Patents Assigned to Ackley Machine Corporation
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Patent number: 7995083Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and inspecting pellet-shaped articles, comprises structure for of the step of conveying the plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a transport path. Each of the pellet-shaped articles includes a first side and a second side. The conveyer has a plurality of article receiving recesses (125) configured to convey the pellet-shaped articles such that either the first side or the second side of the pellet-shaped articles is randomly exposed in the recesses. A first process (laser etching, printing and/or drilling) is performed only on the pellet-shaped articles having the first side exposed. The pellet-shaped articles are manipulated such that the exposed side of all of the pellet-shaped articles is reversed. A second process is performed only on the pellet-shaped articles with the second side exposed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Mark Ford, Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20110089001Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventor: E. Michael Ackley
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Publication number: 20100258405Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Mark Ford, Vincent M. Deluccia, JR.
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Publication number: 20100252401Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventor: E. Michael Ackley, JR.
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Publication number: 20100163467Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Daniel J. Palmer
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Patent number: 7701568Abstract: 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: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20090090848Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20090059214Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2005Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Daniel J. Palmer
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Patent number: 7456946Abstract: 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: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20080158332Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and inspecting pellet-shaped articles, comprises structure for of the step of conveying the plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a transport path. Each of the pellet-shaped articles includes a first side and a second side. The conveyer has a plurality of article receiving recesses (125) configured to convey the pellet-shaped articles such that either the first side or the second side of the pellet-shaped articles is randomly exposed in the recesses. A first process (laser etching, printing and/or drilling) is performed only on the pellet-shaped articles having the first side exposed. The pellet-shaped articles are manipulated such that the exposed side of all of the pellet-shaped articles is reversed. A second process is performed only on the pellet-shaped articles with the second side exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Mark Ford, Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20080022867Abstract: 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: October 2, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicants: Ackley Machine Corporation, Mars IncorportedInventors: E. ACKLEY, Samuel Louden, James Suttle, Michael Webster, Neil Willcocks, Michael Wozniak
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Publication number: 20070125625Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a conveyer structured to convey a plurality of articles along a conveyer path and at least one processing station provided along the conveyer path to perform at least one processing operation. The conveyer path includes at least one loop or festoon.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2006Publication date: June 7, 2007Applicant: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E Ackley
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Publication number: 20070062404Abstract: 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: November 17, 2006Publication date: March 22, 2007Applicants: Ackley Machine Corporation, Mars IncorportedInventors: E. Ackley, Samuel Louden, James Suttle, Michael Webster, Neil Willcocks, Michael Wozniak
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Patent number: 7182018Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignees: 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: 20060268264Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2006Publication date: November 30, 2006Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Ackley, Daniel Palmer
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Patent number: 7102741Abstract: 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: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
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Patent number: 6834581Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a transport loop including a plurality of carrier bars and a plurality of pockets formed between adjacent ones of the carrier bars. The articles are laterally, longitudinally and rotationally positioned within the pockets at a predetermined position. The articles may be pharmaceutical tablets or capsules. The carrier bars may follow a curvilinear path including a non-linear path portion and a substantially linear path portion. The pockets between adjacent carrier bars are open and able to receive the articles when the adjacent carrier bars are at the non-linear path portion, and are closed and tightly grasp the articles when the adjacent carrier bars are at the substantially linear path portion. The apparatus can be used to manufacture shaped edible articles having a non-planar portion that receive serially registered component images from first and second printers.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley
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Publication number: 20040094050Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Daniel J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20040091594Abstract: 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: October 30, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicants: Ackley Machine Corporation, Mars IncorporatedInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
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Patent number: D603885Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley, Jr.