GLENN WARREN KILLINGER
Pilots at Coachman Dr, Simpsonville, SC

6499274, Dec 31, 2002

Jun 20, 2000

09/597680

Gregory E. McDonald - Simpsonville SC
Jeffrey L. Walker - Easley SC
Glenn W. Killinger - Simpsonville SC
Andrew W. Moehlenbrock - Simpsonville SC

Cryovac, Inc. - Duncan SC

B65B 3100

53434, 53512, 53251, 19886715, 1988032, 1984651, 1984653

The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and system for loading, vacuumizing, and sealing bagged articles. The invention includes placing a bagged article onto a subplaten, and advancing the loaded subplaten through a synchronizing assembly which allows synchronized placement of the loaded subplaten onto the platen of a vacuum/seal apparatus. The invention provides improved automation of the entire loading/vacuumizing/sealing process for a wide variety of bagged articles, especially food articles such as meat, poultry, cheese, and the like.

5826405, Oct 27, 1998

May 16, 1997

8/857277

Glenn W. Killinger - Simpsonville SC
Gregory E. McDonald - Simpsonville SC
Charles C. Zende - Greer SC

W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn - Duncan SC

B65B 4330, B65B 4336, B65B 4312, B65B 4352

53459

A method of opening a bag includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; holding the bag mouth between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag mouth disengages from the tape; activating the first and second means for vacuumizing to draw a vacuum through said means; and further moving the first means for vacuumizing such that the bag mouth opens. In an alternative method, instead of holding the bag mouth with the vacuumizing means, the vacuumizing means can be brought into close proximity to the bag mouth, and activated to draw each panel of the bag mouth to a respective vacuumizing means. Thereafter, both vacuumizing means can be moved upward, and the bag mouth opened. An apparatus for opening a bag is also disclosed.

6282871, Sep 4, 2001

Jul 29, 1999

9/363098

Glenn W. Killinger - Simpsonville SC
Gregory E. McDonald - Simpsonville SC
Charles C. Zende - Greer SC

Cryovac, Inc. - Duncan SC

B65B 4334

53459

A method of opening a bag mounted on a tape includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; gripping the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens. The first and second means for vacuumizing are activated before or during the gripping step, or after these means have been moved, but before the bag mouth opens. An apparatus for transporting a bag, and loading a bag, are also disclosed.

5692360, Dec 2, 1997

Oct 23, 1995

8/547009

Gregory E. McDonald - Simpsonville SC
Glenn W. Killinger - Simpsonville SC
John D. Foster - Campobello SC
Cuong M. Ta - Taylors SC
Charles C. Zende - Greer SC
Andrew W. Moehlenbrock - Simpsonville SC

W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. - Duncan SC

B65B 3100

53434

The present invention relates to an apparatus, automated system and method for packaging food products. The system has a novel arrangement for transferring the product from a receiving station to a bagging station which arrangement includes mechanical devices for pulling a bag over the product. The system further includes a unique platen system for transporting the bagged product to various stations where it is vacuumized, sealed, trimmed, and finished. Optionally, the system includes a plurality of needles for injecting a fluid such as a basting fluid into the product.

5987854, Nov 23, 1999

Apr 22, 1998

9/064333

Glenn W. Killinger - Simpsonville SC
Gregory E. McDonald - Simpsonville SC
Charles C. Zende - Greer SC

Cryovac, Inc. - Duncan SC

B65B 4330, B65B 4336

53459

A method of opening a bag mounted on a tape includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; gripping the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens. The first and second means for vacuumizing are activated before or during the gripping step, or after these means have been moved, but before the bag mouth opens. An apparatus for transporting a bag, and loading a bag, are also disclosed.

7607467, Oct 27, 2009

Jan 17, 2006

11/333569

Gregory E. McDonald - Simpsonville SC, US
Timothy S. Dennison - Greer SC, US
Glenn W. Killinger - Simpsonville SC, US
Jeffrey L. Walker - Easley SC, US

Cryovac, Inc. - Duncan SC

B32B 38/04, B32B 43/00, B65B 41/10, B65B 41/16, B65G 47/46, B65G 47/10, B65H 20/02, B65H 35/10, B26F 3/02, B29C 65/02

156510, 533894, 53504, 198351, 1983692, 226168, 226188, 226190, 225 96, 225100

An apparatus for selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags or layflat tubing comprises a web selector for selecting and advancing a web from the plurality of rolls; a bag driver for advancing the selected web and separating a bag from the web; and a bag transfer device for transporting the separated bag from the bag driver to a location for processing. A sealer/cutter is used to produce a bag from the layflat tubing. A method of selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags or layflat tubing comprises selecting and advancing a web from the plurality of rolls of serrated bags; advancing the selected web and separating a bag from the web; and transporting the separated bag to a location for further processing. In the case of layflat tubing, the selected web is sealed and cut to make a bag.