By Reciprocating Shifter Patents (Class 198/429)
  • Patent number: 11866207
    Abstract: A flush mount table-top assembly designed to mount an automatic cable tie tool to a work surface. The flush mount assembly includes an overlay plate, a tool cage, and a paddle assembly. The tool cage holds the automatic cable tie tool. The tool cage is suspended from the overlap plate by an integrated insert plate to enable the top of the automatic cable tie tool to protrude above the work surface. The paddle assembly is rotatably mounted to the insert plate. The paddle assembly activates the automatic cable tie tool. When not in use, the flush mount assembly can be configured to restore work surfaces lost due to fixture implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Kirill Psarev, Thuc K. Vu, Scott M. Lesniak, Alfred Pierce
  • Patent number: 11772835
    Abstract: A plant for packaging capsules comprising a main frame (20) on which is positioned a system for moving capsules (30) to make one or more capsules (12) advance along a first predetermined axial direction (A-A) from an inlet (22) to an outlet (24). The plant comprises a plurality of operating stations (200, 201, 203) for packaging a substance into a plurality of capsules (12), wherein the system for moving capsules (30) comprises a movement device that comprises a pair of sliding profiles (36) that extend along said first predetermined axial direction (A-A) and are connected to the main frame (20), a first movable frame (87, 88, 89) movable in transverse direction with respect to the first predetermined axial direction (A-A), a driving member mounted slidable on an upper movable beam (88) of the first movable frame (87, 88, 89) along said predetermined axial direction (A-A) and positioned between the pair of sliding profiles (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: OMAS TECNOSISTEMI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Savino Giudici
  • Patent number: 11717001
    Abstract: Disclosed is a slicing and collecting device for processing frozen meat sheets, including a frame, and a slicing mechanism is arranged above the frame; a sliding plate is arranged on one side of the slicing mechanism, and a bagging mechanism is arranged on one side of the sliding plate far away from the slicing mechanism; a blocking structure is arranged between the sliding plate and the bagging mechanism, a loading mechanism is arranged on the other side of the slicing mechanism, a storage mechanism is arranged on one side of the loading mechanism far away from the slicing mechanism, and a bottom of the loading mechanism is communicated with the storage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: NORTHEAST AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Qian Liu, Baohua Kong, Fangda Sun, Xin Li, Jianchun Han, Hongwei Zhang, Chuanai Cao, Yangyang Feng, Fengxue Zhang, Sumeng Wei, Shiwen Lin
  • Patent number: 11643282
    Abstract: A method and a device for buffering containers grouped in a single row in a filling system are described. For this purpose, the containers are entered into storage on at least one infeed conveyor belt in the infeed direction, moved in a single row onto a transversely adjoining buffer area by rail-guided and individually driven shuttles with row pushers in a buffering direction running transverse to the infeed direction, and are removed from storage on at least one outfeed conveyor belt transversely adjoining in the buffering direction. Due to the fact that the row pushers receive the containers in a single row in a guide channel formed/defined by an anterior row guide leading in the buffering direction and by a trailing posterior row guide, the groups of containers can be moved in the buffering direction and positioned precisely, quickly and secured against falling over without back pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Alexander Demel, Christian Holzer, Franz Lautenschlager, Christian Richter, Konrad Senn, Peter Muehlstein, Torsten Kilgenstein, Helmut Schuesslburner
  • Patent number: 11542663
    Abstract: Fibrous structures having two or more zones, sanitary tissue products comprising such fibrous structures, and method for making such fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Andrea Swinicki, Cassandra Ann Sepello, Matthew Steven Ritter, Katie Kristine Glass, Rachael Eden Walther, Guillermo Matias Vidal
  • Patent number: 11518554
    Abstract: An object is to provide an automatic filling and packaging device which enhances the efficiency of packaging work and which suppresses the occurrence of defective products to achieve satisfactory yield. In an automatic filling and packaging device, a locating means, a pair of upper gusset nails, a pair of intermediate gusset nails, a pair of lower gusset nails, and a blade-equipped sealing device are formed into a unit as a unit main body, and the unit main body and the pusher member are formed to be able to freely move close to and apart from each other. In this way, as compared with a conventional automatic filling and packaging device, it is possible to reduce the total time in which one article to be packaged is filled into one packaging bag and then the opening end portion thereof is sealed, with the result that it is possible to enhance the efficiency of packaging work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: ORION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroe Kawashima
  • Patent number: 11511946
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring products to or from a collecting surface within a line for the continuous processing of said products, wherein a first transit zone is fed longitudinally with products by an entry conveyor; a second transit zone supplies products longitudinally to an exit conveyor; at least one column of products is transferred, by being pushed transversely, via a transfer tool provided with members disposed on either side of each column; wherein, at the moment of transfer, each column is gripped by said members being moved toward one another, a first member being fixed, while a second member is mounted in a movable manner. The invention also relates to a transfer device for implementing such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SIDEL ENGINEERING & CONVERING SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Anthony Gehin, Julien Berger, Raphaël Henninger
  • Patent number: 11498772
    Abstract: A method and a device for buffering containers in a container treatment plant are disclosed. The containers are stored in single rows by at least one inlet conveyor belt in an inlet direction, are shifted in single rows on a buffer surface transversely adjacent by shuttles with row pushers guided on rails and driven individually into a buffer direction extending transversely to the inlet direction in single rows, and are withdrawn by at least one outlet conveyor belt adjacent to the buffer surface in the buffer direction in an outlet direction extending transversely to the buffer direction, or by at least one planar motor armature that can be driven towards the buffer surface and that is in particular driven two-dimensionally. Thus, the containers can be decelerated/accelerated with respect to the inlet/outlet conveyor belt in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Michael Beyer, Stefan Elsperger, Konrad Senn, Helmut Schuesslburner
  • Patent number: 11286118
    Abstract: A pickface builder for a storage and retrieval system for storing goods units and having an in-feed conveyor and a picking device, each goods unit holding at least one product package therein, the pickface builder including a frame, a pusher member movably coupled to the frame, and a snugger member movably coupled to the frame, wherein the pickface builder is configured to receive goods units from the in-feed conveyor and the pusher member and snugger member are movable at least in a direction transverse to a direction of goods unit travel on the in-feed conveyor and configured to form the goods units into a pickface picked by the picking device as a unit and having a predetermined reference datum relating the pickface to a placement position of goods units forming the pickface along a storage surface of the storage and retrieval system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Symbotic LLC
    Inventors: Robert Sullivan, Stephen C. Toebes
  • Patent number: 11155422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transferring products (1) between a main conveyor (2) which is configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction and an accumulation surface (3) using an intermediate conveyor (4) and a pushing means (5). The method comprises acceleration of the intermediate conveyor (4) and transfer of products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the main conveyor (2) via the action of the pushing means (5), and deceleration of the intermediate conveyor (4) and transfer of products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the accumulation surface (3). The present invention also relates to a device for transferring products (1) between a main conveyor (2) which is configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction and an accumulation surface (3), enabling in particular the method according to the invention to be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SIDEL ENGINEERING & CONVEYING SOLUTIONS
    Inventor: Julien Berger
  • Patent number: 11027928
    Abstract: A compact collator for sorting and collating product containers includes a laner, a pattern conveyor, a cross-pusher assembly and a plurality of interchangeable inserts. The laner has a first movable conveyor for conveying product containers through the laner, and defines an infeed area. The pattern conveyor has a second movable conveyor positioned down-stream from the infeed area and off-set 90 degrees from the first moveable conveyor. The cross-pusher assembly includes a cross-pusher arm that the interchangeable inserts are configured to be engaged to. Each insert defines a unique face contour that corresponds to the profile shape of at least one type of product container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Delkor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah J. Ericson, Nicholas A. Orfei, Nicholas E. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 10987458
