High Frequency Electric Sealing Patents (Class 53/DIG2)
  • Patent number: 6153864
    Abstract: A cap sealing unit for securing foil-polymer laminate innerseals to containers has an air cooled electronics cabinet that may be sealed in accordance with NEMA 4 standards. Heat sinks in the bottom of the electronics cabinet and the top of the sealing head are cooled by two external, wash-down safe fans disposed between the cabinet and the sealing head. The fans draw air in opposite directions, one toward the cabinet and the other toward the sealing head. The cap sealer can be operated with interchangeable flat or tunnel sealing heads of various sizes and coil windings that can be connected to the power supply with plug-in shielded connector assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Enercon Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Richard R Hammen, David C Hamilton, Ronald F May
  • Patent number: 6145285
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding and optionally filling a container including an extruder head for extruding a length of parison and a vibrating knife operatively associated with the apparatus for reciprocating movement and having a blade positioned below the extruder head which traverses the path of the extruded parison to sever the parison. Preferably, the vibrating knife vibrates the blade at ultrasonic frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Weiler Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6109004
    Abstract: A device for receiving, filling, and seal-welding a high-pressure vessel that can be received and clamped between an upper lid and a lower lid. A filling chamber is provided in the upper lid. The chamber is open on one side to a filling hole in the facing wall of the high-pressure vessel and sealed tightly at the other end by a disk made of transparent crystalline material. An interruptible filling line terminates in the chamber, and with a welding energy radiation source being located above the disk, whose radiation penetrates the crystalline material, is simpler in construction and universally applicable as well as operationally more economical. The upper lid, on its side facing the high-pressure vessel, has an annular seal which can be brought into tight contact with the facing wall of the high-pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: MBB Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bauer, Manfred Gebers, Peter Siebenrock
  • Patent number: 6085489
    Abstract: An applicator attaches spouts and other fitments to paperboard cartons and the like in automated packaging equipment. The applicator features a rotatable and translatable anvil housing having a plurality of radially extending lobes, each lobe having an anvil thereon, said anvil having an energy ring thereon to facilitate ultrasonic attachment of the spout to the carton. A mandrel or other engagement mechanism on each lobe engages and holds spouts for attachment to a container. The anvil inserts a spout into a container hole, and an ultrasonic sealer ultrasonically vibrates the carton wall against the energy ring of the anvil to weld the spout to the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: NIMCO Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry G. Bachner, Michael A. Kipp
  • Patent number: 6062002
    Abstract: The ultrasonic sealing device (50) may be integrated on a packaging machine (20) such as a TETRA REX.RTM. packaging machine and used for sealing one end of a carton (200). The ultrasonic sealing device (50) includes a frame (52), an anvil (56), a horn (54) and a plurality of adjustable shafts (60-65). The anvil (56) is disposed on one side of a carton pathway (32) and moveably attached to the frame (52). The ultrasonic horn (54) is disposed on another side of the carton pathway (32) opposite the anvil (56) and moveably attached to the frame (52). The plurality of adjustable shafts (60-65) includes a first plurality of adjustable shafts (60,61) connected to the frame (52), and allowing for vertical adjustment of the frame (52) relative to the carton pathway (32). It also includes a second plurality of adjustable shafts (62,63) connected to the frame (52) and allowing for transversal adjustment of the frame (52) relative to the carton pathway (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: John Lees, Terry Erickson
  • Patent number: 6030329
    Abstract: An automated machine for making standardized disk jackets of consistent quality from non-woven cloth and polypropylene materials includes a machine table, and a raw material mount, a feed roller unit, a first cutter unit, an ultrasonic closure unit, a second cutter unit, a scrap drawing unit, and a conveyor unit disposed in sequence on the machine table. Non-woven cloth and polypropylene material rolls are mounted on the raw material mount. They are drawn, overlapped, cut, sealed using ultrasonic waves, cut into shape, and output as disk jackets for receiving compact disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Hung-Ho Chen
