Longitudinally Prefolded Web Stock Patents (Class 53/568)
  • Patent number: 8857135
    Abstract: There is provided a medicine packaging device that can resolve the problem in which fine mechanical adjustments are needed for changing setting conditions of a packaging part or when the packaging part fails. The medicine packaging device has a device body 3 having an accommodation space 5, a slide unit 8 reciprocally attached to the accommodation space 5 of the device body 3, and a packaging unit 4 removably attached to the slide unit 8. The packaging unit is allowed to package medicines with a package paper 23 by moving the slide unit 8 a packaging position in the accommodation space 5. The packaging unit is moved to a drawn-out position drawn out from the packaging position. The packaging unit is replaceable by being moved to a replacement position drawn out from the device body 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Itsuo Yasunaga, Chisei Asaoka, Norifumi Oike, Kensuke Kaminishi
  • Patent number: 8739499
    Abstract: There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Yuyama MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Itsuo Yasunaga, Chisei Asaoka, Norifumi Oike, Kensuke Kaminishi, Masahiko Kasuya, Nakaji Takeda, Hiromichi Tsuda, Yasuyuki Morita, Shinya Taira, Tomohiro Sugimoto, Naomichi Toyota
  • Patent number: 8528306
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: ELAG ast GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Elsaesser, Remy Bendele
  • Patent number: 8454779
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Paul A. Selle, Mitchell J. Hein
  • Patent number: 8402720
    Abstract: In a machine (1) for manufacturing pouches (2) filled with portions (36) of a tobacco mixture, comprising a rotating drum (8) on which a continuous stream (5) of the mixture is formed and conveyed to a station (13) where the portions (36) are divided from the stream, and where the portions (36) are transferred by a pneumatic ejection and feed system (21) to a wrapping station (7), moisturizing substances are added to the mixture by a dispensing system (22) associated with the ejection and feed system (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Roberto Ghiotti
  • Patent number: 8302635
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing element (30) on a container (10, 11) for free-flowing or pourable bulk materials has an outlet spout (12) that reaches into the element. The element has an inlet opening (32) on the side facing towards the container, a clamping profile (42) and/or a quick-tightening device (44) which makes a releasable connection between the outlet spout and the element, a slot-shaped outlet opening (34) on the side that faces away from the container, a ring gap (22) between the outlet spout and the inlet opening, a wall (36) extending between the respective openings with an inside (37) and an outside (38), and a foil-shaped material (20), especially a foil hose or foil section, stored in the area of the outlet spout. The inlet opening, the inside of the wall and the slot-shaped outlet opening are covered with the foil-shaped material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Lorenz Bohler
  • Patent number: 8256195
    Abstract: An ice bagging apparatus which has a frame defining a first ice collecting zone with a collecting bin and an ice bagging zone, wherein the ice bagging zone has a film feeding mechanism that conveys two heat-sealable elongated plastic film webs and a welding apparatus to form a bag from the webs. The film feeding mechanism has rollers between which film webs are passed and pressed against each other. A measuring arrangement measures ice dispensed into the bag by a first ice transport system positioned between the two film webs that form the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schur Technology a/s
    Inventor: Henrik Pape
  • Patent number: 8128770
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Paul A. Selle, Mitchell J. Hein
  • Patent number: 8122689
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing, bagging and dispensing ice has an ice supply station, an ice collection station, a film supply, a bag forming station, and an ice transport device to transport ice from the collection station to the bag forming station. A controller controls supply of two superimposed film layers to the bag forming station, bag forming, and ice supply to the bags. A bag is partially formed from the superimposed film layers by a sealing device at the bag forming station, and ice is transported from the ice collector into the partially formed bag. The remaining open portions of the bag are sealed when sufficient ice has been supplied to the bag, which is then separated from the film supply for discharge into a storage and freezer compartment. The preceding steps are repeated until the storage and freezer compartment is filled to a predetermined level with bags of ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schur International A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Pape
  • Patent number: 7886508
    Abstract: A distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section of a medicine packaging apparatus is shortened without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. A unfolding guide included in a packaging unit for unfolding and opening a package sheet has a main ridge extending along with the fold of the package sheet, and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces, which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge and which are symmetrical to each other with respect to the main ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Nakaji Takeda, Hiromichi Tsuda
  • Patent number: 7765767
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine frame (1) for a packaging machine being constructed in such a way that its manufacture is simple and flexible for the various widths and lengths of foil packaging material without having the need for an expensive and labor intensive intercoupling. This machine frame is also robust and interiorly good cleanable, so that hygienic risks may be substantially decreased. This machine-building element comprises a profile element (2) made of strong sheet material, like e.g. metal or plastic material, comprising a mainly straight horizontal part (2c) that tapers off on both sides over an angle of approximately 90° to two downwardly directed vertical parts (2a, 2b). These parts are longitudinally interconnected completely to a compact unit by means of a plurality of hollow functional sockets (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: G.P.R. Scholte Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Gerardus Petrus Scholte
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7685795
    Abstract: The present invention describes an improved grip belt drive system for use in sealing machines used to wrap articles in thermoplastic film. Briefly, a timing belt is used in place of the traditional flat or V belt. The presence of teeth on the pulleys, coupled with the use of a timing belt eliminates the possibility of slippage between the belt and the pulleys. To protect the system in the case of a film jam or misplaced article, a torque-limiting mechanism is included, which disengages the drive system if there is excessive counterforce. Furthermore, the outer surface of timing belt contains a pattern, which when mated with a second belt having the same or a complementary pattern, meshes in such a way so that the two belts are positively locked in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Shanklin Corporation
    Inventors: Francis X. King, Jr., Mitchell W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090193768
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed for covering articles (6) with sheets of plastic material (1). The machine comprises means (10, 21) suitable for cutting and sealing the sheets that cooperate with a work plane (2) and means (30, 50) suitable for arranging a roll (1) of a continuous sheet of plastic material in a suitable position for unrolling subsequent portions of the continuous sheet and the positioning thereof on the work plane (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Aldo Farneti
  • 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: 7424798
    Abstract: Inserter for inserting postal items into envelopes, wherein an envelope catcher separates the envelopes and transports the envelopes away from the stack of empty envelopes and the envelopes are subsequently transported further with the initially leading flap end trailing. The envelope catcher is suspended for movement and drivable along a catcher path, of which at least a section extends closely along the envelope to be separated. When the envelope is transported away from the envelope catcher with its flap end trailing the flap is folded open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: NEOPOST Technologies
    Inventor: Herman Sytema
  • Patent number: 7325374
    Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic packaging of one or more articles. One or more modular infeed systems are provided, each adapted to feed product to a wrapping machine, and each preferably adapted to communicate with a wrapping machine to identify its configuration to the wrapping machine. In a preferred embodiment, each modular infeed includes a film roll unwind assembly, an integrated film folding head, a product conveyance mechanism and a closed-loop communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Shanklin Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Chrisman, Charles P. Tatarian, Robert J. Simonelli, Mitchell W. Smith, Thomas P. Orsini
  • Patent number: 7323665
    Abstract: A heating element for a film-sealing apparatus comprises a heating wire segment formed of a first metal having a first reflectance to laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength. The heating element further comprises a first conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a first end of the heating wire segment, and a second conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a second end of the heating wire segment. The first and second conductor leads have a lower electrical resistance than the heating wire segment, and are formed of a second metal having a second reflectance to laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength, the second reflectance being higher than the first reflectance. Each of the first and second conductor leads is lap-welded to the respective end of the heating wire segment using laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne M. Scott, Jason A. Rittenhour, Jack Crane
  • Patent number: 7143569
    Abstract: An automatic high-speed wrapping system for wrapping packages in heat sealable thermoplastic film includes a film delivery unit wherein the film is dispensed and wrapped around the packages at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the system. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the system and are delivered at the input end of the system by a feed conveyor into a wrapping station where the packages are surrounded by the film, thence to the side sealing mechanism which forms a seal while severing the salvage from the packages, then into an end sealing mechanism where both ends of the packages are sealed and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The system has a variety of components which are adjustable to efficiently accommodate a variety of product dimensions. The spacings of the various components are represented one calibrated scales for efficient and accurate set up and operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignees: Lantech Management Corp., Lantech HOlding Corp.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Limousin
  • Patent number: 7117656
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bagging organic and other material such as silage, compost, grain, sawdust, dirt, sand, etc., wherein plastic material is dispensed from a roll mounted on the bagging machine so that the plastic material is at least partially wrapped around the material being bagged as the bagging machine moves ahead during packing and filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Patent number: 7076936
    Abstract: An automatic high-speed wrapping system for wrapping packages in heat sealable thermoplastic film includes a film delivery unit wherein the film is dispensed and wrapped around the packages at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the system. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the system and are delivered at the input end of the system by a feed conveyor into a wrapping station where the packages are surrounded by the film, thence to the side sealing mechanism which forms a seal while severing the salvage from the packages, then into an end sealing mechanism where both ends of the packages are sealed and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The film is delivered to the wrapping station in two plies and subsequently inverted for wrapping around the products. The positions of the wrapping station and film delivery units are adjustable to efficiently accommodate a variety of product heights while providing proper film delivery geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Lantech Management Corp. and Lantech Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Limousin
  • Patent number: 7059097
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
  • Patent number: 7059098
    Abstract: An automatic medication dispensing and packaging system comprising a medication dispensing unit having base and door cabinets, the door cabinet rear portion correspondingly and detachably engaged to the base cabinet rear portion, the base cabinets distanced from each other to form a space that allows therein a manual management of the dispensing unit. The manual management includes cassette replacements, tablet filling in the cassettes, and spatial shaft cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7032365
    Abstract: The wrapping of groups of products positioned according to a determined number of mutually superposed layers is achieved by feeding in succession groups of products firstly into a tubular case made to heat-sealable material and, then, to a first wrapping device when the number of layers is equal to one and to a second wrapping device when the number of layers is at least equal to two; the two wrapping devices being able to wrap each group inside a related wrapping sheet, which is folded substantially in contact with the related group, and which is stabilized by means of sealing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: KPL Packaging S.p.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Cinotti
  • Patent number: 7028447
    Abstract: A package paper thermal printer of a tablet packing machine for printing information about prescription medicines on package paper by a thermal print head and a ribbon tape, so that the information is very easily printed and the patient can easily recognize the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignees: JVM Co., Ltd., EOdigitek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Hwan Sung
  • Patent number: 6962033
    Abstract: An automatic high speed packaging machine for wrapping packages in polymer film is disclosed wherein the film seal at the sides and ends of the packages is made at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the machine. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the machine. The packages are delivered at the input end of the machine by an in-feed conveyor into a film inverting head where the packages are surrounded by longitudinally half-folded polymer film. Thereafter, the packages are transported to a side sealing mechanism which forms a longitudinal seal in the film on the side opposite the fold. Finally, the packages are transported to a traveling end seal mechanism where a lateral seal is formed at each end of the package and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The machine produces packages which have a sealed film wrap around the entire package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Belco Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Foster Guzman
  • Patent number: 6868649
    Abstract: A zipper applicator operatively attachable to and usable with a horizontal form, fill, seal and separate packaging machine of the type used to make reclosable containers from a folded web of flexible material such as, for example, plastic film. The applicator is vertically adjustable with respect to the horizontal movement of web and zipper through the machine and includes a zipper eyelet for guiding the zipper into the applicator, a web guide that engages the fold of the web material, and an applicator guide for positioning the zipper with respect to the folded web so that the zipper can be attached thereto by the application of heat and pressure from a sealer mounted on the packaging machine. The vertical adjustability permits the applicator to be used for making bags of different sizes depending upon the width of the web material being run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Bodolay Packaging, a division of B&M
    Inventor: Mostafa Farid
  • Patent number: 6817163
    Abstract: An automatic high-speed wrapping system for wrapping packages in heat sealable thermoplastic film includes a film delivery unit wherein the film is dispensed and wrapped around the packages at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the system. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the system and are delivered at the input end of the system by a feed conveyor into a wrapping station where the packages are surrounded by the film, thence to the side sealing mechanism which forms a seal while severing the salvage from the packages, then into an end sealing mechanism where both ends of the packages are sealed and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The film is delivered to the wrapping station in two plies and subsequently inverted for wrapping around the products. The positions of the wrapping station and film delivery units are adjustable to efficiently accommodate a variety of product heights while providing proper film delivery geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignees: Lantech Management Corp., Lantech Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Limousin
  • Patent number: 6804933
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers generally includes a mechanism that conveys a web of film along a path of travel, the film web including one or more pre-formed flexible containers; an inflation assembly positioned adjacent the travel path to direct gas into the containers, thereby forming inflated containers; and a device for sealing closed each inflated container. Various improvements for more reliably and consistently inflating the containers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne Scott
  • Patent number: 6775962
    Abstract: A vertical bagging apparatus includes a vertically mounted spool for dispensing a roll of centerfold plastic film with the fold in the upper position. A pair of vertical metering rollers are mounted adjacent to the spool for advancing the film from the spool. An adjustable generally inverted-V-shaped film inverted is mounted downstream from the metering rollers. A sealing and severing system is located beneath the film invertor and a trim spool is located beneath the sealing and severing system. The film invertor turns the film inside out, relocating the fold from the horizontal axis to the vertical axis. The film invertor also causes the open end of the folded film to be accessible from either above or the side. The film invertor is adjustable by raising and lowering the apex of the inverted-V which relocates the horizontal location of the fold in the film. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the film invertor is made from flexible wire and the free ends of the wire are attached to a takeup shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: K.C. Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy A. Cosmo
  • Publication number: 20040128957
    Abstract: An automatic high speed packaging machine (10) for wrapping packages (P) in polymer film (32) is disclosed wherein the film seal at the sides and ends of the packages (P) is made at a high rate of speed as the packages (P) travel through the machine (10). The packages (P) travel continuously in a straight lien through the machine (10). The packages (P) are delivered at the input end of the machine (10) by an in-feed conveyor (20) into a film inverting head (40) where the packages (P) are surrounded by longitudinally half-folded polymer film (32). Thereafter, the packages (P) are transported to a side sealing mechanism (50) which forms a longitudinal seal in the film (32) on the side opposite the fold. Finally, the packages (P) are transported to a travelling end sealing mechanism (70) where a lateral seal is formed at each end of the package (P) and the film web (32) connecting succeeding packages (P) is severed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Foster Guzman
  • 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: 20040083688
    Abstract: An automatic high-speed wrapping system for wrapping packages in heat sealable thermoplastic film includes a film delivery unit wherein the film is dispensed and wrapped around the packages at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the system. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the system and are delivered at the input end of the system by a feed conveyor into a wrapping station where the packages are surrounded by the film, thence to the side sealing mechanism which forms a seal while severing the salvage from the packages, then into an end sealing mechanism where both ends of the packages are sealed and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The film is delivered to the wrapping station in two plies and subsequently inverted for wrapping around the products. The positions of the wrapping station and film delivery units are adjustable to efficiently accommodate a variety of product heights while providing proper film delivery geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Limousin
  • Patent number: 6701696
    Abstract: A packaging machine using a heat-shrinkable film comprises a frame (14, 16) for peripheral sealing of a film (19) segment and a tunnel (21) disposed alongside the frame, in which means (27) for air circulation is arranged, which air is heated by electrical heating elements (28) for shrinkage of the sealed film which is introduced into the tunnel. The machine comprises means (34) for detecting a condition associable with the presence in the machine of a product wrapped in a film to be shrunk. This detecting means (34) upon detection of said condition produces a signal (33) for temporary actuation of the hot-air circulation means (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Minipack-Torre S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Torre
  • Patent number: 6698164
    Abstract: The method entails unwinding portion of film stored in roll form. The film is made of a heat-sealable single- or multilayer flexible material. The flaps for the unwound portion are folded until they are side by side or overlapped along a narrow band. The resulting new lateral edges are folded further so as to form longitudinal accordion-like portions and the bottom is then formed with a transverse heat-sealed portion which is produced simultaneously with a median cut relative to the heat-sealed portion, successively separating two pairs of adjacent containers. The heat-sealed bottom is inserted into the container by an extent which is equal to half the width of the lateral accordion-like portion and a longitudinal heat-sealed portion is then produced in the region where the flaps lie side by side and/or overlap, blocking the bottom and the accordion-like portion, simultaneously with a complete or partial cutting of the longitudinal heat-sealed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: BP Europack S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Trani, Marion Sterner
  • 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: 6625956
    Abstract: A device and a method for continuously manufacturing foam cushions for packaging purposes. The device comprising a supply station and a foam dispensing station, said supply station being provided for continuously supplying to the dispensing station a web of envelope forming material positioned in a face to face relationship so as to form a folded-over edge. The dispensing station comprising a dispensing member provided for supplying a foaming substance into said envelope forming material. The device further transporting said material through said dispensing station according to a substantially horizontal direction and comprises a guiding and clamping unit provided for guiding said edge along said direction and clamping said material over a predetermined stroke extending from said edge in a direction substantially perpendicular to said direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: N.V. Soudan Patrimonium & Consulting
    Inventor: Freddy Soudan
  • Publication number: 20030172627
    Abstract: Method for packaging products being prone to decay, such as food products, more particularly vegetables and/or fruit in a synthetic foil, wherein the synthetic foil is perforated in an operation step, converted into a package and filled. The foil is thereby conveyed through a punching device, whereby perforations are punched in the synthetic foil, the perforated synthetic foil is formed as packages having the desired dimensions and these packages are filled with the products and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Stephanus Michael Marie Backus
  • Patent number: 6604340
    Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging an article having a lateral side along which a sealing line is formed by heat sealing operation is disclosed. The packaging machine includes a machine frame having transversely-extending rails on which a conveyor for carrying the article and a package film for packaging the article is movably supported whereby the conveyor and thus the article and the package film are transversely position-adjustable. A side sealing device includes a film forwarding device for synchronously moving the package film with the article in a longitudinal direction. A position-adjusting device comprises a support structure attached to the conveyor to be transversely position-adjustable. A movable chassis is movably coupled to the support structure by means of a screw rod whereby rotation of the screw rod moves the chassis with respect to the support structure in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Benison & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan I. N. Liao
  • Patent number: 6598373
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers generally includes a mechanism that conveys a web of film along a path of travel, the film web including one or more pre-formed flexible containers; an inflation assembly positioned adjacent the travel path to direct gas into the containers, thereby forming inflated containers; and a device for sealing closed each inflated container. Various features for improving the reliability and consistency of inflation of the containers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne Scott
  • Publication number: 20030127556
    Abstract: There is disclosed a solid preparation packaging apparatus in which a slip can be prevented from being generated between a packaging paper roll and a rotation shaft with the roll attached thereto by a simple constitution without inhibiting a replacing operation. The solid preparation packaging apparatus comprises: a plurality of tablet cases in which respective types of solid preparations are contained; and a thermally fusible packaging paper wound around in a roll shape, so that the solid preparation discharged from the tablet case is packaged in the packaging paper, wherein the packaging paper is wound around a periphery of a shaft member detachably attached to the rotation shaft to form the roll shape, an engaging portion is formed in the rotation shaft, and an engaged portion attachably/detachably joined to the engaging portion is formed in the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Manabu Haraguchi
  • Publication number: 20030074860
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a slider-equipped zipper on a pouch in a form/fill/seal operation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a foldable slider is employed, and is shifted from an open configuration to a closed configuration for installation on zipper strips on the pouch. Stops are preferably provided at the ends of the zipper strips by application of heat and pressure to form a boss on one side and a corresponding recess on the other, without requiring additional material. A hermetic peelable seal preferably is provided beneath the zipper strips. The slider preferably is applied to the zipper strips immediately before or immediately after filling, or immediately after formation of the peelable seal. Means may be provided to shift the position of the slider to close the zipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Herberto Dutra, Mark Charles Mikol
  • Patent number: 6550229
    Abstract: A device for sealing two plies of plastic film together generally includes an electrically conductive heating element and a rotatable support cylinder having an outer, circumferential surface, the cylinder being positioned in abutting relationship with the heating element and capable of rotating against the heating element, which is in fixed position, along a predetermined contact arc such that less than a complete circumference of the outer surface of the cylinder is in contact with the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne Scott
  • Publication number: 20030046905
    Abstract: In a sealing/parting means for the side weld (42) of a film semi-tube (13) of shrink film, in which items (16) are wrapped, the film web (19) consisting of two sandwiched films is fed to a transport and supporting system (18) comprising two opposing transport belts (21, 22) where it runs along an elongated, skid-shaped contact surface area (34) of a heated sealing/parting knife (20), resulting in the immediate welding zone of the film being preheated before it is fed at the end of this contact surface area to a sealing/parting blade (36) which parts and welds the film. The sealing/parting blade (36) has a constricting cutting gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Kaechele, Jens Kallfass
  • Patent number: 6526728
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for grasping and advancing adjacent layers of thermoplastic film through the side sealing mechanism of a packaging machine includes a plurality of belts which travel about two sets of cooperating pulleys. Each pulley has two circumferential belt grooves defined within it, each belt groove being functionally adapted to allow the travel of a belt along it. A first line of travel is defined along a path which is parallel with the line of travel for articles moving along the wrapping machine. The second line of travel diverges away at a slight angle. The belts are truncated V-belts, the “truncated V” portion of the belts being disposed outwardly of the pulleys. Each set of pulleys is offset such that the belts cooperate in tooth-meshing fashion. A tail pulley of each set is mounted in an offset cam fashion and is spring loaded to apply tension to the belts. Disposed between the belt paths is a hot wire assembly having a similarly longitudinally diverging hot wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Conflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregg R. Sorenson, Mark A. Kubisiak
  • Publication number: 20030019190
    Abstract: An adjustor folded width of packing sheet used in sharing and packing device of medicine with a plurality of supports which spread and support the paper sheet before the paper sheet passes through a folding guide and comes into a pair of heating rollers according to the present invention comprises a support insertedly installed in a mounting plate, wherein a male screw portion is formed in an end portion of the support, an attitude adjusting plate for adjusting the attitude of the support, wherein the male screw portion of the support being insertedly disposed in the attitude adjusting plate is inserted into the mounting plate from the front to the rear, an elastic member placed on the male screw portion of the support protruded from the rear surface of the mounting plate, a nut fastened to the male screw portion of the support, and adjusting bolts fastened in screw holes formed at each corner of the attitude adjusting plate so that end portions of the adjusting bolts come into contact with the mounting plate
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: June Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 6470652
    Abstract: A packaging device, particularly for foodstuffs or technical materials, comprising a bell-shaped vacuum chamber. A single-folded film can be placed in the vacuum chamber and the foodstuff can be inserted from the open longitudinal side of the film. Inside the bell-shaped vacuum chamber there is also provided a first transverse thermal bonding bar, which is laterally adjacent to a cutting blade, and a second thermal bonding bar, both bars being L-shaped. At least one nozzle for introducing gas is furthermore provided so as to face the longitudinal or transverse open side of the single-folded film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Andrea Piron
  • Patent number: 6460313
    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: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew Cooper
  • Patent number: 6457300
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a plastic film guiding device of a packaging machine, which comprises a frame, a screw rod, a walking block, a positioning rod, a pair of slanting rods, and a pair of slide bodies. The plastic film guiding device of the present invention is arranged in suspended way to reduce its contact with the surface of a machine table so that the present invention suffers less heat to facilitate the adjustment. Most importantly, the present invention has instant width-adjusting function, and can simultaneously perform identical adjustments to the widths of both sides. The adjustment is fast, and the positions of movement are exact. Moreover, fine adjustment of width can be performed at any time during the operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Chang Min Yang
  • Publication number: 20020134057
    Abstract: There is disclosed a solid preparation packaging apparatus in which a slip can be prevented from being generated between a packaging paper roll and a rotation shaft with the roll attached thereto by a simple constitution without inhibiting a replacing operation. The solid preparation packaging apparatus comprises: a plurality of tablet cases in which respective types of solid preparations are contained; and a thermally fusible packaging paper wound around in a roll shape, so that the solid preparation discharged from the tablet case is packaged in the packaging paper, wherein the packaging paper is wound around a periphery of a shaft member detachably attached to the rotation shaft to form the roll shape, an engaging portion is formed in the rotation shaft, and an engaged portion attachably/detachably joined to the engaging portion is formed in the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Manabu Haraguchi