Patents Assigned to KRONES
  • Patent number: 11845619
    Abstract: A clamp device for retaining a container in a container-handling apparatus, for example for retaining a drinks container at a neck portion or at a body portion, includes two clamp arms, which each have a retaining portion for retaining the container which is to be retained, and at least one prestressing element for prestressing the retaining portions towards one another, wherein for the purpose of adjusting the distance which is present between the retaining portions, the clamp arms are designed in a displaceable manner in relation to the prestressing of the at least one prestressing element. A container-handling apparatus having at least one clamp device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Marco Leidel, Christoph Brandl, Bruno Landler
  • Patent number: 11834217
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for treating containers and in particular plastic containers having a container treatment unit, wherein the apparatus has a main transport device which is suitable and intended to transport the containers along a predetermined transport path, wherein the container treatment device has at least two treatment devices which are suitable and intended to treat the containers in a predetermined manner, having a feed and discharge unit which is suitable and intended to feed containers to be treated to the at least first treatment unit and to discharge containers already been treated from the first treatment device and having a media supply unit which is suitable and intended to feed media to the at least one first treatment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Domeier, Benedikt Boettcher, Eduard Handschuh, Klaus Voth
  • Patent number: 11827010
    Abstract: Monitoring device (50, 52) for monitoring a plurality of containers (10) which have been printed with at least one first image element (B1-B8) by a direct printing machine (20), having a transport device (40) which supplies and/or discharges the printed containers (10) to be monitored along a predefined transport path, in particular individually and successively, to the monitoring device (50, 52), wherein the monitoring device (50, 52) monitors the printed containers (10) at least with respect to the first image element (B1-B8) applied by the direct printing machine (20), and has a memory device (53) which stores the at least one set of first image elements (B1-B8) to be monitored. According to the invention, for each container (10) to be monitored, the monitoring device (50, 52) carries out monitoring taking into account at least one image element (B1-B8) uniquely assigned to this container (10) to be monitored from the set of first image elements (B1-B8) to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Anton Niedermeier
  • Patent number: 11814277
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling a container, comprising filling the container with a filling product, for example with a beverage in a beverage bottling plant, wherein the apparatus has: a valve main body with an outlet for introducing the filling product into the container and with a swirl chamber which is fluidically connected to the outlet and is configured to induce a swirling motion in the filling product as the latter is being introduced into the container; a valve cone which is at least partially arranged in the valve body, defines an axial direction and through which a gas duct penetrates in the axial direction; and a sensor device with a sensor head which is configured to detect at least one signal and is arranged in the gas duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Valentin Becher
  • Patent number: 11815878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container-processing system and to a method having safety-oriented management of settings for a container-processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Theodor Bielmeier, Timo Pronold, Pino-Guiseppe Palumbo, Thomas Stauber, Stefan Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11812207
    Abstract: Provided is a method for remote monitoring of a production plant and in particular a packaging plant, the plant has a plurality of working units as well as a data collection device, to which these working units are connected at least partially and/or at least intermittently for data transmission, wherein the data collection device collects relevant data for the working units and wherein a data transmission device transmits data from the data collection device to a data recording device, wherein at least one characteristic and in particular a type and/or a scope of the data to be transmitted can be determined by a user and in particular by a user of the data collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Johann Zistler
  • Patent number: 11809167
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container processing system (10A-10U) for processing containers (12). The container processing system (10A-10U) has a plurality of processing units (22) for processing the containers (12) and a planar drive system (14) for transporting the containers (12). The planar drive system (14) is configured to move the plurality of movement devices (18) individually to a selection of the plurality of processing units (22) according to in each case one of a plurality of processing profiles for different container processing, wherein each of the plurality of processing profiles has a different selection of the plurality of processing units (22). The container processing system (10A-10U) advantageously allows flexible processing of different containers (different formats, contents, designs, bundles, packages, etc.) from a lot size of 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Stefan Scherl, August Peutl, Heinrich Bielmeier, Florian Lauterbach, Roland Laumer, Stefan Elsperger, Michael Neubauer, Alexander Kaiser, Wolfgang Roidl, Frank Winzinger
