Patents Examined by B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5316427
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for unrolling spirally wound bales of hay which are moved by hydraulic or electric operated bale spikes mounted on a vehicle such as a truck or tractor. The device is comprised of a tubular axle sleeve which fits over the bale impaling spike and is impaled along with the impaling spike into the hay bale when the bale is to be transported by the vehicle. After the bale is moved, the impaling spike is withdrawn leaving the axle sleeve impaled in the center of the bale. Bearings are employed at opposed ends of the axle which are free to rotate on the axle and are connected to lines on opposite sides of the rear of the vehicle. Movement of the truck causes the lines to rotate the axis of the bale from an axial position in alignment with the axis of the truck 90.degree. in order that the bale can be unwound in the manner of a spool to leave a mat-like web of hay upon the ground for feeding livestock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Leonard D. DeLong, Freddy A. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5314262
    Abstract: A hoisting arrangement for a trolley (1) of a container crane with two motor-driven cable drums (2a, 2b), with cable rollers (4a-4d) arranged on the roller traverse (5), and with hoisting cables (3a-3d) guided between the cable fixed points (8a-8d) and the cable drums (2a, 2b). Hoisting arrangement provides cable drums (2a) and (2b) arranged, together with their drives (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), offset in parallel by the drum diameter (12). A maximum cable distance (10) with fully wound cable drum (2a, 2b) is provided to correspond approximately to the distance (11) of the cable roller pairs (4a, 4b) and (4c, 4d) on the roller traverse (5), as well as approximately to the distance (9) of the cable fixed points (8a, 8b) and (8c, 8d) on the trolley frame (1). The cable drums (2a, 2b) are of double-thread design. During lowering, the cables (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) run on the cable drums (2a, 2b) in the inward direction and define the cable runoff path (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Man Gutehoffnungshuette Aktienegesellschaft
    Inventors: Eduard Meisinger, Herbert Steiner
  • Patent number: 5313767
    Abstract: A machine for and a step by step method of forming packages or containers from blanks, heat sealing the sides of the packages and depositing the packages in fixtures, retaining the packages in fixtures during dosing of the packages with product, heat sealing the tops of the packages and ejecting the packages from the fixtures. The sides of a newly formed package are heat sealed through apertures in the forming die before the package is placed in the fixture. Once placed in the fixture at the forming station, the package remains in the fixture during the filling or dosing of product at the filling station and as indexed into the top sealing station. At the top sealing station the filled package is partially elevated from the fixture to expose the entire top of the package for heat sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Aliseo Gentile
  • Patent number: 5313768
    Abstract: Agricultural Bagging Machine including a vertically disposed chain feeder positioned above the rotor thereof to move silage downwardly into contact with the rotor. The chain feeder comprises a pair of chain feeder conveyors positioned in a side-by-side relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5314284
    Abstract: A parking tower includes a number of layers, one or more parking units formed in each of the layers, an elevator movable up and down to each of the layers, a lateral movement device slidably supported on the elevator, a longitudinal movement device slidably supported on the lateral movement device, a rotating device rotatably supported on the longitudinal movement device, and a frame disposed on the rotating device and rotated by the rotating device. A carrier is moved and rotated by the lateral movement device, the longitudinal movement device, and the rotating device in order to align with the parking units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Chi-Chung Tsai
  • Patent number: 5311723
    Abstract: A method and device for simultaneously closing a first and adjacent second box having respective lateral openings, each closed by a pair of lateral tabs, which are folded one on top of the other by a first and second folding device on either side of the two boxes; the tabs being arranged, prior to folding, facing and parallel to one another, so as to define two inner tabs and two outer tabs; and each folding device moving along a respective path for folding the outer tab of the adjacent box and the inner tab of the other box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: G. D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Antonio Gamberini
  • Patent number: 5311726
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved air extraction apparatus for continuous package making. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved air extraction apparatus that continuously packages a continuous succession of objects in a continuous length of heat-sealable packaging film. The apparatus extracts air from the packaging film that has been folded in a manner so that margins along opposite longitudinal edges of the film form a seam with two overlapping flaps for heat sealing, wherein just ahead of a heat sealing station, the improved apparatus of the invention extracts air from between the film flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventors: Franc W. Rauscher, Daniel P. McEntee
  • Patent number: 5311721
    Abstract: A wire winding and tying machine useful in the winding of steel wire strands or the like includes a tie stock dispenser that delivers a pre cut length of tie stock to a platform. A hanking unit picks up the tie stock and delivers it to a position above pre wound strands. The hanking unit includes rockable arms that press the tie stock ends about the wound strands to a position to engage a twister that winds the tie stock about the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Hanscom-Madex, A.I.E.
