U-fold Forming Initial Banding Patents (Class 53/586)
  • Patent number: 11613394
    Abstract: Systems and methods include an assembly for a label wrapper to adhere a label to an elongated object, such as a wire. The assembly can include a roller having a roller axis and a compliant block with a notch. The notch can be parallel with the roller axis. The compliant block and the roller can be biased toward each other, and when the elongate object is received between the roller and the compliant block, a pressure can be applied to the elongate object whereby the compliant block at least in part conforms to the elongate object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Bandholz
  • Patent number: 11548668
    Abstract: A sleeve wrapping device includes a first fixing base, a second fixing base, a first supporting frame protruded from the first fixing base, a second supporting frame protruded from the second fixing base, a first roller mounted on the first supporting frame, a second roller mounted on the second supporting frame, and a sleeve wrapping film comprising a substrate and a plurality of adhesive layers. The first roller and the second roller move back and forth relative to the first supporting frame and the second supporting frame. The sleeve wrapping device is switched between a first state that the first roller and the second roller are in contact with each other and a second state that the first roller and the second roller are separated. The substrate winds the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TRIPLE WIN TECHNOLOGY(SHENZHEN) CO.LTD.
    Inventors: Zi-Ling Chen, Xiao-Bo Chen
  • Patent number: 11407544
    Abstract: A part packing system for packing a part in an elongated bag includes a bag holding machine including a first bag gripper mechanism, a second bag gripper mechanism, and an air nozzle. The first bag gripper mechanism is configured to hold a first end of the elongated bag. The first bag gripper mechanism opens the first end of the elongated bag. The second bag gripper mechanism is configured to hold a second end of the elongated bag. The second bag gripper mechanism closes the second end of the elongated bag. The air nozzle is located proximate to the first bag gripper mechanism. The air nozzle is configured to inflate the elongated bag with an airflow directed into the first end of the elongated bag. The first bag gripper mechanism holds the inflated elongated bag with the first end open to receive the part in the open first end while the air nozzle directs the airflow into the elongated bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventors: Swapnilsinh Solanki, Edward T. Price, III, Sonny O. Osunkwo, Jiankun Zhou, An Yang
  • Patent number: 11261001
    Abstract: A wire guide assembly is provided for the accurate labeling of different diameter elongated objects, wires, or cables within a wrapping mechanism of an elongated object label applicator. The label applicator guide permits elongated objects of different diameters to be placed within substantially the center of the wrapping mechanism to continuously facilitate proper application of a label to different sized elongated objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Roger D. Segroves, Kevin L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10343341
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal caulking device which can quickly heat and cool an object to be caulked with low electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SEIDENSHA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigemasa Tsubone, Noriaki Matsugishi
  • Patent number: 9284153
    Abstract: A bundling apparatus for sheet-type medium is used for stacking and bundling sheet-type medium. The bundling apparatus for sheet-type medium comprises a banknote delivery channel (11), a bundling mechanism (13) and a position switching mechanism (14), a banknote stacking position (61) formed at the end of the banknote delivery channel as well as a bundling position (62) formed corresponding to the bundling mechanism, the position switching mechanism (14) comprising a rotating power shaft (41) driven by an electric motor and at least two banknote stacking plates (51) installed evenly on the power shaft. When any banknote stacking plate is located in the banknote stacking position, a corresponding banknote stacking plate is located in the bundling position. The present invention achieves the transition between the motion of stacking and bundling the sheet-type medium, improves work efficiency and saves space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: GRG BANKING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heng Liu, Dong Tan, En Wu, Fa Ran
  • Patent number: 9003747
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide an alternative way of wrapping a product with cardboard at faster speed and maintain stacking strength. This accomplished by bending two strips of cardboard into the shape of a U channel where the sides of the U form an angle smaller than 90 degrees with the center part of the U form. The sides of the U channel cardboard will be open by a guide that will allow each U channel cardboard piece to slide around each end of the product without requiring glue to hold the U Channel in position. By maintaining an angle of less than 90 degrees the U channel cardboard acts like a spring clamp around the product and maintains its position on the conveyor belt while the product is film wrapped and the film is heat shrunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Patent number: 8776678
    Abstract: A wrapping system for plant material utilizes a first wrapping material dispenser disposed along a first upper periphery of a compacting chamber, and a second wrapping material dispenser opposite the first dispenser, for automatically dispensing sheets of wrapping material in overlapping relation over the chamber and plant material therein. The system includes apparatus for joining the overlapping sheets together. The system is automatically operable to dispense sheets of the material in overlapping relation over the chamber and join them for receiving a flow of the plant material thereon. Before or while the plant material is received, the sheets are further dispensed to move downwardly in the chamber to receive and wrap about the plant material. The system then dispenses opposite ends of the sheets in overlapping relation over the material and joins the ends to complete the wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 8549823
    Abstract: Methods and machines are provided for forming a five-sided carton of packages of smoking articles. A piece of film material is applied to a plurality of packages of smoking articles such that five sides of the plurality of packages are at least partially covered by the film material, but the sixth side remains uncovered. The film material is applied such that the group of packages is sufficiently tightly bound so that none of the packages may slip free from the carton. The sixth side of the plurality of packages in the carton remains exposed so that tax stamps may be easily applied. The film of material may be applied so that a gap is formed relative to the sixth side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Copmany
    Inventors: Jerry Wayne Pipes, Mark Shane Hatcher, Wesley Steven Jones
  • Patent number: 8516780
    Abstract: A method and device for strapping one or more packets with a band, which device substantially comprises a frame, a lying conveyor belt supported by the frame for moving forward the packets, a pair of band clamping and guiding jaws movable toward and away from each other transversely of the conveyor belt, a supply reel associated with a jaw and guide members for the strapping band in addition to welding means co-acting with the jaws for welding together the band portions supplied by the pair of jaws, wherein means for arranging one or more label means at a time on the band are placed along the guide path of this band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Endra B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Johannes Maria Derks
  • Patent number: 8266877
    Abstract: A packing method and unit for folding a sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article, the packing unit having: a conveyor for feeding the article along a path; a feed device for feeding the sheet of packing material perpendicularly to the path and in front of the article, so the article, as it moves forward, intercepts and gradually folds the sheet of packing material into a “U”; two lead-in devices mounted to move parallel to the path and positioned on opposite sides of the article, so the article is enclosed between the two lead-in devices; and an actuating device for feeding the two lead-in devices parallel to the path and together with the article, so the sheet of packing material is also intercepted by the lead-in devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Michele Squarzoni, Paolo Degliesposti, Maurizio Ventura
  • Patent number: 8234846
    Abstract: A shrink film applying apparatus includes an article feed for feeding articles for shrink-wrapping at line pressure; a wrapping conveyor driven at a wrapping speed through a wrapping zone, the wrapping conveyor receiving articles from the article feed. First and second films are supplied to the wrapping zone. A plurality of flight bars are individually driven in a path at a variable speed. A sealing mechanism within the wrapping zone seals the first film to the second film at contact points to form a circumferential film unit substantially surrounding grouped articles within loops of second film and a corresponding portion of the first film, the film unit being shrinkable about the grouped articles to form a package. Related methods and subassemblies of the apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hartness, Mark W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7913478
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Convenience Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Payam Lavi
  • Patent number: 7721511
