral fold so that a pair of sheets are defined with their opposing inner surfaces establishing a compartment. Sealed strips, which are spaced apart in parallel relationship, define the sides of each pouch compartment. The machine includes a first work station having a source of tubular material that is introduced to a second or cutter station for severing the top fold of the tubular material followed by introduction to a third or inflation station where a source of pressurized fluid is fed to the pouch compartment. A sealing station follows the inflation station where the top opening to the pouch is closed such as by heat sealing. Idler rollers smoothly conduct the material past each of the respective work stations in a serial fashion and provide a gap for effecting inflation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for forming both backing and support members of a solid pharmaceutical product package as well as the blister portions for the packages. The disclosed solid pharmaceutical product packaging solutions utilize fewer machines and processing steps in order to form an overall solid pharmaceutical product package. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the manufacturing processing steps associated with the formation of the blister members in the clear plastic sheets is integrated in line with manufacturing of the backing material.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and filling pouches of varying dimensions, said apparatus comprising a forming drum and a filling drum, wherein at least one of said forming drum and said filling drum further comprise members capable of being adjusted radially. A method of manufacturing pouches of varying dimensions, comprising the steps of: a) forming pouches having a first width on a device comprising a forming drum, wherein multiple forming members on said drum are initially positioned at a first distance from the center of said drum; b) re-positioning each of said forming members to a second distance from the center of said drum; c) forming pouches having a second width different from said first width on said device.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing packages for compact discs or similar out of cardboard work piece. The packages consist of a casing part and a slide part inserted therein, with a compact disc and a booklet. These two components are manufactured in separate tracks (A, B), which consist of jigs, whereby each of these rotates stepwise in a rotating table. The casing parts are manufactured by laying down the forward half of a work piece on a placing plate (1), laying down a cover (2) over this, the cover having the same outer shape as the inside of the finished casing, folding its edge upwards with first folding devices (7), folding over its edge with second folding devices (9, 10) applying melt glue on the top flap and laying down the rear half over disc, and squeezing by means of the second folding devices until the glue has stuck.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing in which a fluent material is dispensed to an article such as a container from a flexible bag The fluent material is dispensed directly to the container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus acts on the bag to dispense and does not act on the fluent material. Thus, the apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine The flexible bag is preferably formed with multiple outlets permitting simultaneous dispensing to multiple containers.

Abstract: A machine for producing a packaging filler material employing inflated pouches or cells fabricated from a tubular supply of plastic-like material having a top and bottom integral fold so that a pair of sheets are defined with their opposing inner surfaces establishing a compartment. Sealed strips, which are spaced apart in parallel relationship, define the sides of each pouch compartment. The machine includes a first work station having a source of tubular material that is introduced to a second or cutter station for severing the top fold of the tubular material followed by introduction to a third or inflation station where a source of pressurized fluid is fed to the pouch compartment. A sealing station follows the inflation station where the top opening to the pouch is closed such as by heat sealing. Idler rollers smoothly conduct the material past each of the respective work stations in a serial fashion and provide a gap for effecting inflation.

Abstract: Machine for manufacturing consumable goods containers, including a structure in which four modules are located, two supply modules (1) and (2), one dosage module (3) and the other a cutting module (4). It includes thermo-plastic material reels (5) and (6) of a variable band width, provided with winding means (7) and (21) and heating means (8) and (22), as well as shaping matrixes (9) and (23) that function when heated under pressure and result in concave shapes on the bands applicable as halves of the containers to be obtained.

Abstract: The method for forming a container that comprises the following stages: the forming of the sidewall blank from a blank by wrapping it in a form that is closed in its horizontal section and by seaming its opposite edges together; the sealing of the sidewall blank at one end with a lid member, which is equipped with a discharge hole; the sealing of the sidewall blank at the other end with a bottom member; and the filling of the container. At first the lid member, the discharge hole of which is completely sealed with an openable closing member, is inserted into the end of the sidewall blank. Thereafter the container is filled through the end of the sidewall blank that was left open, and the container is sealed to form a tight container by sealing the end that was left open with the bottom member.

