Stacking Upon Another Before Packaging Patents (Class 53/447)
  • Patent number: 11261039
    Abstract: An article transfer device is configured to transfer a plurality of articles from a placement component to a container. The placement component includes a placement surface on which the plural articles are placed. The article transfer device includes a placement component drive unit that relatively moves the container and the placement component and a control unit that controls the operation of the placement component drive unit. The control unit controls the operation of the placement component drive unit so that, when the articles on the placement component are above the container, the placement component is pulled out from between the container and the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akihito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11111083
    Abstract: An article accumulating apparatus that uses a robot to transfer to a predetermined location and accumulate an article conveyed thereto is disclosed. The article accumulating apparatus includes a conveyance unit, an accumulation unit, and a discharge unit. The conveyance unit is configured to convey the article. The accumulation unit is disposed in series with the conveyance unit and is configured to accumulate the article. The discharge unit is configured to discharge the article in the conveyance unit to an area outside the accumulation unit. The discharge unit is disposed in a robot movable range that is a range in which the robot holds and transfers the article to the accumulation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kousuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10974854
    Abstract: An improved packaging machine, comprising: a rest surface (2) for supporting one or more blanks (B) intended to form a quadrangular packaging (C); containing means (3), structured for containing a plurality of blanks (B) destined to form the packaging; handier means (4), structured so as to pick up the blanks (B) from the containing means (3) and to arrange them on the rest surface (2), folder means (5), structured so as to fold the blanks (B) in such a way as to form the packaging; a store (31,32,33,34) for each side of the packaging (C); a handier (41,42,43,44) for each side of the packaging (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Toro
  • Patent number: 10913558
    Abstract: A folding station includes an inlet and an outlet and is predisposed to receive at the inlet a cardboard blank having two transversal edges, two longitudinal edges, two longitudinal score lines, and four transverse score lines. The two longitudinal score lines define therebetween a central sector and also define two lateral sectors externally of the two longitudinal score lines. Cuts in the two lateral sectors define a series of flaps. The folding station further comprises a conveyor for transporting the cardboard blank in an advancement direction to a position, a first folding bar located by a flank of a first side of the conveyor at the position, and a second folding bar located by a flank of a second side of the conveyor at the position. The first folding bar and the second folding bar rotate to fold the flaps in the two lateral sectors onto respective portions of the central sector of the cardboard blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: F.L. AUTO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Ponti
  • Patent number: 10766645
    Abstract: A conveyor and packaging system includes an upstream conveyor that transports stacks biscuits in a plurality of lanes into buckets of a bucket conveyor. The bucket conveyor transports the buckets in a direction perpendicular to the length of the buckets to a packaging area, where transfer devices transfer the biscuit stacks to an input of a packaging machine. The transfer device can transfer the stacks without use of an intermediary conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Intercontinental Great Britain LLC
    Inventors: Ricardo Bacellar, Joao Moreira
  • Patent number: 9156575
    Abstract: A load packaging system includes a bag feeder for pulling a length of bag material, a mechanism for cutting and sealing the bag material to form a bag with a first sealed end, and a gripping device for opening the bag. The system also includes a load pusher for pushing the load into the bag, a package sealer for sealing a second end of the bag, and a labeling device for printing and applying one or more labels onto the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Grop LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Potempa, Matthew T. Grennie, Ronald R. Powell
  • Patent number: 9102428
    Abstract: An apparatus for laying sliced foods (11) into containers (390) comprises a main transport unit (20, 91) and a secondary transport unit (50, 150) downstream of the main unit. The two units are adapted to carry sliced foods (11) from a slicing station to a packaging station. A control unit (40) controls the individual and combined movements of the two transport units based on at least one arrangement parameter (P1, P2) inputted through a user interface (60). The apparatus for laying sliced foods (11) into containers (390) receives these foods from a slicing station through a feeding station (80, 180) and causes advancing of same to a laying unit for arrangement in containers (310). The containers (390) are then routed to a packaging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Giorgio Grasselli
  • Publication number: 20150122689
    Abstract: A method of packaging and/or transporting a stack of preformed flower pot covers utilizing a portable platform is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 8997396
    Abstract: Rodent bait station assemblies and methods for assembly and bundling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: VM Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Vickery, Larry Covington
  • Publication number: 20150082751
