Forming A Pocket Or Pouch By Folding And Side Sealing (e.g., Flat Bag Making) Patents (Class 53/562)
  • Publication number: 20100212266
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing pockets containing a napkin (5). To this end, two web-shaped layers (1, 2) of a flat, flexible material are moved along a transport path and held at a distance apart from one another in one section of the transport path. Napkins (5) are individually picked up from a stack and placed between the layers (1, 2). Only then, downstream of the section in the web direction, are adjacent regions of the layers (1, 2) placed in contact with one another and joined to one another. The pockets formed in this manner are cut from the web-shaped layers (1, 2). In the section, a respective napkin (5) is moved in a direction essentially at a right angle to the web direction and placed between the layers (1, 2) in a position oriented essentially parallel with the web direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Elsaesser, Remy Bendele
  • Patent number: 7770368
    Abstract: An enveloping device (1), capable of repeatedly performing a process for producing an envelope and inserting a content into the envelope at high speed, comprises: a film feeder (2) for feeding a film (7) wound on a roll and supplied in the form of two overlapping folds that extend in a width direction (W); an envelope making device (3) for repeatedly forming an envelope by cutting and fusing, in a longitudinal direction of the film (7), the two overlapping folds while conveying the film; an envelope conveying conveyor (5) which conveys a plurality of envelopes (8) while arranging these envelopes in a line; and an inserting device (6) for inserting a content (9) into each envelope (8) conveyed by the envelope conveyor (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Gunze Limited
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugimoto, Toshiyuki Ohnishi, Takashi Kakimoto, Satoshi Hanaoka, Yoshinori Masaoka
  • Patent number: 7763213
    Abstract: A package for enclosing volatile corrosion inhibiting materials includes a first enclosure barrier being fabricated from one or more gas-impermeable materials and defining a first enclosed space. The package further includes a substrate having one or more volatile corrosion inhibitor materials disposed thereon, with the substrate being disposed within the first enclosed space. In some embodiments, a second enclosure barrier being fabricated from a gas-permeable, solid particle-impermeable material is disposed in the first enclosed space, and defines a second enclosed space inside of the first enclosed space. In such embodiments, the substrate is preferably disposed within the second enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Cortec Corporation
    Inventors: Boris A. Miksic, Cliff Cracauer, Brian Wuertz, Scott Bolton, Barry Haygood, Grant McEwan
  • Patent number: 7757464
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing electronic or electric products such as flat-panel display devices, for coping with change or variations of dimensions of the products and for curbing damage or fracture on the products and reducing recovery cost for containers, according to one embodiment, comprising; sequentially placing first flat electronic or electric products as to be sandwiched by a resin-sheet band formed of one or pair of band-shaped flat resin sheet and as to be arrayed in a row; forming joined areas by bonding faces of the resin-sheet band as to form receptacles respectively for the first flat electronic or electric products; thus forming a band-shaped package; and then transporting or storing such array of the first flat electronic or electric products in the band-shaped package as to be used for producing second electronic or electric products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyasu Hirata, Osamu Shimada, Kazuhiro Ohashi, Takayuki Iizuka, Hiroshi Shintani
  • Publication number: 20100139217
    Abstract: A flexible package is formed and filled in an in-line process by directing a web of film and a semi-rigid strip in a machine direction; folding the web of film into a pair of opposing walls with the semi-rigid strip there between; and selectively attaching the strip to only one of the opposing walls by controlling applied heating to opposing walls of the pair to seal one wall but not the other to the semi-rigid strip to define an opening between upper edges of the opposing walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew Louis Fitzgerald IV, Thomas Stemper
  • Publication number: 20100105783
    Abstract: A method and packaging machine for preparing rapidly disintegrating formulations for oral administration are disclosed. The present invention is characterized in that a powdery mixture including a pharmaceutically active ingredient and a sugar or a sugar alcohol powder is filled into a packaging material and, thereafter, the mixture, filled in the packaging material, is heated. The present invention can simply and economically prepare an oral formulation which undergoes rapid disintegration in the oral cavity and provides for high-quality administration to patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Hanmi Pharm. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Lee, Jong Soo Woo, Hong Gi Yi, Kyeong Soo Kim, Ho Taek Yim
  • Patent number: 7694495
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine and a method for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. In one exemplary embodiment the machine includes a drive, a blower, and a sealing mechanism. The drive is arranged to move the web of preformed pouches along a path of travel through the machine. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to inflate the preformed pouches. The sealing mechanism includes a heating element support and a heating element. The heating element support includes a sealing side and a belt preheating side. The heating element is disposed around at least a portion of the heating side and at least a portion of the belt preheating side. The drive includes a belt that is disposed around the heating element. The sealing mechanism is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to provide seals to the pouches to form inflated dunnage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Publication number: 20090317611