Abstract: An installation for the packaging of a product in containers closed with a stopper, including in particular a filling machine (1), a stopping machine (3) and, upstream of this, a device (6) for the dynamic storage of stoppers suitable to drive the stoppers continuously and with a pre-specified pitch, the number of stoppers present simultaneously in the device (6) being at least equal to that of the containers present in a pre-specified part (7) of the installation, means (8) for the control of the supply of stoppers being provided upstream of the device (6) to control a device (10) for supplying containers located upstream of the pre-specified part (7); thus, for every container engaged in the pre-specified part (7) corresponds a stopper present in the device (6) supplying the stopping machine (3) and, in the event of an incident in the supply of stoppers upstream of the device (6), the supply of containers from the pre-specified part (7) is controlled (9, 10) while maintaining the operation of the terminal p

Abstract: A box folding and article packaging apparatus has a lower tool section positioned below a work support surface and several upper tool sections positioned above the work support surface. The lower tool section includes four modular corner units each with folding flaps and a fixed support element. The four support elements together define the work support surface. The four corner units are displaceable relative to each other for adapting the apparatus for handling blanks of different sizes. A precut and precreased blank is first placed on the work support surface. The article to be packaged is then placed on the blank whereupon folding begins. One upper tool section also includes folding elements for folding a cover portion of a box and closing the box. Another upper tool section includes either adhesive applicators or staplers or the like for fastening folded blank sections to one another to complete the carton around the article or articles.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for forming differentially frangible seals (FS) in a final closed pouch (FCP) are described. The method involves differential cooling a seal portions of pouch forming dies (15, 15A) with a fluid directed at or in a portion of the die. The method is useful for forming pouches with dual chambers separated by a frangible seal and surrounded by a hard seal, one chamber for a liquid (L) and the other chamber for another material (M). Single pouches are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a carton from a blank sheet of material, in line, and wrapping it about articles of a predetermined size including cutting and scoring blades which are automatically preset according to parameters previously stored, for these particular articles, in a programmable controller.

Abstract: A method of advancing sheets includes the step of advancing a first enclosure sheet with a first scuffer. The method also includes the step of advancing a second enclosure sheet into contact with the first enclosure sheet with a second scuffer so that the first enclosure sheet and the second enclosure sheet create a pocket. The method further includes the step of advancing a confidential sheet within the pocket with the first scuffer. An apparatus for advancing a confidential sheet into a pocket defined by a number of enclosure sheets is also disclosed.

Abstract: A packing machine receives stacks of blanks, which are to be converted into packets for cigarettes, from an apparatus wherein a first conveyor delivers stacks of blanks to a first station at a first frequency and a second conveyor advances stacks from a second station to the machine at a second frequency which can be less than the first frequency. The stations are connected to each other by two transporting units each of which can act as a first-in first-out reservoir for stacks or as a conveying unit which can move successive stacks without interruptions all the way from the first to the second station. The conveying unit is operative alone as long as the second frequency matches the first frequency, and the reservoir begins to accept surplus stacks when the first frequency exceeds the second frequency. Once filled, the reservoir begins to deliver stacks to the second station and continues to receive stacks from the first station until the reservoir is empty.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for reducing the force required to expel a catamenial tampon from a tampon applicator. The tampon applicator is also disclosed. The tampon applicator includes a first member which is capable of housing an absorbent tampon. The first member has an inside diameter, first and second spaced apart ends, and an insertion tip formed adjacent to the first end. The insertion tip at least partially closes the first end of the first member and facilitates insertion of the tampon applicator into a woman's vagina. The insertion tip is opened, expanded and reclosed prior to positioning the tampon in the first member. This action allows the insertion tip to be reopened with a minimum amount of expulsion force. The apparatus includes a first punch having an outside diameter which is sized slightly less than the inside diameter of the first member. This enables the first punch to slide within the first member from the second end toward the first end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming fluid-containing envelopes from two superimposed layers of enclosure material, defining a workpiece, by transporting the workpiece on a support to a plurality of processing stations. One of the processing stations forms at least a portion of the perimeter of each envelope to be formed from the workpiece by appropriately sealing the two layers together in a predefined pattern. At least one inlet coinciding with an unsealed portion of the layers is provided for each such envelope such that an appropriate fluid may be provided thereto when the workpiece is positioned at another processing station. Advantageously, the workpiece is maintained in a certain position on/relative to the support when provided to the envelope filling/forming station and other processing stations which may be incorporated (e.g., secondary sealing station, die cutting station).

