For Flexible Sheets Patents (Class 156/568)
  • Patent number: 11919253
    Abstract: A welding assembly is disclosed. The welding assembly includes a plurality of separately controllable actuators (e.g., pneumatic, having an axially movable ram) to press a corresponding portion of a first workpiece (e.g., a discrete flange of a first stiffener) against a second workpiece (e.g., an outer skin) for welding operations (e.g., via induction welding).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Huang, Michael van Tooren, Dominic J Elliott, Jeffrey D. Woods
  • Patent number: 11434057
    Abstract: A pivotal pawl assembly for a can carrier applicator apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes spaced-apart and vertically disposed first and second support walls. The first and second support walls define a can passageway having a forward end and a rearward end. A vertically disposed spacer is vertically movably positioned at the forward end of the support walls with the lower end of the spacer being positioned above the lower ends of the support walls. The pawl assembly is positioned at the lower rearward end of the spacer. A plurality of stacked can carriers are positioned above the can passageway. A dispensing mechanism sequentially dispenses a can carrier which drops downwardly onto the cans. The pawl assembly not only limits the forward movement of the can carrier but also exerts downward force on the can carrier to seat the can carrier onto the cans moving through the can passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: David J. Benes
  • Patent number: 11401070
    Abstract: This invention relates to a labelling apparatus (1) and method for labelling different shapes, sizes and material types of packaging (3, 36) such as cardboard or plastics material boxes, plastics or other material bottles and sachets all containing medicaments being dispensed. The labelling apparatus (1) includes a conveyor means (4) having a receiving end for receiving an article (3, 36) to be labelled from a chute (2) and a discharge end for discharging the article (3, 36) once labelled to a receiving container (9), a label applicator (15) for attaching a label (29) to the article and a label securing means (25) for securely forcing the label (29) onto the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: RIGHT EPHARMACY (PTY) LTD
    Inventor: Andre Vanbiljon
  • Patent number: 8999100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a label to an article travelling along an article path, said label being received on a movable surface at an input location to be retained against said surface whilst being glued and advanced to an output location, at which the label is transferred to the article; the article being rotated with a tangential speed about an axis whilst travelling at a speed along the path including providing at least three portions of surface with independent and controllable vacuum means for retaining the label, including curtailing the application of vacuum means at the first portion of the surface upon the first portion reaching the output location and interrupting the application of vacuum means at the third portion of the surface, with the trailing edge of the label being retained at the second portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SIDEL S.p.A. con Socio Unico
    Inventor: James Carmichael
  • Patent number: 8939187
    Abstract: A machine uses a method for producing a cup from an outer shell and inner cup. For this purpose, the machine includes first holding devices that are arranged on a first rotatably housed star- or wheel-like holding device carrier, and second holding devices arranged on a second rotatably housed star- or wheel-like holding device carrier. Further, a first working station arranged at least in the region of the first holding devices for carrying out first working steps and at least one second working station arranged in the region of the second holding devices for carrying out second working steps are provided. Finally, the machine includes a transfer station for transferring a finished outer shell from a first holding device to a second holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Rundpack AG, Michael Hörauf MaschinenfabrikGmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Steffen Riethmueller, Uwe Messerschmid
  • Patent number: 8936060
    Abstract: A labelling unit movable along a given path for receiving labels and comprising a hollow receiving member having a lateral wall for receiving a relative label, extending around an axis transverse to the path and comprising a suction portion having through holes; a suction pneumatic device connected to the holes through the inside of the receiving member that can apply suction to retain a label on the outer surface of the lateral wall; and a hollow distributor member coaxially arranged inside the receiving member and provided with a number of angularly spaced opening sections having different heights parallel to the axis and correlated to the heights of different labels processed by the unit, and rotatable in at least two different angular positions, each corresponding to a selected opening section of the suction portion of the lateral wall such that only the holes facing the selected opening section are operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: SIDEL S.p.A. con Socio Unico
    Inventor: Raffaele Pace
  • Patent number: 8899294
    Abstract: A labeling machine has a carrousel having a frame at the periphery of which a plurality of mandrels are rotatably mounted, and, at angularly spaced positions around the carrousel, object feeding means, label feeding means and object removing means. Each mandel receives a label strip from the label feeding means, winds it around the body of the mandrel so that a leading end and a trailing end of the label strip overlap. The leading and trailing ends of the label strip are sealed to form a sleeve label. The label strips are sealed by heat sealing means which include a pulse heating bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel S.p.A.