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a barrier film that maintains an oxygen barrier after being subjected to autoclaving conditions. The film comprises one EVOH layer positioned as a core layer, and one EVOH layer positioned directly adjacent to an outer layer comprising highly permeable material having a moisture vapor permeability greater than about 40 g-mil/100 in2-day-atm. During autoclaving, the barrier properties of the EVOH layer positioned adjacent to the outer layer allows improved recovery of oxygen barrier properties. In addition, during rewetting applications, the internal EVOH layer maintains the oxygen barrier. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the disclosed barrier film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Walter B. Mueller, Patrick W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7603832
    Abstract: A packing apparatus of the present invention includes an original roll having a packing material sheet that contains a middle portion in a width direction, and a triangular plate having a triangular plane, and oblique sides connecting the base and the vertex, the material sheet is folded in two at the width-direction middle portion by the vertex with a tension applied to the material sheet, to form a bending portion, an overlapped portion containing sides in a width direction, and a triangular open space. Furthermore, the packing apparatus includes a pair of drawing rolls for drawing out the material sheet and, and a fusing and cutting device for fusing and cutting the overlapped portion to consecutively form a packing bag having the bending portion as a bottom and the open space as an insertion aperture for a packed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomiya Kudoh, Shohji Ohtsu, Hajime Kawamata, Kazuhiro Kanno
  • Patent number: 7600360
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package are provided in which an evacuation device (26) and a fitment (20) are attached to a sheet of flexible material (16). The sheet of flexible material (16) is formed into a package that is filled and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd, Dorothy Linda Schroeder as Trustee for three trusts, and SMJCGF, LLP
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn
  • Patent number: 7594375
    Abstract: An apparatus for bagging material into a film. The film has at least two overlapping sheets and at least one open edge. The apparatus has a pair of spaced apart carriages and a pair of clamp assemblies movably mounted to a respective carriage. The clamp assemblies are pivotally movable relative to the respective carriage and vertically moveable along the length of the respective carriage. The clamp assemblies engage the film and open the film by separating the overlapping sheets. The clamp assemblies are moved downwardly along the length of the respective carriages so as to provide for the opened film to progressively bag material positioned thereunder. The clamp assembly includes a clamp having a pair of clamping members which are configured to grip a portion of the overlapping sheets for separation thereof. A method for bagging material into a film is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Jacques Dussault
  • Publication number: 20090235616
    Abstract: A container (1) for filling material and a method for processing gusseted tubular films (4), wherein the container (1) has a container body (2) made of a tubular film (4) provided with gussets (3) which comprises an inner volume for receiving a filling material. There is an end seam (5) on a first end (12) of the container body (2), and in the area of the gussets (3) on the container corners (8), corner seams (7) are provided which respectively extend through two layers (13a, 13b) of the gussets (3a, 3b) in order to separate the container corner area (8) from the inner volume. On at least one container corner (8), at least one opening (9) is provided which extends through the layers (13a, 13b) of the gusset (3a, 3b) and which is separated from the inner volume of the container body (2) such that, thanks to the corner seams (7) and the end seam (5) and the opening (9), a carry device (11) is formed which allows a finger hold on the carry device (11) for a person carrying the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: HAVER & BOECKER OHG
    Inventor: Alois Combrink
  • Publication number: 20090223179
    Abstract: The specification discloses bag making apparatus for making a tube from plastics material web material and for making bags therefrom, the apparatus including a support frame defining a desired internal area of the tube formed thereon, first plastics material film web dispensing means for dispensing first film webs in a longitudinal direction relative to the support frame such that the film webs overlap and adhere to one another, a second plastics material film web dispensing means for laying at least one further film web in overlapping spirals over the longitudinally extending first film web, and a third plastics material film web dispensing means for dispensing third film webs in a longitudinal direction relative to the support frame over the overlapping spiral web material, the apparatus further including movement conveyor means extending longitudinally of the support frame to enable the tube formed thereon to be moved to a discharge region and transverse tube sealing means and associated transverse tube se
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: GOODSTONE INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD
    Inventor: Peter Johnstone
  • Publication number: 20090193757
    Abstract: In order to produce tobacco bags from sheet material having a pocket and a fold-over flap and a tape as closure means, the tape is applied (as are possibly further applications) to a continuous sheet-material web (22) for producing the bags by transversely directed severing cuts. The procedure here is such that the sheet-material web (22) is provided in the first instance, by folding, with a continuous web leg and then with transversely directed connecting seams in the region of the web leg, and thereafter the tape is applied to the sheet-material web prepared in this way. Bags (10) provided with a tape are then severed from the sheet-material web. The tapes are applied to the sheet-material web (22) in the region of an application station (30). Following this, the bags (10) are severed in a severing station (27).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Burkard Roesler