Abstract: An aseptic system and filling head wherein the container is presterilized and has a rupturable membrane over the inlet which membrane is broken by the filling machine prior to filling. The membrane may be a laminate which is broken by pressure of the product with which the container is to be filled. In that case the outermost layer of the laminate is dissolved prior to the filling step to weaken the membrane. Alternatively the membrane may be pierced by a reciprocating tool which also functions as a valve member in the filling head or by a fixed blade arranged around the outlet nozzle of the filling head.

Abstract: A universal packaging system for objects such as electrical components, connectors, semiconductors, chips, etc. includes an elongated, hollow, tubular package formed of resiliently deformable material for containing a plurality of said objects, each object having an identical or substantially similar silhouette or profile and orientated with a predetermined axis of its profile, aligned along a common longitudinal axis or line within the tube. A package is formed providing protection for the connectors during storage, handling, and shipment, and the tube also serves as a feed magazine for dispensing the objects at an assembly station or other work station as needed. The present invention also features an apparatus and method for loading packages of connectors and for unloading or feeding connectors from the packages at a point of end usage.

Abstract: A self-service check-out counter for cashier-unattended use and operation includes an laser scanner for automated reading of product identification codes borne by articles to be purchased, a keyboard for manual entry of article-identifying information, a variety of indicators and signalling devices for instructing actions by the customer, devices for preventing pilferage, fraud and inadvertent errors and an integral bag forming apparatus for manufacturing custom-formed bags on-site at the counter and on demand and, preferably, custom-sized to conform to the volume of articles to be packed in the bags. A customer individually scans articles to be purchased and the scanned data is verified through comparison with stored product identifying information. Following verification of each article, customer placement of the article into the bag forming apparatus in enabled and a bag preferably conforming to the volume of articles purchased in manufactured within the check-out counter.

Abstract: A method and system for aseptic filling of containers. The flexible containers (1) are presterilized and a rupturable membrane (41) covers the inlet to the container. The filling head (20) includes a recess (46) below the outlet valve (24) and this recess is closed by the rupturable membrane (41) when the container inlet is aligned with the filling head. After alignment sterilizing fluid is introduced into the recess to sterilize the outer surface of the membrane and the internal surfaces of the recess. Following sterilization the valve membrane (22) moves towards the rupturable membrane (41) allowing the piercing tool (25) to rupture said membrane. The outlet valve (24) of the filling head is opened and the liquid is allowed to flow into the container. Subsequent to completion of the filling cycle the inlet to the container is sealed and the sealed and filled container (1) is then removed from the filling head (20).

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of a filled and closed container made of a heat-sealable plastic hose, particularly polyethylene, in one work operation, the plastic hose is expanded to become a container body, the body is filled and the upper part of the container is shaped when the container is closed. So that it will be possible to manufacture filled and closed containers with rubber stoppers in one work operation, after the filling process and before the closing process, the upper or head part of the container is closed by a rubber stopper, closing off the body so that a part of the rubber stopper projects into the part of the plastic hose which is still to be shaped, which is then shaped to conform to the outer circumference of the rubber stopper and, after the shaping process, the upper part of the container is closed off outside of the rubber stopper.

