Michael B Mcmahon

US Patent:

6449924, Sep 17, 2002

Filed:

Jul 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/915154

Inventors:

Michael J. McMahon - Palatine IL
Art Malin - Northbrook IL
Steve Ausnit - New York NY

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B65B 6118

US Classification:

53412, 531334, 531392

Abstract:

Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

US Patent:

6474045, Nov 5, 2002

Filed:

Jul 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/915175

Inventors:

Michael J. McMahon - Palatine IL
Art Malin - Northbrook IL
Steve Ausnit - New York NY
Donald L. Crevier - Essex IL
David J. Matthews - Gilman IL
Joel Johnson - Stockbridge GA

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B65B 6118

US Classification:

53412, 531334, 531392

Abstract:

Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

US Patent:

6526727, Mar 4, 2003

Filed:

Jul 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/915244

Inventors:

Michael J. McMahon - Palatine IL
Art Malin - Northbrook IL
Steve Ausnit - New York NY

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B65B 6118

US Classification:

53412, 531334, 531392

Abstract:

Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

US Patent:

6609353, Aug 26, 2003

Filed:

Jul 20, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/357022

Inventors:

Michael J. McMahon - Palatine IL
Art Malin - Northbrook IL

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B65B 6118

US Classification:

53412, 53451, 531334, 531392

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bags having slide zippers on a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine is provided. In a first embodiment a coil of sliders is fed to an insertor mechanism for applying the slider downstream of a coil of zipper. In a second embodiment a magazine of individual or connected sliders is used to feed the slider insertor mechanism. In a third embodiment bulk sliders are introduced into a vibratory feeding bowl which then orients and feeds the sliders to the slider insertor mechanism. The slider insertor mechanism may be upstream of the FFS machine or at the FFS machine upstream or downstream of the sealing bars used to seal the zipper the bag film. The zipper flanges may be provided with a peel seal layer to provide a hermetic and/or tamper evident seal for the bag.

US Patent:

6666626, Dec 23, 2003

Filed:

Mar 25, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/106687

Inventors:

Michael McMahon - Palatine IL
Stanley Piotrowski - Schiller Park IL

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B65G 5366

US Classification:

406 50, 400 25, 400 32, 400 75, 400176

Abstract:

An apparatus ( ) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area ( ) of a slider insertion device ( ). A first sensor ( ) on a sender track ( ) detects a lack of sliders ( ) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor ( ) to a controller ( ) to actuate a vibratory bowl ( ) of sliders ( ), and a first solenoid operated plunger ( ) thereby releasing the sliders ( ) to the sender track ( ). Air connections ( ) pneumatically push the sliders ( ) along the sender track ( ) to a second solenoid-operated plunger ( ). When a second sensor ( ) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack ( ) , the second sensor ( ) signals the controller ( ) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger ( ) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve ( ). The second solenoid-operated plunger ( ) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve ( ) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders ( ) into the feed tube ( ) and onto the slider insertion area ( ).

US Patent:

6715262, Apr 6, 2004

Filed:

Apr 27, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/844617

Inventors:

Art Malin - Northbrook IL
Stanley Piotrowski - Schiller Park IL
Michael McMahon - Palatine IL

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B65B 6118

US Classification:

53412, 53451, 531334, 531392, 53551

Abstract:

A method is disclosed for forming reclosable packages at a form, fill and seal (FFS) apparatus by advancing a film of package making material longitudinally to form a tube while guiding opposite longitudinal edges of the film into a fin. A zipper having interlocking members and an attached flange is fed into the fin by capturing external surfaces of the interlocking members within a first guide member positioned adjacent to said fin and feeding the flanges along opposite sides of a second guide member positioned within said fin. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

US Patent:

6726408, Apr 27, 2004

Filed:

Aug 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/227028

Inventors:

Michael McMahon - Palatine IL
Stanley Piotrowski - Addison IL
Donald L. Crevier - Essex IL

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B65G 5366

US Classification:

406 50, 406 25, 406 32, 406 75, 406176

Abstract:

An apparatus ( ) for feeding sliders ( ) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area ( ) of at least two slider insertion devices ( ). A sensor ( ) on a sender track ( ) detects a lack of sliders ( ) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor ( ) to actuate a vibratory bowl ( ) of sliders ( ) and a plunger ( ) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders ( ) to a sender track ( ). When a sensor ( ) detects a lack of sliders ( ) in a loading rack ( ) or a slider insertion area ( ), the sensor ( ) signals a plunger ( ) and a pneumatic valve ( ) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders ( ) onto the slider insertion area ( ) of each slider insertion device ( ). A directional gate ( ) sends the sliders ( ) to either sender track ( ) prior to launching to either slider insertion device ( ), or a directional gate ( ) sends the sliders ( ) to either slider insertion device ( ) after launching of the sliders ( ).

US Patent:

6733622, May 11, 2004

Filed:

Apr 1, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/113489

Inventors:

Michael J. McMahon - Palatine IL
Lawrence Share - Skokie IL
Michael A. Pollack - Vernon Hills IL
Donald L. Crevier - Essex IL
Nigel D. Knight - Kankakee IL
Stanley Piotrowski - Addison IL

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B29C 6508

US Classification:

1565802, 156553, 1565801

Abstract:

An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a horn, an anvil and an anvil cover. The horn comprises a generally T-shaped flattening surface and a rail projecting forward of the flattening surface. The rail is shaped to serve as a dam for flowing thermoplastic zipper material during stomping of slider end stops. The horn further comprises a plurality of vertical energy directors designed to direct ultrasonic energy into the mass of zipper material and deflect flowing zipper material toward the dam. The horn further comprises first and second recesses located on opposite sides of a stem of the T-shaped flattening surface. The anvil cover overlies opposing portions of the anvil and comprises a T-shaped cutout. The T-shaped flattening surface of the horn fits in the T-shaped cutout of the anvil cover. The resulting zipper has slider end stops located at opposing ends.