    Abstract: Banding machine in which logs of sheet material are fed by a conveyor belt to a banding device that is adapted to band the logs with a banding web to form a tubular wrapper around the logs. The banding device includes a pusher operated by an actuator, which pushes the log into a channel, in which a packaging sheet is arranged, stretched in front of the log, as an obstacle. The conveyor belt and the packaging apparatus are arranged at different heights, respectively at a first and a second height (H1 and H2). A pusher is be provided, operated by a piston at the first height (H1), in addition to a pusher provided at the second height (H2), independent from each other. Further, a lifting member is provided, which receives the log from the first pusher and moves from the first height (H1) to the second height (H2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: MTC-Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • 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: 7231952
    Abstract: A label wrapper assembly for wrapping a label on an elongated object. The assembly includes a support frame having a first wall spaced from a second wall. A wrapper frame is interposed between the first and second walls, and has a first end and a second end. The wrapper frame includes an opening for receiving the elongated object extending through the wrapper frame between the first and second ends, wherein the wrapper frame revolves around the elongated object to wrap a label thereon. In one embodiment, the first end is rotatably mounted to only one of the first and second walls, and the second end is adjacent to the other of the first and second walls. In another embodiment, a clamp mechanism is mounted to each of the walls, wherein each of the clamp mechanisms clamp onto the elongated object extending through the wrapper frame to hold the elongated object as the wrapper frame revolves around the elongated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Schanke, Brent A. Bandholz
  • Patent number: 7080494
    Abstract: A method for making a large square bale out of a plurality of small bales, utilizing a square baler. Small bales are fed into a processing chamber resting in side by side relation on a pivoting floor. The floor is pivoted from a horizontal position to a vertical position, thereby repositioning the small bales as a stack. The stack is then elevated until it is aligned with a tubular forming channel. A plunger is used to push the stack into the tubular forming channel. Once the tubular forming chamber is substantially filled with stacks of small bales, the stacks are banded to form one large square bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Jim Toews
  • Patent number: 7076932
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a wrapping apparatus and associated methods. The wrapping apparatus may include a first holder for holding first items to be wrapped. The wrap is placed on a rotating table when the rotating table is rotated into a first position. One of the first items to be wrapped is moved from the first holder onto the wrap on the rotating table when the rotating table is rotated to a second position. A wrapping mechanism then wraps the first item in the wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Howard Rubin
  • Patent number: 7013614
    Abstract: A binding machine is provided having a base member with a bifurcated shape in the front side thereof, into which an item can be inserted; a tie feed mechanism that feeds out a tie-like member of a predetermined length in the width direction of the base member so as to transverse an opening formed between the bifurcations of the base member; a tie guide mechanism having a pair of tie guide members capable of moving respectively in the substantially front/rear direction of the base member at the side areas of the opening thereby to press the front end side and the fed-out end side of the tie-like member toward the rear side by the respective front end portions, and a guide mechanism that guides each tie guide member toward the rear side substantially parallel to the opening, and turns the respective front end portions around toward the rear side of the opening thereby to make the respective front end portions closer to each other at the rear side of the opening; and a tying mechanism, provided at the rear side
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignees: Kyowa Limited
    Inventors: Shino Tange, Soichi Tange, Yayoi Tange
  • Patent number: 6971218
    Abstract: Apparatus for banding a bundle of articles covered by a wrapping, such as tableware wrapped by a napkin, a manually wrapped bundle having at least one of said articles covered by said wrapping and being fed by a user of the apparatus into contact with a pre-cut elongated band having a cohesive material coated on at least certain surfaces of the band. The apparatus cuts the band to a desired length and positions the pre-cut band in surmounting relation to a pair of counter-rotating rollers, the rollers biasing the band about the bundle as the bundle passes between the rollers. On passage of the bundle between the rollers, cohesive material-coated ends of the band are brought together to adhere said ends together and to tightly band the wrapped articles together in essentially a single operational step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Clayton Huckaba, Bruce Gross
  • Patent number: 6892515
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for banding palletized products comprises: a conveyor (2), extending in a direction of feed (A), for transporting pallets (3), each bearing a stack (4) of products; a gantry structure (5) mounted over the conveyor (2) and equipped with two pairs (6, 7) of film reels, each pair being mounted at a different height from the other on the gantry uprights (5a, 5b) in such a way as to form two bands (8, 9) of film positioned transversely relative to the uprights (5a, 5b) so as to intercept the front of the product stack (4) as it moves forward; a pair of units (10, 11) for sealing and cutting the film bands (8, 9) supported by the gantry structure (5) on the rear side of the latter relative to the direction of feed (A), and mobile between an idle position, where the units (10, 11) are close to the uprights (5a, 5b), and a working position, where the units (10, 11) are away from the uprights (5a, 5b) so that each intercepts, seals and cuts a respective portion of the film bands (8, 9) wrapped around
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Aetna Group, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cere′
  • Patent number: 6826891
    Abstract: A stack of sheet-type objects are bundled while supported on a support plate. A banding strip is guided in a channel formed in the plate. The support plate can be pushed through a shaft that is formed by a pair of spaced sidewalls. A tongue is displaceable between an extended position, in which it separates the channel from the surface of the supporting plate, and a withdrawn position in which the channel is placed in an open position with respect to the surface of the supporting plate. A spring is used to hold the banding strip in contact with an underside of the stack of sheet-type objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hartmut Karl Sauer
  • Patent number: 6807798
    Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, and the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with a surface in the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of pressing a workpiece overlying a band into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: A. J. Panneri Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Panneri
  • Patent number: 6772577
    Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with an upper surface on the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body, and a workpiece-receiving slot in the body above the horizontal opening. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of placing a band into spaced slots having sides, pressing a workpiece overlying a central portion of the band which is not in the slots into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: A. J. Panneri Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred J. Panneri
  • Publication number: 20040144068
    Abstract: Conventionally, there resides such problem that when an operator carries out tying operation by inserting an item into an opening, since a bifurcated arm moves traversing the opening, the operator is given with sensation of fear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Shino Tange, Soichi Tange, Yayoi Tange
  • Publication number: 20040065050
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for bundling a stack (02) of sheet-type objects comprising a supporting plate (06) for the stack (02) and a banderole (01) intersecting between the surface of the supporting plate (06) and an underside of the stack (02). A channel (07) is formed in the supporting plate for pushing the banderole (01) through the stack. The supporting plate (06) can be pushed through a shaft (26) formed between two lateral defining walls (27) in order to bend the banderole (01) between the defining walls (27) and the lateral walls of the stack (02) counter to the lateral surface. A tongue (09) is displaceable between a retracted position, wherein it separates the channel (07) from the surface of the supporting plate (06), and a withdrawn position, wherein it the channel (07) is placed in an open position with respect to the surface of the supporting plate (06).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hartmut Karl Sauer
  • Patent number: 6694703
    Abstract: Blanks for conversion into hinged-lid packets for block-shaped arrays of cigarettes in metal foil envelopes are supplied by a first turntable to an assembling station where successive blanks are overlapped by successive arrays furnished by a second turntable. Each blank is draped around the envelope of the respective array in part at the assembling station and in part at a further station downstream of the assembling station, as seen in the direction of joint advancement of the arrays and the corresponding blanks toward an evacuating station. Each array is moved at the assembling station vertically downwardly from a pocket of the second turntable into a pocket of the first turntable; the latter thereupon advances the arrays and the blanks jointly to the further station, and the finished packets—with the arrays confined therein—to the evacuating station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Grossmann, Frank Bley, Josef Glösmann, Michael Kleine Wächter
  • Patent number: 6662533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of shrink film wrapping of one or more objects (15). The method employs two film webs, a first (1) and a second (2). The first film web carries a pre-printed decorative artwork with regularly recurring register maintenance markings. The second film web (2) is blank and carries no register maintenance markings. The two film webs (1, 2) are joined or fused together when the objects (15) are moved in by means of a pusher (16) towards the film webs (1, 2), in one or more rows. A sealing device (18, 19), consisting of an upper (18) and a lower (19) sealing jaw, stretches the film webs (1, 2) around the objects (15) and once seals the film webs (1, 2). During the downward movement of the upper sealing jaw (18), the first film web (1) is held fast by a brake (8). The first film web (1) is held in register in that the first film web (1), during the sealing, is advanced by means of a drive roller (6) for the formation of a loosely hanging loop (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Leif Holm, Gert Lindström, Olle Westborg
  • Patent number: 6655266
    Abstract: Apparatus for stacking bales of hay into large bundles such as, for example, three bales high and seven bales wide, positions bands about the stacked array to provide a tightly bound, compressed stack of bales. The stacking apparatus compresses the stacked bales during banding with a greater force applied to the same facing portions of the bales as applied during formation of the bales to form a solid, rigid, self-supporting large bundle made up of small bales. Parallel spaced compression zones extending inwardly are formed in the upper and lower rows of bales in the least compressed portion of the bales for receiving the bands which are applied without high tension so as not to damage the hay in holding the bundle of hay bales together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Owen J. Brown, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030200730
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for banding palletized products comprises: a conveyor (2), extending in a direction of feed (A), for transporting pallets (3), each bearing a stack (4) of products; a gantry structure (5) mounted over the conveyor (2) and equipped with two pairs (6, 7) of film reels, each pair being mounted at a different height from the other on the gantry uprights (5a, 5b) in such a way as to form two bands (8, 9) of film positioned transversely relative to the uprights (5a, 5b) so as to intercept the front of the product stack (4) as it moves forward; a pair of units (10, 11) for sealing and cutting the film bands (8, 9) supported by the gantry structure (5) on the rear side of the latter relative to the direction of feed (A), and mobile between an idle position, where the units (10, 11) are close to the uprights (5a, 5b), and a working position, where the units (10, 11) are away from the uprights (5a, 5b) so that each intercepts, seals and cuts a respective portion of the film bands (8, 9) wrapped around
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: AETNA GROUP, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cere
  • Patent number: 6574941
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and machine for banding groups of bank notes in which a web is projected towards a banding station by a pair of motor-driven rollers, until the end of the web reaches a gripper unit which is mobile, driven by a support and drive device, which draws the web along a closed path defined by a plurality of guide pins until it reaches a final position which coincides with the starting position; upon completion of the feed stage the guide pins move to a position in which they are no longer in contact with the web, which is recovered by the rollers so that the web forms a loop around the group; a cutting device and a sealing device complete the banding stage by cutting and securing a band around the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Currency Systems International
    Inventor: Armando Neri
  • Patent number: 6557326
    Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, and the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with a surface in the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of pressing a workpiece overlying a band into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: A. J. Panneri Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Panneri
  • Patent number: 6553745
    Abstract: The harness accommodating device (1) of the present invention is equipped with a transfer section (10) which is installed on the discharge side of the harness discharge groove (67) of the harness manufacturing apparatus (60) and which temporarily holds the harnesses (80), a chuck (20) which grips and conveys the harnesses (80) held by the transfer section (10), and a bundle receiver (30) which accommodates the harnesses (80) conveyed by the chuck (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Amp, K.K.
    Inventors: Hiromi Tanaka, Satoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6550221
    Abstract: Bundles of banknotes are directed singly and in succession along an infeed duct toward a station located at the top of a channel, where they are formed into a block; the channel functions as a guide along which the block is conveyed by means of a companion element, following a predetermined feed path, at the same time as a continuous strip of banding material is fed along a path transverse to this same path. The leading end of the strip is taken up and restrained by a gripper device, and as the block progresses along the channel, the strip is intercepted and forced to wrap around three faces of the block, assuming a U shape, whereupon the leading end is flattened against the remaining face and a further portion of the strip is drawn by a diverter mechanism into overlapping contact with the leading end. The strip is then cut by a knife, leaving a discrete length of which the ends are joined by a heat seal bit to form a band around the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Currency Systems International
    Inventor: Armando Neri
  • Publication number: 20030070402
    Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with an upper surface on the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body, and a workpiece-receiving slot in the body above the horizontal opening. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of placing a band into spaced slots having sides, pressing a workpiece overlying a central portion of the band which is not in the slots into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Alfred J. Panneri
  • Publication number: 20030061787
    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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Stephan Grether
  • Publication number: 20030024217
    Abstract: In a strapping machine for strapping a stack of products, in particular a stack of periodicals or the like, by means of a strapping tape, it is provided, with a view to reliable and clean conveyance of the stack of products, in particular in the not yet strapped state, that the conveyor used to advance the stack of products is equipped with guide walls, which flank the stack of products on both sides in the conveyance direction and resemble conveyor belts, and with respective feed plates mounted thereon. The conveyor-belt-type guide walls are mounted on the machine for displacement crosswise of the conveyance direction and can be set moving crosswise of the stack of products by driving means. This transverse motion may be in particular a transverse upsetting motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: SMB Schwede Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Schwede, Roland Vetter
  • Publication number: 20030024211
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for packaging a block consisting of compressible material, a material block is compressed by approaching two pressing units (120,122), the block being shifted in the compressed condition either against a spread film and wrapped by this film or, alternatively, the film is shifted against the material block and drawn over the material block. The ends of the film are weld together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: J?uuml;rgen Kckenmeister, Eckhard Becker, Michael Kraske, Russell Alexander Ables, Lars Herkstrter
  • Patent number: 6508048
    Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with an upper surface on the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body, and a workpiece-receiving slot in the body above the horizontal opening. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of placing a band into spaced slots having sides, pressing a workpiece overlying a central portion of the band which is not in the slots into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: A. J. Panneri Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred J. Panneri
  • Patent number: 6481186
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a packaging arrangement includes a belt material supply component, a pair of roll assemblies for supporting stacks of goods, and rods for moving the belt material so as to form a lifting sling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Tor Kokkersvold, Bjarne Omdal, Geir Viktor Gundersen, Jens Bejlegaard Jensen, Bent Østergaard
  • Patent number: 6474051
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stacked-good unit with a shrink-foil wrap with a frame forming a portal, with a conveyor extending through this portal for the stacked-good unit, with drivable shrink-foil rolls whose foil webs are connected together at their ends and form a shrink-foil curtain in the portal and double-weld beams movable opposite one another and arranged on both sides of the portal. To facilitate replacement of the shrink-foil webs, the axes of the shrink-foil rolls extend horizontally and rerouting devices are provided for the coil webs running to the curtain from the shrink foil rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: MSK-Verpackungs-Systeme Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Reiner Hannen, Norbert Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 6470655
    Abstract: A packaging line for periodicals, magazines and similar printed products comprises at least four of the following functional components a first strapping device for the longitudinal or cross-strapping of the stack of products arriving from a compensating stacker or the like, a top sheet feeder, a film wrapping device for wrapping the stack of products with a packaging film and for welding the packaging film on two opposing sides of the stack of products, a second strapping device for the longitudinal strapping of the stack of products, a welding device for welding the sides of the packaging film which have remained unwelded in the film wrapping device, and a third strapping device for cross-strapping the stack of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: SMB Schwede Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Schwede