  • Patent number: 5934043
    Abstract: Transverse cuts are made in a web using a cutter/anvil combination which is subjected to high frequency vibration, preferable ultrasound. In one arrangement, particularly for cutting tea bag webs, a rotary cutter drum (4) cooperates with an ultrasonically-vibrated anvil 12. The web may be simultaneously sealed and cut by means of a modified drum (202) having sealer/cutter elements (208, 210). In other arrangements, particularly for cutting cork paper on a machine for assembling filter cigarettes, the paper is severed on a drum (106, 122, 192, 350) cooperating with an ultrasonically-vibrated anvil (110, 194, 312) or directly on an ultrasonically-vibrated drum (144, 160, 170, 180).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Molins PLC
    Inventors: Alan Michael Aindow, Andrew John Cleall, Philip Gordon Haddow, David Robert Seaward, Geoffrey William Vernon, Peter Ernest Willett, Stephen William Bird
  • Patent number: 5927046
    Abstract: A device for sealing the closing seam of a germ-free filled package made from plastic coated paper in germ-free conditions in a clean room; where, in the direction of movement of a sealing jaw, a drive mechanism having a hydraulic cylinder using germ-free water as the hydraulic fluid, and being provided with a piston rod, is connected to the sealing jaw. Behind the sealing jaw the drive member is fixed in a stationary manner to a retaining frame. In front of the sealing jaw and in the direction of movement of the sealing jaw, a counter jaw is securely fixed onto the retaining frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Josef Martin
  • Patent number: 5890347
    Abstract: A method of forming a container including the steps of: providing a sheet material defining a peripheral wall structure bounding a receptacle with an open end, and a closure portion having gable panels and a plurality of fins for closing the open end of the receptacle; reconfiguring the closure portion to place the closure portion in a closed state wherein the plurality of fins are in overlying relationship and the gable panels reside between the fins and the peripheral wall structure; effecting a seal between a plurality of the fins using a first sealing pattern; and after effecting the seal using the first sealing pattern effecting a seal between a plurality of the fins using a second sealing pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA
    Inventors: Peter Giacomelli, Ken Eno, Kenneth Pokusa
  • Patent number: 5881535
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling and sealing intravenous solution bags in a sterile environment. Each bag has a weldably sealable opening for introducing intravenous solution into the bag. The apparatus includes a generally sealed enclosure defining an enclosed interior space sized and shaped for simultaneously containing a plurality of the intravenous solution bags to prevent contamination of the bags. Further, the apparatus includes an intravenous solution delivery system positioned at least partially inside the interior space of the enclosure for delivering intravenous solution through the openings of the bags to fill the bags while the bags are in the enclosure. In addition, the apparatus includes a welder positioned at least partially inside the interior space of the enclosure for hermetically sealing the openings of the bags after they have been filled with intravenous solution and while they are in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Gliniecki, John Kivlehan
  • Patent number: 5875614
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for making flexible packaging containers (20, 70, 84) and inserting and sealing discs (22) within the containers in one continuous operation includes a nip roll indexer (116) which intermittently advances free ends of a first web (108) and a second web (110) a distance defining at least a width of a container, a die cut press (112) for forming partially separable flaps in the first web, first and second ultrasonic welders (220, 226) which concurrently seal together the first and second webs along a first longitudinal seal line (258) and at least one transverse seal line (252) so as to create in the webs a series of disc-receiving areas (40) each defined by the first longitudinal seal lines together with two of the transverse seal lines and having an open edge adjacent second longitudinal edges (256) of the webs, a disc inserting apparatus (120) adapted to insert a disc into a disc-receiving area, a third ultrasonic welder (380) which seals the webs together along a second longitudinal seal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Univenture Inc.
