Band Or Tube Patents (Class 53/582)
  • Patent number: 7536844
    Abstract: A facility for the packaging of tires includes a pre-packaging station where a given number of tires constituting a unitary batch are arranged within an overall size in horizontal layers, a compression station at which the batch is compressed vertically in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the layers, and a packing unit at which there are laid around the batch, under tension, straps of given width by wrapping a first strap about a first horizontal axis, and by helical winding a second strap about a second horizontal axis oriented perpendicular to the first axis. During the winding of straps, the batch is kept vertically compressed between two packing conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Rudy Aubin, Dorian Berthelot, Daniel Moulier, René Plaisance, Bernard Sergere
  • Patent number: 7516601
    Abstract: A sheet processing system includes a banding machine which uses a large band to bundle first collected bundles fed out by a bundle collecting device and then feeds out the bundled first collected bundles as a first bunch of sealed five bundles, the a banding machine then using the large band to bundle again second collected bundles fed out by the bundle collecting device and then feeding out the bundled second collected bundles as a second bunch of sealed five bundles, and a bundle handling device which lays the first and second bunches of sealed five bundles fed out by the banding machine on top of each other so that small bands around the first and second bunches are staggered, the bundle handling device then feeding out the first and second bunches laid on top of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Haruhiko Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7506492
    Abstract: A banding system for piled products with a machine frame (8), a band feed mechanism (6) disposed on the machine frame for feeding band material (2) from a supply roll (1), means for forming a loop (7) with said band material (2) around the products to be banded, welding means (14, 15) to close said loop, and cutting means (17) for cutting said band material, said means for forming the loop comprising transporting means (111, 13) for transporting the band material (2) around the product to be banded and vacuum means (19, 19?, 24) connected to the transporting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: KBA-Giori S.A.
    Inventors: Hartmut Karl Sauer, Philipp Ulrich Geringer, Gert Wilfried Otmar Lang
  • Patent number: 7497068
    Abstract: A two-piece strapping tool having a manual tensioner and a battery-operated sealer is disclosed. The tensioner is a feedwheel tensioner that uses a serrated feedwheel to grip a first portion of the strap and a tension gripper to hold a second portion of the strap in a stationary position. The tensioner is configured to matingly receive the sealer between the tensioner's support legs such that the sealer may readily engage the overlapping portions of the strap to be welded. The sealer is battery-operated and uses a vibrational-type weld assembly driven by an electrical motor to weld overlapping portions of the strap. The sealer also includes a cutting assembly to sever the welded strap from a strap source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jason R. Nasiatka, Janusz Figiel, David E. Crittenden, Joseph E. Fabin
  • Publication number: 20090019817
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making and winding bags is disclosed. The film approaches the infeed nip on the surface of a roller and on a film guide recessed in the roller for an arc of at least 10, 45, 60 or 90 degrees. The film is preferably guided to one of two alternative film paths. An over speed nip may be provided between the infeed nip and the alternative film paths to separate rolls or to separate all bags. An overlapper can be included. Rods that travel in an elliptical orbit, and/or air nozzles can be part of the overlapper. Air nozzles or a rotating brush can direct the film to the appropriate alternative path. Banders can be used, and can include a conveyor for providing tape to the spindle and two sources of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Selle, Thomas C. Jansen, Mark C. Krueger, David G. Kuchenbecker
  • Publication number: 20090013656
    Abstract: A two-piece strapping tool having a manual tensioner and a battery-operated sealer is disclosed. The tensioner is a feedwheel tensioner that uses a serrated feedwheel to grip a first portion of the strap and a tension gripper to hold a second portion of the strap in a stationary position. The tensioner is configured to matingly receive the sealer between the tensioner's support legs such that the sealer may readily engage the overlapping portions of the strap to be welded. The sealer is battery-operated and uses a vibrational-type weld assembly driven by an electrical motor to weld overlapping portions of the strap. The sealer also includes a cutting assembly to sever the welded strap from a strap source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason R. Nasiatka, Janusz Figiel, David E. Crittenden, Joseph E. Fabin
  • Patent number: 7467503
    Abstract: An automatic system for the delivery and distribution of articles in groups comprises a store of articles, a unit for the collection and delivery of articles from the store and a controller associated with the collection and delivery unit in order to control the selective collection of articles from the store and their output as sets of articles logically grouped together. The system further comprises a grouping device which receives the sets of articles logically grouped together as inputs and outputs corresponding packs, groups or bundles of articles physically connected to one another by a restraining loop or strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Swisslog Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Davolio, Franco Gambarelli