Abstract: A machine for making infusion bags and packaging them in respective envelopes, e.g. tea bag packages, and formed with the usual rotary head having radial arms for displacing the infusion bags after they are filled, is provided with a device for drawing the envelope strip from a roll thereof, folding it into a V as flanks of unequal length, cutting individual V-shaped sections from the folded strip to form wedges, and a pincer arrangement in which an inner pincer has a pair of fingers which grip each infusion bag, withdraw it from the respective radial arm and hold it until another pincer arrangement swings a respective wedge into a position in which its flanks straddle the bag and are engaged by an outer pair of fingers of the pincer assembly. The assembly of the bag and wedge are returned to the pincers of the arm.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding, forming and filling a container having an insert at the container top are disclosed. According to the preferred form of the method and apparatus, a length of a hollow tube parison is extruded and then cut, molded, and filled while positioned between main mold halves. A stopper or like insert is tranferred to a holding and insertion member and when a blowing and filling nozzle has been completely removed from the top opening of the filled container, the blowing and filling nozzle and the insertion member that is carrying the stopper are moved together to position the insertion member and stopper over the container. The insertion member is then moved downwardly to deposit the stopper within the upwardly extending portion of the parison tube. Upper sealing molds are then closed to form the upper portion of the parison around the stopper to partially encapsulate the stopper.

Abstract: A flange folding machine for folding the distal end of the flanges of a blister package or the like inwardly upon the proximal ends thereof to form closure panel receiving channels. The machine comprises, a plurality of carriers mounted on a conveyor for continuous movement through a folding station, a side flange folding mechanism, a first heater located in close proximity to each first fold line and being operable to heat the side flanges to a sufficient extent to render them formable. The mechanism may also include a leading end flange forming mechanism for folding the distal end portion of a leading end flange inwardly upon the proximal end portion thereof along a transverse foldline. The leading end flange forming mechanism comprises a second heater which is mounted on a carriage which is slidably mounted for reciprocating movement in the folding station to and fro along between a forward position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A dual compartment powder cartridge including a porous shell formed by fusing the lapped side edge portions of a blank of sheet material to a central portion thereof to form two compartments, a pointed closed first end on the cartridge, powder in the dual compartments, and a sealed second end on the cartridge for closing the compartments. A machine for forming a dual compartment cartridge including a first station for scoring a strip of material with spaced parallel score lines, a second station for folding the strip of material along the score lines to cause opposite edge portions to be placed in lapped engagement with each other and with the central portion of the strip, and a third station for ultrasonically welding the lapped portions to provide a seam between two adjacent compartments.

Abstract: A wrap-around packaging method wherein a package blank is prefolded to an open-sided configuration, an object to be packaged is positioned within the prefolded blank and the final folding and adhesive closing of the package is then completed in a series of synchronized steps. The prefolding occurs during the course of withdrawal of the package blank from a magazine and its transporting into position to receive the object to be packaged and includes plural folding steps which are individually performed to minimize stress on the packing material. The movement of the preformed packing material blank and object through the final folding and closing stations is accomplished without contact between the conveying means and the object.

Abstract: Aluminum laminae are heat-sealed onto the inside of flat-bottomed plastic bags so that, by bending the lamina double after the bag has been cut open to remove part of its contents, the bag can be reclosed. The apparatus for sealing the laminae on can be incorporated in an existing bag-filling installation. An aluminum strip is supplied to a punching device from a supply roll. A punched-out aluminum lamina is placed upon the upper part of a conveyor lever. The lever is rotated through 180.degree. so that the aluminum lamina to be sealed on comes to be positioned between two layers of a web of plastic material fed by rollers. The ends of the lever are preheated by heating elements in order to accelerate the sealing-on operation. The aluminum lamina is heat-sealed onto the inside of the folded web in such a way that the longer edges of the lamina form an angle of about 45.degree. with the flat bottom of the bag.

