Gas Filling And/or Evacuating Of Receptacle And Closing Patents (Class 53/79)
  • Patent number: 11577484
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a web control guide for an inflation and sealing assembly of a protective packaging formation device for inflating a web material into a chain of inflated cushions. The web control guide is positioned along a material path at a transverse spacing from a first compression element and constrains a first thickness of the material path measured normal to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the material path. The transverse spacing and constrained thickness dimension are sufficiently small to prevent transverse movement of the flexible material towards the first compression element to avoid excessive heating of the web material outside a sealing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLC
    Inventors: William James Watts, Julian Michael Moore, Charles Anthony Daigle, Joseph Vincent Prisco
  • Patent number: 10967995
    Abstract: A package preparation system includes a material conveyable along a longitudinal direction and including two folded layers of polymeric film joined at a fold. The fold extends longitudinally and defines a first side of the material opposite an open second side. A first welding device forms partition welds located between the two folded layers and extending from the fold to a terminus inward of the open side. A second welding device forms first and second seal welds that extend from the fold to the open side and are spaced from each other by a length extending longitudinally and traversing a plurality of the partition welds. The system includes a device comprising a nozzle insertable in the open side, and clamps that traverse the length and temporarily seal the open side around the nozzle while the nozzle inflates interior channels defined between the plurality of partition welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Hoffman, Alexandra Kay Hartford, Mohan Mahadevan, John Gaetano Matrecano, Timothy Alan Talda
  • Patent number: 10906791
    Abstract: One feature pertains to a device that includes a main body having a bottle-receiving end that receives an end of a bottle having a mouth and forms an airtight seal between an exterior surface of the bottle and an interior air cavity of the main body. The device also includes an actuator assembly that drives a stopper securement device into a stopper positioned within the mouth of the bottle and retracts the stopper securement device to remove the stopper from the mouth of the bottle. The device also includes a vacuum pump that evacuates air out of the interior air cavity and the bottle's headspace after the stopper has been removed to create a vacuum within the headspace. The actuator assembly may also drive the stopper securement device and the stopper back into the mouth of the bottle to reseal the bottle while the headspace is under vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Norik Kagramanyan
  • Patent number: 10773872
    Abstract: One feature pertains to a device that includes a main body having a bottle-receiving end that receives a bottle and forms a substantially airtight seal between the main body and an exterior surface of the bottle surrounding a mouth of the bottle. The bottle-receiving end has a bottom opening to allow for fluid-flow communication between an interior air cavity of the main body and a headspace of the bottle. The device further includes a stopper securement device, and a vacuum pump that evacuates air out of the interior air cavity and the headspace to create a vacuum or partial vacuum within the headspace. The device also includes a means for inserting the stopper into the mouth of the bottle using the stopper securement device after the vacuum pump evacuates air out of the interior cavity and the headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Norik Kagramanyan
  • Patent number: 9327854
    Abstract: A vacuum sealing machine contains a sealing unit including a first connecting rod, two first electromagnets, and a first press member, the first connecting rod having two fixing pieces and two first apertures, and the first press member having a first adhering face; a pressing unit including a second connecting rod, two second electromagnets, a second press member, and two connection mounts, the second connecting rod having two pull bars, a plurality of second apertures, and two support tabs to support the first connecting rod, and the second press member having a second adhering face; an air exhausting unit including a transmission device and a drawing device; the body having a holder in which a receiving room is formed so as to receive the sealing unit, the pressing unit, and the air exhausting unit; the receiving room having a seat, the seat having the barrier strip and a heating strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Mao-Sen Huang
  • Publication number: 20150113918
    Abstract: A method for treating packages includes ink jet printing designs on packages, arranging packages on a treatment position of a package transport path, and at least intermittently charging the packages, during printing thereon, with a gaseous sterilizing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Wilfried Ehmer, Martin Schach
  • Patent number: 9003743
    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: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Perkins, Oliver M. Reyes, Philipp Borchard, Nicholas P. De Luca
  • Patent number: 8991141
    Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The sheet engagement device may comprise one or more engagement rollers which may have a plurality of teeth thereon. A first plurality of rollers and a second plurality of rollers comprising the engagement rollers may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Laurence Sperry, Brian A. Murch
