Patents Assigned to Ackley Machine Corp.
  • Patent number: 8037992
    Abstract: A tablet conveying apparatus for transporting tablets includes a conveyer. Each of the tablets includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a generally flat, circumferential belly band that interconnects the first and second sides. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier bars to convey a plurality of tablets along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier bar has at least one pocket to receive and transport a tablet in a vertical orientation along the predetermined conveyer path. The pocket may be configured to allow rotation of the tablet about its central axis that extends transverse to the first and second sides. The pocket may be configured to establish line contact between two flat portions of the pocket and two corresponding circumferential portions along the belly band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ackley Machine Corp.
    Inventor: E. Michael Ackley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080047803
    Abstract: A tablet conveying apparatus for transporting tablets includes a conveyer. Each of the tablets includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a generally flat, circumferential belly band that interconnects the first and second sides. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier bars to convey a plurality of tablets along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier bar has at least one pocket to receive and transport a tablet in a vertical orientation along the predetermined conveyer path. The pocket may be configured to allow rotation of the tablet about its central axis that extends transverse to the first and second sides. The pocket may be configured to establish line contact between two flat portions of the pocket and two corresponding circumferential portions along the belly band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Ackley Machine Corp.
    Inventor: E. Ackley
  • Patent number: 7311045
    Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Ackley Machine Corp., Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 7114445
    Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignees: Ackley Machine Corp., Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak