Patents Assigned to AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.
  • Publication number: 20120000164
    Abstract: A machine for packaging fiber material comprises feed means (2) supplying predetermined portions of fiber material (3) in an ordered succession, compacting means (4) by which the portions of fiber material (3) are compacted initially, a feed station (8) to which packs (9) are supplied for filling with the fiber material (3), a filling station (D) at which the fiber material (3) is inserted into the packs (9), and a closure station (E) located downstream of the filling station (D), at which the filled packs (9) are sealed. The machine further comprises fiber material (3) compressing and forming means (7) by which each of the portions of fiber material (3) is maintained in a state of compression downstream of the compacting means (4) for a prescribed interval of time, in such a way that the selfsame portion of fiber material (3) is caused to assume a compact geometry of tablet-like form prior to its insertion into the respective pack (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A S.p.A
    Inventors: Fulvio BOLDRINI, Roberto GHIOTTI
  • Publication number: 20110180371
    Abstract: Products (3) advancing in single file are divided into at least two files by a device comprising a main conveyor (10) from which the products (3) of the single file (7) pass onto a first outfeed conveyor (11) and onto a second outfeed conveyor (12) positioned with infeed ends at different heights, one above the other; the device also comprises a linking conveyor (26) between the main conveyor (10) and the outfeed conveyors (11, 12), consisting in a pair of looped belts (27, 28) presenting outer surfaces faced along a portion of predetermined length with a layer (35) of resilient material, thereby creating a channel (34) by which the main conveyor (10) is linked to the outfeed conveyor (11) positioned uppermost, and along which the products (3) are transferred cyclically to this same conveyor (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A
    Inventors: Marco Carrara, Daniele Civolani
  • Publication number: 20110120055
    Abstract: A packaging machine or machine unit, as used in particular for capping containers (5), is enclosed by a structure (1) that comprises a casing (2) positioned at least in part around the active components (3) of a packaging unit (4) supplied with open containers (5). The casing (2) comprises a fixed cowl (13) encompassing the components (3) of the packaging unit (4), and a movable cowl (23) furnished with at least one sealing element (4). The movable cowl (23) is capable of movement between an open configuration, in which a gap (23a) is created between the fixed cowl (13) and the movable cowl (23) so as to place the fixed cowl (13) in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere, and a closed configuration in which the sealing element (24) of the movable cowl (23) engages the fixed cowl (13), occluding the gap (23a) and consequently isolating the interior of the fixed cowl (13) from the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Baroni, Gianpietro Zanini
  • Publication number: 20110041456
    Abstract: The components of a rotary conveyor (1) for a carousel type capping machine (2) include a centre shaft aligned on a main axis (X) coinciding with the main axis of the machine (2), a carrier element (4) coupled to the shaft so that the two rotate as one about the main axis (X), and a set of gripper mechanisms (5) associated operationally with the carrier element (4), distributed circumferentially about the supporting shaft. Each gripper mechanism (5) is switchable between a first configuration, establishing a recess (6) in which to accommodate a respective container (3), a second configuration in which the container (3) is retained within the recess (6) by a predetermined gripping force, and a third configuration in which the container (3) is restrained by a gripping force greater than the force exerted in the second configuration, so as to counteract any unwanted rotation of the container (3) about its longitudinal axis (Y) that might be induced during the course of capping operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Baroni, Gianpietro Zanini
  • Publication number: 20100307106
    Abstract: In a machine for wrapping sticks of chewing gum, sticks of substantially rectangular outline and relatively small thickness advance singly and in succession on a conveyor, arranged flat and spaced apart at a predetermined first pitch, toward a position where they are transferred to a spacing roller revolving tangentially to the conveyor and presenting peripheral seats spaced apart at a pitch greater than the first pitch; the sticks are taken up at the transfer position by a pick-up and transfer mechanism operating between the conveyor and the seats of the spacing roller, describing a trajectory that includes a movement perpendicular to the plane occupied by the sticks and producing a minimal displacement equating approximately to the thickness of a single stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A. S.p.A
    Inventors: Marco CARRARA, Daniele CIVOLANI
  • Patent number: 7837026
    Abstract: Containers (2) to be filled with liquid or powder products are processed by equipment (1) comprising at least one carousel (5) mounted on a floor-standing base frame (10) and set in rotation about a vertical axis (X) by drive components (9) housed internally of the frame (10); the carousel (5) is equipped with a number of peripheral stations (6), each accommodating a single container (2), and is positioned directly above a tank (20) with an open top (27) proportioned and contoured in such a way that washing liquids sprayed onto the carousel (5) in the course of during cleaning operations can be collected and carried away from the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Patent number: 7836664