    Inventor: Raffaele Pace
  • Patent number: 8887781
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum suction control mechanism apparatus capable of accurately bonding a film to a bonding object with a simple structure. A vacuum suction control mechanism apparatus according to the present invention includes a first member including a plurality of suction holes formed in a surface thereof, the plurality of suction holes being connectable to a decompression source, and a second member capable of contacting the plurality of suction holes, the second member being movable relative to the first member, wherein the second member includes connecting member connecting some of the suction holes, the number of which corresponds to a relative position between the first member and the second member, to the decompression source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: NLT Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Kodera
  • Patent number: 8887783
    Abstract: A unit for the glue application of at least two labels to containers, comprising at least first (8) and second application devices (9) both of which rotate and are positioned at two separate superposed portions of the main axis of rotation (Z), each for applying at least one label on a separate portion of the same container (2). The operating parts of the two application devices (8) and (9) are at different distances from the axis of rotation (Z), although they rotate at identical rotational speeds relative to said axis. The second application device (9) comprises two first follower elements (30) slidably connected to a stationary guide element (29), for guiding the movement of the second device At the label application position (24), the interaction between the first follower elements (30) and the guide element (29) causes an oscillation of the second application device (9) for varying the speed of movement of its operating part and adapting it to that of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kosme S.R.L.
    Inventors: Georg Erhart, Giovanni Saccardi, Antonella Prandi
  • Patent number: 8790474
    Abstract: A device for transferring labels in a labeling machine with at least two retaining elements for holding labels, with the retaining elements being mounted offset in the circumferential direction around a gripper cylinder axle, and a mechanical control means configured to change the relative speed between the retaining elements in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: August Peutl, Paul Helmberger, Bernhard Domeier
  • Patent number: 8757235
    Abstract: A machine for labeling containers, especially bottles or the like, with a stationary machine rack on which a rotary table for conveying containers is supported, and at least one labeling module, arranged to be interchangeable at or on a machine rack, for labeling the containers being guided past the labeling module by the rotary table wherein its own motor is assigned respectively to the rotary table and at least one labeling module. In order to simplify a change or replacement of a labeling module, the motor is located on the machine rack and remains there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Rupert Meinzinger
  • Patent number: 8408268
    Abstract: A label for a container is formed by wrapping a length of label material around a cylindrical mandrel and introducing heat, adhesive or other sealing means into a gap between the leading end portion of the label material and the trailing end portion as the label material is wrapped around the mandrel. The cylindrical sleeve is slid off of the mandrel and telescoped over a container passing thereunder. The container with a cylindrical sleeve therearound is then moved to a heating station which heats the label material, preferably foam polystyrene, to cause it to shrink into conformity with the contour of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gerro Plast GmbH Labels
    Inventor: Robert F. Kontz
  • Patent number: 8393369
    Abstract: A labeling machine for labels printed on continuous film, comprising, in an intermediate position between a motorized reel and a feed roller, a tunnel provided with suction elements adapted to determine on the film in transit inside it an attraction that gives it a bent configuration, elements being provided which are adapted to control the depth of the bend, the tunnel being provided with a bottom and a lid that are adapted to align the film at a constant height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: P.E. Labellers S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Ballarotti
  • Patent number: 8327904