    Inventors: Ross O. Youngs, James L. Weatherford, Sr., David S. Yotive, Roger J. Gerdeman, George E. Spohn, Martin W. Smith, Todd Espenschied, Todd M. Stern
  • Patent number: 5840107
    Abstract: A sealing composition (134) includes about 85-95 wt. % glass frit, about 2-8 wt. % butyl carbitol acetate, about 2-8 wt. % alpha-terpineol, about 0.05-0.8 wt. % ester alcohol, and about 0.05-0.8 wt. % low molecular weight ethyl cellulose binder. A method for fabricating an apparatus (100) includes the steps of applying the sealing composition (134) to a portion (132) of the apparatus (100), removing the butyl carbitol acetate, the alpha-terpineol, and the ester alcohol, removing the binder, and heating the glass frit to a sealing temperature of the glass frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernardo B. Salibay
  • Patent number: 5826407
    Abstract: A method for producing ultrasonic vibrations at a preselected amplitude in a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Giacomelli, Joe Kotarski
  • Patent number: 5819504
    Abstract: The present invention may be utilized as a single station integrated with a standard form, fill and seal machine. The present invention is able to retrieve fitments from a source, apply the fitments to a container and seal the fitments to the container at a single station. The design of the present invention requires only minimal space on a form, fill and seal machine. In practicing the present invention, an anvil retrieves a fitment from a source and then translationally retreats to a position for longitudinal descent into a container. The anvil, with the fitment attached, longitudinally descends into the container to a position parallel to an incision previously incised into the container wall. The anvil proceeds forward to the incision, substantially recovering the translational retreat discussed above, only at a lower level. Once the fitment is positioned therethrough the incision, a sealer permanently attaches the fitment to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Giacomelli, Kosaku Itoh
  • Patent number: 5775055
    Abstract: An anvil system including a plurality of anvils having an interconnected cooling system. Each of the anvils has a means for acoustically insulating the anvil body from ultrasonic energy which originates from a ultrasonic horn. The insulation means may be a airspace slot essentially separating the vibrating portion of the anvil from the anvil body. The anvil may also have an adjustable sealing pattern which allows for facilitated exchange of sealing patterns. The anvil may also have a plurality of projecting pads which reduces damage to the ultrasonic sealing equipment and to the object to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S. A.
    Inventors: Peter Giacomelli, Erik Schott, Ikuro Yokoyama, Takashi Omiya, Michio Sugata
  • Patent number: 5767491
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for making a continuous welding joint. A material web (20) formed into a tube (8) is sealed along the longitudinal joint seam in that a joint heater (1), preferably an induction heater, is disposed in parallel along the longitudinal joint seam. The sealing operation takes place continuously in a point (18) where a compression device (2) consisting of a pressure roller (9) and a counter pressure roller (10) is provided. The compression device (2) is interconnected together with the joint heater (1), to form a moving unit which may move vertically up and down in relation to the sealing point (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holding & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Ohlsson, Christer Kohle
  • Patent number: 5752363
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing liquid dispensers of the general type having a body 10 presenting a pocket 16, a glass ampule 12 received in the body and enclosing a liquid to be dispensed, and a porous element 14 covering the pocket of the body. The method includes arranging a plurality of bodies 10 in a row, bottom ends up, on a tray, and placing ampules 12 in the pockets 16. A strip 72 of porous material is aligned over the pockets of the bodies and secured in place. Thereafter, the strip is cross cut into individual elements to complete the manufacture of the liquid dispensers. The securing step is preferably carried out by ultrasonically welding the porous material to the bodies so that it is not necessary to use adhesives. The cross-cutting step is preferably carried out by pressing a heated wire through the strip of porous material at a position intermediate each pair of adjacent bodies. An apparatus for carrying out manufacture of the dispensers is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventors: William R. Edwards, Paul K. Frederick
  • Patent number: 5728249
    Abstract: A method of forming a non-foil barrier laminate structure which can be made into a container using radio-frequency heat-sealing techniques. The structure incorporates radio-frequency sealable ethyl acrylates which, in combination with additional thermoplastic material layers, produce a structure that can be formed, filled and sealed into cartons on commercially available form-fill-seal-machinery fitted with a radio frequency generator and sealing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Joe L. Kinsey, Jr., Mari Asanuma
  • Patent number: 5713182