  • Publication number: 20080302066
    Abstract: Food service set assembly systems and methods include delivery of one or more utensils and a napkin to a receiving cradle where they are grasped by two fingers attached to a rotatable shaft and wound to a desired tension. Utensils are delivered to the receiving cradle is a uniform alignment via a gravity driven system. Sterilization of the utensils can also be provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Payam Lavi
  • Patent number: 7437863
    Abstract: A wrap dispensing apparatus for wrapping an article with wrapping material includes a base; a hub assembly; a threaded spindle mounted to the base and the hub assembly, and a brake assembly to control the movement of the threaded spindle. The threaded spindle supports a roll of material between the base and the hub assembly. Further included is a steering arm that is attached to the base and the hub assembly and spaced from the threaded spindle. The base has wheels for omni-directional movement along a horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Robert E. Moser, George E. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20080236410
    Abstract: A device and related method for storing and bundling papers, magazines and/or cardboard, for easy disposal and recycling comprised of a storage unit comprising four side walls and a bottom surface wherein a top area is open and permits stacking of papers on said bottom service; and a single source of twine in a pre-arranged pattern within said storage unit for easy bundling of the papers, magazines and/or cardboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald J. Santoro
  • Publication number: 20080236101
    Abstract: A sheet processing system includes a banding machine which uses a large band to bundle first collected bundles fed out by a bundle collecting device and then feeds out the bundled first collected bundles as a first bunch of sealed five bundles, the a banding machine then using the large band to bundle again second collected bundles fed out by the bundle collecting device and then feeding out the bundled second collected bundles as a second bunch of sealed five bundles, and a bundle handling device which lays the first and second bunches of sealed five bundles fed out by the banding machine on top of each other so that small bands around the first and second bunches are staggered, the bundle handling device then feeding out the first and second bunches laid on top of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Haruhiko Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7428866
    Abstract: The device tensions and closes strapping bands for packaging and suchlike. It has a band channel open longitudinally on one side in the longitudinal direction of the strapping band, a band tensioning device acting in the area of the band channel and a closing device which joins the band ends lying on top of each other in a tensioned state in the band channel. In order to ensure that correct tensioning rate, band tension, welding time, holding time and/or other band closing parameters in each case, the device is provided with a sensor device recording the width of the strapping band and a processing and adjusting unit interacting therewith, with which the band closing parameters are automatically adjusted as a function of the band width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Cyklop GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Reiche
  • Publication number: 20080216449
    Abstract: A method and to a device for banding a stack of products which are to be stacked. A band is unwound from a store roll of a band machine and a loop is formed for the stack of products which is to be stacked, by a band insertion/withdrawal unit. After the free end of the band is fixed in a return device and the band is pulled to the stack of products which is to be stacked, the free end is stuck or welded and the pulled loop is cut. In a program-controlled, continuous process and prior to changing the band, the end of the band of a first band roll is detected and the remainder of the band is retracted. Then, the band threaded into the band store of a second complete band roll is inserted into the band insertion/withdrawal unit (39) and the band continuous with delay. The end of the totally automatic band exchange is optically and/or acoustically displayed and the roll can change without pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: ATS AUTOMATIC TAPING SYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Martin Zimmerli
  • Patent number: 7412808
    Abstract: A device and method for assembling a food service set comprising at least one napkin wrapped around one or more utensils and secured by an adhesive band. The device includes a magazine subsystem including one or more magazines for containing and dispensing the at least one napkin, the one or more utensils, and the adhesive band. The device further includes an integrator subsystem configured to integrate the at least one napkin, the one or more utensils, and the adhesive band together. A processor subsystem is configured to roll the at least one napkin around the one or more utensils and to secure the adhesive band around the at least one napkin. A receiver subsystem is configured for receiving the service set. A sterilization system is provided to sterilize the utensils prior to, or after, being assembled into a service pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Convenience Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Payam Lavi