    Abstract: Screw caps (2) are fitted to the necks of respective containers (3) by a unit comprising a carousel equipped with a platform on which the containers are placed, a frame positioned above the platform, and a drive system by which the platform and the frame are set in rotation about a main vertical axis. The unit comprises at least one screw capping device (7) associated with the rotating frame of the carousel, located above a respective container (3) and equipped with a gripping mechanism (9) lockable onto the cap (2) of the container, also a first motion-inducing linkage (25) by which the gripping mechanism (9) is caused to rotate about an axis (Y) parallel to the main vertical axis, and a second motion-inducing linkage (37) by which the gripping mechanism (9) is moved toward or away from the respective cap (2). The screw capping device (7) is packaged internally of a box-like body (10) associated removably with the rotating frame and housing the gripping mechanism (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Publication number: 20100282523
    Abstract: A carousel (1) for supporting and weighing containers (2), comprising: a carrier element (6) supporting at least one container (2), rotatable about a respective axis (X) and presenting at least one opening (13) affording access to an enclosure (14) within the selfsame element (6); a plate (15) associated with the underside of the carrier element (6), serving to close the opening (13), and a system (17) for weighing the container (2), installed at least partially within the enclosure (14). The weighing system (17) comprises a load cell (18) associated with the plate (15) and housed in the enclosure (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Patent number: 7828198
    Abstract: A duct (1) applicable to a container (4) presents a connecting portion (9) with four substantially flat connecting surfaces (9a) and a internal bridging surface (13) by which the side walls (7a) of the container (4) are joined seamlessly to a spout (5) afforded by the duct (1); the bridging surface (13) is contoured in such a way that a flow of liquid food product can be directed through the spout (5) without becoming trapped and stagnating between the duct (1) and side walls (7a) of the container (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Roberto Ghiotti
  • Patent number: 7823717
    Abstract: A rotary conveyor (1) utilized in equipment (1a) for filling containers (2) with liquid or powder products includes a supporting shaft (8) aligned on a longitudinal axis (X) and coupled to relative drive components (10) associated with the shaft (8), by which the shaft is set in rotation about the axis (X). A support element (11) is keyed to the shaft (8), presenting a peripheral rim (12) with a plurality of slots (13) each designed to accommodate a container (2) transferred from a transport and/or processing device (3) forming part of the equipment (1a). The slots (13) incorporate restraining components (14) having grippers (15) movable between a position of engagement, in which the containers (2) are locked to the support element (11), and a position of disengagement in which no restraining force is applied to the containers (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Publication number: 20100205904
    Abstract: Containers are closed with screw caps by a carousel machine of which a central drum (31) is rotatable about a vertical axis (A) and carries a set of capping units (36) equipped with respective capping heads (37), each presenting a gripper (38) by which the cap (3) is held, and a mechanism (66) by which the hinged jaws (39) of the gripper (38) are opened and closed; each capping head (37) is capable of axial motion induced by components incorporated into the relative unit (36), which are guided axially in their movements and supported by auxiliary components (40; 49, 50) associated rigidly with the central drum (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Publication number: 20100199605
    Abstract: A method of forming and filling containers (2) wherein a first step consists in forming a tubular body (3) of which a first end is joined to a rigid element (6) with an opening (7) capable by means of a relative closure element (8), and a second end or bottom (12) is sealed by a weld line (13) extending transversely to the axis (A) of the tubular body (3) and presents two flaps (15) extending from the lateral surface (4) of the tubular body (3), and a second step consists in flattening and sealing the flaps (15) against the bottom (12); the method also includes a step of injecting a sterilizing liquid into each container (2), effected between the first step and the second step, and a step of filling the container (2) subsequent to the sterilizing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fulvio Boldrini
  • Publication number: 20100199601
    Abstract: In a machine (1) for manufacturing pouches (2) filled with portions (36) of a tobacco mixture, comprising a rotating drum (8) on which a continuous stream (5) of the mixture is formed and conveyed to a station (13) where the portions (36) are divided from the stream, and where the portions (36) are transferred by a pneumatic ejection and feed system (21) to a wrapping station (7), moisturizing substances are added to the mixture by a dispensing system (22) associated with the ejection and feed system (21) .
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Roberto Ghiotti
  • Publication number: 20100186349
    Abstract: Capping assemblies (2) of the type fitted to capping units (1a) in a machine for packaging containers filled with fluid or powdered products are equipped with a gripping apparatus (1) comprising a gripper (4) with three arms (5), each carrying an adapter (20) furnished with a pad (20b) offered in direct contact to the cap, through which the gripping action is applied. Each adapter (20) is secured to a fitting (17, 18) insertable into a socket (16) afforded by the bottom of a structural member (6) that forms the main part of each arm (5) and is hinged to the movable head of a relative capping assembly (2); when inserted into the structural member (6), the fitting (17, 18) is retained automatically by a snap lock mechanism (12) incorporated into the arm (5), which can be released subsequently by introducing the tip of a screwdriver into a slot (18a) created in the side of the fitting (17, 18) and levering the components apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Publication number: 20100101588
    Abstract: A machine manufacturing pouches of a smokeless tobacco product, or other similarly cohesionless material, comprises a feed system (100) by which the tobacco is supplied to a conveyor (4) at a delivery station (5), from where it is transported by the conveyor (4) to a transfer station (6), also a system (102) operating at the transfer station (6) by which predetermined portions (7) of the product are directed from the conveyor (4) into at least one duct (16) linked to a form-fill-and-seal wrapping station (8) where the portions (7) are enclosed in a continuous succession (101) of pouches (2). The wrapping station (8) is equipped with ultrasonic welders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Roberto Ghiotti
  • Publication number: 20100101189
    Abstract: Pouches (2) of cohesionless material, typically a smokeless tobacco product, are manufactured on a machine equipped with feed components (101) by which the material is supplied to a conveyor (4) at a delivery station (8), then transferred by the conveyor (4) from this station (8) to a transfer station (9) where a forcing mechanism (14) directs measured portions (100) of the material from the conveyor into at least one duct (12) connecting with a form-fill-and-seal wrapping station (10) where the portions (100) are enclosed in a continuous succession (21) of pouches (2). Before being separated one from the next at a downstream cutting station (23), the single pouches (2) pass through an in-line quality control station (105) at which their weight is checked individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A
    Inventor: Fulvio Boldrini
  • Publication number: 20100051041
    Abstract: A system (1) for portioning and packaging a tobamel smoking mixture (2) comprises a unit (3) internally of which the mixture (2) is prepared by blending tobacco en masse with agglutinants such as honey or molasses, and an extruder unit (17) by which the mixture (2) is shaped into a continuous rod (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fulvio Boldrini
  • Patent number: 7641749
    Abstract: A method and machine for labelling a succession of containers, whereby each container is identified to assign to the container one of a number of possible types, and the container is then fed along a labelling path through a number of labelling stations, each of which applies respective labels to containers falling within a respective category, and is activated to apply the label to the container if the container falls within the respective category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianluca Giacomazzi, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 7597244
    Abstract: A container (1) for liquid products fashioned from at least one blank of multi-layer paper material comprises an essentially parallelepiped body (2) with four side walls (4, 5, 6, 7), and a top section (9) presenting four angled faces (4a, 5a, 6a, 7a) that converge toward a tubular element (17) providing a spout (15) from which to pour the liquid contents. The tubular element (17) also presents four tags (24) designed to interact with the top section (9); the tags function as anchors insertable between and weldable together with the corresponding edges (11) of the blank to form joined areas (12) serving as both closure and reinforcing elements in the finished container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Roberto Ghiotti
  • Patent number: D637903
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A., S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Ghiotti, Fulvio Boldrini