  • Publication number: 20150075114
    Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable web, the web including opposing longitudinal edges and a pair of sheets sealed together by transverse seals that form a series of inflatable containers. The machine generally includes a support structure, a spool for supporting a roll of the inflatable web, a web conveyance system, an inflation system to inflate the containers, and a sealing device for sealing closed the openings of the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Brian A. Murch, Jason D. Lepine, Laurence B. Sperry
  • Patent number: 8978345
    Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The engagement device may include a first belt and an opposing second belt which may each have a plurality of teeth thereon. The teeth may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventor: Laurence Sperry
  • Publication number: 20140345236
    Abstract: A vacuum sealing machine includes a base assembly having an upper base portion removably secured to a lower base portion and displacing relative to the lower base portion from a closed position to an open position. Two or more heating strips are disposed on the lower base portion, and each of the heating strips is adapted to seal a portion of an open end of a sealable bag disposed between the lower and upper base portions. At least one securement feature is disposed on the upper base portion and is adapted to apply pressure to a portion of the open end of the inserted sealable bag when the sealable bag is sealed by at least one of the heating strips. In addition, A control unit including at least one microprocessor and a memory unit is in communication with each of the two or more heating strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: CTI INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Jose Diaz, Miguel Martinez, Scott Koszalinski
  • Publication number: 20140325938
    Abstract: A gas pressure testing device, which is for checking pressure of gas inside the gas compartment portion of a bag, including: a pressing member (31) disposed on one side of the bag, a receiving member (38) positioned on another side of the bag, and a movable support member (39) having thereon the pressing member and a distance sensor (32). The pressing member being kept urged toward the gas compartment portion by air cylinder (44) is moved toward the bag so that the gas compartment portion is sandwiched by the pressing member and the receiving member. The distance sensor measures the distance (D) at such time to the pressing member and sends a distance signal to a control unit (37). Based on the distance signal, the control unit determines whether or not the gas pressure in the gas compartment portion is within a preset range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tohru YOSHIKANE, Shota MORISHIGE
  • Publication number: 20140328551
    Abstract: Inflated packages custom-designed to meet the needs of a variety of packaging needs, package precursors (i.e., packages in an un-inflated state), and methods for forming package precursors and converting package precursors into finished packages. Nozzle and needle inflated embodiments are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Shlomo Nevo
  • Publication number: 20140283483
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging the gas compartment portion of a bag (1) in which incisions (9) are formed in gas introduction section (6a) of the gas compartment portion (6). A pair of gas injection nozzles (23, 24) are disposed so as to be on the opposite sides of the bag and reciprocate between its standby and advanced positions, so that in the advanced position, the discharge outlets (23a, 24a) of the gas injection nozzles are aligned with the gas introduction section on both sides, and compressed gas is injected into the gas introduction section through the incisions. A small gap (L) is provided between the discharge outlets of the gas injection nozzles when they are in the advanced position. As the gas is injected, film sheets of the expanded gas introduction section closely adhere to the discharge outlets, so that the gas injection state becomes stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tohru YOSHIKANE, Kenji KAWAMURA, Norikazu SUNOUCHI
  • Publication number: 20140250834
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for charging a gas into a gas compartment portion (6) of a bag (1), after a pre-heating step which is performed in stop position (IV) so that the gas compartment portion of the bag is heated by a heated gas-blowing nozzle (27), a preliminary gas injection step for injecting gas into the gas compartment portion is performed by a gas blowing nozzle (28) and a receiving member (29) in stop position (V). Then, a gas filling step is carried out in stop position (VI) by gas injection nozzles (23, 24), and the incision (9) in the gas compartment portion is sealed in stop position (VII). In the following pre-heating step, the front and rear film sheets (7, 8) of the gas compartment portion are softened, and in the preliminary gas injection step, the film sheets are separated and their adhesion is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru YOSHIKANE, Norikazu Sunouchi, Kenji Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8800247
    Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions utilizes a controller adapted for acquiring information from preconfigured film material and automatically setting one or more operation parameters suitable for inflating and sealing the film. The controller can avoid or limit the need for user input, thus simplifying use of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Van Uijen, Michael G. Kaminski, Charles Daigle, Vladimir Yampolsky