    Abstract: In one aspect, an absorbent product includes a package and at least n absorbent articles contained in the package (n is greater than 10). Each of the absorbent articles has a body contacting surface and a garment contacting surface. Each of the absorbent articles includes a component material disposed between the body contacting surface and the garment contacting surface. The component material has a printed graphic which is seen through either the body contacting or garment contacting surfaces. The n graphics of the n absorbent articles are different from each other, and preferably have a predetermined association. In another aspect, a method is directed to printing a graphic on a sheet material which will become a component material for the absorbent articles. In another aspect, a method is directed to producing the absorbent product including the package and the n absorbent articles contained in the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Janardanan NAIR, Kesyin Fugger HSUEH, Michael Vincent GRAY, Jay TAO, Kazuyuki OHNISHI, Limin SONG, Michael Irwin LAWSON, Matthew Gerald MCNALLY, Deborah Kay KOKORUDA, George Bartol GLACKIN, III, Koichi TOMI
  • Publication number: 20150083631
    Abstract: A method for packaging a pack commodity, including providing a support element for supporting the pack commodity. The method also includes placing a first packaging material sheet onto the support element and disposing the pack commodity on the first packaging material sheet such that a portion of the first packaging material sheet comes to lie between the support element and the pack commodity, wherein the first packaging material sheet protrudes over the pack commodity. Next, a second packaging material sheet is placed onto an upper side of the pack commodity so that the second packaging material sheet protrudes over the pack commodity. The first packaging material sheet is joined, in some regions, to the second packaging material sheet. The first and the second packaging material sheets are adhesively joined in a respective, predetermined first region, along a periphery of the support element, such that they can be separated and re-joined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Hugo Wagner, SR., Hugo Wagner, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150068160
    Abstract: A method and a device for generating postal items with: a linearly formed first feed channel for feeding first documents of a postal item, with a first transport device, which transports the first documents in a first transport direction along a first straight transport line; an identification device for identifying the first documents; a second feed channel for feeding second documents of a postal item; an identification device for identifying the second documents; a collecting channel arranged downstream of the first feed channel and downstream of the second feed channel, for receiving first documents or groups of first documents from the first feed channel and/or of second documents or groups of second documents from the second feed channel, wherein the documents received in the collecting channel are collected as document group, wherein each document group forms the content of a postal item; and an envelope stuffing device arranged downstream of the collecting channel, in which the document groups coming
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Heimer KUDRUS
  • Publication number: 20140375107
    Abstract: A stacking ring for a chair base may be disposable between a first and second chair base such that the stacking ring generally prevents lateral movement of the first chair base relative to the second chair base. The stacking ring may be integrally formed to the chair base, or separate and disposable between at least two chair bases. The stacking ring may substantially prevent rotation of a first chair base relative to a second chair base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hutchinson, JR., Richard E. Hutchinson, Gerald A. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 8915050
    Abstract: Sliced products are deposited in a shipping tray 10 by depositing a first row 71 of the sliced products in the center portion of the tray, moving the first row across the bottom of the tray to a first side wall, depositing a second row 72 of sliced products in the center portion of the tray, then moving the second row of sliced products to the opposite side wall, and depositing a third row 73 of the sliced products in the center portion of the tray. The lateral movement of the first and second rows of sliced products avoids obstruction by the perimeter rim of the tray and the endmost slices of the products tend to follow the curvature of the corners 17-20 of the shipping tray as they are moved toward the side walls of the shipping tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Maxwell Chase Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walsh, D'Anthony K. Moore
  • Patent number: 8893454
    Abstract: A packaging machine is disclosed for packing cartons with beverage cans in two overlying layers. The packaging machine has a selector flight, a can flight, and a carton flight, all synchronously movable. A single infeed assembly directs first groups of cans into selector bays on the selector flight, sweeps them into adjacent can bays, and directs second groups of cans into the same selector bays, all on the same level. The selector flight and the second groups of cans then ramps up to an elevated level, from where the second groups of cans are swept into the adjacent can bays atop the first groups of cans. The thus staged cans are pushed into open cartons on the carton flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff A. Disrud
  • Publication number: 20140331612
    Abstract: A device (10, 100) for supplying notes of pecuniary value (24) to a thin-walled transport container (12) includes a stacking unit (20) for stacking the notes of pecuniary value (24) to be supplied to form a stack of notes of pecuniary value in a stacking region (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Jeschke, Mirko Duchstein
  • Patent number: 8863936
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transporting packagings from a packaging apparatus having two dropping channels to a transport container. A first transport element has compartments, the center-to-center distance of which corresponds to a center-to-center distance of the dropping channels, receives the packagings from the packaging producing apparatus. A second transport element has compartments for transporting the packagings to the transport container, wherein the center-to-center distance of the compartments of the second transport element corresponds to half of the center-to-center distance of the dropping channels. The apparatus has a transfer unit for transferring the packaging from the first transport element to the second transport element, and to which a positioning device is assigned for positioning the compartments of the first transport element relative to the compartments of the second transport element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: MediSeal GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Sassenberg, Michael Pasuch, Stephan Plewa, Markus Balsfulland, Johann Biehl, Markus Deimel, Ulf Leineke, Joachim Luecke, Jan-Karl Nielebock, Hartmut Ringel
  • Publication number: 20140250837
    Abstract: A device (10) for filling a transport container (12) with notes of pecuniary value, has a displacement unit (700) that conveys the notes of pecuniary value into the transport container (12) through a movable frame (16). When the transport container (12) is closed, the displacement unit (700) is in a second operating state in which its cross sectional area is reduced so far that it passes through the partially closed frame (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WINCOR NIXDORF INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Mirko Duchstein, Gerhard Hupe, Marek Rybaczyk
  • Publication number: 20140223865
    Abstract: A large count package of rolled products comprises six sides. The sides are arranged in three pairs of generally parallel opposing sides. The large count package comprises an overwrap enclosing a plurality of individually wrapped packages of rolled products. Each package of the rolled products comprises at least two rolled products, each having a core defined therethrough. The individually wrapped packages are disposed in the large count package with a longitudinal axis of each core of each of the rolled products being generally parallel with a plane of each of a front, back, left, and right side of the large count package. The overwrap is sealed with two seals, one seal being disposed on a top side and a bottom side of the large count package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Laura Lynn HEILMAN, Matthew Bernard OVERLEY
  • Publication number: 20140215972
    Abstract: A packaging machine is disclosed for packing cartons with beverage cans in two overlaying layers. The packaging machine has a selector flight, a can flight, and a carton flight, all synchronously movable. A single infeed assembly directs first groups of cans into selector bays on the selector flight, sweeps them into adjacent can bays, and directs second groups of cans into the same selector bays, all on the same level. The selector flight and the second groups of cans then ramps up to an elevated level, from where the second groups of cans are swept into the adjacent can bays atop the first groups of cans. The thus staged cans are pushed into open cartons on the carton flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff A. Disrud
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140196408
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging patties or other similarly shaped items into a flexible pouch. The method comprising the steps of stacking a plurality of patties by a stacker, the patties stacked on top of one another, lowering the plurality of patties into a flexible pouch, vacuuming the air out of the flexible pouch to seal the pouch, the vacuum creating an air tight seal and forming a pair of frangible or solid seals in the pouch, the frangible seals positioned adjacent to the plurality of patties. The apparatus for packaging patties into a flexible pouch, the apparatus comprising a stacker, a patty holder, a vacuum is further positioned adjacent to the patty holder, the vacuum operable to remove the air from the flexible pouch. A frangible seal creator is also provided operable to create a frangible seal on the flexible pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Patent number: 8713901
    Abstract: A method for providing low count packages of absorbent articles in a high speed manufacturing process in which a plurality of absorbent articles are conveyed in series to the infeed of a continuously rotating stacker. The articles are sequentially inserted into cassettes disposed on the stacker such that a plurality of absorbent article containing cassettes is provided. The articles are extracted from the continuously rotating stacker by an angled extractor and packaged into low count packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Zulema Dorronsoro Martin, Thomas Luebcke, Andre Josephine Karel De Saert, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
  • Patent number: 8689530
    Abstract: In order to insert packages, particularly bags (10) having fragile packaging goods into containers or cartons (14), the carton (14) is held ready in a packing station (16) such that the bags (10) can be inserted into the carton (14) by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher (56). In order to create different, ordered formations of the bags (10) within the carton (14), said carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton (14) at a predetermined feed plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Mimke Bohlen, Frank Sachs
  • Lid
    Publication number: 20140091103
    Abstract: Embodiments of a lid are provided. In one embodiment, the lid may be coupled to a container to provide selective access to the contents of the container. In one embodiment, the lid is configured to be stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Rockline Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Neitzel
  • Publication number: 20140084048
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packing method, according to which a packaging is produced, wherein a plurality of stacks (20) or layers of individual packed strip-type objects (12) are packed as a group (10) in a second packaging material (52). One of the front surfaces (16) of the individual strips (12) is stuck to the bottom (54) of the formed packaging (50). The strip packaging material and the adhesive are produced such that respectively one strip (12) can be removed from the external packaging (50). The remaining strips (12) remain arranged in the original position thereof in the packaging (50) without sliding and falling into each other, when individual strips (12) have already been removed from the packaging (50). A package band or a half-wrapper for holding and fixing the strips (12) inside the packaging (50) is rendered superfluous. The strips (12) are preferably respectively packed in a piece of packaging material that has a perforation (32) for separation into a first part and a second part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: LOESCH Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz-Peter Hammacher
  • Patent number: 8657115
    Abstract: An arrangement having a plurality of moistened cosmetic pads based on nonwovens which are piled into a closable packaging container in order to distribute to the final consumer and to prevent evaporation. The pads have, on average, a moisture content of at least 200% of the dry weight thereof in the arrangement, the pads have a fiber structure made of staple fibers, are individually moistened and have a homogeneous moisture content such that the difference of the average moisture content of the pads which are arranged in the upper and in the lower quarter of the stack is, at a maximum, 30% of the average moisture content of all of the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Angela Roempp, Jana Michelmann, Rainer Mangold
  • Patent number: 8657729
    Abstract: A method (1) includes: a step (S10) of conveying the wearing article (1) in such a manner that a front waistline portion (10) and a back waistline portion (20) extend in a conveyance direction (MD) of the wearing article (1); a step (S20) of changing the conveyance direction (MD) of the wearing article (1) by 90 degrees; a step (S30) of folding a flap portion (70) toward the front waistline portion (10), while conveying the wearing article (1); a step (S40) of folding the wearing article (1) along a middle portion, which is located in the middle between the front waistline portion (10) and a crotch portion (30) in the front-to-back direction of the wearing article (1), in such a manner that the front waistline portion (10) and the crotch portion (30) face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8650842
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove packing apparatus for packing gloves into a box, and to a method of packing gloves into a box, particularly to the packing of disposable medical gloves. A glove packing apparatus (1) for packing gloves into a box comprises a receptacle (26) for forming a stack of gloves to be packed, the receptacle having a perimeter wall (24, 25) for containing a stack of gloves, a floor (22) within the perimeter wall for supporting the stack of gloves, and an opening (27) opposite the floor into which additional gloves may be added to during stacking of gloves. The floor (22) is movable relative to the perimeter wall (24, 25), so that, in use, the floor may be moved relatively away from the receptacle opening (27) so that as gloves are added to said stack of gloves, the perimeter wall continues to contain the stack of gloves. The floor (22) may then be moved relatively toward the opening to remove the stack of gloves from the receptacle (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Altevo Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan William Stollery, Kim Marie Stollery
  • Publication number: 20140034114
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation. The arrangement includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module including a frame. A plurality of individual male alignment features and a plurality of individual female alignment features are included on each frame. Adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by multiple individual male alignment features on a first module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules fitting into and being surrounded by corresponding individual female alignment features on a second module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules. Other embodiments, features and aspects are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Brian S. WARES
  • Publication number: 20140026524
    Abstract: A system for stacking and packaging a plurality of discrete products of different sizes is provided. The system includes a stacking system having a movable lift plate, a slide plate assembly, an adjustable stop plate, and adjustable sidewalls. Layers of articles are introduced into a stack area, and movement of the lift plate and the slide plate assembly are coordinated to stack products in layers on the lift plate. The stacking system includes an adjustment assembly that allows adjustment of the position of the stop plate and/or the sidewalls relative to a frame such that the stacking system can be quickly and efficiently configured for use with layers of articles that have different depths and/or widths. In another aspect, the stacking system cooperates with a tipping system that rolls or tips stacked product to facilitate further processing or use of the product package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Valley Tissue Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Rooyakkers
  • Patent number: 8601771
    Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Amy Baker Folk, William Thomas Sanders, Daniel Christopher Bohen, Shane Anthony Johnson
  • Patent number: 8572935
    Abstract: An assemblage of reams of paper includes a plurality of layers of reams of paper. The plurality of layers includes a first layer having a first arrangement of reams, a second layer having a second arrangement of reams disposed on top of the first layer, and a third layer having a third arrangement of reams disposed on top of the second layer. The second arrangement is different from the first arrangement so as to form interlocking first and second layers, and the third arrangement is different from the second arrangement, so as to form interlocking second and third layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Robert P. Hieronymus, Sean T. Van Uum
  • Patent number: 8539739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. A four-sided compaction mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Top Tier, Inc.