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sturdy display package which, in an embodiment, is made of first and second peripherally sealed transparent PVC sheets approximately 7.5 mils thick each. The package is particularly useful for displaying and protecting small items such as pain reliever packets or condoms. The invention includes a method and apparatus for making such a package. The first sheet is positioned over a nesting plate having a plurality of nesting modules, each corresponding to one package and being independently height-adjustable by a shim at a selected location to correct sealing flaws. The second sheet is then positioned over the first sheet so that the items are between the sheets. An RF-sealing die is provided having package-shaped sealing dies, each defining a pocket. The sealing die and nesting plate are pressed together so that each pocket receives a bulge formed by from one of the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Modern Aids, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas E. Croft
  • Patent number: 5714033
    Abstract: A heat-sealing device for liquid-filled tubes has a pair of openable pressing members 23, 24. One of the pressing members, 23, is provided in a pressing face 31 thereof with upper and lower two pressing pads 34, 35 extending in parallel to each other for pressing the tube T along and at respective opposite sides of each of the portions to be cut. The other pressing member 24 is provided in a pressing face 36 thereof with a U-shaped high-frequency coil 38 having upper and lower two straight portions 42, 43 extending in parallel to each other for heating the tube T along and at the respective sides of each portion to be cut. The pressing face 36 of the other pressing member 24 has upper and lower sealer portions 44, 45 each divided into a primary sealing portion 51, secondary sealing portion 52 and tertiary sealing portion 53.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kojiro Hayashi, Fumiyuki Iwano, Micho Ueda
  • Patent number: 5680747
    Abstract: In a packaging machine through which products are advanced singly and in succession along a wrapping line together with a heat-sealable wrapping film, the film is folded around each product to form a wrapper of tubular appearance with two facially confronting longitudinal edge margins, whereupon the temperature of the edge margins is raised by electromagnetic induction to soften the material in readiness for heat-sealing. The pressure required to fuse the heated confronting edge margins together is applied evenly from two opposite sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Mario Spatafora, Andrea Berti
  • Patent number: 5642606
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus for packaging containers includes an anvil (23) for supporting a sealing fin portion (21), a horn (35) composed of a columnar portion and a converging portion (35b), and means for pressing said sealing fin portion (21) against the anvil (23) through the tip of the horn (35) and for transmitting ultrasonic vibration to the sealing fin portion (21). Ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the packaging material through the horn (35) so that each pair of opposing sealant layers is fused and sealed. In addition, means for absorbing ultrasonic vibration is disposed between the tip of the horn (35) and an edge portion (25) of the sealing fin portion (21) so that ultrasonic vibration is absorbed. When the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the sealing fin portion (21), the sealing fin portion (21) is excited to transmit the vibration toward the edge portion (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Per Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 5620542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a valved bag transported by a conveyor. The valved bag has a body with a longitudinal axis, a center of gravity, and a sealable valve. At least a portion of the sealable valve protrudes from the body in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the longitudinal access. The apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting the valved bag in a direction of travel substantially parallel to its longitudinal access. A stop member stops the transportation of the valved bag when the sealable valve is aligned with a sealing area. A ram member positions the valved bag to dispose at least a portion of the sealable valve into the sealing area. An ultrasonic horn and anvil engage and seal the sealable valve. The stop member is removed from the path of the sealed bag, allowing it to resume transportation along the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Avila, Robert G. Kelley, Don G. Giles, Jerry L. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 5606844
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a self-supporting package having an outlet stopper which comprises: (a) a process for supplying a self-supporting bag which has an opening part for filling contents at the top thereof and holding the bag at a vertical position, (b) a process for opening the opening part of the self-supporting bag, (c) a process for filling the self-supporting bag with contents, (d) a process for supplying an outlet stopper which has an outlet with a stopper on a ship-shaped flange to the opening part, and (e) a process for sealing the side faces of the ship-shaped flange of the main part of the outlet stopper to the inner side faces of the opening part of the self-supporting bag. These processes are conducted in the order of the processes (a), (b), (c), (d) to (e), consecutively. An apparatus comprising mechanisms corresponding to the processes (a) to (e) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tadao Takagaki, Yasuo Noguchi, Mituharu Katayama
  • Patent number: 5605026