  • Patent number: 7513090
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine and a method for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. In one exemplary embodiment the machine includes a drive, a blower, and a sealing mechanism. The drive is arranged to move the web of preformed pouches along a path of travel through the machine. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to inflate the preformed pouches. The sealing mechanism includes a heating element support and a heating element. The heating element support includes a sealing side and a belt preheating side. The heating element is disposed around at least a portion of the heating side and at least a portion of the belt preheating side. The drive includes a belt that is disposed around the heating element. The sealing mechanism is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to provide seals to the pouches to form inflated dunnage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 7493744
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wrapping machine which wraps each administered amount of a medicine in a medicine wrapping sheet, and enables easy opening even by an aged person or a child. The medicine wrapping machine uses a belt-shaped medicine wrapping sheet, and forms a plurality of divided wrapping bags continuous in a state of containing medicines therein and separated at the time of taking the medicines to wrap the medicines. A raw material of the medicine wrapping sheet is a belt-shaped transparent composite plastic sheet which includes a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet or a biaxially oriented polypropylene sheet, and a minute flaw is formed on the polyethylene terephthalate sheet or the biaxially oriented polypropylene sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Biomedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Nishimura, Kouichi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090013651
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine, in which a horizontal bag-making machine and a packaging machine are provided, including a positioning conveyor for positioning bags fed out from the horizontal bag-making machine, a feed conveyor for feeding the bags to the packaging machine, and first, second, and third transport mechanisms provided between the positioning conveyor and the feed conveyor. The first transport mechanism lifts up the bags up and change their attitude to a vertical attitude with the bag mouths oriented upward. The second transport mechanism receives the bags from the first transport mechanisms, transports them, and rotates the bags to orient bag surfaces in the feed direction of the feed conveyor. The third transport mechanisms receives the bags from the second transport mechanisms, changes their attitude to a horizontal attitude, and places them on the feed conveyor with the bag mouths oriented in the feed direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Shoichi Koga
  • Publication number: 20080313998
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a non-rectilinear flexible package comprising an in-line process including application and selective sealing of a semi-rigid strip to an inner wall of the package and further including a dual-stage die-cutting technique to remove and cut a non-linear shape into a formed web of film. The semi-rigid strip is sealed to one interior wall of the package but not the other to provide a reinforced opening to the package through which a material can be dispensed. Additionally, the dual stage die-cutting method comprises first cutting and removing a portion of the web material prior to filling the package and again cutting and removing a portion of the web material after filling, resulting in a package having a narrowed neck adjacent the closed reinforced opening at an upper portion of the package and a body of the package that is tapered towards the reinforced opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. LIGON, Trevor A. Ramalho
  • Publication number: 20080314921
    Abstract: A container has a hollow interior divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. Products can be arranged within the first chamber. The second chamber provides a storage area for storing objects, e.g., the product when the user has finished with the product or packaging of the product. The first and second chambers can be dynamically dimensioned. For example, a barrier dividing the first and second chambers can shift and/or flex to modify the dimensions of the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Randolph K. Geissler
  • Patent number: 7464515
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a cushioning package containing an article to be packaged. The apparatus includes a cushioning sheet forming unit to form a cushioning sheet by heat-sealing flexible elongated resin sheets which are continuously fed in a longitudinal direction and placed one on another in advance in a width direction of the sheet, the cushioning sheet including small sacs. Downstream from the cushioning sheet forming unit, an article storage space forming unit is provided for forming an article storage space by folding the cushioning sheet along a longitudinal centerline. A sheet adhering unit adheres the overlapped cushioning sheets. An article disposing unit inserts the article to be packaged into the article storage space, and an air filling unit fills the small sacs with air. Sequential performance of the above steps achieves efficient manufacturing of cushioning package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Sun A. Kaken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Tanaka, Daisuke Uratani, Shuji Uda
  • Publication number: 20080289304
    Abstract: A machine for the production of bags made of alveolar or foamed plastic material starting from at least one continuous web with superimposed flaps fed continuously to a heat-sealing assembly. The heat-sealing assembly is actuated according to a pendular motion in synchronism with continuous advance of the web, and is pre-arranged for carrying out, at the same time as heat-sealing, half-cuts on the web, which is then folded in concertina fashion by means of a lapper assembly at output from the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: OFFMAR S.R.L.
    Inventors: Emiliano MATTA, Luigi MATTA
  • Publication number: 20080282650
    Abstract: A portable, automated bagging apparatus that includes a hopper and a transportable frame supporting the hopper, and a bag formation assembly disposed on the frame. The bag formation assembly is adapted to prepare bag material held by the bag formation assembly and fill the bag with a predetermined amount of particulate matter from the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Gint Federas
  • Publication number: 20080265067
    Abstract: A sachet (1) having walls of flexible material is disclosed. The walls are joined so as to form an impermeable seal, thereby defining a cavity within the sachet (1). A conduit (2) passing through the seal and having inner and outer ends is disposed with the inner end within the cavity and the outer end outside the sachet (1) such that the cavity is in fluid communication, via the conduit, with the outside of the sachet. The cavity contains a volume of liquid (8) in use, and the conduit (2) is adapted to prevent the liquid (8) flowing from the cavity without the application of an additional stimulus, irrespective of the orientation of the sachet (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: AERSTREAM TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: David Waterman, Alastair Pirrie
  • Patent number: 7430844
    Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Alcoa, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Buchman, Paul A. Tilman
  • Patent number: 7263813
    Abstract: A method of making a reclosable product package (64, 100, 142), a package-making apparatus (10) for the method and the reclosable product package (64, 100, 142) in which block cheese or another product (45) which does not slide well during packaging in placed on a continuous length of thermoplastic packaging film (12). Various folding directions (44, 62, 90, 106, 114) of the packaging film (12) and various placement of reclosable zippers (73, 108, 119) produce various reclosable product packages (64, 100, 142) with various peel seal (40, 41, 87, 88) arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Patricia I. Norek
  • Publication number: 20070186513
    Abstract: A method and a line for the high-speed packaging of filter bags (1) containing an infusion product comprises at least three successive operating steps whereby: the filter bags (1) are wrapped in a continuous protective tubular envelope (2) by sealing a continuous V-shaped folded strip (3) along a longitudinal sealing line (5) and transversal sealing lines (6); the tubular envelope (2) is cut into lengths; and the filter bags (1), individually wrapped in respective envelopes (2), are placed in cartons. In the method and line (26) according to the invention, the transversal seal (6) is made in two successive steps as the continuous folded strip (3) moves through two separate consecutive sealing stations (7, 8), the first station (7) making a part of the transversal seal (6) and the second station (8) completing the same transversal seal (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventor: Andrea Romagnoli
  • Patent number: 7240468
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a cushioning package containing an article to be packaged. The apparatus includes a cushioning sheet forming unit to form a cushioning sheet by heat-sealing flexible elongated resin sheets which are continuously fed in a longitudinal direction and placed one on another in advance in a width direction of the sheet, the cushioning sheet including small sacs. Downstream from the cushioning sheet forming unit, an article storage space forming unit is provided for forming an article storage space by folding the cushioning sheet along a longitudinal centerline. A sheet adhering unit adheres the overlapped cushioning sheets. An article disposing unit inserts the article to be packaged into the article storage space, and an air filling unit fills the small sacs with air. Sequential performance of the above steps achieves efficient manufacturing of cushioning package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sun A. Kaken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Tanaka, Daisuke Uratani, Shuji Uda
  • Patent number: 7234286
    Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a package include: a package-joining belt forming step for forming a package-joining belt (PC) in which packages (P) each containing a material filled in between superposed films and each sealed by joint portions (PA) and a side edge portion (PF) are joined with each other by the joint portions (PA), the package-joining belt forming step including: a superposing process of forming superposed films; a joint portion forming process of forming band-shaped joint portions (PA); a side edge portion forming process of forming band-shaped side edge portion (PF); and a filling process of filling the material; and a scar forming step for forming plural elongate scars (100) each extending adjacent and substantially perpendicularly to the side edge in the side edge portion (PF), wherein the package-joining belt forming step and the scar forming step are carried out, while the package-joining belt is drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Ajinihon K.K.