    Inventors: Cary M. Pierson, Stephen L. Heston
  • Patent number: 8517164
    Abstract: Improved system for batching and expelling first and second stacks (10, 20) consisting of a predetermined number of clips (3) of disposable wipes from a main production line (S, 5), including at least a first grouping device (100, 200) that counts the clips (3) and transfers the stacks (10, 20) from the main production line (S, 5) to a first diverted conveyor line (A, 6) parallel to the main one, characterized in that it includes at least a second grouping device (100, 200), placed downstream from the first one, which counts the clips (3) and transfers the stacks (10, 20) from the main production line (S, 5) to a second diverted conveyor line (B, 7), parallel to the main line (S, 5), in which the first diverted conveyor line (A, 6) develops at a level lower than the second diverted conveyor line (B, 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Teknoweb Srl
    Inventor: Fabio Zampollo
  • Patent number: 8516740
    Abstract: Rodent bait station assemblies and methods for assembly and bundling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: VM Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Vickery, Larry Covington
  • Publication number: 20130212982
    Abstract: A device for quickly grouping picked goods for transport. The device includes a pair of stacking bridges lying opposite each other for pushing goods containers together in a defined manner to form a layer. The stacking bridges include a plurality of parallel, finger-like conveyor belts. The goods containers are pushed together in the direction of the diagonals of their base surfaces. A lifting apparatus is provided for lowering a layer of goods containers and placing a layer onto an empty pallet. A film-wrapping apparatus is provided for wrapping a shipment of picked goods prepared for transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Baumann
  • Patent number: 8499534
    Abstract: A system for packaging a plurality of tablets is disclosed that includes a container. The container comprises a generally elongated channel having a first end and a second end positioned below the first end. The first end has an aperture for receiving a plurality of tablets in series into the channel. The system also includes a container holding and vibration apparatus operable to hold the container and concurrently apply linear vibration in a direction to the container. A tablet delivery system is provided that is operable to deliver the tablets in series to the container in a direction that is substantially in alignment with the direction of linear vibration of the container. The linear vibration of the container provided is operable to align the tablets in a stacked formation within the channel of said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Patheon Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Ernest Gosse, Kenneth James Woolley, Martin Vincent Waite
  • Publication number: 20130160403
    Abstract: Palletizer for depositing a preformed layer (13) of objects (14) on a pallet (15), comprising: a conveyor, equipped with an advancement means (16, M1) which advances the preformed layer of objects, and designed to impart kinetic energy to said preformed layer (13) of objects, a layer depositing tool (12), designed to deposit the preformed layer (13) of objects onto the pallet (15), and a transfer means for transferring the preformed layer (13) of objects, designed so that the entirety of said preformed layer (13) of objects leaves the conveyor and arrives on the layer depositing tool (12). The transfer means comprise said advancement means (16, M1). The conveyor is a conveyor-launcher (11) designed for launching the preformed layers (13) of objects, and the transfer means consists solely of the advancement means of the conveyor-launcher and the kinetic energy imparted by the conveyor-launcher (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Sidel Participations
  • Patent number: 8468787
    Abstract: A sprinkler is designed to be stacked upon a like sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a spray tube, a sled, a projection extending from either a top or bottom surface of the sled, and a recess formed at the top or bottom surface of the sled. The recess accommodates the projection extending from the sled of the like sprinkler so that the sprinkler can be stacked with the like sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Melnor, Inc.
    Inventors: Juergen Nies, Vicky Ann Michael, Ha Van Duong, Richard King Boyle
  • Patent number: 8468781
    Abstract: A stacking apparatus and method of multi-layer stacking of objects of different sizes on a support to form a stacked support includes providing a support handler. A support is elevated with the support handler and objects of different sizes and shapes are stacked on the support to form a stacked support. A stacked support is removed and an empty support supplied with the support handler. A placeholder is provided above the support handler. The placeholder has a first mode for receiving objects on the placeholder. The placeholder has a second mode for providing access to a support on the support handler. The placeholder is put in the first mode while the support handler removes a stacked support and supplies an empty support. The placeholder is put in the second mode when the support handler is elevating a support being stacked with articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Roland Fritzsche, Martin Dirks, Lorne A. Weeter, Steven D. McArthur
  • Patent number: 8464501
    Abstract: The method for grouping stackable products arriving in line on a feed conveyor which has an accumulation function and a distribution function of the products, distribution being carried out sequentially to feed a supply conveyor which makes the products available so that they can be collected, the method including collecting the products distributed on the supply conveyor by a transversal collector which is mobile in a vertical plane, depositing the collected products on a take-up station which is located above the level of the supply conveyor and providing the collector with a loop movement, cyclical, in order to collect the products, deposit them and return to the point of departure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Didier Mougin, Michel Begin, Guillaume Duchemin, Christophe Poupon
  • Patent number: 8458995
    Abstract: A method of loading a plurality of food items in multiple layers comprises collecting food items in a staging area in a first plurality of groups, each group having a plurality of food items. The first plurality of groups is displaced substantially simultaneously downwardly into an accumulating and storage area and thereby forming a plurality of first layer group. A second plurality of groups of food items is collected, each of the second plurality of groups having a plurality of food items. The second plurality of groups is displaced substantially simultaneously downwardly into the accumulating and storage area such that the second plurality of groups forms a plurality of second layer groups of food items superposed to the first layer groups, and thereby forming a plurality of two layer-groups. The plurality of two-layer groups of food items are displaced downwardly into a receptacle in a packing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: F.R. Drake Company
    Inventors: William L. Harrison, Michael F. Showler
  • Patent number: 8438818
    Abstract: A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ferrucchio Carmelo Calvano
  • Patent number: 8418430
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the multiple fixation of goods on a pallet includes the placement of the goods on a basic board, covering of the goods by an air-tight deformable bag, creating a detachable and air-tight connection with the basic board, and exhausting air from the bag by a valve. The free ends of the bag are inserted into a circumferential groove along the perimeter of the basic board prior to exhausting the air, and are fixed in the groove by at least one fixing component. In one example, the fixing component is at least one of a fixing elastic band or a tightening band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Jihoceska Univerzita V. Ceskych Budejovicich, Ekonomicka Fakulta
    Inventor: Radek Tousek
  • Publication number: 20130062343
    Abstract: A method of loading stacked strainers in a dispenser while minimizing strainer contamination is disclosed. The method includes providing a stack of strainers that is enclosed in a protective material to form a pod, placing the pod within a dispenser, and removing the protective material from the pod of strainers while the strainers are in the dispenser. The strainers dispensed from the thus loaded dispenser avoid being contamination during loading. The protective material may be perforated to facilitate removal from the stack, and include an extended portion to be grasped during removal from the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Louis M. Gerson Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Gerson, Robert A. Brunell, Pierre LaPointe, Michael H. McCombe
  • Patent number: 8375685
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is used with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a bale handling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group of bales. The group of bales is then moved while the group of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the group of bales. The flexible strip is positioned relative to the group of bales by a positioning member which is connected with the bale handling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Kuhns
  • Patent number: 8365504
    Abstract: A method for packing articles, in particular articles, comprising stages of production of a succession of blister packs containing the articles, packing resulting groups of blister packs in cartons, and storing the cartons in at least a warehouse unit, the method being characterized in that it includes transferring the cartons to at least a second warehouse unit, opening the cartons and extracting the groups of blister pack in order to enable performing of an inserting of information on each group f blister packs or on each blister pack, and packing the blister packs, provided with the information, in box containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: IMA SAFE S.r.l.
    Inventors: Pierluigi Tampieri, Agostino Consolini
  • Patent number: 8359817
    Abstract: A face mask combination includes: an envelope having two interconnected sheet layers that confine a space therebetween, an opening formed in one of the sheet layers, and a closure sheet closing openably the opening and attached adhesively and releasably to the sheet layer formed with the opening; and at least one face mask disposed in the space and having two opposite ends, one of the opposite ends being disposed in proximity to the opening so as to be exposed from the opening when the closure sheet is opened. An automatic packaging method for face masks is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kang Na Hsiung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Chi Tai, Ho-Hsi Yang, Chien-Chung Su
  • Patent number: 8356458
    Abstract: Loading arrangement for loading dollies which has a transport station for placing at least two dollies one behind another along their line of transport. The loading arrangement also has movable transport element with engaging structures, which engaging structures are configured to engage and move the dollies to position the dollies at a predetermined distance from one another at a loading station. The dollies are then loaded at the same time at the loading station before the engaging structures move the dollies to a transfer station which transfers loaded dollies out of the loading arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Rübsaamen, Joachim Junghans, Stefan Schmitt