    Abstract: Ultrasonic sealing apparatus, including at least one anvil and at least one transducer opposed to the anvil to transmit ultrasonic energy to a workpiece clamped between them, is disclosed. The anvil and sealing horn each are reciprocated between an open position allowing a carton to pass and a closed position for sealing a closure. A biasing element is connected between the anvil or the horn and its drive to define the sealing pressure developed between the anvil and the horn. The biasing force can be adjusted without stopping the machine, by using an externally applied pneumatic force. The anvil has a backing element, a facing member, a body, and a resilient pad separating the body from the facing member. The backing element has a curved front surface facing the transducer. The back surface of the anvil pad is curved similarly to and bears against the curved front surface of the backing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Erik Schott, Hisami Mitsuishi, Par Svensson, Stefan Annehed, Dean Skonieczny, Olof Stark, Gunnar Drevfors
  • Patent number: 5564255
    Abstract: A sealing device is set forth which assists in overcoming the foregoing problems. The sealing device includes a first sealing jaw for sealing a fin of the gabled container. A second sealing jaw is disposed opposite the first sealing jaw. Both the first and second sealing jaws include a generally flat face portion. The second sealing jaw further includes a sealing bar extending from a mid-region of its generally flat face portion lengthwise along at least a portion thereof for sealing the fin of the gabled container with, for example, ultrasonic energy. A ridge extends respectively from each of the generally flat face portions at a position to form a fin base crease at the base of the fin, for example, over the existing weak crease at the base of the fin. The fin base crease assists in preventing separation at the base of the fin below the principal horizontal seal formed by the sealing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Giacomelli
  • Patent number: 5553443
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing mattresses, including the steps of forming a coil spring from wire, conditioning said coil spring to reduce stresses formed therein, placing said coil spring within pockets to create elongate strings of pocketed coil springs, attaching said elongate strings to create innerspring constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Simmons Company
    Inventors: Albert R. St. Clair, Paul H. Brannock
  • Patent number: 5519983
    Abstract: A shrink wrap packaging system has an ultrasonic side sealer. The ultrasonic side sealer contemporaneously slits and welds together at least two separate layers of shrink wrap film. The ultrasonic side sealer is useful in in-line shrink wrap packaging equipment in which a continuous side seal or weld is required to wrap shrink wrap completely around one or more packaged items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Conflex Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky E. Moen
  • Patent number: 5518578
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a fin at a gabled end of a carton is disclosed. The apparatus includes a longitudinal force mechanism for applying a sealing force to a first pair of opposed flaps of the gabled end of the carton. The longitudinal force mechanism is movable from a first position in which the gabled end of the carton is in a generally open condition to a second position at which the fin of the gabled end is sealed. A transverse force mechanism applies oppositely directed transverse forces to a second pair of opposed flaps of the gabled end of the carton as the longitudinal force mechanism moves from the first position to the second position. The transverse force mechanism urges the second pair of opposed flaps toward one another during movement of the longitudinal force mechanism. The second pair of opposed flaps are thus urged inward toward one another as the longitudinal force mechanism moves to form and seal the fin thereby preventing "duckbilling".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: David L. Persells, Shigehiro Kinoshita, Hisami Mitsuishi, Erik Schott
  • Patent number: 5507904
    Abstract: A port is formed in a thermoplastic container wall by slitting the wall, inserting a thermoplastic tube through the slit, placing a mandrel in the tube, placing opposed dies defining a bore over the sheet and tube, and dielectrically heating the thermoplastic to fuse the tube and sheet. Preferably the bore defined by the dies is of a diameter slightly less than that of the tube, and has an enlarged central area which forms a thickened section of material over the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Fisher, Allen R. Wons
  • Patent number: 5444963
    Abstract: A process and equipment for shaping seals for containers with an electromagnetic pulse. The pulse is generated by a current pulse coil positioned around the seal and energized by the discharge current of a condenser. The process and the equipment are particularly suited for sealing containers for milk and dairy products and also for other beverages and products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Magnet-Physik Dr. Steingroever GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Steingroever, Udo Biedermann
  • Patent number: 5437141
