Plural Packages In Outer Cover Patents (Class 53/171)
  • Patent number: 10613523
    Abstract: Methods for simultaneously producing different products on a single production line are disclosed. The method may be used to produce different fluent products and other types of products including assembled products. In some cases, the method includes providing a plurality of articles which are components of the products to be produced. The method further involves providing a track system and a plurality of vehicles for the articles. At least some of the vehicles may be independently routable around the track system. The method further includes simultaneously sending one article-loaded vehicle to a unit operation station where a step in the production of a product is performed and another article-loaded vehicle to a unit operation station where a step in the production of a different product is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ryan Andrew Burkhard, Nathan E Moore, Elizabeth Marie Fikes, Daniel Richard Royce, Kyle Christopher Ballman
  • Publication number: 20150101283
    Abstract: The device for producing the packaging comprises a unit for producing blister packs, a unit for producing the packaging containers, a transfer device for transferring the blister packs in the packaging containers, a sealing station for the packaging containers, and preferably also a stamp, all of which are arranged in a single machine. The packaging for tablets thus manufactured has a packaging container and several blister packs, which are loosely accommodated in a holding section of the packaging container, and the holding section is sealed by a lidding sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Fuhrmann, Fritz Fochler
  • Patent number: 8899001
    Abstract: With a random incoming axial stream of pallets of articles, there is a stack of blanks, an axial stream synchronized with pallets is formed, all of the pallets are transferred from the axial stream synchronized with pallets to constitute an axial stream that is synchronized with lots, lots are separated by empty spaces having length of one or more article lengths, whereby the spacing is thus variable and adapted to lot length, blanks are unstacked upon demand based on the pallets to constitute a synchronized stream of blanks corresponding to the stream synchronized with lots. Blanks are separated by empty spaces with length of one or more article lengths, starting from the stream synchronized with lots and the stream synchronized with blanks; each lot of articles is made to work with each blank before the blank is folded around the lot of articles and made into a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Automatisation et Renovation du Conditionment dans les Industries Laitieres ARCIL
    Inventor: Romuald Bachelle
  • Patent number: 8789345
    Abstract: Procedure for the low-risk and zero-emission transportation of sulphur from solid sulphur deposits, in blocks of large dimensions, characterized in that it comprises the formation of blocks of sulphur, having suitable dimensions for being moved, by means of water cut techniques and the wrapping of the blocks obtained in polyethylene sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.p.A.
    Inventor: Leonardo Zan
  • Patent number: 8713897
    Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a filled prescription order is described. The prescription order includes a first plurality of tablets that is different from a second plurality of tablets. Additionally, the first plurality of tablets has a particular shape and a color that is different from the second plurality of tablets. The system and method generates an order that is communicated to a filling system. A code is then generated at the filling system when the filling system can fill the order. An automated inspection at visual wavelengths is performed for each of the pouches at an inspection station. The automated inspection at visual wavelengths inspects a color and a shape of each tablet. The method then proceeds to scan the code at the inspection station to verify that the correct pouches are associated with the tablets that correspond to the prescription order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Edge Medical Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Leslie Baker, Larry Luciano
  • Patent number: 8474228
    Abstract: A packaging system for transporting vials containing biological samples may comprise a first tray defining at least one first tray cavity; and a second tray defining at least one second tray cavity and configured to mate with the first tray. The packaging system may further comprise at least one first tray cavity and at least one second tray cavity, wherein the at least one first tray cavity and the at least one second tray cavity are configured to securely hold respective vials for transport, and to restrain caps on the respective vials during transport, wherein the at least one first tray cavity and the at least one second tray cavity oppose each other when the first tray and the second tray are mated together. The packaging system may also be configured to permit barcode scanning of vials held within the first tray cavity and the second tray cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Adair, Joselito Crespo, Allen Perry, Paul Russell
  • Patent number: 8448411