  • Patent number: 11806863
    Abstract: A clamp device for retaining a container in a container-handling apparatus, for example for retaining a drinks container in a container-handling apparatus of a bottling plant, includes two clamp arms which can be moved relative to one another, wherein at least one clamp arm has an interchangeable clamp jaw with a retaining portion for retaining the container which is to be retained, wherein the clamp jaw has a latching element for undergoing a form fit with a recess formed in the associated clamp arm. A clamp jaw and a container-handling apparatus are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Felix Zeitler, Bernhard Heinze
  • Patent number: 11807470
    Abstract: Buffer device for buffering containers, with an inlet, an inlet manipulator, a first buffer system, a transposition device, a second buffer system, an outlet manipulator, and an outlet, where containers can be transferred by the inlet manipulator from the inlet to the first buffer system and can be transported along a first direction in the first buffer system, where the transposition device can transfer containers from the first buffer system to the second buffer system, and the containers can be transported in the second buffer system along a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and the containers can be removed from the second buffer system by the outlet manipulator and fed to the outlet, where the buffer capacity of the buffer device is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Helmut Schuesslburner, Konrad Senn
  • Patent number: 11807510
    Abstract: Beverage processing system for filling a beverage into containers with a filler with several filling valves for filling the beverage into the containers, where the filling valves are each configured having a filling device for filling at least two components of the beverage into one of the containers, a capper for closing the container filled with the beverage, and with a conveyor for transporting the containers at least from the filler to the capper, characterised in that the beverage processing system comprises at least one gas analysis device for quality control of the mixed beverage filled into the containers, and in that the at least one gas analysis device each comprises a gas suctioning device for suctioning gas from a head region of the containers filled with the beverage and an analyzer for analyzing the suctioned gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Ute Winter, Patrick Engelhard, Valentin Becher, Eva Beierle
  • Patent number: 11802035
    Abstract: A clamping device for holding a container in a container handling device, for example for holding a beverage container by a neck portion, includes a first clamping arm arranged on a support plate pivotably about a first pivot shaft and having a holding portion for contact against the container to be held, and a second clamping arm arranged on the support plate pivotably about a second pivot shaft and having a holding portion for contact against the container to be held. The first pivot shaft and the second pivot shaft respectively have a cylinder pin portion for forming a form closure, radially to the longitudinal direction of the pivot shaft, with a bore in a support of a container handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Bruno Landler
  • Patent number: 11794335
    Abstract: Modular robot system for a container processing facility, comprising a mobile platform, which comprises a chassis that is supported on the floor for moving in a working area of the container processing facility, and comprising multiple robot units of different types for carrying out jobs of different types in the container processing facility, wherein the mobile platform and/or the robot units are designed such that the robot units can selectively be connected to the mobile platform in order to transport each robot unit in the container processing facility and position it for the respective job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hahn
  • Patent number: 11787644
    Abstract: Transporting installation for containers, such as bottles, having a first transporting device, which can transport containers by neck-handling, and a second transporting device, which can transport containers by base-handling, wherein the first transporting device transports the containers at a different height from the second transporting device, wherein, in a transfer region in which the containers can be transferred from the first transporting device to the second transporting device, the second transporting device runs linearly and a linear guide device is provided, said guide device running parallel to the second transporting device and being adapted such that it can guide a container as the container is being lowered from the first transporting device to the second transporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Eichenseer, Xaver Karl, Martin Seger
  • Patent number: 11787641
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for distributing and/or grouping containers in a container treatment system. The device (10) includes a supply conveyor (12), a discharge conveyor (16) and a transfer conveyor (14). The transfer conveyor (14) uses a guide path (28) and several movement devices (30) that can be driven individually, preferably by a long stator linear motor (32) and which are guided along the guide path (28). The several movement devices (30) include a conveyor device (34) that is designed to transfer several containers from the supply conveyor (12) to the discharge conveyor (16). The device (10) can preferably be used to reduce the risk of the containers tipping over when being transferred, to reduce the number of movement devices (30) and/or to enable the containers to be pre-grouped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Stefan Elsperger, Michael Hartl
  • Patent number: 11787216
    Abstract: A method for producing a relief-like printed image on containers is described in which print layers are layered onto one another by way of jet application of a printing paint, an ink, a varnish, or an adhesive from at least one print head onto a container, thereby producing elevated regions of the printed image. Due to the fact that the print layers are each applied in full tone printing, optical and haptic effects can be created on container surfaces with low equipment complexity and a minimal number of printing steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Peggy Augst, Alexandra Lyashenko
  • Patent number: 11772902
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handling device or layer forming device (10) and a method for forming piece good layers. Piece goods (14) are conveyed on a horizontal conveying device (16) to a grouping station and/or layer forming station (12) comprising a manipulator (20). In a work cycle, the manipulator (20) seizes at least one piece good (14) and moves it into a target position or target alignment, in particular with regard to a piece good layer to be formed. The horizontal conveying device (16), which is arranged upstream of the grouping station and layer forming station (12), comprises at least one sensor device (24) for obtaining positional data or dimensional data or alignment data of the transported piece goods (14). Based on the obtained data, the control device (28) controls the movements of the manipulator (20) within the movement range for the purpose of the layer formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manuel Kollmuss, Thomas Hensel, Thomas Lehner
  • Patent number: 11776790
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and a method for coating objects and in particular containers with at least one first and one second coating station, wherein these coating stations each have at least one first coating electrode and one second coating electrode, and with a supply device for electrical supply of in each case at least one of the coating electrodes. The supply device has a high-frequency generator device for generating an a.c. voltage and/or voltage pulses as well as an a.c. voltage distribution device which distributes this a.c. voltage and/or the voltage pulses respectively to in each case at least one electrode of the first coating station and at least one electrode of the second coating station, wherein the a.c. voltage distribution device is suitable and intended for distributing the a.c. voltages and/or the voltage pulses with a time delay to the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Jochen Krueger, Nadine Ortner
  • Patent number: 11772836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication and open-loop/closed-loop control system for at least one filling system, said filling system comprising a machine with a software communication robot, in particular a chatbot, which is configured to recognize voice input and/or text input by an operator; and an open-loop/closed-loop control device which is connected to the software communication robot for data communication and is configured to control the machine of the filling system in an open-loop/and/or closed-loop manner on the basis of the voice input and/or text input recognized by the software communication robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hahn, Timo Pronold
  • Patent number: 11772949
    Abstract: A device for holding a container in a container handling machine, for example for holding a support-ring-free bottle for the application of a screw closure, includes a carrier and a holding arrangement arranged on the carrier. The holding arrangement is movable relative to the carrier between a closed position for holding the container and an open position for releasing the container. The holding arrangement includes a collar-shaped support projection for supporting the container on a retaining ring of the container. The collar-shaped support projection includes a support projection region of a first holding arm and a support projection region of a second holding arm. The first holding arm and the second holding arm are arranged on the carrier so as to be pivotable in relation to one another for moving between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Bruno Landler, Markus Schoenfelder
  • Patent number: 11751587
    Abstract: Method for operating a tunnel pasteuriser with a plurality of sequentially successive treatment zones, wherein containers with a product packed therein are transported by means of a conveying device through the treatment zones and are heated with treatment media having different actual media temperatures, are pasteurized and preferably then cooled again, wherein the actual media temperatures are detected by a control unit and compared with target media temperatures, and wherein heating and/or cooling devices are controlled based on the comparison, characterised in that during the treatment of the containers, initial values for an optimisation are formed from the actual media temperatures of the treatment zones, and the target media temperatures are determined by means of a prediction model for determining the expected degree of pasteurisation with the optimisation, such that at least a minimum degree of pasteurisation of the containers is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Stefan Kaatz, Martin Nissen, Falko Jens Wagner