  • Patent number: 7412815
    Abstract: A welding head for a strap binding machine includes a strap guide element that can be moved into and out of a strap guide path, a welding device that can be moved into and out of the strap guide path and that is for fusing strap segments of overlapping strap ends that are to be welded, and a pressing device for pressing the fused strap segments against a pressure part, the strap guide element and the welding device being pivotably borne and both being directly or indirectly motion-coupled to the longitudinally movable pressing device such that they can be moved into and out of the strap guide path depending on the movement of the pressing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Helmut Schmetzer
  • Patent number: 7386964
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises an upper unit, a lower unit and a banding unit. When sheets being conveyed are jammed in the upper unit, the upper unit is stopped and the processes of the lower unit and the banding unit are continuously executed. After the upper unit is stopped, sheets that may possibly be conveyed into the lower unit by inertia are rejected in a safety pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ayumu Kuru, Toru Otsuka, Takahito Shinfuku
  • Patent number: 7350543
    Abstract: A reduced force sealless connection mechanism is used in a strapping machine for forming a sealless connection of strapping material overlapped onto itself. The mechanism includes an upper and a lower punch support. The upper punch support includes two punches for engaging the strapping material. The lower punch support includes one punch. The upper punch support incorporates a stepped design such that one of the two punches mounted to the upper punch support is at a different height than the other punch mounted to the upper punch support. Each of the punches includes a plurality of punching heads. At least one punching head of each of the plurality of punching heads is shorter than the other punching heads. A multi-step punching sequence is therefore created such that no more than two slits of any of the joints of the sealless connection are simultaneously punched during creation of the sealless connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Crittenden
  • Patent number: 7338421
    Abstract: Filters for tobacco products are manufactured by a device comprising a conveyor drum rotatable about a horizontal axis and furnished with peripheral grooves, each holding a leaf of paper material preassembled with a first filter element. The single groove is flanked by two tubular elements arranged symmetrically on either side of the drum, slidable axially between a first position located externally of the groove and a second position located internally of the groove, also by pushers slidable within the respective tubular elements and serving to direct second and third filter elements into contact with the end faces of the first filter element in such a way that the second filter element, which consists in a measure of powder or granular material deposited in each tubular element by way of a spool valve, remains interposed between the first and the third filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ivan Eusepi, Armando Turrini, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 7334383
    Abstract: A package including an endless belt; a first cylindrical body contacting an inner surface of the endless belt at a first pressure; a second cylindrical body contacting another inner surface of the endless belt at a second pressure; and a third cylindrical body contacting an outer surface of the endless belt at a third pressure, wherein the endless belt is wound around the first, second and third cylindrical bodies while the first, second and third cylindrical bodies are arranged so as to be parallel to each other and substantially located in one plane, and wherein a surface of each of the first, second and third cylindrical bodies contacting the endless belt has a maximum height of from 0.8 to 150 ?m when measured by a method based on JIS B 0601.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
    Inventors: Junichi Yamazaki, Tetsuya Kusano, Mizuho Imaruoka, Satoshi Hasegawa, Kiyoshi Taniguchi, Takato Kiyohara, Naoki Nakatake
  • Patent number: 7331165
    Abstract: A packing machine with an adjustable band-compressing stroke includes a compressing base provided with an accommodating chamber for installing a pulley, and a compressing device. A shaft passes through the pulley and two penetrating holes bored in two sides of the accommodating chamber. A compressing block is set under the pulley. The compressing device is composed of a compressing handle, a compressing bar, an eccentric shaft fitted in the compressing bar and having a polygonal bar on its bottom, and an adjusting board having a polygonal hole and an arc-like hole. The polygonal bar is engaged with the polygonal hole to enable the adjusting board to turn the eccentric shaft for altering the band-compressing stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: Teng-Chi Yu, Hsiu-Tzu Lin
  • Patent number: 7322172
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a napkin around one or more utensils. The apparatus includes a wrapping area defining a trough dimensioned to receive one or more utensils. A utensil dispenser and napkin delivery mechanism may be provided to deliver the utensils and a napkin, respectively, to the trough. The apparatus may also include a wrapping mechanism that wraps the napkin around the utensils. In some cases, a tension mechanism may be included to selectively limit movement of the napkin during wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Wrapmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald T. Hoffman, Glen T. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 7302781
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping stacks of web product with wrap web material supplied from a supply roll. The apparatus includes a conveyor for supporting and moving the stacks to be wrapped along a conveying path, a drive assembly operable to receive wrap material from the supply roll and positively feed the wrap material to the conveying path, and a wrapping assembly for manipulating the wrap material around the stack. The method includes supporting and moving the stacks to be wrapped along a conveying path, rotating a cutting roll, clean cutting the wrap material received from the supply roll to separate a wrap sheet from the wrap material, defining a trailing edge of the wrap sheet, delivering the trailing edge to the conveying path after the wrap sheet is separated from the wrap material, and manipulating the wrap sheet around the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Michler, Thomas W. Schneider, Thomas J. Palokangas
  • Patent number: 7228677
    Abstract: A membrane releasing-tightness adjusting device for a membrane strapping dispenser is installed at one side of a basic body of a membrane strapping dispenser and provided with a threaded rod having a support shaft and a tightening member pivotally assembled thereon and having a rubber ring fitted on the support shaft. When compressed by both the support shaft and the tightening member, the rubber ring with great elasticity will be deformed outward to fix the membrane reel of the membrane strapping dispenser in position, able to control membrane releasing tightness and enhance effect in membrane strapping work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7204070
    Abstract: A system for packaging a flat panel product includes a dispensing device for dispensing a length of inner protective packaging material, a folding table for wrapping the inner protective packaging material around the product and folding an outer protective packaging material around the product, and a binding device for binding the outer packaging material, inner packaging material, and product together, suspending the product relative to at least one of the walls of the sidewall and supporting the product laterally. A data entry device provides data related to the length of inner protective packaging material required, and this data is fed to a controller, which controls the dispensing device to provide an appropriate length of material. The data entry device can also provide shipping information, fed to a printer for printing a shipping label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Real Reel Corporation
    Inventors: William James Mertz, II, Scott Michael Miller, Robert James Reynolds, Jr., Timothy Wayne Harville, Melvin Gllbert Shumate, Christopher Wayne Clark, James Carroll Holt
  • Patent number: 7165379
    Abstract: A band packing machine includes a body, a transmission unit, a forward-reverse unit and a tension unit. The transmission unit has a rotatable forward-reverse tension cam and a tension cam. The forward-reverse unit includes a forward-reverse motor, a forward-reverse active wheel and a forward-reverse link unit to which a forward-reverse passive wheel is connected. The tension link unit is connected to the tension passive wheel. By controlling the tension cam, the tension passive wheel and the tension active wheel clamp or loosen the bands. The tension unit and the forward-reverse unit are activated by the link units which are activated by cams so that the response time is short. The packing machine is compact and occupies less space in horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Tony Lai
  • Patent number: 7155885
    Abstract: A small profile strapping tool includes a body defining a cylinder housing, a piston disposed within a cylinder in the cylinder housing, a pneumatic weld motor operably connected to the piston for actuation during a weld cycle, a pneumatic tensioning motor for actuation during a tensioning cycle, and a pneumatic module removably mounted to the cylinder housing. Within the module, a pilot valve controls a flow of gas into the module, a tensioning motor valve controls gas flow to the tensioning motor to draw tension in the strap, a weld cycle valve controls gas flow to the weld motor and piston, a timer and an accumulator are configured to isolate gas flow to the weld motor upon reaching a predetermined pressure in the accumulator following actuation, and a pneumatic signal circuit disposed between the cylinder and a bleed valve includes a signal valve that controls actuation of the bleed valve to route gas to the tension motor to maintain tension in the strap following the weld cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason R. Nasiatka, Janusz Figiel
  • Patent number: 7086213
    Abstract: A strapping installation, which serves in particular for longitudinally strapping stacks of printed products such as newspapers or periodicals with a strap (6), includes a strapping position with a bearing surface (2) and a device for positioning the objects to be strapped (1) in the strapping position and a device for discharging the strapped objects. The strapping position includes a fastening region (3), situated below the bearing surface (2) and equipped for feeding the strap (6) into a loop channel (4), securing one end of the strap loop (7), retracting the strap (6) from the loop channel (4), and fastening and severing a completed strapping. The installation also includes a loop guide (10), which is stationary during strapping, which rises from the bearing surface (2) inside of the loop channel (4) and beside the strapping position, and which arches across or towards the strapping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Hans-Ulrich Stauber
  • Patent number: 7073430
    Abstract: An apparatus for strapping and/or bundling pallets and articles has a strapping device from which a packaging band can be passed around the pallets/articles and has a closure device for subsequent tensioning and closure of the packing band. The strapping device is provided with a guide device on which the closure device is arranged. The guide device supports at least some of the weight of the closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Ergopack Deuschland GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Kimmerle
  • Patent number: 7059101
    Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Dextraze, Paul Haslanger
  • Patent number: 7017325
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a decorative cover about an outer peripheral surface of a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly having a well formed therein, and a cover forming and banding assembly having a flower pot receiving opening sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a sheet of cover forming material and at least a lower portion of the flower pot. The platform is provided with an opening therein sized to permit passage of at least a portion of the flower pot and at least a portion of the sheet of cover forming material there through. The cover forming and banding assembly is supported within the well of the frame such that the flower pot receiving opening in the cover forming and banding assembly is aligned with the opening in the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Wanda M. Weder and William F. Straeter
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6986234
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automated system and method of banding (bandoliering) a plurality of syringes. The system includes a feed device for receiving the plurality of syringe barrels and positioning the plurality of syringes according to a predetermined orientation and an indexed device for transferring the plurality of syringes in the predetermined orientation to a transport device that includes individual pockets for receiving and holding the syringes in a spaced relationship as the syringes are advanced due to movement of the transport device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: ForHealth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus Liedtke
  • Patent number: 6968779
    Abstract: Systems and methods for threading and feeding a length of wire into a wire-tying track, for withdrawing at least some of the wire from the wire-tying track to tension the wire around one or more objects, and for extracting waste wire from the system. The object of the invention herein being a feed and tension mechanism comprising a feed and tension wheel, an accumulator disk, a primary nip mechanism for frictionally engaging the wire at the contact region between the primary nip and the feed and tension wheel, a drive system having two independently operable motors, and wire guiding devices for directing and routing the wire through the feed and tension mechanism. The present invention may further comprise a supplementary nip mechanism to facilitate the threading of the wire into the mechanism, a wire stripping mechanism for extracting any waste wire from the mechanism, and a series of wire sensing devices in communication with a control system to sequence and control the operational cycles of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Enterprises International, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Doyle, Andrew D. Hall, Darrell D. Robinson, Scott E. McNeal, Donald A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6966255
    Abstract: A lock-out assembly for a strapping tool prevents inadvertent actuation of the tool sealer cycle prior to completion of the tensioning cycle. The tool includes a pneumatic module having tensioning cycle and sealer cycle valves mounted therein. The valves are actuated by overlying levers. The lock-out assembly includes an arm operably mounted to the pneumatic module having a first engaging portion for engaging the tensioning valve lever and a second blocking portion for blocking the sealer valve lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Crittenden
  • Patent number: 6957678
    Abstract: The device according to the invention for tensioning and sealing of strapping bands has a band abutment (24) for the inner band edges (27) of the band ends (20, 21) to be welded together, which is provided with a band width adjustment device (28) according to the invention, with the help of which the band abutment adjusts the band abutment transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strapping band in the housing and that the device can be adjusted to strapping having with different widths without any reconstruction measures (see FIG. 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Cyklop GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Scholl, Christian Spohr, Peter Nober
  • Patent number: 6931818
    Abstract: The invention relates to a work method and apparatus for packing flower bouquets (3), in which large amounts of flower bouquets (3) are transported transversely on a conveyor belt (4) to a lifting conveyor belt (7) to a mounted thereon transversely placed feeding belt (17), which has compartments (20) which constantly contain a flower bouquet (3), which is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position, in which a box-shaped cell space (22) is created and a cross partition turns away and subsequently the flower bouquet (3) falls through a trap door instrument (24) into an already opened cover (25) and is then further processed and brought to a collecting box for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Createch
    Inventor: Paulus Maria van der Laan
  • Patent number: 6918235
    Abstract: A pneumatic strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap includes a piston, a weld motor operably connected to the piston and a vibrating weld element operably connected to the piston for contacting the strap and adhering the strap onto itself. A tensioning motor is configured for unidirectional rotation. A feed wheel is operably connected to the tensioning motor by a drive assembly to tension the strap prior to adhering the strap onto itself. A transmission cooperates with the drive assembly and is switchable between a first state in which the transmission engages the drive assembly to permit only one-way rotation of the drive assembly and a second state in which the transmission permits two-way rotation of the drive assembly. The strapping tool includes a self-contained pneumatic module that is removably mounted to a cylinder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Nix
  • Patent number: 6907717
    Abstract: A pneumatic strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap includes a piston, a weld motor operably connected to the piston and a vibrating weld element operably connected to the piston for contacting the strap and adhering the strap onto itself. A tensioning motor is configured for unidirectional rotation. A feed wheel is operably connected to the tensioning motor by a drive assembly to tension the strap prior to adhering the strap onto itself. A transmission cooperates with the drive assembly and is switchable between a first state in which the transmission engages the drive assembly to permit only one-way rotation of the drive assembly and a second state in which the transmission permits two-way rotation of the drive assembly. The strapping tool includes a self-contained pneumatic module that is removably mounted to a cylinder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Nix
  • Patent number: 6901722
    Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventors: Paul N. Dextraze, Paul A. Haslanger
  • Patent number: 6901727
    Abstract: A strapping device (1) for strapping an object (14) with a strapping tape (5). The strapping device (1) includes a guide (3) for guiding a strapping tape (5), which serves for the purpose of forming a loop of strapping tape (5) in a waiting position. The formation of the loop takes place independently of the position of the object to be strapped (14). The strapping device (1) furthermore comprises a device for moving the loop (4). This device serves to position the loop of strapping tape (5) formed by the guide (3) from the waiting position into a stacking position around an object (14) to be strapped, after this object has been positioned on a work surface (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Erwin MĂ¼ller
  • Patent number: 6895733
    Abstract: A pneumatic strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap includes a piston, a weld motor operably connected to the piston and a vibrating weld element operably connected to the piston for contacting the strap and adhering the strap onto itself. A tensioning motor is configured for unidirectional rotation. A feed wheel is operably connected to the tensioning motor by a drive assembly to tension the strap prior to adhering the strap onto itself. A transmission cooperates with the drive assembly and is switchable between a first state in which the transmission engages the drive assembly to permit only one-way rotation of the drive assembly and a second state in which the transmission permits two-way rotation of the drive assembly. The strapping tool includes a self-contained pneumatic module that is removably mounted to a cylinder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: IllinoisTool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Nix
  • Patent number: 6877298
    Abstract: A newspaper storage and bundler device having a box shaped container, two pairs of opposing tie studs, each tie stud extending vertically in a stud inset, the stud inset being recessed from the top of a side panel or an end panel with an opposing tie stud extending vertically in a stud inset recessed from the top of the opposing side panel or end panel, each tie stud being anchored to the respective side panel or end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Ray W. Lamoreaux
  • Patent number: 6874297
    Abstract: The instant invention comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a load under tension with a web of stretch wrap flexible material and then binding the wrapping material to the load by compressing the end of the flexible material into a rope-like configuration. The rope formed is wound around the load at least one turn. A second turn of the rope around the load is then bound to the first rope with a mechanical twisting tie around the two ropes to prevent unwrapping of the load during transit and storage. A hot wire cutting mechanism cuts the rope and the bound two ropes snap back into position against the wrapped load from the force of the stretch wrap tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Arpac, L.P.
    Inventors: Alfonso Solis, Jimmy Bennett
  • Publication number: 20040250511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a work method and apparatus for packing flower bouquets (3), in which large amounts of flower bouquets (3) are transported transversely on a conveyor belt (4) to a lifting conveyor belt (7) to a mounted thereon transversely placed feeding belt (17), which has compartments (20) which constantly contain a flower bouquet (3), which is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position, in which a box-shaped cell space (22) is created and a cross partition turns away and subsequently the flower bouquet (3) falls through a trap door instrument (24) into an already opened cover (25) and is then further processed and brought to a collecting box for shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Paulus Maria van der Laan
  • Publication number: 20040244337
    Abstract: Abstract: The method according to the present invention and the device (1) used to implement said method for wrapping or enveloping a galosh which is also named as an overshoe, around a footwear, have been developed in order to avoid the bacteria, microbes, dust, mud and other dirt particles that may be found on the soles of the footwear, from being carried into and the areas with hygienic requirements. With said device (1), the sole and the side walls (side vamps) of the footwear are wrapped with a film (21) by a method, wherein warm air is blown at a suitable flow rate towards said sole and side vamps of the footwear, which causes said film (21) to shrink and cover said solve and side vamps of the footwear by wrapping them up when it comes into contact wit the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Yasar Heskurt Asici, Necati Okyay
  • Publication number: 20040206057
    Abstract: A pneumatic strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap includes a piston, a weld motor operably connected to the piston and a vibrating weld element operably connected to the piston for contacting the strap and adhering the strap onto itself. A tensioning motor is configured for unidirectional rotation. A feed wheel is operably connected to the tensioning motor by a drive assembly to tension the strap prior to adhering the strap onto itself. A transmission cooperates with the drive assembly and is switchable between a first state in which the transmission engages the drive assembly to permit only one-way rotation of the drive assembly and a second state in which the transmission permits two-way rotation of the drive assembly. The strapping tool includes a self-contained pneumatic module that is removably mounted to a cylinder housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventor: Robert J. Nix
  • Patent number: 6786026
    Abstract: Described is a device for strapping packages having a tape supply for a tape-like strapping means, a tape guide channel for passage of the strapping means and a sealing unit for sealing the loop formed by the strapping means and surrounding the package, the tape guide channel being arranged on a frame that consists of two curved frame parts, which are movable out of a rest position below a supporting surface for the packages into a closed position above the supporting surface and back. Such an arrangement simplifies the drive and the guide for the frame parts. This is achieved since each of the two frame parts is guided moveably along its curved centerline below the supporting surface by at least one guiding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Gerd Mosca AG
    Inventor: Lorenz Helmrich
  • Patent number: 6718741
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for securing a decorative cover about a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, an extension member having a cover support assembly, and a plurality of legs. The frame assembly includes a body member having an opening. The opening is sized and configured to permit passage of the flower pot through the opening. The extension member extends in an upwardly direction from the body member. The cover support assembly is connected to the extension member for supporting a decorative cover comprising at least one sleeve or sheet of material. The plurality of legs extend from and are spatially disposed about the body member such that the legs cooperate to support at least one band. As the flower pot moves through the opening in the body member, at least one of the bands is removed from the plurality of legs and moved about the decorative cover disposed about the flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Michael R. Klemme, Sonny K. Burnside, William F. Straeter, Andrew Weder, Wanda M. Weder
  • Patent number: 6718734
    Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l., Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan Grether
  • Patent number: 6708469
    Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Comtor Limited
    Inventor: Liam J. Lacey
  • Patent number: 6688085
    Abstract: A packaging machine includes a machine body having two side plates fixed in parallel on one side of its bottom base. The side plates are bored with a plurality of through holes preset in number at the locations where a cutting device, a clamping device and a band-pressing device are assembled. Each through hole is fitted with a padding sleeve which is wrapped inside the machine body and formed in shape together when the machine body is made integral by means of plastic injection molding, possible to be mass-produced, needless to be additionally drilled with holes for other components, lightening its whole weight and economizing producing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen