Flexible package conveyance

US11401061B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sealed Air Corporation (US) · US

Inventors

• Thomas P. Orsini · Sterling, US
• Mark Garceau · Bethlehem, US
• David Cenedella · Shirley, US
• Robert J. Simonelli · Worcester, US
• Michael A. Kalinowski · Nashua, US
• Kyle A. Brown · Frisco, US
• John J. Gilbert · Cowbridge, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 14, 2017
• Grant date: Aug 2, 2022
• Expiry date: Feb 21, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D2205/02
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system (12, 212), an inflation system (280), and a conveying system (250). The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.