    Abstract: A method of preparing a medical fluid with a medical fluid generating machine includes receiving, at the medical fluid generating machine, a container to be filled with the medical fluid, receiving, at a processor, instructions to prepare the medical fluid, the instructions including an identification a medical fluid type from among a plurality of medical fluids and a desired volume of the medical fluid, preparing the medical fluid according to the received instructions, testing the prepared medical fluid to ensure that one or more characteristics of the prepared medical fluid is within an acceptable range, filling the container with the prepared fluid and labelling the container with information about the medical fluid, the information including the identification of the medical fluid type within the filled container, and an expiration date of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Sameer Peesapati, Martin Joseph Crnkovich, David Yuds
  • Patent number: 10850931
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for transferring objects from an accumulation surface to a downstream conveyor, including a first mobile strip, a second mobile strip arranged beyond the first mobile strip from the accumulation surface, a fixed surface arranged between the two mobile strips, and a element for transferring objects from the accumulation surface to the first and second mobile strips, and to the fixed surface. Also disclosed is a transfer method using such transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: SIDEL ENGINEERING & CONVEYING SOLUTIONS
    Inventor: Anthony Gehin
  • Patent number: 10618738
    Abstract: A multichannel paper feeding system in connection to a vertical storage is disclosed. The multichannel paper feeding system includes a main loop transport device, an internal loop transport device, a plurality of take-out devices, and a plurality of take-out conveyor belts, all of which are disposed between the vertical storage and a cutting machine. The main loop transport device transports a paper roll placed on a main loop rack from the vertical storage to the internal loop transport device, where a main push rod then pushes the paper roll onto an internal loop rack, and the internal loop transport device transports the internal loop rack next to a take-out conveyor belt. The take-out device moves the paper roll from the internal loop rack to the corresponding take-out conveyor belt so that the paper roll can be transported further downstream to a post-processing station for cutting or packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tu-Chung Tai
  • Patent number: 10556758
    Abstract: An apparatus that denests a stack of containers and methods of separating a stack of containers and making the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a denester and a counting device. The denester is configured to separate a first stack of at least 2 containers into a plurality of second stacks of containers. Each of the second stacks includes an exact number of containers, the exact number being a positive integer less than m. The counting device is configured to count the exact number of containers in the first stack. The method of separating containers includes counting an exact number of containers in a first stack of m containers using the counting device, and separating the exact number of containers from the first stack using the denester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Maxco Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Flaming, Michael Reitz
  • Patent number: 10442635
    Abstract: Disclosed is a conveying device including an upstream conveying unit for receiving products from at least one upstream station, an accumulation surface along which the upstream conveying unit circulates, a loading unit for moving the products from the upstream conveying unit to the accumulation surface, a downstream conveying unit for clearing the products, and an unloading unit for moving the products from the accumulation surface to the downstream conveying unit. The downstream conveying unit includes a plurality of independent moving unit receiving the products in receiving zones which are successively distributed from the edge of the accumulation surface opposite the edge along which the upstream conveying unit extends. Also disclosed is a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SIDEL ENGINEERING & CONVEYING SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Anthony Gehin, Patrick Hutter
  • Patent number: 9969565
    Abstract: Article packaging apparatus includes a multiple lane article infeed, first and second transfers, an intermediate article orientation station and an article group discharge conveyor. The first and second transfers have respective article grippers expansible and contractible toward and away from one another while the intermediate article orientation station includes article rotating trays spaced further apart then the lanes of the article infeed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: R.A Jones & Co.