Abstract: A method of packaging first and second kneadable plastic masses that react when mixed includes(a) providing the masses in lengthwise elongated strip form and traveling the masses lengthwise in parallel relation but with a predetermined gap therebetween,(b) providing an elongated first plastic film that defines a barrier and traveling that film in the direction of travel of the masses,(c) and urging the traveling film toward the traveling masses to contact same and to locate the barrier in the gap.The film may have side sections simultaneously urged against surfaces of the traveling masses; a second traveling film beneath the masses may be contacted by the barrier; and end portions of the first film may be heat sealed to the second film to encapsulate the masses.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus comprising a driving means for intermittently feeding a carrier tape with recesses formed at a uniform space interval, a plurality of transferring station units for transferring different kinds of electrical chip components from feeders into the recesses, and a control means for controlling assembling order and timings of the transferring operation by the transferring station units.

Abstract: An automatic or fully automated machine for fabricating flexible containers sometimes known as squeeze containers. The containers are fabricated from flexible plastic tube stock. The machine embodies stages or stations arranged in line at which operations are performed on the stock material, the final operation being the filling and sealing of the container. The stations include an initial heating station for producing the desired flexibility in the material. As the stock is advanced, an initial slit is made part way through the tubing. Initial sealing is performed at a further station which fabricates the discharge end of the container. The stock is advanced in steps. At a final station, the fabricated container is filled and sealed. All of the operations are automated and are sequenced by way of automatic, pneumatic, and electrical controls.

Abstract: There is shown apparatus and method for producing a container preferably made or constructed of heat sealable material. Shaping of the container is by forming and not heat stretching or other distortion. In the depicted examples of the container the travelling strip is formed with a midwidth transverse cut leaving on and at each edge a carrier strip. The formed container is preferably filled with a product and then a cover to retain the product is brought to this container and heat sealed in place by the apparatus. After this filling and sealing, the package is further severed at the prior transverse cut to make separate packages.

Abstract: A checkout counter for use in a retail merchant store or the like comprises a frame having a bagging station in which goods are deposited in bags, a bag making machine is located in the frame for making self supporting open bags from a web of self supporting bag making stock and a transfer mechanism is provided for transferring open bags from the bag making machine to the bagging station in an open configuration.

Abstract: Two superimposed layers of thermally weldable material are welded to one another at welding zones delimiting respective receptacle preforms having respective open ends and connected in series to a transporting strip which extends longitudinally of the processing path of displacement of the receptacle preforms. The goods to be packaged are introduced into the respective receptacle after the two layers of the respective receptacle preform have been separated by blowing a stream of air into the receptacle through the open end thereof. Thereafter, the open end of the receptacle preform is closed and the receptacle preform is severed from the transporting strip to obtain a filled receptacle which is freely transportable. The welding operation is performed by a welding roller which has an electrically resistive conductor wire mounted thereon along such a course that, when developed into the plane of the superimposed layers, the conductor wire will coincide with the zones to be welded.

Abstract: In a system including a bag forming apparatus for forming a succession of bags, bag filling and closing apparatus, and a conveying apparatus for conveying each bag, after it is formed, along a conveying path from the bag forming apparatus to the filling and closing apparatus, the system production speed is increased by disposing the bag forming apparatus laterally to one side of the conveying path and associating the bag forming apparatus with a bag transporting member arranged to transport each bag, after it has been formed, into the conveying path, whereby the conveying apparatus can convey bags which were previously formed along the conveying path during at least a portion of the bag forming operating cycle of the bag forming apparatus.

Abstract: A roll of flattened tubular synthetic plastic stock is unwound by the pulling force of clamping devices mounted on a vertically movable frame and engaging the opposite faces of still flattened portions of the tubular stock. The unwound flattened tubular stock is preferably advanced downwardly between bag slitting, wall separating and bag sealing devices also carried by the framework. A lower pair of clamping members forms a temporary seal along the entire width of the tubular stock at a point adjacent to but above the bottom margin of a bag-forming portion thereof until a permanent seal is formed beneath the same and above another pair of lower clamping members which engage the upper margin of a previously filled bag-forming portion of the same. A lower slitting device slits the bag between the latter pairs of clamping members while the clamping members are in operative position.