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a machine to group and join at last two articles by attaching a first packaging to form a packaging unit. The individual packaging units are joined together with an additional second packaging to form a bigger unit. The process is carried out continuously, whereby the packaging units are transposed or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Huber, Michael Hartl
  • Patent number: 8407971
    Abstract: A single package providing dormitory room supplies for at least one student at an institution of higher education and associated method of use is disclosed. This package includes at least one shipping container. Numerous internal containers can be located within the shipping container. Dormitory room supplies are then located within the shipping container and/or internal containers. The essential items included are classified into the following categories: linen, clothing, organizational, electrical or electronic, and kitchen items. The package can be used to supply one or more dormitory rooms with all the essentials needed or to provide extras, which are typically required but not strictly essential. The single package can also include a cargo container, in which multiple shipping containers are located, to supply multiple dormitory rooms. This cargo container can be transported on a ship and as the trailer or placed on a trailer of a semi-trailer truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dorm-In-A-Box, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Vahlkamp
  • Publication number: 20120279173
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a feeding unit including a support surface inclined with respect to a vertical direction and a stacking surface substantially perpendicular to the support surface, a plurality of paper sheets being stacked on the stacking surface in such a manner that the paper sheets are inclined along the support surface, a pick up mechanism configured to pick up the paper sheets from a side of the stacking surface of the feeding unit, a conveying path configured to convey the picked up paper sheets, an inspection device configured to inspect the conveyed paper sheet, and an accumulation unit configured to accumulate the inspected paper sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sakoguchi, Kazuhiro Mukai, Hisashi Oosawa
  • Patent number: 8276348
    Abstract: The packing according to the invention comprises: a container for holding said at least one object to be sterilized, having an inlet opening and a discharge opening via which said at least one object may pass into and out of said container, said container comprising a rigid part which comprises a peripheral wall bored with a multitude of small holes having dimensions smaller than those of the said at least one object, and a non-rigid part in a material porous to the sterilization fluid and non-porous to microbial contamination, this non-rigid part being able to contain said rigid part and to be sealed thereon; and at least one envelope made in a flexible and airtight material, which is vacuum sealing fitted on said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France, S.A.S.
    Inventors: Emeric Mermet, Thomas Dubois
  • Patent number: 8069680
    Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, William H. Gates, III, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8042318
    Abstract: A process for preparing a water-soluble container comprising at least two compartments which comprises: a. forming a first pocket in a first water-soluble film by thermoforming or vacuum forming the first water-soluble film in a mould; b. filling the first pocket with a first composition; c. closing the first pocket with a second water-soluble film to produce an intermediate container; d. moving the intermediate container by deforming the mould to provide a second pocket; e. filling the second pocket with a second composition; and f. closing the second pocket with a third water-soluble film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Francesc Ayats, Frederic Moreux, Jordi Salvador, Ralf Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 8024912
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Chiquita Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Richard F. J. Macleod, Frederick Forgnone, Jason Wells
  • Patent number: 7770366
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Transfresh Corporation
    Inventors: Richard F. J. Macleod, Frederick Forgnone, Jason Wells
  • Patent number: 7743587
    Abstract: Method for the manufacture of mixed packages and device for carrying out said method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventors: Werner Hagenbrock, Joachim Junghans
  • Patent number: 7434374
    Abstract: A method and a line for the high-speed packaging of filter bags (1) containing an infusion product comprises at least three successive operating steps whereby: the filter bags (1) are wrapped in a continuous protective tubular envelope (2) by sealing a continuous V-shaped folded strip (3) along a longitudinal sealing line (5) and transversal sealing lines (6); the tubular envelope (2) is cut into lengths; and the filter bags (1), individually wrapped in respective envelopes (2), are placed in cartons. In the method and line (26) according to the invention, the transversal seal (6) is made in two successive steps as the continuous folded strip (3) moves through two separate consecutive sealing stations (7, 8), the first station (7) making a part of the transversal seal (6) and the second station (8) completing the same transversal seal (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Tecnomeccanica S.r.l.