    Inventor: Thorsten Simm
  • Patent number: 9944471
    Abstract: A device for treating individual sausages, including: a sorting device having an endless conveyor belt traveling around a triangular geometry and having rails or carrier bars, on which belt the sausages, which are loosely deposited onto an ascending run of the belt, are distributed individually into the rails or carrier bars; an endless first conveying device with individual rails or carrier bars to accept the sorted sausages, wherein each individual rail or carrier bar accommodates one sausage; a grouping device, in which the sausages delivered by the first conveying device are combined into groups; a second conveying device with receiving sections, each of which accommodates the sausages of one group, and into which the sausages, lying side by side, are transferred from the grouping device; and a transfer device having a gripper device for gripping a sausage group and for transferring and depositing the sausage group into a receiving container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SINGER & SOHN GMBH
    Inventors: Manfred Singer, Dieter Koller
  • Patent number: 9650213
    Abstract: There is disclosed a distributing system for distributing articles, comprising a channel for conveying articles and which extends from an input opening to an output opening adapted to output articles along a first direction; channel comprises a first portion which defines input opening; and a second portion which defines output opening and is articulated with respect to first portion; output opening is movable along a second direction transversal to first direction; first portion may be arranged, in use, sloped relative to first direction as a result of the movement of output opening along second direction; distributing system comprises a pair of first conveyors and a pair of respective second conveyors which define first portion of channel; each first conveyor is free to slide with respect to respective second conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Federico Corazza, Sandro Bernini
  • Patent number: 9586769
    Abstract: A system for forming and moving an article array including a consolidation area having a support surface for receiving and arranging rows of articles to form an article array from an article row delivery device while the consolidation area continuously stabilizingly supports the periphery of the article rows positioned on the support surface as the article rows are arranged to form the article array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Dyco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Yohe, Jeffrey W. Hess, Ronald H. Cordingly, Thomas M. Zurewich
  • Patent number: 9580254
    Abstract: An article grouping system is disclosed. The article grouping system includes a transport member movable in a first direction and an outfeed carrier apparatus having an outfeed carrier surface that is movable in a second direction. The transport member is positioned proximate to the outfeed carrier surface. The article grouping system includes a transfer apparatus having a frame and an article stabilization member operatively connected with the frame. The article stabilization member includes upstream and downstream support members spaced apart from the downstream support member in the second direction to define an article transfer receptacle. The article stabilization member moves from an engaging location proximate to the transport member to a variable disengaging location adjacent to the outfeed carrier surface and back to the engaging location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Jason Lee Debruler, Rodney Alan Holloway, Jennifer Lynn Tuertscher
  • Patent number: 9422113
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring containers to a handling machine that handles the containers cyclically in groups, comprising a conveying unit for transporting the containers in a conveying direction, wherein the conveying unit has a sliding section in which a group of containers is displaceable towards the handling machine in a sliding direction oriented transversely to the conveying direction, a sliding device for displacing the group of containers from the conveying unit to the handling machine in the sliding direction, and having a screw conveyor for setting a pitch spacing between the containers, the pitch spacing being required for handling the group of containers in the handling machine, the screw conveyor is oriented along the conveying unit, wherein the screw conveyor projects at least partially into the sliding section, and the screw conveyor has at least one gap region in which the screw conveyor has a reduced outer circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Groninger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Glock, Michael Steck
  • Patent number: 9277752
    Abstract: A novel transfer apparatus having several movable parts is used for moving the dough product from a first position to a final position. The transfer apparatus uses the arm to move the dough product and a motor and software that controls the movement of the arm. A roller residing in the arm also has its own motor and software to control its rotational movement. The components of the arm such as a roller, back support and the flap each have their own unique shape and structure to maximize efficiency. The transfer apparatus may be used as an insertable apparatus in any food processing machine and also used as an integral part of the flat bread making machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Zimplistic Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Pranoti Nagarkar Israni, Rishi Israni, Jui Ajit Chitale, Ali Syed Muhammad Baber
  • Patent number: 9085421
    Abstract: A conveyor carries products in a first lane so that first, second and third products are aligned with one another and arranged in series. Pushers move the second and third products laterally in opposite direction from the first lane to second and third lanes, respectively. The conveyor extends downstream from the pushers for carrying the first, second and third products in the first, second and third lanes, respectively. The first product may be temporarily held back in the first lane until the second product catches up to the first product, at which time the first product is released and the conveyor carries the first, second and third products in the first, second and third lanes. The third product catches up to the first and second products to least partially form a group of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Patent number: 8931627
    Abstract: A bottle pushing mechanism for a tunnel type sterilizing dryer, includes a bottle pushing block (2) and at least one barb (5) cooperated with meshes of a transmitting mesh belt (1). The barb (5) is connected with the bottle pushing block (2). The bottle pushing block (2) could move along with the transmitting mesh belt (1) by the barb (5). The bottle pushing mechanism has a simple and compact structure, convenient installation, high reliability, good transmitting effect and no pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Truking Technology Limited
    Inventors: Dayu Cai, Zhen Liu, Zhigao Ning, Zanming Zhu, Bo Yi, Pengcheng Li, Yue Tang
  • Patent number: 8807319
    Abstract: A divider dividing products into parallel lanes comprises a support frame; at least one guide channel for receiving the products, carried by the frame and extending parallel to a longitudinal direction; a fixed first guide connected to the frame and extending parallel to a transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; second guide carried by the frame and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction; first actuator for moving the guide channel parallel to the transversal direction; and second actuator for moving one of two telescopically coupled channel portions of the guide channel relative to the other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction; the second guide connected to the frame in a fixed position; the first/second actuators comprising a first/second motorized cursor slidably coupled to the first/second guide and connected to the guide channel/one of the two channel portions to move it parallel to the transversal/longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Davide Borghi, Stefano Flore, Elena Sacchetti, Paolo Mignano, Roberto Torelli
  • Patent number: 8789680
    Abstract: A device for pushing glass objects onto a conveyor belt includes a pusher (5), which is supported on a crank arm (6) in such a way that it can be swiveled about an axis (7), which crank arm is in driving engagement with a first electric motor (1) by means of a shaft (12). A second electric motor (2) is in driving engagement with a sleeve (20) by means of a cantilever (18), in which sleeve the shaft (12) is mounted, wherein the shaft (12) can be swiveled about a central stationary axis (19). A third electric motor (3) is arranged to rotate the pusher about the axis (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Heye International GmbH
    Inventors: Benedikt Felgenhauer, Matthias Hubner
  • Patent number: 8739960
    Abstract: A device and a method for deflecting and aligning goods, which are transported in at least two approximately parallel longitudinal rows, in a first conveying direction to a transfer and alignment unit, from where they are transported further in a second conveying direction perpendicular to the first conveying direction. The transfer and alignment unit is coupled with a stop that is movable in or against the first conveying direction. The stop, in the process of transferring the front transversal row of articles or piece goods to the transfer and alignment unit, is brought into a position that is aligned with the flush front or back side of the first transversal row of articles or piece goods or profiled according to the orientation of the front or back side of the first transversal row of articles or piece goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Richard Eschlbeck
  • Patent number: 8695781
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for forming groups of products that arrive in a line, separated on a feeding conveyor (2), which includes vertically separated collectors (4) connected to chutes (8) that are arranged transversely relative to the feeding axis, said chutes (8) each comprising a mobile carriage (7) that supports a collector (4) by means of an actuator (11), said carriages (7) and actuators (11) being vertically adjacent and controlled by a programmable automaton (17) suitable for controlling the cyclic polygonal movement of each collector (4). The means for controlling the collectors (4) offer the possibility of organizing the capture of the products and, in particular, of selecting a number of collectors (4) suited to the group forming rates and/or the type of products (1) to be formed into groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Didier Mougin, Guillaume Duchemin, David Gatos, Thierry Garnier