    Inventor: Miguel C. Urchaga
  • Patent number: 5305582
    Abstract: A method is provided for the two-stage pressurizing of a product in which a propellant gas may be immediately generated for use as a high-pressure propellant after the sealing of the container. A first reactant and the flowable or sprayable product which is desired to be dispensed is placed into the container until the container is substantially full. The container is then sealed. A second reactant, which may be dissolved in a further amount of product, is introduced in liquid form into the sealed container through a dispensing valve, another valve, or a sealable plug. The first and second reactants react to generate the propellant, which is then contained or dissolved with the product in the container until needed. As product is expelled, the propellant evolves out of the product to exert expulsive pressure. Thus, the invention involves the process of charging during the filling of product and allows the product to be dispensed promptly and continuously thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Enviro Pak International
    Inventor: Joe L. Abbott
  • Patent number: 5306112
    Abstract: A loading dock-aid is described that facilitates the lifting and placing of heavy dock plates between the edge of a dock and the back end of a delivery truck. The dock-aid has a lifting boom with a hooked end portion that is inserted into prescribed holes in the dock plate and that is connected via a yoke framework to a roller and an extended handle. The handle provides leverage for a workman to exert pressure thereon and lift up the dock plate. The roller allows the workman to position the whole apparatus in a specific location to then lower the dock plate over the gap between the truck and the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kielinski
  • Patent number: 5305578
    Abstract: A band application machine for transferring to containers heat-shrinkable bands. The band application machine includes a band feed system for feeding band supply material to a cutting system which cuts a band from the band supply. A transfer system transfers cut bands to containers conveyed past a banding point, and includes a band gripping mechanism and a plunger. Band gripping mechanism includes opposed suction cups that are movably mounted for gripping and positioning a cut band. The suction cups are laterally movable from a position where a closed band is gripped on opposing sides by the suction cups to a position where the band is open and aligned with the stroke of the plunger. The plunger is positioned over the opened band at an angle with respect to the band. The plunger presses and drives the band onto a container as the gripper apparatus releases the open band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Axon Corporation
    Inventor: Victor V. Menayan
  • Patent number: 5303530
    Abstract: Apparatus for encapsulating spring units (38-40) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a device (13) for inserting a spring unit between a pair of webs (16), a device (26) for tightening or tensioning the webs about the spring unit, and a securing device for securing the webs together in close proximity to the compressed spring unit to encapsulate same. A method for encapsulating spring units is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Slumberland PLC
    Inventor: Paul Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5301489
    Abstract: A conveying device with levers for wrapping machines for delicate products equipped with a gripping device for strips of material for wrapping products. The device has a supporting structure sliding on a radial guide which forms part of a carrousel conveyor revolving around a support placed on a supporting plate; a first operating lever for conveying the products, rotates around a first pivot supported by the supporting structure; a second operating lever for conveying the products rotates around a second pivot supported by the supporting structure; a limit stop for the movements of one of the levers is integral with the supporting structure, the purpose of which is to cooperate with one of the said operating levers, constitute a gripping device for the strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: B.F.B. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gino Benedetti
  • Patent number: 5299411
    Abstract: A wrapping sheet is disposed on a roll so that marginal portions of the wrapping sheet extend beyond the respective side faces of the roll. A wrapping sheet winding apparatus for winding the wrapping sheet around the roll has a pair of chucks which are drivingly engaged with a core of the roll and rotate the roll to wind therearound the wrapping sheet. Each of the chucks is provided with suction holes formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyohumi Yamamoto, Hiroshi Maeda, Susumu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5290140
    Abstract: A cart for transporting and moving die sets having an air powered/hydraulic fluid drive system to move the cart and die sets thereon. A hydraulic pump is driven by an air pressure powered motor and different hydraulic motors move the cart and move the die sets on the cart. A laterally movable die set transfer device is connected to one die set in one adjacent stamping press and to a second die set positioned on the cart to move the first die set from the one press and to move the second die set off the cart and into a second press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Henderson, Richard L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5289669
    Abstract: The invention resides in winder for automatically winding sections of sheet material to form separate tubes. The winder comprises a base, a supply of sheet material and a material drive means on the base for advancing sheet material from the supply towards a station on the base located remotely thereof. A winding means is located at the station for winding a section of the sheet material about itself and about a rotational axis such that the involved section of sheet material is substantially wound in a tubular condition. A cutting means is provided and is located between the drive means and the second rotational axis for cutting the sheet material transversely of its length at points therealong corresponding to the end one section and the beginning of the next successive section to be advanced to the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Gerber Garment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Joseph Gerber, Claude LeBlond, Kevin Williams, Alex Zusmanovich, A. Bruce Plumley
  • Patent number: 5287680
    Abstract: A hand held vacuum packing device, for use in the home in evacuating and sealing a plastic bag containing food, consists of jaws through which the edges of the bag are pulled to press fit the edges together and a nozzle and air extractor to withdraw air from the bag immediately before sealing is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Specialite Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Yen Lau
  • Patent number: 5282345
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for disposing a sheet adjacent a flexible member. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for transporting the sheet to a loading position and a mechanism, located adjacent the loading position, for receiving and holding the sheet. The receiving and holding mechanism is capable of moving the sheet into juxtaposition with a surface of the flexible member so that the sheet contacts the surface of the flexible member upon being released by the receiving and holding mechanism. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for wrapping the flexible member about itself with the sheet interposed between opposed surfaces of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Darcy, Boris Haritonoff, Edouard E. Langlois, Karl V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 5282346
    Abstract: An unwrapping apparatus for unwrapping a palletized and stretch-wrapped load, including at the front side thereof lower grippers and upper grippers to grip the lower edge and upper edge of a stretchable film of the load, respectively, and a cutter unit for vertically cutting the stretchable film. The unwrapping apparatus includes at the rear side thereof a carriage having a platen to press the top of a load, a pair of swing arms carrying the upper grippers, and a pair of auxiliary film separating swing arms to separate the stretchable film from the rear corner portions of the load when the film is removed from the load by the main swing arms. The main swing arms and the auxiliary swing arms prevent the articles from being pulled and moved by the stretchable film in contact with the articles and thus falling down from the separate sheet in particular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Oji Seitai Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Masuda, Masahiro Tsukuda, Shigeru Doiura, Kaoru Kawanishi, Hiroshi Iwasaki, Katsumi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 5279094
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for uncuffing a bag in a case, forming the top of the bag into a neck, and taping the neck, operable on non-square rectangular cases as well as square cases of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Bemis Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Odom, Roger A. Field