    Abstract: A work conveying mechanism according to the present invention includes a rotation drum in which an adsorbing pad for adsorbing an absorber is provided. The work conveying mechanism rotates the rotation drum and arranges the absorber on a third web being conveyed. In an outer shape of the work adsorbed by the adsorbing pad, an outer edge portion thereof is closer to a shaft center side of the rotation drum than a central portion thereof is. A work conveying mechanism includes a roller mechanism provided on a side of the third web opposite to the rotation drum side and configured to locate the third web on the adsorbing pad side. At a passing point, the roller mechanism arranges an outer edge portion of the third web in a width direction on a shaft center side of the rotation drum closer than a central portion thereof is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8162019
    Abstract: For attaching at least one flat supplementary product to a printed product, one leaf of the printed product is brought from a folded configuration into an essentially horizontal orientation. A supplementary product is attached, especially by an adhesive, to this horizontal leaf, preferably from above. Supplementary products can be attached to the front side and to the rear side of the printed product. The supplementary product is, for example, a commercial sample or a card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Muller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Roland Kost
  • Patent number: 8156987
    Abstract: A container labeling machine comprises a conveyor, a pressure sensitive label applying apparatus, a star wheel and at least one indexing mechanism, the conveyor supplying containers to the star wheel and taking away the containers upon release from the star wheel. The star wheel is fitted with rollers at the apices of points of the star wheel, the star wheel receiving containers between the rollers of adjacent apices. The label applying apparatus is adapted to apply the label to the container and rotate the container within the star wheel to adhere the label to the container. The indexing mechanism aligns the star wheel to present the container into a perpendicular relation with the label applying apparatus and retains the container in the perpendicular relation until the label is adhered to the container, the indexing mechanism releasing the star wheel allowing the container carrying the label to the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Graham Louis Lewis
  • Patent number: 8082965
    Abstract: A rubber sheet joining apparatus includes a cutting unit for cutting a ribbon of rubber sheet reinforced with cords to generate rubber sheet strips having different lengths; a sheet overlapping unit for overlapping and joining the rubber sheet strips having different lengths to make an overlapped and joined strip. First holding members hold a front end portion of a following overlapped and joined strip. Second holding members hold a rear end portion of a preceding overlapped and joined strip. Support guides movably support the first holding members relative to the second holding members. An operating unit moves the first holding members relative to the second holding members to butt-join the side surfaces of two successive overlapped and joins strips held respectively by the first holding members and the second holding members to generate a ply sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Fuji Seiko Co., Ltd., Fuji Shoji Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemasa Takagi, Chikara Takagi, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7875143
    Abstract: A label for a container is formed by wrapping a length of label material around a cylindrical mandrel and introducing heat, adhesive or other sealing means into a gap between the leading end portion of the label material and the trailing end portion as the label material is wrapped around the mandrel. The cylindrical sleeve is slid off of the mandrel and telescoped over a container passing thereunder. The container with a cylindrical sleeve therearound is then moved to a heating station which heats the label material, preferably foam polystyrene, to cause it to shrink into conformity with the contour of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: GerroPlast GmbH
    Inventor: Robert F. Kontz
  • Patent number: 7726374
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining “shrink sleeve” labels, comprises a carousel that is provided peripherally with a plurality of spindles configured for being wound from portions of plastic film, a sealing device cooperating with said spindles means for sealing opposite edges of said portions for obtaining said “shrink sleeve” labels, said sealing device comprising a laser device; a method for labelling containers, comprises in sequence: advancing a plastic film in an advancing direction; cutting said plastic film transversely to said advancing direction to obtain a portion of plastic film; winding said portion in such a way as to make opposite edges of said portion overlap one another; joining together said edges to obtain a “shrink sleeve” label, said joining comprising sealing by means of a laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sacmi Verona S.P.A.