    Inventor: Andrea Romagnoli
  • Patent number: 7415812
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a hinged lid side-by-side vertically hinged cigarette pack (10) having a first bundle (22) and a second bundle (23) of cigarettes is described. The machinery includes a first machine (30) to form a first foil wrapped bundle surrounded by a first inner frame, a second machine (31) for forming a second foil wrapped bundle surrounded by a second inner frame and a third machine (32) for combining the first and second foil wrapped bundle into a single hinged lid side-by-side vertically hinged pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Jonathan Bray, Alan Douglas Tearle, Steven Holford
  • Patent number: 7069706
    Abstract: A method for packaging coca beans and like bean-shaped natural products, wherein the cocoa beans are packaged in ventilating, at least partially relatively form-retaining and stackable packaging devices. Packaging devices for cocoa beans or like bean-shaped, natural products, which packaging device comprises a frame and a sack-shaped element suspendible therein, wherein a filling opening is provided for bringing the products into at least the sack-shaped element and wherein the frames with filled sacks are stackable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: =InnoSpecial Products B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Antonius Hoogland
  • Patent number: 6874299
    Abstract: A high speed bagging system and a method for placing a liquid product into a bag and placing at least two of these bags into a pouch is described. The system comprises at least two bag fillers housed in a common filler housing and operating simultaneously to place the liquid product in respective bags on a continuous basis during a working cycle. Filled bags are simultaneously conveyed on a two lane conveyor system. The two-lane conveyor is configured to optimize floor space area. Each conveyor belt has an outlet end associated with a respective bagging machine at a bagging station. The bagging machines are adapted to place at least two of the bags into a pouch on a continuous basis during the working cycle. The bagging machines feed a respective pouch closure device to close a mouth opening of the pouches which are then discharged on a discharge conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Glopak Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Basque
  • Publication number: 20040237473
    Abstract: A high speed bagging system and a method for placing a liquid product into a bag and placing at least two of these bags into a pouch is described. The system comprises at least two bag fillers housed in a common filler housing and operating simultaneously to place the liquid product in respective bags on a continuous basis during a working cycle. Filled bags are simultaneously conveyed on a two lane conveyor system. The two-lane conveyor is configured to optimize floor space area. Each conveyor belt has an outlet end associated with a respective bagging machine at a bagging station. The bagging machines are adapted to place at least two of the bags into a pouch on a continuous basis during the working cycle. The bagging machines feed a respective pouch closure device to close a mouth opening of the pouches which are then discharged on a discharge conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Glopak Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Basque
  • Publication number: 20040226263
    Abstract: A machine (100) that makes filter bags (1) containing a product for infusion in a liquid, comprises the following, arranged in succession: a unit (53) for preparing and feeding the materials used to make the filter bags; and at least: an assembly (54) for metering the infusion product; a forming unit (55); a dividing unit (56) and a unit (57) for cutting the filter bags (1). In the preparing and feeding unit (53) three separate filter bag materials, consisting of a web (17) of filter paper, a continuous thread (31), and a row of tags (6) are gradually brought together, while moving continuously, and first loops (10) are made in the thread (31) and gathered between the tags (6). The filter bags (1) are subsequently formed in the metering assembly (54), in the dividing unit (56) and in the cutting unit (57), which also operate with continuous motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: TECNOMECCANICA S.r.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Romagnoli
  • Publication number: 20040118086
    Abstract: An apparatus for making packages (1) comprising groups (2) of products wrapped with stretch film comprises the following: a transporting surface (3) for conveying groups (2) of products presenting a front face (FD) in a defined feed direction (A); a first pair of film feed stations (4, 5) located on opposite sides of the transporting surface (3); a first selection carriage (6) comprising at least two units (7, 8) for forming a respective tubular length (9, 10) of film fed by the respective stations (4, 5), and means (11) for driving the first carriage (6) to and fro in a direction transversal to the feed direction (A) in such manner as to cyclically perform the following operations: forming the tubular length of film (9) on a first unit (4) outside the transporting surface (3), and at the same time positioning the other unit (5) with the respective tubular length of film (10) on it in a stretched configuration at the transporting surface (3) to form a part of the latter so as to enable feeding of the group (2
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: AETNA GROUP S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cere
  • Patent number: 6748719
    Abstract: A machine for wrapping products, wherein a stacking plate receives a succession of wrapped products, and groups the products into a succession of stacks, which are transferred, axially with respect to the stacking plate, to an input station of a wrapping wheel for wrapping the stacks in respective sheets of wrapping material, and transferring the wrapped stacks to a substantially horizontal output conveyor; the wrapping wheel rotating in steps about a horizontal first axis, and having a number of radial seats; and the stacking plate being mounted to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and defining, with the first axis, a plane through the input station and forming a substantially 30° angle with a vertical plane through the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Salicini, Stefano Cavallari
  • Publication number: 20030230048
    Abstract: A machine for wrapping products, wherein a stacking plate receives a succession of wrapped products, and groups the products into a succession of stacks, which are transferred, axially with respect to the stacking plate, to an input station of a wrapping wheel for wrapping the stacks in respective sheets of wrapping material, and transferring the wrapped stacks to a substantially horizontal output conveyor; the wrapping wheel rotating in steps about a horizontal first axis, and having a number of radial seats; and the stacking plate being mounted to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and defining, with the first axis, a plane through the input station and forming a substantially 30° angle with a vertical plane through the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.
