Patents Assigned to Ackley Machine Corporation
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Patent number: 8944242Abstract: A carrier bar to convey at least one pellet-shaped article along a predetermined conveyer path in a direction of travel, the carrier bar comprises at least one pocket adapted to receive a pellet-shaped article and each pocket having a pocket wall, and a product settling area included in each pocket and having a dimple defined in the product settling area by an edge, said dimple adapted to seat the bottom side of the pellet-shaped article, wherein said dimple is offset from a center of said product settling area and said dimple is shaped to position, hold, or bias a portion of the pellet-shaped article towards and/or against a portion of the pocket wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Vincent M. DeLuccia, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140260104Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael ACKLEY, Mark FORD
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Patent number: 8770413Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Mark Ford
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Patent number: 8593494Abstract: A system for marking pellet shaped articles includes a conveyer to convey the pellet-shaped articles along a transport path, and a laser to generate at least one beam to print or etch information on one or more of the pellet-shaped articles. The information includes at least one of alphabetical characters, numeric characters, and/or logos. The information comprises at least one engraving, e.g., two engravings or holes, apertures, etc., that are adjacent one another and at least partially overlapping. The system includes a controller to control x and y or x, y and z coordinates of the beam of the laser relative to the transport path to align the beam with the one or more of the pellet-shaped articles.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Ackley Machines CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Mark Ford, Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20130277171Abstract: A carrier bar to convey at least one pellet-shaped article along a predetermined conveyer path in a direction of travel, the carrier bar comprises at least one pocket adapted to receive a pellet-shaped article and each pocket having a pocket wall, and a product settling area included in each pocket and having a dimple defined in the product settling area by an edge, said dimple adapted to seat the bottom side of the pellet-shaped article, wherein said dimple is offset from a center of said product settling area and said dimple is shaped to position, hold, or bias a portion of the pellet-shaped article towards and/or against a portion of the pocket wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael ACKLEY, Vincent M. DeLuccia, JR.
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Publication number: 20130134072Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventor: Ackley Machine Corporation
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Patent number: 8381896Abstract: A conveyer apparatus for transporting and processing tablets includes a conveyer and an ejection system. Each of the tablets includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier links to convey a plurality of tablets along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier link has a pocket to receive and transport a tablet in a vertical orientation along the predetermined conveyer path. The ejection system is structured to selectively accept or eject a tablet from the carrier link in response to a signal provided by a sensor positioned upstream of the ejection system.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Mark Ford, Vincent M. DeLuccia, Jr.
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Patent number: 8373081Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Mark Ford
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Patent number: 8269958Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism, to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
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Patent number: 8220619Abstract: A conveyer apparatus for transporting and processing pellet-shaped articles includes a conveyer and a discharge device. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier bars to convey a plurality of articles along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier bar has a pocket half that cooperates with a pocket half of an adjacent carrier bar to form an article receiving pocket to receive and transport an article along the predetermined conveyer path. The discharge device is positioned with respect to the carrier bars to dislodge articles from the carrier bars.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley
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Publication number: 20120141636Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicants: MARS INCORPORATED, ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
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Publication number: 20120132722Abstract: A conveyer mechanism (110) may include one or more composition inspection units provided along the intended product transport path. The product's composition, e.g., it's ink composition, is compared with a predetermined standard, to determine whether the product is acceptable. A bar code (48, 45.1, 47.1, 85) may be provided to an external surface of the article for identification/traceability purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Daniel J. Palmer
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Patent number: 8141697Abstract: A carrier bar for conveying at least one caplet along a predetermined conveyer path includes at least one pocket adapted to receive a caplet. Each pocket includes a longitudinal axis that is angled or offset from a direction of travel of the carrier bar in use. Each caplet includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120055855Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism, to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Daniel J. Palmer
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Patent number: 8102520Abstract: A conveyer mechanism may include one or more composition inspection units provided along the intended product transport path. The product's composition, e.g., its ink composition, is compared with a predetermined standard, to determine whether the product is acceptable. A bar code may be provided to an external surface of the article for identification/traceability purposes.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20110297590Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael ACKLEY, Mark Ford
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Patent number: 8072590Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20110291329Abstract: A system for marking pellet shaped articles includes a conveyer to convey the pellet-shaped articles along a transport path, and a laser to generate at least one beam to print or etch information on one or more of the pellet-shaped articles. The information includes at least one of alphabetical characters, numeric characters, and/or logos. The information comprises at least one engraving, e.g., two engravings or holes, apertures, etc., that are adjacent one another and at least partially overlapping. The system includes a controller to control x and y or x, y and z coordinates of the beam of the laser relative to the transport path to align the beam with the one or more of the pellet-shaped articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Mark Ford, Daniel J. Palmer
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Patent number: D656972Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley
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Patent number: D713866Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Vincent M. DeLuccia, Jr.