  • Patent number: 8783001
    Abstract: A balloon filling device is provided. The balloon filling device includes a hose connector extending outwards from a body of the balloon filling device, a hose barb extending outwards from the body along a predominant axis, the hose barb being displaced on the body from the hose connector, a valve within the body having an opened state where the valve forms a conduit between the hose connector and the hose barb and a closed state where the conduit is blocked and a receptacle disposed in the body adjacent the hose barb that receives a balloon tying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tie Not Incorporated
    Inventor: Wayne Sikorcin
  • Patent number: 8745960
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for inflating and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner having at least one inflation port, valve, or combination thereof through which a portion of gas can be introduced into the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles Kannankeril, Ian Donegan
  • Publication number: 20140137511
    Abstract: An system and method for coupling a capsule body and cap is provided. The system and method provide a first conduit configured to align a capsule body and a second conduit configured to align a capsule cap. The system and method provide for a pressure-relief cavity in at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Lester David Fulper
  • Publication number: 20140109511
    Abstract: A vacuum sealing appliance is provided including a vacuum motor assembly generating suction, a vacuum trough fluidly connected to the vacuum motor assembly configured to receive suction and evacuate a food container through an open end, and at least one heat sealing element adjacent the vacuum trough configured to heat seal the open end of the food container after evacuation. The vacuum sealing appliance further includes a control unit configured to control the vacuum motor assembly and the at least one heat sealing element. The vacuum sealing appliance further includes a sensor electrically connected to the control unit configured to detect moisture in exhaust air of the vacuum motor assembly and send electrical signals to the control unit. Based upon the electrical signals, the control unit controls one or both of the vacuum motor assembly and the at least one heat sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamal F. Hammad
  • Patent number: 8695311
    Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions utilizes a controller adapted for acquiring information from preconfigured film material and automatically setting one or more operation parameters suitable for inflating and sealing the film. The controller can avoid or limit the need for user input, thus simplifying use of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Daigle, Michael G. Kaminski, Rob Van Uijen, Vladimir Yampolsky
  • Publication number: 20140096483
    Abstract: A transfer chamber is disclosed having a first plate with a first surface configured to receive a sample and a second surface containing a groove. The second surface of the first plate surrounds the first surface of the first plate. A second plate has a first surface and a second surface containing a groove. A sealing component is disposed in the groove of the first plate or the second plate. A pivotable link couples the first plate and the second plate. The pivotable link is configured to hold the first plate, the second plate, and the sealing component together to substantially create an air-tight seal between the first surface of the first plate and the second surface of the second plate. The pivotable link is configured to open the seal in response to a pressure differential across the transfer chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Danvers E. Johnston, Jonathan E. Allen, Edward Baker, Charles T. Black, Chang-Yong Nam
  • Patent number: 8689529
    Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, and cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. Each flexible pouch has an open end and an overlap portion specifically suitable for operation with the apparatus of this invention. The open end is separated and a load is inserted into one of the flexible pouches. After the load is inserted, air is withdrawn and a gas is preferably injected into the flexible pouch by a plurality of flat-profile snorkels, or a single, wider snorkel. The flexible pouch is then heat sealed to form a gas-tight seal. Controls, preferably including a servo mechanism, are used to simultaneously operate the cutting, sealing, fluid transfer and product infeed stations of the automatic packaging apparatus. As the flexible pouch moves from the fluid transfer station to the sealing station, the gas-tight seal is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: CVP Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rearick, Chris Duszka, Joel Swidergal
  • Publication number: 20140090336
    Abstract: There is provided a vacuum packaging apparatus in which a cover is operated to hermetically seal a vacuum chamber to provide an evacuated environment by allowing the vacuum chamber to be in a more complete vacuum state. The vacuum packaging apparatus includes a lower body having a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum generating device; a cover connected to the lower body to cover the vacuum chamber; and a vertical moving unit connected between the cover and the lower body to allow the cover to move upwardly and downwardly with respect to the lower body and closely contact the lower body such that the vacuum chamber is hermetically sealed when the vacuum generating device starts a vacuum creating operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Kyul-Joo Lee
  • Publication number: 20140093444
    Abstract: A process for ammonia saturation of a solid material capable of absorbing and desorbing ammonia, the solid material being composed of solid particles and includes placing the solid material in contact with a cooled surface, with the solid material being disposed against the cooled surface in a thin layer having a thickness of less than 100 mm. The process further includes injecting a stream of gaseous ammonia to be in contact with the solid material, while the solid material is in contact with the cooled surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Faurecia Systemes D'Echappement
    Inventors: Alice Pigeon, Regis Panozzo
  • Publication number: 20140075886
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and storing urine comprises a collecting funnel and collection tank. The funnel has a valve that opens flow of urine begins and closes once the flow stops based on a flow sensor. The flow time of urine is recorded and used to regulate the evacuation and inert gas filling of a head space in the collection container once the urine is collected. The inert gas protects the urine from oxidation so that degradation is minimized while in the collection container. A similar control can be exercised when a bottle is filled with urine from the collection container, wherein head space in the bottle is filled with inert gas for oxidation protection to form a finished package. The head space of finished package can be evacuated to minimize degradation of the urine once the urine is accessed an initial time in the finished package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Don Bell
  • Patent number: 8661772
    Abstract: A method for sealing-in a gas in a bag that has therein a gas filling compartment, including the steps of: placing a blow-out port of a nozzle, which is connected to a pressurized gas supply source, against a cut-in or a hole of the bag and holding the back surface side of the bag with a backing member; blowing a gas from the nozzle into the gas filling compartment of the bag through the cut-in or the hole; gripping and thus closing the gas flow path in sealed portions surrounding the periphery of the cut-in or the hole by a blocking gripper while the gas blow-in continues, thus cutting off the flow of the gas between the cut-in or the hole and the inside of the gas filling compartment; and then sealing the cut-in or the hole, thus allowing the gas to be sealed in the gas filling compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Yasuhira
  • Patent number: 8648719
    Abstract: A container unit for the storage and protection of laboratory substances includes a protective housing and at least one dosage-dispensing unit. The at least one dosage-dispensing unit includes a reservoir container and a dispensing head. To prepare the at least one dosage-dispensing unit for operation, the protective housing can be removed from the dosage-dispensing unit. The protective housing has a bottom part with at least one suitably shaped recess to provide a stable seat for the at least one dosage-dispensing unit, as well as a bell-shaped top. The top can be connected to the bottom part, so as to form a tightly sealed interior space. For transportation and storage purposes, the at least one dosage-dispensing unit is arranged in the interior space of the closed protective housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Matthias Gietenbruch, Sandra Ehrbar
  • Publication number: 20140033649
    Abstract: Providing a packaging machine and a packaging method both of which are capable of packaging with an imperforate bag provided with no small apertures or no aerating part, can prevent contamination of foreign substances such as insects and can further prevent the packaging bags from being damaged or collapsed during storage in a piled state or transportation by execution of reliable deaeration. The packaging machine and a packaging method have a closing unit 4 which holds a vicinity of mouth a of a packaging bag A inserted with a deaeration nozzle held from opposed sides of the bag A, an airway securing unit, a shaping press unit and a temporary sealing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL PACKER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa, Shinya Ozeki
  • Publication number: 20140033645
    Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions utilizes a controller adapted for acquiring information from preconfigured film material and automatically setting one or more operation parameters suitable for inflating and sealing the film. The controller can avoid or limit the need for user input, thus simplifying use of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Daigle, Michael G. Kaminski, Rob Van Uijen, Vladimir Yampolsky
  • Patent number: 8640430
    Abstract: Method and assembly for evacuating a package (2), such as a vacuum package filled with a product such as nuts. The package is at least partially made of packaging film (6). The method employs a suction device (4) provided with a suction opening, for evacuating the package through an aperture (12) in the packaging film. The package is provided with a substantially plate-shaped, rigid element (8), one main surface of which substantially lying in contact “with the inner side of the packaging film, wherein the aperture in the packaging film is provided at the location of the substantially rigid element. The method further includes the sealing abutment of the suction opening against an outer side of the package, at a location where the substantially rigid element lies in contact with the inner side of the packaging film, in such a way that the aperture is in fluid connection with the suction opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Interprise-Brussels S.A.
    Inventor: Mathias Leonardus Cornelis Aarts
  • Patent number: 8635836
    Abstract: An air cushion manufacturing machine includes a film supply unit and a feed unit installed on a machine body and a sealing device for heat sealing an inflated double-layer film when the feed of the film stops. The manufacturing machine is characterized in that a solid state relay (SSR) is coupled to a power supply required by a heat sealer of the sealing device, and the solid state relay controlled by the processor compensates the heat loss of sealing according to the cycle of the sealing process, and a power-on time percentage is controlled to produce a punctuate periodic micro heating to the heat sealer and achieve a constant-temperature heat compensation for each sealing course of the heat sealer. The manufacturing machine is not affected by ambient temperature and is capable of improving the sealing effectiveness and overcome the drawback of conventional sealing devices that easily breaking an electrothermal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Kai-Yuan Tan
  • Publication number: 20140013704
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine (1), comprising a deep-drawing station (2), which forms packaging wells in a material web (8), and a sealing station (19), which bonds a top material web to the material web, wherein before the bonded connection the packaging well is degassed and/or gassed, and a cutting unit, which separates the packagings thus produced from the material webs. The invention further relates to a method for producing a packaging, in which a material web is transported in cycles along a packaging machine, and during each cycle one or more packaging wells are formed in the material web and the packaging well is then filled with a product to be packaged, and then a cover film is sealed onto the packaging well, wherein before sealing a vacuum is drawn and/or a gas exchange is carried out in the packaging well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CFS GERMANY GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Hübner, Kluas Meyer
  • Patent number: 8567160
    Abstract: A method for gas filling a handle portion of a container of a collapsible type. The handle portion being defined by two opposite side walls of the container and communicating, via a duct defined by the side walls, with an opening formed in one of the side walls. The method including the steps of supplying, at a gas filling station, a gas to the handle portion via the opening and the duct, blocking the duct by squeezing action to retain the gas supplied to the handle portion, transporting the container to a sealing station while maintaining the squeezing action and, at the sealing station, sealing the duct while maintaining the squeezing action, so as to permanently enclose the gas in the handle portion. The disclosure further concerns a container of a collapsible type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolean AB
    Inventor: Per Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 8567159
    Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated containers from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies generally includes (a) a first sealing device for producing a series of transverse seals that bond the film plies together, (b) an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, (c) a second sealing device for producing one or more longitudinal seals that bond the film plies together, the transverse seals and the longitudinal seals intersecting to enclose the gas between the film plies to thereby form one or more inflated containers, and (d) at least one intermediate sealing element for producing one or more intermediate seals within each inflated container, the intermediate seals partitioning the containers into two or more compartments and providing at least one flow passageway between the compartments to allow the compartments to fluidly communicate with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Laurence Sperry, James Corliss, Jay Lepine, Brian Murch, Eric Kane, Ross Patterson, Mark Salerno
  • Publication number: 20130247510
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine including a sealing station which is used for sealing a package comprising a trough and a cover film, and which has at least two sides, the sealing station including a sealing tool provided with at least one evacuation aperture for discharging the atmosphere and at least one gas flushing aperture for supplying a gas volume flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Harlacher, Andreas Mader
  • Publication number: 20130232916
    Abstract: A compression system is disposed in a container and shipped to a location having a supply of natural gas. The compression system connects to the natural gas supply, compresses gas from the supply, and provides compressed gas to a consumer. The container, which can be a standardized ISO shipping container, is fitted with removable vents at designated locations. Strategic positioning of compression system components in combination with the removable vents allows for ready access to the compression system for repair and maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dalbir Singh Utal, Ryan McReynolds
  • Publication number: 20130232913
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for forming air filled cushions. The device includes a drive mechanism to move inflatable tubing through the apparatus, and an injector, optionally including an outlet, located continuously within, or within a portion of, the tubing. This arrangement can permit the formation of air filled cushions in a continuous stream. Also disclosed is a roll of plastic tubing that is sealed transversely at a succession of intervals, with each pair of seals stopping just short of a longitudinal center line of the tubing. Such tubing might be used in conjunction with the apparatus, the central gap between the seals allowing passage of the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stuart GREENWOOD, Neil Glynn PRICE
  • Publication number: 20130205719
    Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to vial preparation methods and to vials prepared by such methods. Some embodiments relate to use of an apparatus, such as a lyophilisation apparatus, to perform the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Emma J. Wensley, Andrew Malcolm Knill, John Frederic Suendermann
  • Publication number: 20130199130
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing a filled plastic container includes an actuator, a base unit including a heating surface, and a dispensing device or nozzle. The actuator includes a body portion and a holding/securing member configured to hold or secure a portion of said container. In embodiments, the actuator is configured to apply a force or pressure on said container to contact the base unit, the base unit is configured to receive a base portion of said container, the heating surface is configured to convey energy or heat to a portion of the base portion of said container, and the dispensing device or nozzle is configured to introduce an inert gas into said container. Methods for providing a filled plastic container and providing a thin-walled plastic container are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8468779
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for forming and/or sealing an inflatable mailer. Particularly, the disclosed apparatus comprises an inflation assembly that comprises upper and lower support arms and at least one inflation nozzle. In addition, the disclosed apparatus comprises a sealing assembly comprising upper and lower support arms, upper and lower heat seal jaws, two solenoids, and at least one heat seal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles Kannankeril, Ian M. Donegan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130097967
    Abstract: An appliance for dispensing, forming and vacuum packaging a container is provided including a base, a vacuum motor disposed in the base, a vacuum sealing compartment formed in the base including a vacuum trough fluidly connected to the vacuum motor, a sealing element disposed in the vacuum sealing compartment adjacent the vacuum trough, and a bag roll storage compartment formed in the base vertically disposed above the vacuum sealing compartment. At least one section of the container material may be dispensed from the storage compartment and cut from the roll of container material and sealed on a first free end with the sealing element to form an unsealed container. The unsealed container may then be evacuated by the vacuum motor through a second free end inserted into the vacuum trough and/or sealed on the second free end with the sealing element to form a hermetically sealed container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Augusto Picozza, Richard Neil Tobin, Andrew L. Hall, Jeffery A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8402719
    Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions has a drive mechanism for feeding a preconfigured film material to a sealing mechanism in a flattened state without wrinkles in the sealing region in which a longitudinal seal is formed. In one aspect, the drive mechanism comprises a pair of upper adjacent belts and a backing element, such as a lower belt. The sealing mechanism may be a rotary sealing wheel that contacts the film material between the upper adjacent belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Free-Flowing Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Birkle, Rob Van Uijen, Rob Robinson, Vivek Krishnan, Charles Daigle
  • Patent number: 8381493
    Abstract: Affords a compound semiconductor substrate packaging method for preventing oxidation of the surface of compound semiconductor substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Nishiura, Yoshio Mezaki, Yoshiki Yabuhara
  • Patent number: 8375681
    Abstract: An air injection apparatus configured to inject air into a buffer packing bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: INDIS AIR Corp.
    Inventor: Sung Jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20130036706
    Abstract: When the opposing housings (1, 8) of the apparatus are closed, they form between them a small main chamber (P) delimited above by the film (H) for covering the tray and below by the tray (V) itself containing the product (M), and laterally by any suitable mechanical interface structure which surrounds the perimeter of said film and connects it to the perimeter of the upper edge (B) of the tray, this interface structure having holes (22) which are suitably distributed, are located outside the perimeter of the tray, and communicate with said main chamber (P). One or more of these holes (22) open(s) on at least one side of the tray and is/are connected to a first circuit (23, 24), while another one or more of said holes (22?) open(s) on at least one opposing side of the tray and is/are connected to a second circuit (17) which in turn is connected to the inner chambers of the two housings (1, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GRUPPO FABBRI VIGNOLA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Vaccari, Andrea Schiavina
  • Patent number: 8371093
    Abstract: An air packaging device includes two layers of thermoplastic films, which form a sealable space where air is filled after first and second steps of heat-sealing process. The sealable space includes a number of independent sealed air chambers and a main air passage channel. The main channel has an air inlet. Each sealed air chamber is connected with the main channel by at least one one-way valve each including at least two layers of plastic films. At least two one-way valves are installed inside of the air chambers. This air packaging device increases the cushioning protection where the protection is most needed, but can reduce air chamber dimension at less important locations in order to reduce the volumetric size and, hence, reduce the shipping cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jiaying Zhang, Yaopeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8366594
    Abstract: An air packaging device includes two layers of thermoplastic films, which form a sealable space where air is filled after first and second steps of heat-sealing process. The sealable space includes a number of independent sealed air chambers and a main air passage channel. The main channel has an air inlet. Each sealed air chamber is connected with the main channel by at least one one-way valve each including at least two layers of plastic films. At least two one-way valves are installed inside of the air chambers. This air packaging device increases the cushioning protection where the protection is most needed, but can reduce air chamber dimension at less important locations in order to reduce the volumetric size and, hence, reduce the shipping cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jiaying Zhang, Yaopeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8356463
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming flexible containers from a film web, dispensing fluid into the containers, and enclosing the fluid within the containers. The film web comprises a pair of juxtaposed film plies, a closed longitudinal edge at which the plies are joined, and an open longitudinal edge at which the plies are not joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Mark Salerno, James Corliss