    Abstract: The method is performed on a tape banding machine with a winding tape made of a paper tape coated with plastic or lacquer which forms at least one tensionable loop. The loop is severed after tightening and binding the winding tape. When forming the loop, the tape banding machine directs the plastic or lacquer layer of a winding tape which is coated on one side onto its uncoated surface made of porous paper. Where the winding tape is coated on both sides, the plastic layers are directed onto each other. The free end is bound to the aforementioned winding tape by ultrasonic cold welding. The flat working surface of the sonotrode of a tape banding machine is divided into sections by at least one recess; it consists of preferably small grid surfaces. The recesses are preferably grooves which run in a lengthwise direction and at an angle of 30.degree.-60.degree. to this lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: ATS Automatic Taping Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Kurt Baumann
  • Patent number: 5263606
    Abstract: A squeeze container has a flexible tubular body and a separately molded bottom cover. The bottom cover has an axially facing continuous groove in which the open end of the tubular body seats with the end surface of the tube abutting the bottom surface of the groove. A radially outwardly extending flange spaced axially from the open end of the container has a bottom surface which abuts a top surface on a lip extending radially outward from the groove in the bottom cover. A tubular extension on the bottom cover radially inward of the groove has an outer surface which abuts the inner surface of the tubular body. Sonic energy directors in the form of continuous pointed ribs effect sonic welds between each of the sets of abutting surfaces to hermetically seal the bottom cover to the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Continental Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert V. Dutt, Gary L. Mengeu
  • Patent number: 5244520
    Abstract: A pour spout carton for extended shelf life paperboard containers, such as those of the gable top type. A first barrier layer lines the carton interior and and a second lines the carton exterior surface. A dispensing opening is formed, as by die cutting, in a panel of the carton. The two barrier layers span the dispensing opening, except for a concentric dispensing hole through them, with the two barrier layers sonically sealed together along an annular zone radially intermediate the dispensing opening and the dispensing hole. The pour spout carries a flange extending from the edge of the dispensing hole to a location radically beyond the dispensing opening, the flange sonically bonded to the outer barrier layer at three radially spaced, concentric zones. The spout screw cap is of a different polymer than the spout, to prevent bonding between the cap and spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Gordon, Roderick W. Kalberer
  • Patent number: 5125210
    Abstract: A device for covering bales of unpacted fiber materials includes a winding device, which has spaced apart substantially parallel first and second rolls of bale covering material, on which a single covering material is wound such that the material extends between the two rolls of material. A bale of the fibrous material is formed on a support which, in one embodiment, comprises a carriage so that there is a relative movement between the bale support and the winding device, so as to cause the support with the bale to move through the plane of the covering material, thus, cause the material to wrap around the adjacent end and the sides, and up to the front end which is opposite the adjacent end. Covering material ends, which are arrived at the front of the bale are directed to a clamping device so that they are closed in the front of the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Autefa Mashinen Fabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Lang, Herwig Hirschek
  • Patent number: 5117613
    Abstract: An induction heating package sealing system includes a control which applies full power to an inductor of a first period and reduces power gradually for a second period. A seal temperature profile gradually approaching a temperature goal is thereby achieved which provides for a more uniform seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Tocco, Inc.
    Inventor: George D. Pfaffmann
  • Patent number: 5110040
    Abstract: A pour spout carton for extended shelf life paperboard containers, such as those of the gable top type. A dispensing opening is formed, as by die cutting, in a panel of the carton. A pour spout carries a flange extending from the edge of the dispensing hole to a location radically beyond the dispensing opening, the flange sonically bonded to the outer barrier layer along an annular outermost knurled zone. The knurled zone sonic horn configuration yields pour spout attachment times and spout attachment integrity superior to known prior spout attachment methods and spout constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventors: Roderick W. Kalberer, Frederick J. Henkel, Arnold L. Berzins
  • Patent number: 5109653
    Abstract: This relates to a sealing head for sealing lids to cartons. The sealing head is provided with suction heads or cups for receiving a lid from a lid supply and depositing such lid in position on a carton which is mounted in a nest. The sealing head is provided with a seal member which forms the seal with a nest carrying a carton so that a vacuum may be drawn within the nest both within and around the carton. Thereafter, the sealing head provides an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to fill the carton with the inert gas, after which a support further sealing head moves the sealing head down further so that a lower edge of a projecting induction heating coil will clamp a lid against a carton and effect a heat bonding of the lid to the carton. The sealing head is self contained and has a fitting including a plurality of electrical prongs and fluid line sockets for coupling the sealing head to a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Continental Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Kubis, John Walter, Donald J. Roth, Glenn R. Mohr