  • Patent number: 8668072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for products having a non-circular cross-section, such as ovoid containers or bottles. The machine includes: a collector having cavities arranged obliquely relative to the XX' axis of the conveyor used to supply said products; a means for transferring the batch of products formed into groups by said collector to a depositing station, on a table arranged along said feed conveyor; a means for dropping the batch of products by a reversing movement in an oblique direction; and a means for returning said collector to the starting point, that is, level with the first product on said feed conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: David Gatos
  • Patent number: 8584828
    Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42) in the form of a thin piece of flexible material. The transfer device (42) is movable between retracted and extended positions extending over a sweep conveyor (22) by securing its trailing and leading ends to flexible belts (106) on opposite longitudinal sides of the sweep conveyor (22). Product is transferred from the transfer device (42) to the sweep conveyor (22) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52ba) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) and by a sweep bar (62a) which collects the product on the sweep conveyor (22). The metering and sweep bars (52ba, 62a) move independently in the same direction along the same endless path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Douglas Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn P. Pundsack, Timothy D. Wilts
  • Patent number: 8534450
    Abstract: A method for formation of a compacted arrangement of articles to be packaged within a packaging machine, whereby the group of articles come into contact with and is guided through the packaging machine via at least one profiled bar, at least in a partial section of its transport route, which comes into contact with an end face of the group of articles and in doing so at least some of the articles of the group are pushed together in the compacted arrangement. A device for implementation of the method for formation of a compacted group of a plurality of the same type of articles to be packaged. A symmetrically or asymmetrically profiled thrust bar for transforming a group of articles being conveyed in a horizontal direction into a compacted arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Juergen Werner, Herbert Spindler, Peter Koch, Florian Kaestner, Volker Drahuniak
  • Patent number: 8485342
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for collecting products (2) arriving in line on a conveyor (1), using a collector device (4) provided transversally relative to the advancement direction. The collector (4) deposits and drops the products collected at a take-up station (10) located on the side of said supply conveyor (1) the collector (4) is capable of a loop movement that can divided into a transverse movement combined with a longitudinal movement upwards of the queue, i.e. a movement opposite to that of the product supply conveyor. The equipment for implementing the method includes a table (3) provided at and along the conveyor (1), a collector (4) carried by an appropriate structure for longitudinal and transverse movement above said conveyor (1) and said table (3). The table (3) includes two panels (31, 32) extending on either side of the supply conveyor (1) for depositing and dropping the products collected on either side of the conveyor (1) at the edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Didier Mougin, Michel Begin, Guillaume Duchemin, Christophe Poupon
  • Patent number: 8474598
    Abstract: The invention provides a device (1) having at least one inlet conveyor belt (3) for loose, un-grouped articles (5), and at least one grouping device (7) for the loose, un-grouped articles (5) for the orderly composing of articles. An outlet conveyor belt (9) is associated with the grouping device (7), said outlet conveyor belt (9) feeding the articles thereon grouped without containers to a packaging device (10). The invention also provides a method for composing packages for a packaging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Wolfgang Huber, Manuel Kollmuss, Richard Eschlbeck, Christoph Klenk
  • Patent number: 8453822
    Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: F.R. Drake Company
    Inventors: Colin R. Hart, Paul J. Joynt, David W. Braner, Joshua W. Higgins, David W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8434610
    Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: F.R. Drake Company
    Inventors: Colin R. Hart, Paul J. Joynt, David W. Braner, Joshua W. Higgins, David W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8322513
    Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: F.R. Drake Company
    Inventors: Colin R. Hart, Paul J. Joynt, David W. Braner, Joshua W. Higgins, David W. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20120279828
    Abstract: A device and a method for deflecting and aligning goods, which are transported in at least two approximately parallel longitudinal rows, in a first conveying direction to a transfer and alignment unit, from where they are transported further in a second conveying direction perpendicular to the first conveying direction. The transfer and alignment unit is coupled with a stop that is movable in or against the first conveying direction. The stop, in the process of transferring the front transversal row of articles or piece goods to the transfer and alignment unit, is brought into a position that is aligned with the flush front or back side of the first transversal row of articles or piece goods or profiled according to the orientation of the front or back side of the first transversal row of articles or piece goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Richard Eschlbeck
  • Patent number: 8240455
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting food products (20), particularly product slices produced by means of a slicer (26, 28, 30), comprising at least one transfer station (10) for receiving food products from an incoming product stream flowing in from at least one incoming conveyor (12) and for transferring the food products to an outgoing conveyor (14), wherein the transfer station comprises a transfer unit that is configured to simultaneously transfer a group of successively received food products to the outgoing conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Guenther Weber
  • Publication number: 20120199440
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for forming batches of products to be loaded into receptacles, including: a conveyer (5) having housings, including two links supporting a plurality of pallets (53) defining housings (51) between same; a supply conveyer (2) arranged substantially perpendicular to the housing conveyer (5) and capable of transporting products (9) one behind the other and of supplying at least one product in each housing to a loading station via one open lateral side of said housings, the housing conveyer being provided with abutment means (70) arranged on the lateral side of the housing opposite the supply conveyer and used as an abutment for the product to be loaded into each housing; and unloading means capable of simultaneously unloading a batch of products from a series of housings of the housing conveyer at an unloading station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: MAREL STORK FOOD SYSTEMS FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Jacques Le Paih, Laurent Le Goff, Fabrice Le Pabic
  • Patent number: 8235640
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving containers into or from a chamber provided with at least a supporting surface for the containers, comprises a pushing element for engaging the containers and a driving arrangement for moving the pushing element through the chamber along a sliding direction, the driving arrangement comprising, a modular rod assembly for supporting the pushing element and including a set of rod elements which can be mutually and removably associated, an assembling arrangement for connecting or disconnecting the rod elements to or from the modular rod assembly so as to change a length thereof and to move the pushing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Telstar Technologies, S.L.
    Inventors: Gianni Balboni, Samuele Bellan, Franco Gironi, Paul Stewart
  • Publication number: 20120186942
    Abstract: A pickface builder for a storage and retrieval system for storing goods units and having an in-feed conveyor and a picking device, each goods unit holding at least one product package therein, the pickface builder including a frame, a pusher member movably coupled to the frame, and a snugger member movably coupled to the frame, wherein the pickface builder is configured to receive goods units from the in-feed conveyor and the pusher member and snugger member are movable at least in a direction transverse to a direction of goods unit travel on the in-feed conveyor and configured to form the goods units into a pickface picked by the picking device as a unit and having a predetermined reference datum relating the pickface to a placement position of goods units forming the pickface along a storage surface of the storage and retrieval system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: CASEPICK SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Toebes, Robert Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8196734
    Abstract: An automatic convey device adapted for pushing and grouping a plurality of connectors includes a frame assembly, a holding module and a feeding module disposed on the frame assembly respectively. The holding module has a plurality of positioning units for positioning the connectors. The feeding module includes a power unit, a sliding unit disposed on the frame assembly, a plurality of pushing units and a grouping unit mounted to the sliding unit respectively. The pushing units are capable of repeatedly pushing the respective connectors move forward until the connectors are positioned by the positioning units and then move backward for repeating the last action to push the next connectors forward. The grouping unit is capable of repeating the action of pushing forward the connector positioned by the forward positioning unit and capable of being controlled by the power unit to disconnect with or connect with and push the corresponding connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Lin Chen, Xiao-Lin Wu, Shao-Bo Zhang, Zai-Wei Zou, Jun Ma
  • Publication number: 20120118701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for grouping together products that arrive in line and are spaced apart from each other on an infeed conveyor (2), consisting of: collecting the products on the fly by means of a pair of collectors (4) that move transversely relative to the products on said conveyor (2); moving the products collected by collector (4A) to a removal station (11) and, at the same time, replacing said collector (4A) with the second collector (4B) that, in turn, collects the products; and dropping off the products from collector (4A) to the removal station (11) and bringing said collector (4A) back to a collecting position while intersecting collector (4B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Guillaume Duchemin, Didier Mougin, David Gatos, Thierry Garnier
  • Patent number: 8167113
    Abstract: The method consists in collecting products (2) that are arriving spaced and in line on a conveyor (1). This collection is carried out by means of a collector device (40), in the form of a comb, arranged transversally, forming an angle between 60 and 120° in relation to the product advancement direction (2). The collector (40) deposits and drops the collected products at a take-up station which is located on the side of said supply conveyor (1); it is capable of a loop movement that can be divided, for the collecting of said products, into a transversal movement combined with a longitudinal movement upwards of the vial queue. The installation for the implementation of the method comprises a table (3) arranged at the level of and along the conveyor (1), a collector (40) carried by an appropriate structure in order to be displaced longitudinally and transversally above said conveyor (1) and said table (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Didier Mougin, Michel Begin, Guillaume Duchemin, Christophe Poupon
  • Patent number: 8157080
    Abstract: A product aggregating apparatus receives product with an in-feed conveyor assembly and provides the product in an aggregated, registered and/or organized form, such as to a product picking apparatus. The in-feed conveyor assembly includes at least one in-feed conveyor, each in-feed conveyor configured to deliver product to first and second locations. A product receiver assembly includes at least first and second product receiver carriages to receive product at the first and second locations, respectively. An aggregated product receiver assembly comprises a carriage configured for vertical movement to positions adjacent to each product receiver carriage. A pusher assembly, comprising a pusher carriage configured for vertical movement to positions adjacent to each product receiver carriage, contains pushers horizontally moveable to push product from the adjacent product receiver carriage and onto the carriage of the aggregated product receiver assembly for picking by an appropriate apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pearson Packaging Systems
    Inventor: James A. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8096404
    Abstract: An apparatus for resorting piece goods assortments comprises a supply device, which transports along a first predefined transport path a piece goods assortment containing a plurality of piece goods arranged in predefined geometric positions, and at least one redistribution unit arranged at least partially downstream of the supply device along the transport path of the piece goods assortment. The redistribution unit comprises at least one pick-up element for picking up an individual item of piece goods of the piece goods assortment or a group of piece goods of the piece goods assortment, and a discharge device which is arranged downstream of the redistribution unit along the transport path. The pick-up element of the redistribution unit is movable in at least two different directions. The pick-up element removes individual piece goods or groups of piece goods from the piece goods assortment and transfers said piece goods to the discharge device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Richard Eschlbeck, Wolfgang Huber
  • Patent number: 8011494
    Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: F.R. Drake Company
    Inventors: Colin R. Hart, Paul J. Joynt, David W. Braner, Joshua W. Higgins, David W. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20110168526
    Abstract: An automatic convey device adapted for pushing and grouping a plurality of connectors includes a frame assembly, a holding module and a feeding module disposed on the frame assembly respectively. The holding module has a plurality of positioning units for positioning the connectors. The feeding module includes a power unit, a sliding unit disposed on the frame assembly, a plurality of pushing units and a grouping unit mounted to the sliding unit respectively. The pushing units are capable of repeatedly pushing the respective connectors move forward until the connectors are positioned by the positioning units and then move backward for repeating the last action to push the next connectors forward. The grouping unit is capable of repeating the action of pushing forward the connector positioned by the forward positioning unit and capable of being controlled by the power unit to disconnect with or connect with and push the corresponding connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Lin Chen, Xiao-Lin Wu, Shao-Bo Zhang, Zai-Wei Zou, Jun Ma
  • Patent number: 7942254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying strips of corrugated cardboard, the device comprising a work table for conveying strips on the work table along a direction of conveyance, wherein the work table is supported on a floor and comprises at least one longitudinal groove for accommodating an element which is displaceable therein, and at least one slide which is disposed underneath the work table and is actuable for displacement in the direction of conveyance, which slide comprises an element which is actuable for upward extension through the at least one longitudinal groove for cooperation with the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: BHS Corrugated Maschinen-und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Schell