    Inventors: Sandro Salicini, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 6658813
    Abstract: Combined packages including a plurality of complementary containers are disclosed. A first such container is a first generally rectanguloidal container that contains a first item and a second such container is a second generally rectanguloidal container that contains a second item that is different from and complementary to the first item. A packaging material at least partially surrounds each of the containers, thus holding the container in mutual abutment. A combined package can also include an adhesive between the containers that holds a face of the first container and a face of the second container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the overall shape of the combined package can be generally rectanguloidal. The first container can have a plurality of faces, each of which is generally coplanar with a respective face of the second container. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such combined packages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Forrest Kelly Clay
  • Patent number: 6612100
    Abstract: A protective cover that is pre-folded by a protective cover pre-folding apparatus is supplied to a pack producing apparatus. After sheets are stacked on the protective cover, the protective cover is fully folded onto the sheets to produce a pack, which is then inserted into a bag to produce a package. The package is then delivered from a package stacking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Morimoto, Hirokazu Kawai, Yuji Okabe, Yasushi Kikuchi, Masao Tsuruta, Takao Asakura
  • Publication number: 20030140601
    Abstract: Method and device for packing bags filled with product in a box. The bags are made gas-permeable and after the bags have been filled with product the residual volume of gas therein is removed by drawing off the gases present in the bag by means of suction. This is achieved by conveying the bags over a belt on which vacuum is acting. Prior to this step the bags can be subjected to a vibratory treatment in order to optimise the position of the product in the bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Prakken
  • Patent number: 6564528
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for apparatus for bagging a plurality of filled bags, such as 5-lb., 10-lb. or 15-lb. potatoes, into a larger baler bag, such as a 50 or 60 lb. baler bag, has a chute for receiving the filled bags and defining a path of travel for the filled bags. A plurality of flaps are movably coupled to the chute at spaced apart locations along the length of the chute to define a plurality of sequential stops. The flaps move between a first stop position extending into the path of travel of the filled bags, and a second pass position extending out of the path of travel of the filled bags. The plurality of flaps move sequentially from the upper end of the chute to the lower end between the first stop position and the second pass position, such that the filled bags are sequentially lowered from one flap to another. A plurality of baler bag heads have pivoting flap members secured to a collar for holding the baler bags between the flaps and lips on the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Automation Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Keegan
  • Publication number: 20020092277
    Abstract: A sheet package producing system for producing a sheet package having a predetermined number of sheets or X-ray films is provided. A cutting/stacking device forms the sheets by cutting continuous sheet at a regular length, and for stacking the sheets in the predetermined number. A covered sheet stack producing device inserts the stacked sheets into a protective cover, to obtain a covered sheet stack. A packaging device packages the covered sheet stack to obtain the sheet package. The cutting/stacking device, the covered sheet stack producing device and the packaging device are connected in series with one another. Those devices are balanced in line capacity balance relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting/stacking device includes a supply module for feeding the continuous sheet. A cutter module cuts the continuous sheet to obtain the sheets. A stacker module stacks the sheets in the predetermined number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nishida
  • Publication number: 20020017468