  • Patent number: 5058360
    Abstract: A filling and sealing apparatus has a temporary spout attaching device for temporarily attaching a spout onto a wall of a package having one end open and the other end closed, a spout fusing device for fusing the temporarily attached spout to the package, a filling device for filling the package with fluid through the open end thereof and a package sealing device for sealing the open end of the package filled with liquid. The spout fusing device includes an anvil adapted to be inserted into the package having the temporarily attached spout, a ultrasonic fusing device arranged in facing relation to the anvil and a temperature regulation device for supplying temperature regulation fluid through the anvil. The anvil may be formed with a groove in one of side surfaces thereof for receiving the temporarily mounted spout. The spout fusing device has a ultrasonic vibration horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Yamazaki, Toshiaki Nomura, Takashi Maruyama, Shigenobu Sato
  • Patent number: 5025123
    Abstract: A modular type replaceable heating unit with a downwardly facing heating ring for use in an apparatus for sealing a flat lid with a lower layer of heat bondable material onto the upper, generally flat surface of a flange extending around the periphery of an access opening in a container. The apparatus moves the heating unit between first and second positions. The apparatus includes a generally fixed high frequency power supply for energizing the heating ring, connecting the high frequency power supply to the heating ring only while the heating unit is moving between the first and second positions. The ring is forced against the lid as the power supply is energized and is released from the lid after the power supply has been de-energized. Preferably the ring is an inductor. A plurality of these heating units is carried by a turret to define individual heating stations on the turret which stations rotate to selectively energize the individual heating units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Pfaffmann, Charles S. Kubis, John P. Currie, Norbert R. Balzer, John Walter, Graham R. Adams
  • Patent number: 4996826
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a flat lid with a lower layer of heat bondable material onto the upper, generally flat surface of a flange extending around the periphery of an access opening in a container of the type used to store a substance subsceptible to deterioration when exposed to atmosphere for a prolonged time such as prepared foods, which method and apparatus moves a separate and distinct heating unit with a downwardly facing heating ring in a preselected path, preferably circular in shape, between first and second positions, includes a generally fixed high frequency power supply for energizing said heating ring, connects this fixed high frequency power supply to the individual heating rings of the moving heating unit only when the unit is moving between the first and second positions, and energizes the power supply only while the heating unit is moving between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Pfaffmann, Norbert R. Balzer, Charles S. Kubis, John Walter
  • Patent number: 4969306
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a filled, flanged carton tray with a flat lid. The tray is advanced into a sealing machine while resting on a conveyor (3) and at random spacing between trays. At a predetermined position the tray has a lid (2) placed on it, the lid (2) engaging against a stop curtain (4) and awaiting the tray (1), this being the lid (2) which is to be sealed against the flanges of the tray. The tray with the lid on it is then advanced by rollers (5-8) into a first microwave applicator (11), which includes longitudinal rails (12, 13) with a C-shaped cross section, for sealing a pair of opposing lid edge portions against respective flanges of the tray (1), subsequent to which, compression or sealing rollers (14-17) situated in the advancing direction of the conveyor press against the lid (2), which was sealed immediately previously, and before the tray (1) is turned 90.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Sprinter System AB
    Inventor: Kay Wallin
  • Patent number: 4941306
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a flat lid with a lower layer of heat bondable material onto the upper, generally flat surface of a flange extending around the periphery of an access opening in a container of the type used to store a substance susceptible to deterioration when exposed to atmosphere for a prolonged time such as prepared foods, which method and apparatus moves a separate and distinct heating unit with a downwardly facing heating ring in a preselected path, preferably circular in shape, between first and second positions, includes a generally fixed high frequency power supply for energizing said heating ring, connects this fixed high frequency power supply to the individual heating rings of the moving heating unit only when the unit is moving between the first and second positions, and energizes the power supply only while the heating unit is moving between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Pfaffmann, Norbert R. Balzer, Charles S. Kubis, John Walter, John P. Currie, Graham R. Adams
  • Patent number: 4936943
    Abstract: This relates to the mounting of a sealing head for sealing a plastic lid in a plastic container by way of induction heating. In order that a sealing head may be readily removed and replaced by a like sealing head for cleaning and repair, there is provided a quick detachable coupling between the sealing head and a support which is carried by a movable positioner for vertically positioning the sealing head. Further, there is associated with the support a supply unit which supplies to the sealing head electrical energy for an induction heating coil and for a gas detector. In addition, there is supplied to the sealing head from the supply unit two separate vacuum supplies and an inert gas supply with one of the vacuum supplies serving to hold a lid in place on the underside of the sealing head and the other vacuum supply serving to evacuate the container prior to the lid being applied thereto. The inert gas supply is provided to supply an inert gas to an evacuated container prior to sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Kubis, John Walter
  • Patent number: 4909022
    Abstract: This relates to a nest for receiving a container which is to be filled and thereafter have a lid applied thereto with the lid being sealed to the container by a sealing head in conjunction with the nest. Most particularly, there will be a plurality of such nests with the nests being carried by an endless conveyor chain. The endless conveyor chain is provided with special links which are elongated and wherein an upper one of each set of elongated links is adapted to have seated thereon a nest in supporting relation. Further, the chain links are connected together by customary pins which have been elongated so as to project upwardly above the chain. In conjunction with these projecting pins, the nest is provided with bores which receive the pins. Thus the nest may be readily placed on and removed from the conveyor chain. Each nest is in the form of a housing which defines a cavity for a container. An upper part of the cavity carries a seat member over which a flange of a container is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Kubis, John Walter
  • Patent number: 4860902
    Abstract: A spouted, gable-topped carton has its top closure fin sealed by welding employing an ultrasonic horn and an anvil giving a suitable profile of contour sealing of the fin. There is a straight continuous lengthwise seal where the fin is two-ply and a meandering continuous lengthwise seal where it is four-ply, while the sealed portions of the four-ply spout part of the fin are of lesser total extent in proportion to the area of that spout part than are the sealed portions of the other four-ply part of the fin in proportion to its area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Elopak A/S
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kieser
  • Patent number: 4825625
    Abstract: Improved form, fill, and seal machine for making aseptic sealed packages incorporating a plurality of sealing mechanisms mounted on a continuously advancing structure in a form, fill, and seal machine. Induction heating is used to longitudinally seal the edges of the web together to form a tube and to transversely seal the tube. A circuit means is used for controlling the electromagnetic energy source output to form longitudinal seals and transverse seals. The plurality of sealing mechanisms include a sealing jaw and an anvil jaw hinged together and adapted to pinch the tube therebetween at predetermined locations as the sealing mechanisms and web tubing advance. Each sealing jaw contains a transverse induction coil for transversely sealing the tube. Coupling and energization means select for forming a longitudinal seal segment or a transverse seal or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Marvin Hufford
  • Patent number: 4816110
    Abstract: An in-line sealer apparatus for applying and sealing foils to the mouth of sequentially presented containers. The apparatus includes a rotatable turret having a pocket wheel containing angularly spaced pockets for accommodating containers. Each pocket has a foil transfer and sealing mechanism which is associated therewith and mounted on the turret arrangement for rotation therewith. Each mechanism includes a stacker unit which removably attaches to the turret and stores therein a stack of foils. Each mechanism also includes a foil transfer and applying unit which is disposed below the stacker and includes a movable foil-engaging head for removing the lowermost foil in the stack, and thereafter transferring the foil and applying it to the mouth of the container positioned within the respective pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Montreal Milling Cutter Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Istvan Foldesi, Ludwik Cudnoch, Marcel P. Belanger
  • Patent number: 4787194
    Abstract: Packaging containers which are closed, except for a pinch-type filling valve or filling-opening, are provided with an RF-sealable polymer, at least in the valve or opening, in order to be able to seal the valve or opening using RF frequency. Preferably, polymers which are sealable using MW energy are used, including, preferably, carbon monoxide-containing ethylene polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Gerald M. Lancaster, David C. Kelley
  • Patent number: RE33467
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in form, fill, and seal machines wherein a polyfoil material is compressed between two jaws, one jaw having a secondary induction coil which passes through an electromagnetic field and induces a current in the metallic layer of the polyfoil, to heat and then seal the polyfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Robert F. Steck, John L. Baartman, III