  • Patent number: 6370845
    Abstract: A belt device for forming a packaging arrangement including at least one stack of goods has a sling that includes a central suspension loop. The belt is formed as a closed loop and has a width substantially equal to the transverse width of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Tor Kokkersvold, Bjarne Omdal, Geir Viktor Gundersen, Jens Bejlegaard Jensen, Bent Østergaard
  • Publication number: 20020033008
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a packaging arrangement includes a belt material supply component, a pair of roll assemblies for supporting stacks of goods, and rods for moving the belt material so as to form a lifting sling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Tor Kokkersvold, Bjarne Omdal, Geir Viktor Gundersen, Jens Bejlegaard Jensen, Bent Ostergaard
  • Patent number: 6345659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for binding together one or more stalks, such as flower stems and branches, with the aid of a binding material (30), with a further object being bound in during the binding operation, the stalks being placed next to a part of the binding material (30) which is essentially stationary during the binding operation, while a further part of the binding material (30) is wrapped around the stalks. The binding device according to the present invention is characterized in that the said further object is placed against the stationary part on the same side as the stalks, preferably before the stalks are placed against the stationary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Pokon & Chrysal B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Herman Molenaar, Joseph Anton Johannes Huijsmans, Ewald Groenewoud, Paul Thomas Dirk Herman
  • Patent number: 6336308
    Abstract: A parcel and a method of forming the parcel includes surrounding at least one stack of goods with a sling that includes a central suspension loop. The belt is formed as a closed loop and has a width substantially equal to the transverse width of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Tor Kokkersvold, Bjarne Omdal, Geir Viktor Gundersen, Jens Bejlegaard Jensen, Bent Østergaard
  • Patent number: 6318053
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for automatic bundling of sheet material, in particular bank notes, having a deposit device on which sheet material to be bundled is deposited as a precisely fitting stack, a sliding device moving the stack of sheets perpendicularly toward a foil supplied by a device whereby the stack is partly wrapped with the foil and supplied to a transport device. The invention is characterized in that the transport device has two parallel, vertically adjustable conveyer belts between which the stack with its partly surrounding foil is clamped and transported to a banding device, said stack being positioned by the conveyer belts such that the foil is guided around the stack by the banding device and connected into a band, thereby obtaining a bundled stack of sheets. Subsequently the bundled packet can be pushed onto a transport belt with the aid of a delivery pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Frank, Rainer Stoll, Ralf Linck, Hermann Kronbauer
  • Patent number: 6247294
    Abstract: Wrapping apparatus for winding a web of wrapping foil (F) around an object (1). The wrapping apparatus comprises a ring guideway (2) defining a track of variable curvature and foil dispenser (6). The foil dispenser is provided with idler assemblies (10, 11) supporting the foil dispenser as it moves along the ring guideway. In the idler assembly, an inner idler (12) mounted with bearings on the foil dispenser frame (7) leans by its circumference on an inner rolling surface (3) of the guideway (2). A first outer idler (3) leans by its circumference on an outer rolling surface (4). A lateral idler (14) leans on a lateral rolling surface (5). The idler assembly comprises a second outer idler (15), which leans on the outer rolling surface (4) at a distance from the first outer idler (13). A pivoted frame (16) is mounted with bearings on the frame so that it can turn about a swing axis co-incident with the axis of rotation of the inner idler (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: OY M. Haloila AB
    Inventor: Yrjo Suolahti
  • Patent number: 6223506
    Abstract: A method and machine for wrapping a product in a sheet of heat-seal wrapping material, whereby the sheet of wrapping material is folded by a fixed folding device onto a wall of the product so as to superimpose at least two portions of the sheet of wrapping material; the sheet of wrapping material, once folded, is gradually released from the fixed folding device; and a sealing surface of a sealing head is brought gradually into a position facing the superimposed portions as the superimposed portions are gradually released from the folding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: G. D Societa'per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Ghini, Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 6223500
    Abstract: The apparatus for wrapping compressible box-like articles (10) such as a stock of newspapers or magazines, with a web-like wrapping material (12). The apparatus has three serially arranged belt conveyors (16, 18, 20), and the second belt conveyor (18) is in the form of a bearing table (24) which can be rotated about a vertical axis (26). The bearing table mounts two pressure-exerting members (30, 32). The article (10′) which is to be wrapped is introduced in a compressed state, by the first belt conveyor (16), into a wrap-around channel (42) which is formed by the table (24) and one of the pressure-exerting members (30), and the wrapping material (70) is positioned around the article in the form of a U. At the same time, the article (10), which has been previously wrapped in this way, is transferred to the third belt conveyor (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Jan Kramps