    Abstract: Combined packages including a multi-pack carton of beverage containers and one or more complementary containers are disclosed. The multi-pack carton typically contains at least six or twelve beverage containers, which can be cans or bottles. A packaging material at least partially surrounds both the multi-pack carton and the complementary container, thus holding the multi-pack carton and the complementary container in mutual abutment. A combined package can also include an adhesive between the multi-pack carton and the complementary container that holds a face of the multi-pack carton and a face of the container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the surface areas of the faces can be approximately the same, and the overall shape of the combined package can be generally rectanguloidal. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such combined packages are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Forrest Kelly Clay
  • Patent number: 6308494
    Abstract: A drug filling machine has a plurality of feeders containing a plurality of different kinds of drugs. A plurality of drugs are discharged from one or some or the feeders into a vial. A sealing unit is provided for sealing the mouth of the vial with a transparent sheet. The sealing unit includes a sheet presser for pushing the transparent sheet into the mouth of the vial to form a sealing sheet having a tray-shaped section, a cutter for cutting the transparent sheet into a predetermined shape, and a heater for fusing the transparent sheet to the top end of the vial to seal the mouth of the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Hiroyasu Hamada
  • Patent number: 6293393
    Abstract: A combined food and beverage package including a snack food container and a multi-pack carton of beverage containers is disclosed. The multi-pack carton typically contains at least six or twelve beverage containers, which can be cans or bottles. A packaging material at least partially surrounds both the multi-pack carton and the snack food container, thus holding the multi-pack carton and the snack food container in combination. The combined package can also include an adhesive between the multi-pack carton and the snack food container that holds a face of the multi-pack carton and a face of the snack food container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the surface areas of the faces can be approximately the same. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such a combined food and beverage package are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: SDK Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Forrest Kelly Clay
  • Patent number: 6244018
    Abstract: A collator includes a first conveyor having a discharge end and a second receiving conveyor positioned below the discharge end of the first conveyor. As each product bag falls toward the second conveyor, an air blast assists in uprighting the bag. The second conveyor may be temporarily operated at a high speed to separate the product bags into groups. A deflector may be mounted at the discharge end of the second conveyor for directing product bags into containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Dallas A. C. Horn & Co.
    Inventor: Mark A. Ritter
  • Patent number: 6164041
    Abstract: Packaging a plurality of cuboid containers, such as cigarette packs, in a package that is larger than the containers is enabled by arranging the containers in an offset array in which adjacent sides of the containers are offset from each other by a predetermined amount. A blank of relatively stiff material is folded around the array to form the package. The amount the containers are offset in the array is the same amount by which the package sides are longer than the adjacent sides of the containers. This enables the array in effect to fill the package even though the containers themselves are smaller than the package. The invention is particularly useful for cigarette packs since it enables the same package blank to be used for different size cigarette packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Focke & Co., (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Johann Koster
  • Patent number: 6070395
    Abstract: Bags containing a particle, powder or granule product are packed inside a wrapper formed from an elongated laminar wrapping of thermo-bonding plastic. The wrapping is sealed along longitudinal seams to form a sleeve. The bags of product are advanced on a transporter and pressed to a compact and even shape. A first bag is placed on a temporary support and the wrapping formed into a sleeve about the bag. The first bag is allowed to fall into the sleeve. The sleeve and bag are caused to ascend at the same time, and the sleeve is closed with seams during its descent. The process is then repeated for successive bags until the sleeve contains a set number of bags. The sleeve is then closed into a welded wrapping about the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Mainar, S.A.
    Inventor: Ferruccio Carmelo Calvano
  • Patent number: 5946883
    Abstract: A drug filling machine has a plurality of feeders containing a plurality of different kinds of drugs. A plurality of drugs are discharged from one or some or the feeders into a vial. A sealing unit is provided for sealing the mouth of the vial with a transparent sheet. The sealing unit includes a sheet presser for pushing the transparent sheet into the mouth of the vial to form a sealing sheet having a tray-shaped section, a cutter for cutting the transparent sheet into a predetermined shape, and a heater for fusing the transparent sheet to the top end of the vial to seal the mouth of the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Hiroyasu Hamada
  • Patent number: 5878554
    Abstract: The system involves the use of shallow boxes having an integral base and lid, with the lid being foldable down to close the box as part of the automated packaging of stacks of sheets of labels or other sheet material. The system involves one or more accumulators having buffering capability between sheet stackers and the cartoning equipment. The lids may be scored and subject to a pre-breaking step so that their three layer construction may be readily formed into boxes in the course of the packaging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Dale E. Loree, Anthony J. Grace
  • Patent number: 5813196
    Abstract: A method and a machine for automatically bagging articles in a bag and in a sequential and uninterrupted manner. A plurality of articles are continuously fed to the machine and received in two or three compartments, herein three compartments. Once the third article is received in the third compartment, all three articles are discharged within a bag held under the machine. A control circuit, after a predetermined time delay actuates an article support element which is caused to enter into the third compartment or the first compartment depending on the sequence of loading the machine whereby to support a fourth article entering the third compartment due to the fact that the bottom end of all compartments is open. The feeding device is uninterrupted and continues to feed articles to the machine regardless if the bottom discharge gate is open and the sequence is automatically reversed, back and forth, between the first and third and third and first compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Glopak, Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Page, Guy Champagne, Dave Roberts, John Edwards
  • Patent number: 5794416
    Abstract: A system for configuring a stack of layers of boxes to fill an enclosed compartment or cargo space in sequential stack positions according to measurements of the compartment as stored by a computer and the box layer height as determined by the computer. The computer calculates the maximum height of the stack and each predetermined stack location within the cargo space necessary to fill the enclosed cargo space and, through a programmable logic controller, directs a delayering clamp to index itself relative to a stack of boxes, and then removes as many boxes as necessary from the stack. The remaining layers of boxes in the stack are then fed to a stretch-wrap station where the remaining layers of the stack are rotated while the stretch wrap is being applied. The stretch-wrapped stack is then transferred to a station for holding for a forklift or other device to take it into the enclosed cargo area and stack it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Kem M. Rahman
  • Patent number: 5680745
    Abstract: Twin packets of cigarettes, each consisting of two half packets with respective foil wrappings and arranged side by side inside an outer wrapping, are formed on a wrapping line by feeding a single succession of half packets along the input portion of the wrapping line, and successively transferring the half packets to the output portion of the wrapping line by grouping the half packets into twos to form, at the output portion, a single succession of groups, each consisting of two side by side half packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Brizzi, Antonio Gamberini
  • Patent number: 5647190
    Abstract: A method and machine whereby two rigid packets, traveling in a first direction parallel to the longer longitudinal axes of the packets, are transferred to the inputs of respective conveyors, one of the two packets being rotated 180.degree. about its longitudinal axis, and the other packet being rotated 180.degree. about an axis crosswise to its longitudinal axis; and the two packets are fed along the respective conveyors in a second direction crosswise to the respective longer longitudinal axes and to the crosswise axis into a position wherein the two packets present a common longitudinal axis, are oppositely oriented along the common longitudinal axis, are rotated 180.degree. in relation to each other about the common longitudinal axis, and are connectable to form a twin packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Alessandro Minarelli, Roberto Osti
  • Patent number: 5588285
    Abstract: A system for packing a plurality of packages into a container has an input conveyor for delivering the packages one at a time at regular intervals and at a constant input speed to a transfer station and an output conveyor having a perforated lower belt and an upper belt together defining a path extending from an upstream end at the transfer station to a vertically displaceable downstream end at a loading station. A container conveyor extends past the loading station for displacing a succession of the containers through the station. A controller connected to all of the drives operates the output conveyor at a low stacking speed to form an overlapped group of the packages on the output conveyor. It periodically switches the output conveyor from the low stacking speed to a high gapping speed when a predetermined number of the packages have been deposited on the output conveyor by the input conveyor to form a space on the output conveyor between succeeding groups of packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Ostma Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz F. Odenthal
  • Patent number: 5495700
    Abstract: The pack-forming unit (12) brings printing products into a tube-like form and sheathes them with a retaining element. The packs (20) thus formed are ejected into a first stack compartment (22) which is emptied into a second stack compartment (24) as soon as a certain number of packs (20) are stacked in it. A strap (30) is then laid around the stacked packs (20), in order to keep the latter together to form a bundle (32) which can be easily handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Stauber, Willem F. S. M. Van Wegen
  • Patent number: 5469687
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming stacked article groups utilizing clip-type article group carriers. The overall apparatus is aligned in a generally linear, continuous orientation. The apparatus longitudinally moves infeed cans from an infeed end to an output end. The apparatus generally comprises (a) an article grouping and clip-type carrier application assembly having at least one input and first and second output lines; (b) a first conveyor disposed to receive and transport first article groups having clip-type carriers attached thereto from and first output line, the first article groups being transported at a first vertical level; (c) a second conveyor disposed to receive and transport second article groups having clip-type carriers attached thereto from the second output line, the second article groups being transported at a second vertical level which is above the first vertical level; and (d) means to merge the second article groups over the top surface of the first article groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Allen L. Olson
  • Patent number: 5456061
    Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a carton and foam inserts to support a product shipped by a supplier, which elements are successively returned by an end user to be reused in the same or other shipping assembly, while various components are recycled as they become spent. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. A resource center reroutes or refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spend pieces. On-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer provides a more efficient, environmentally clean system. Spent inserts of identified polymer may be diverted to users of specific resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: ReSource America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Grey, Wayne Williams, William H. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5430994
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring bag packs (10) containing sensitive loose material to a collective packer for the introduction of the packs into a carton or the like. To compensate for the difference in performance rates of a production machine (bag packer) for the packs (10) and the collective packer, there is provided a conveying device (17) with at least two conveyor belts (18, 19) which act as compensating conveyors. The packs (10) are fed to a special collecting station (16) by the conveying device (17). This collecting station comprises an intermediate band (35) and a group band (43). In the region of the intermediate band (35), the packs (10) are spaced out at a distance so they can be detected. In the region of the group band (43), a pack group (11) is formed from packs (10) lying tightly next to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Wolfgang Heinzig
  • Patent number: 5373680
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding and packaging of hygiene products such as tissues r sanitary napkins has two operational lines arranged in parallel between an input feeder and a packaging station. One of the lines includes stations for folding, enveloping, embossing, and cutting operations. The other line includes one or more transport mechanisms that by-pass the first mentioned line to transport articles directly from the inlet to a packaging station. Thus, if desired, articles may be supplied to the packaging station without any folding or other intermediate treatment by using the by-pass line. An output feeder is arranged to cooperate with either the main production line or the by-pass line for feeding articles to a packing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Winkler & Duennebier Maschinenfabrik und Eisengiesserei KG
    Inventor: Klaus Munsch
  • Patent number: 5267426
    Abstract: A system for loading product into a container comprises a conveyor with side by side staggered delivery portions, a pair of side by side bottom opening receptacles fed at different times by the deliver portions of the conveyor, a hopper moveable in an alternating manner to a product receiving position beneath each of the receptacles and a container holder below and fed by the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Robert Davis
  • Patent number: 5263302
    Abstract: A device for the packing of rigid or flexible receptacles, especially filled plastic bags, which are triangularly or teardrop-shaped in section, comprises a conveying belt for conveying the receptacles one behind the other, a discharge unit for discharging the receptacles one behind the other into a reception case located thereunder, the reception case being rotatable about 180.degree. and being located below the discharge unit. After a first receptacle is discharged into the reception case, it is rotated by 180.degree. and a layer consisting of oppositely directed receptacles in which the pointed end portions overlap is formed. Thereafter, the so-formed layers are deposited in a final packing case located below the reception case. An optimum utilization of space in the final packing case is attained by the receptacles due to the overlapping of their pointed end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: Manfred Hauers, Dieter Vits
  • Patent number: 5161350
    Abstract: A dispenser-container comprises a container body provided with two containing spaces, containing wet contents and dry contents, respectively. The container body is a bag constituted by a first flexible sheet made of a liquid impervious material and a second flexible sheet made of a liquid impervious material. The first sheet constitutes a bag of a pillow type, longitudinal edges of the first sheet overlap each other and are at most slightly sealed with each other to such an extent that they can be manually separated to form an opening for dispensing the dry contents. The second sheet is fixed to the first sheet along the entire peripheries thereof and is located outside or inside the pillow type bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Kennak U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Nakamura