    Inventors: Ireneo Orlandi, Maurizio Pedercini, Matteo Grioni
  • Publication number: 20090126850
    Abstract: Labelling apparatus, for example for applying labels to articles such as bottles by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, includes a presser 20 which comprises an array of freely rotatable rollers 22. Each roller 22 has a resilient surface constituted, for example, by a foam rubber sleeve, and is independently resiliently mounted on a common support 24 by means of springs 36. Labels 16 are partially affixed to bottles 4 which are then rotated about their axes as they pass the presser 20. Resilient contact between the rollers 22 and the label 16 cause the label 16 to be pressed against the surface of the bottle 4 to fix it in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: SPEAR GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Malcolm Fletcher, Jeffrey David Stover
  • Patent number: 7438108
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus to separate and transport flexible two-dimensional products, such as paper sheets having an adhesive, the products are supplied via a product supply stack to a separation device. The separation device includes at least one conveyor element. The products at the same time are only stabilized on an edge or a portion thereof and are free at the other portions thereof. The at least one conveyor element separates the products and convey these subsequently to a transfer location. The at least one conveyor element is multi-functional and has a flattened geometry. The at least one conveyor element is moved in a direction of movement essentially parallel to a plane of the product supply stack. The direction of movement moves from one free end of the products to a stabilized region of the products. At the same time, the at least one conveyor element moves below the frontmost product of the supply stack and subsequently seizes the frontmost product at its distant side and further conveys it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Egon Hänsch
  • Patent number: 7409977
    Abstract: A method of labeling of a container including a medication includes, in at least one embodiment, reducing the size of the label using a label apparatus and reducing the label size using the label apparatus, applying a surface securing adhesive to at least one surface securing section of the label using an adhesive application apparatus, and attaching the at least one surface securing section of the label to the container with the securing adhesive. The method also includes applying a label securing adhesive to the label to maintain the label in the reduced orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Rice, James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, Andrew P. Booler, Allen Petten, P. Thomas Shupert, Michael Joseph Szesko, Orlando Vidal, Mark A. Detri
  • Publication number: 20080029205
    Abstract: An aspirating roller (1) for transferring labels, comprising at least a pair of pads (20;21) projecting relative to a lateral surface (1a) of the roller (1). The roller (1) is characterised in that at least a portion of the lateral surface (1a) of the roller (1) present between the pads (20;21) is elastically deformable. A method for removing/mounting an elastically deformable plate-like element (6), of the type present between a pair of pads (20;21) and defining a lateral surface (1a) of a roller (1) for transferring labels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Alessandro Caprara, James Frederick Robertson Carmichael
  • Patent number: 7178574
    Abstract: To label products on a conveyor, a target area for a given product conveyed on the conveyor is determined relative to a frame of reference. One of a plurality of labellers fixed at different transverse positions over the conveyor, which one labeller is at a transverse position which is within the transverse extent of the target area is then activated in order to label the product. Each labeller may have a turret with a number of flexible bellows with an interior air diffuser. The air diffuser has a central opening facing the tamping end of the bellows and at least one side opening. This arrangement can enhance the responsiveness of the bellows. Each labeller may also have a de-mountable label cassette with a drive pinion or geneva gear. The label cassette may have a driven pin wheel for moving the pin holed release tape of a label web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ag-Tronic Control Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Nielsen, Joseph Z. Sleiman
  • Patent number: 6978819
    Abstract: A label fitting apparatus for fitting a label on a container. The label fitting apparatus includes label fitting heads at even intervals on an outer perimeter of a main turret. Each fitting head includes a container table to support a container, a container presser bar to apply a force to a top of the container, and a label holder to hold the label. Rotation of the main turret causes the container presser bar to lower and pass through a label held by the vacuum jaws to apply a pressing force against a container supported by the container table such that the container is sandwiched between the container table and the container presser bar. The container is transferred in an axial direction relative to the label holder such that the label is fitted on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Automatic Fine Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Tanaka, Kazuo Kobayashi, Kanji Hatano
  • Patent number: 6845799
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is provided with a pressing and applying drum (17) which is driven during start-stop operation in a controlled manner and is used for applying the labels (16) to flat objects (20) which are transported along a conveying path. The aim of the invention is to transport said objects (20) past the pressing and applying drum. Said drum is provided with a first casing region (23) which receives labels and has a circular bend. The centre of the circle is situated within the rotational axis. The drum is also provided with a second casing region (24). The surface of said second casing region is displaced towards the inside to such an extend that the second casing region (24) cannot touch the objects in a disturbing manner. The two casing regions (23, 24) are connected to one another by means of transition areas (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Francke, Frank Voss
  • Patent number: 6820672
    Abstract: A device for affixing objects to products moving in a row, which device includes a holder for a stock of the objects and with an affixing device that includes a carrier for removing an object from the holder and moving the object. The affixing device is capable of rotary movement about an axis of rotation. The object is affixed to the moving product during the rotary movement of the affixing device. The affixing device can be driven intermittently between rotation and standstill. During the standstill of the affixing device, the carrier can remove the object from the holder. Preferably, more than one carrier is provided, with the carriers each provided with a suction nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Antonius Adrianus Arnoldus Smits
  • Patent number: 6814217
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for receiving parts traveling at a first speed through a receiving zone and applying the parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. Transferring devices transport the parts between the zones. The transferring devices are coupled to programmable servo motors capable of varying the speed of the transferring devices to accommodate the receiving and application processes. The receiving and application operations may be performed at matched or mismatched surface speeds. The parts to be received and applied may be formed by a rotating knife, which may vary in speed. Adhesive may be used to hold the parts on the carrier web. In some embodiments, the transferring devices transfer the parts to a bonding anvil roll and the parts and a carrier web are compressed between the bonding anvil roll and a bonding pattern roll to bond the parts to the carrier web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hale Blumenthal, Michael Joseph Lamping, Donald Louis Wires
  • Patent number: 6811019
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a material web traveling at a first speed in a receiving zone, forming discrete parts from the material web, and applying the discrete parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. The apparatus has a cutting device for severing the material web to form the discrete parts. At least two shells for receiving the discrete parts in the receiving zone and applying the discrete parts in the application zone are used. The shells may be coupled to programmable motors for moving said shell in an orbital path. A roll may be positioned interior to said shells. The cutting device may be used to sever the material web between said shells and against said roll. The roll may be a vacuum roll that provides vacuum in order to hold the discrete parts against said shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Hansen Christian, Jeffrey Hale Blumenthal
  • Publication number: 20040089516
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a material web traveling at a first speed in a receiving zone, forming discrete parts from the material web, and applying the discrete parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. The apparatus has a cutting device for severing the material web to form the discrete parts. At least two shells for receiving the discrete parts in the receiving zone and applying the discrete parts in the application zone are used. The shells may be coupled to programmable motors for moving said shell in an orbital path. A roll may be positioned interior to said shells. The cutting device may be used to sever the material web between said shells and against said roll. The roll may be a vacuum roll that provides vacuum in order to hold the discrete parts against said shells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Hansen Christian, Jeffrey Hale Blumenthal
  • Patent number: 6726794
    Abstract: A pre-loaded disposable merchandiser (10), apparatus for producing merchandiser (10), and method for producing merchandiser (10). Merchandiser (10) includes strip (30), hanger (46) at one end of strip (30), and a plurality of items (12) connected to strip (30) in staggered locations. The apparatus includes strip material feeder (36), tape applicator (80) to apply piece (72) of tape (60) to a portion of strip (30) and a portion of an items (12). Items (12) may be heat sealed to strip (30) instead of taped. The method includes registering items (12) with strip (30) with items (12) being heat sealed to strip (30) or taped to strip (30). Merchandiser (10) is then cut from strip (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rudolph Foods Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Belt
  • Patent number: 6705453
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving parts traveling at a first speed through a receiving zone and applying the parts to a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. The method and apparatus utilizes transferring devices for transporting the parts between the zones. The transferring devices are coupled to programmable servo motors capable of varying the speed of the transferring devices to accommodate the receiving and application processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Blumenthal, Michael J. Lamping
  • Patent number: 6652687
    Abstract: The labeler of this invention is a single drum labeler that comprises a label adhering drum having label suction holes disposed at equal intervals in odd number of places of the peripheral surface of the drum, and a closing rod freely detachably entered from an open hole to close an unnecessary label suction hole. A feeder feeds an article, to which the label piece is adhered, in synchronization with the label sucked to the label suction hole of every other position. A pressing device presses the fed-in article to the adhering drum and adhering the label. A heat-sensitive adhesive activation device is disposed substantially around the drum opposite to a drum surface along the peripheral edge of the label adhering drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sanseiseiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsugihiro Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 6648122
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring articles such as absorbent cores or disposable diaper chassis components from a rotary mechanism, such as a pad turner, to a linear mechanism, such as a conveyor for further processing. The invention provides a device for picking an article from the outside of a toroidal surface, thence extending transversely under tension the article to be transferred so that at the point of deposition the article is held flat and at full length. The device is of particular benefit where an article to be transferred is subject to internally biasing elastic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Hirsch, John A. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6616135
    Abstract: A pasting binding apparatus for binding a bundle of sheets comprises a paste coating device to coat a paste in a form of a line onto a binding side of a sheet being conveyed on a conveying passage in a conveying direction by a conveying device; a pressing device located above the paste coating device and to stack the sheet coated with the paste onto the bundle of sheets and to press the sheet onto the bundle of sheets; and the conveying device to convey the sheet to the paste coating device and to the pressing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Shida, Hitoshi Tamura, Tsuyoshi Tsuchiya, Toshitaka Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6598647
    Abstract: In a machine (1) for the manufacture of packets substantially parallelepiped in shape, typically containing cigarettes, the packets (4) advance in succession on a conveyor belt (P) toward an affixing station (7), where a revenue stamp (8) and a detachable coupon (3) are attached simultaneously to each one in turn by a single applicator device (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 6592116
    Abstract: Apparatus for supplying and transferring blanks, in particular revenue stamps, to (cigarette) packs a supply of blanks being stored in at least one upright magazine shaft from which the blanks are removed individually on the underside. In order to increase the capacity, a loading station with a supply unit for blanks is arranged at a distance from a transfer station assigned to the packs, to be precise in a disruption-free, easily reachable region of the packaging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Jürgen Röse
  • Patent number: 6533016
    Abstract: The apparatus, which serves to join flat supplementary products provided with an adhesive to printed products, has n holding elements which are driven on a circulating path about a first axis, by means of which supplementary products are gripped individually at at least one pick-up point and, after an appropriate rotation about the first axis, can be joined to a printed product at a discharge point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Egon Hansch
  • Patent number: 6520496
    Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention, which serves for transporting supplementary products, in particular sheet-like printed products provided with adhesive, from a receiving location to a discharge location, has at least one retaining element which is moved along a continuous circulatory path and by means of which supplementary products can be gripped at the receiving location and released again at a discharge location. By means of a control arrangement, with changeover operation, during the transportation from the receiving location to the discharge location, the retaining element, which is mounted such that it can be rotated about an axis which is located at least more or less perpendicularly to the circulatory path, is optionally left unchanged in a rotary position or rotated about the axis through a certain angle until an end position of the transported supplementary product which is envisaged for further processing has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventors: Erwin Müller, Egon Hänsch
  • Publication number: 20020175047
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for receiving parts traveling at a first speed through a receiving zone and applying the parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. Transferring devices transport the parts between the zones. The transferring devices are coupled to programmable servo motors capable of varying the speed of the transferring devices to accommodate the receiving and application processes. The receiving and application operations may be performed at matched or mismatched surface speeds. The parts to be received and applied may be formed by a rotating knife, which may vary in speed. Adhesive may be used to hold the parts on the carrier web. In some embodiments, the transferring devices transfer the parts to a bonding anvil roll and the parts and a carrier web are compressed between the bonding anvil roll and a bonding pattern roll to bond the parts to the carrier web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hale Blumenthal, Michael Joseph Lamping, Donald Louis Wires
  • Patent number: 6474390
    Abstract: A labeling machine having an input station receiving the bottles on which a sleeve is to be placed, a station for dispensing sleeves from a sheath and a main turret fitted with units for receiving the bottles and a providing them with a sleeve. Each unit has a slidable tool mounted parallel with the bottle to place the sleeve on the bottle. The main turret is suspended from a tripod supported directly on the ground while the input and output turrets as well as the unreeling station supplying the sheath dispensing the sleeves are supported by the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Protection Decoration Conditionnement Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Vandevoorde
  • Patent number: 6450321
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving parts traveling at a first speed through a receiving zone and applying the parts to a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. The method and apparatus utilizes transferring devices for transporting the parts between the zones. The transferring devices are coupled to programmable servo motors capable of varying the speed of the transferring devices to accommodate the receiving and application processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hale Blumenthal, Michael Joseph Lamping
  • Publication number: 20020112939
    Abstract: With an article transfer apparatus 1 of the present invention, when a negative pressure is applied on an air outlet 20 in a non-attracting state, the amount of air that is sucked through suction holes 6 in a front attracting section 2f is greater than the amount of air that is sucked through suction holes 7 in a rear attracting section 2b. Therefore, the suction amount through the front attracting section 2f is increased while reducing the suction loss of the attracting pad 2, thereby improving the reliability of the attraction operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Isamu Sumi, Yuzo Ichiura, Hiromi Mae
  • Patent number: 6427746
    Abstract: A labeler includes at least one bellows movable between extended and retracted positions. The bellows includes a cap defining a distal end for carrying the label and having at least one cap opening therein, and a pleated sidewall connected to the cap. The labeler includes a flexible coil tube positioned within the bellows and having a distal end connected in fluid communication with the cap openings and a proximal end for being connected to negative and positive fluid pressure, respectively. A positioner advances the bellows along a path of travel between a label pick-up position and a label application position. A pressure controller selectively connects the bellows and the proximal end of the flexible coil tube to negative and positive fluid pressures as the bellows is advanced along the path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Anderson, Wayne C. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6401787
    Abstract: This invention relates to a heat sensitive glue activating labeler using one drum in which a label adsorbing portion capable of being adjusted to a size of a label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Sansei Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Tsutsumi, Noboru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6391132
    Abstract: A device and method for labeling flat mail items applies labels to the items by compressed air. The thickness and length of each items is determined in the time for initiating blowing of a respective label is determined as a function of the lengthened thickness of the items and the desired position of the label on the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Kinnemann, Christel Gehl
  • Patent number: 6235345
    Abstract: An improved adhesive application assembly (70) for a labeling machine (2) includes an adhesive sprayer (76) which directs heated adhesive (88) towards labels (60) passing the adhesive application station (70). A moving heated adhesive shield (80) includes one or more windows (84), through which the adhesive is sprayed, surrounded by a heated overspray-intercepting surface (90). The intercepted adhesive is collected for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Gerro Plast GmbH
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Williamson, Jimmy D. Williamson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6170700
    Abstract: A leaflet dispensing apparatus having a main structural body on which is mounted a carousel including a plurality of magazine for storing leaflets and an intermediate chute for transferring the leaflets from the carousel to a dispensing wheel. The dispensing wheel is adapted to remove a leaflet from the intermediate chute and to transport the leaflet to a dispensing area where a dispensing blade pushes the leaflet onto or into a container being transported by a conveyor located adjacent to the leaflet dispensing apparatus. The magazines for storing leaflets are the vehicle for reloading the carousel. The magazines may be discarded after use or may be re-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kalish Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Graham Lewis, Louis Pallay
  • Patent number: 6048423
    Abstract: In a method for applying labels about a bulbous sidewall region of a container, the leading end of the label is joined to the bulbous sidewall region by adhesive bonds above and below a major diameter section of the bulbous sidewall region. While being pressed to the bulbous sidewall region, the label is wrapped about the container, and the trailing end of the label is then adhesively joined to the bulbous sidewall region, or to the overlapped leading end of the label. An apparatus for applying labels about a bulbous sidewall region of a container employs a label transfer drum which cooperates with an adhesive applicator to apply spaced adhesive patches to the leading end of the label above and below a major diameter section of the bulbous sidewall region. The label transfer drum also cooperates with the adhesive applicator to apply a continuous strip of adhesive to the trailing end of the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Marshall J. Barrash, Jonathan Kirschner
  • Patent number: 6047755
    Abstract: An improved labeler includes a housing and a bellows drive gear and cassette drive sprocket spaced apart and each rotatably supported in the housing. A stepper motor is mounted in the housing and has an output shaft. A first drive gear is affixed to the shaft and engages the bellows drive gear. A second drive gear is affixed to the shaft. A drive train is interposed between and engages the second gear and the cassette drive sprocket. The stepper motor is positioned between the bellows drive sprocket and the cassette drive sprocket whereby the footprint of the labeler is minimized. Each individual bellows has a marker. A position sensor detects each of the markers. A first sensor detects a fruit. The stepper motor is responsive to the fruit sensor to advance the bellows wheel in response to detection of a fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: David N. Anderson, Wayne C. Sherman