    Inventors: Kazumichi Oshita, Kenji Shinbutsu, Yoichi Tominaga
  • Patent number: 7225599
    Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated articles from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies. One version of the apparatus generally includes a first rotary sealing device for producing transverse seals that bond the film plies together, an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, and a second rotary sealing device for producing a longitudinal seal between the film plies. The longitudinal seal intersects the transverse seals so that the gas is enclosed between the longitudinal seal, transverse seals, and film plies to thereby form an inflated article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence B. Sperry, Eric A. Kane, Brian A. Murch, Ross Patterson
  • Patent number: 7219481
    Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Buchman, Paul A. Tilman
  • Patent number: 7168560
    Abstract: In a continuous strip of containers, the latter are distributed stepwise from one another according to a longitudinal axis of the strip, two adjacent containers being separated by a step. From one longitudinal edge zone traction pins protrude laterally that are intended in use to interact by contact with an advancing device for advancing the strip. For each traction pin a corresponding opposing projection is prearranged that protrudes from the opposite side of the longitudinal edge zone. The strip is designed to be conveyed along an advancing direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof. Each opposing projection is located slightly forward in relation to said advancing direction, compared with the relative traction pin, at an axial distance that is shorter than the step between the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sarong Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Primo Finetti, Andrea Bartoli
  • Patent number: 7021036
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine including a bag-making apparatus 1, a bag-filling (packaging) apparatus 2, and a bag transfer apparatus. The bag-making apparatus 1 of a bag-making and packaging machine, while releasing a film F from a film roll disposed in the horizontal direction and feeding the film lengthwise, folds and overlaps the film in two in a horizontal attitude, performs sealing in locations corresponding to the bag bottom portions and side portions of the film in the horizontal attitude, and separates bags by cutting. The line corresponding to the bag bottom ends of the folded and overlapped film F (this position indicated by S) is set in the same position regardless of the bag length, and the respective apparatuses such as the forming apparatus 5, sealing apparatuses 8, 9 and 11, and cutting apparatus 14, etc. are disposed with reference to this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Shoji Tsutsui, Masakazu Setozaki
  • Patent number: 6971221
    Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus employ web material having cohesive on facing surfaces of two web portions between which an item is packaged. The cohesive adheres to itself by application of pressure alone, without heat, but tends not to adhere to other surfaces. The web portions are sealed together about the item by seal devices that apply pressure without heat to the web portions. The web portions and item can be passed through a resilient nip formed by two rolls, at least one of which has resiliently compliant roll portion(s) for pressing the web portions closely about the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence B. Sperry, Anthony O. Davlin, Eric A. Kane, Jesse S. Drake
  • Patent number: 6931819
    Abstract: A method of making a reclosable product package (64, 100, 142), a package-making apparatus (10) for the method and the reclosable product package (64, 100, 142) in which block cheese or another product (45) which does not slide well during packaging in placed on a continuous length of thermoplastic packaging film (12). Various folding directions (44, 62, 90, 106, 114) of the packaging film (12) and various placement of reclosable zippers (73, 108, 119) produce various reclosable product packages (64, 100, 142) with various peel seal (40, 41, 87, 88) arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Patricia I. Norek
  • Patent number: 6918234
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
  • Patent number: 6895732
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a pair of rolls forming a nip through which two web portions are passed with an item to be packaged between the web portions. The rolls include resiliently compliant roll portions that deform to accommodate the thickness of the item, and the roll portions press the web portions to seal them together in peripheral regions surrounding the item and to center the item between the webs in the thickness direction. The apparatus also includes side seal devices that traverse inwardly toward the item to seal the webs together close to the item's opposite side edges to prevent the item from laterally shifting. The web portions may have cohesive disposed on their facing surfaces such that the web portions adhere to each other with pressure but tend not to adhere to the packaged item or other surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Laurence B. Sperry, Anthony O. Davlin, Eric A. Kane, Jesse S. Drake
  • Patent number: 6883294
    Abstract: For packaging flat objects (4) using a packaging material (7) being supplied as a quasi-endless web, a string of bags (7?) being open on three sides and closed on one side is continuously formed and conveyed in a conveying direction. During conveyance the bags (7?) are each charged with at least one object (4), are severed from each other, and are then sealed with seams corresponding with the open bag sides. The depth of the bags during the step of forming the string of bags (7?) and/or the distance between the two lateral seams during the step of sealing are adjusted to the format of the object to be packaged (4), or to the width of the packaging material (7), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Publication number: 20040261370
    Abstract: A machine (100) for making filter bags (1) of tetrahedral shape for infusion products (P) comprises a production line (L) defined by a series of operating stations (50, 9, 10, 14, 11, 12, 13) where filter bags (1) made from a continuous flattened tube (2) of filter paper are formed, filled with respective doses of infusion product (P) and subjected to successive cuts and closing seals (SL, ST, SC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Sauro Rivola
  • Patent number: 6829873
    Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Orestes Rivero, Kenneth Pokusa
  • Patent number: 6810641
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming and filling slider operated reclosable plastic bags two at a time. A base film of plastic bag making material is horizontally advanced in a longitudinal direction and product is loaded onto the base film in two lines. First and second continuous slider operated zippers are then applied onto the base film between the lines of product and a cover film is placed over the base film covering the lines of product and the zippers. The composite is sealed to the base film along longitudinally extending lines disposed on sides of the product opposite to the two zippers and between the zippers. The base film is then sealed to the cover film along transverse seal sections on opposite sides of each row of product and the thus formed filled packages are separated by longitudinally cutting through the base film between the zippers and cutting through the transverse seal sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Publication number: 20040206055
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package are provided in which an evacuation device (26) and a fitment (20) are attached to a sheet of flexible material (16). The sheet of flexible material (16) is formed into a package that is filled and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn
  • Publication number: 20040206056
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine including a bag-making apparatus 1, a bag-filling (packaging) apparatus 2, and a bag transfer apparatus. The bag-making apparatus 1 of a bag-making and packaging machine, while releasing a film F from a film roll disposed in the horizontal direction and feeding the film lengthwise, folds and overlaps the film in two in a horizontal attitude, performs sealing in locations corresponding to the bag bottom portions and side portions of the film in the horizontal attitude, and separates bags by cutting. The line corresponding to the bag bottom ends of the folded and overlapped film F (this position indicated by S) is set in the same position regardless of the bag length, and the respective apparatuses such as the forming apparatus 5, sealing apparatuses 8, 9 and 11, and cutting apparatus 14, etc. are disposed with reference to this position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Shoji Tsutsui, Masakazu Setozaki
  • Patent number: 6751926
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Cooper
  • Publication number: 20040045256
    Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Orestes Rivero, Kenneth Pokusa
  • Patent number: 6675557
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluid into pre-formed, flexible containers and enclosing the fluid within the containers includes a web of film comprising a series of pre-formed flexible containers, each of the pre-formed containers being capable of holding therein a quantity of fluid and having an opening for receiving such fluid. After fluid is placed in each pre-formed container, the opening is sealed closed to thereby enclose the fluid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne Scott
  • Patent number: 6675559
    Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Converting Biophile Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Hilbert, Sr., Thomas F. Hilbert, Jr., Dale E. Lanser
  • Patent number: 6666004
    Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Converting Biophile Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Hilbert, Sr., Thomas F. Hilbert, Jr., Dale E. Lanser
  • Patent number: 6647702
    Abstract: An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system for processing a prescription input into tablet containing serial paper bags comprises a tablet dropping unit having a hopper guiding each tablet batch from the unit to drop therethrough, and shafts each having top and below-top peripheries and an axial line between the bottom and below-top peripheries. A top roller extends from the top periphery to have a top radius, an axial plate radially extends from the axial line to intermittently seal substantially folded paper sheet in a sidewise sealing format by mutual engagement rolling of the top rollers. Below-top rollers extend from the below-top periphery to have a below-top radius less than the top radius. Edge rollers provided below the below-top rollers to seal therebetween lengthwise sealing portions of the widthwisely sealed paper sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Patent number: RE39505
    Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending alone a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans
  • Patent number: RE40284
    Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans