Patents by Inventor Andreas Prahm

Andreas Prahm has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12145808
    Abstract: A method and to a device for handling hygiene products, in particular nappies, wherein the products are transported by a feed conveyor in a first transport direction into compartments of a removal conveyor, in particular a grouping conveyor, which transports the products in a second transport direction, wherein the second transport direction extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first transport direction. At least one intermediate conveyor which serves to reduce the transport speed of the products in the first transport direction is located between the feed conveyor and the removal conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Matthias Vocks, Andreas Prahm, Arthur Wilhelm, Torsten Kramer
  • Publication number: 20240051759
    Abstract: A method for handling flat objects, in particular sanitary products, such as nappies, sanitary towels or the like, wherein a group of objects is subjected to a compression operation in a compression device so that the group of objects has a degree of compression as a result of the compression. A plurality of compression devices are arranged one after the other so that the group of objects which is compressed with a compression device is supplied to the following compression device with the respective degree of compression thereof and is further compressed in this compression device in order to achieve a higher degree of compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Josef Schulte, Andreas Prahm, Matthias Vocks
  • Patent number: 11760521
    Abstract: A method and a device for filling containers with products, in which the products are successively conveyed horizontally to a filling installation in which the products, while being combined to form individual product groups, are grouped, and an offered-up container, which is conveyed horizontally to the filling installation, is filled in a single track with one or a plurality of product groups, wherein the filled containers subsequently are in particular horizontally transported away. The method includes conveying the products in multiple tracks to the filling installation, grouping the products to form product groups, feeding the product groups in multiple tracks to a common revolving vertical conveyor of the filling installation, conveying the product groups to an ejection position from which the product groups are conveyed onward in a single track to an offered-up container, and filling the offered-up container with at least one of the product groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Dennis Schmidt, Andreas Prahm, Andreas Neufeld, Frank Sachs
  • Publication number: 20230249921
    Abstract: A method and to a device for handling hygiene products, in particular nappies, wherein the products are transported by a feed conveyor in a first transport direction into compartments of a removal conveyor, in particular a grouping conveyor, which transports the products in a second transport direction, wherein the second transport direction extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first transport direction. At least one intermediate conveyor which serves to reduce the transport speed of the products in the first transport direction is located between the feed conveyor and the removal conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Matthias Vocks, Andreas Prahm, Arthur Wilhelm, Torsten Kramer
  • Publication number: 20210394942
    Abstract: A method and a device for filling containers with products, in which the products are successively conveyed horizontally to a filling installation in which the products, while being combined to form individual product groups, are grouped, and an offered-up container, which is conveyed horizontally to the filling installation, is filled in a single track with one or a plurality of product groups, wherein the filled containers subsequently are in particular horizontally transported away. The method includes conveying the products in multiple tracks to the filling installation, grouping the products to form product groups, feeding the product groups in multiple tracks to a common revolving vertical conveyor of the filling installation, conveying the product groups to an ejection position from which the product groups are conveyed onward in a single track to an offered-up container, and filling the offered-up container with at least one of the product groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Dennis Schmidt, Andreas Prahm, Andreas Neufeld, Frank Sachs
  • Patent number: 10450095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling (flat) articles (10), in particular hygiene products such as diapers, napkins or the like, wherein the articles (10) are supplied on a first feed conveyor (11) and are removed as a compressed group (12) of articles (10) on a removal conveyor (14). The invention is characterized in that the feed conveyor (11) and the removal conveyor (14) are continuously driven and a group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the continuously driven feed conveyor (11) to a continuously driven compressing device (16) in which the group (13) of articles (10) is compressed, and in that the compressed group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the compressing device (16) to the continuously driven removal conveyor (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Bjorn Brandhorst, Andreas Prahm, Frank Sachs
  • Patent number: 10351280
    Abstract: A and device method for handling containers, in particular cardboard boxes, for groups of objects, in particular packages, in which the objects are inserted one after another into the container and are deposited there in an ordered formation, and in which the containers are held ready in each case by a handling device, in particular a cardboard box robot, for the insertion of the objects, and in each case several containers are held ready at the same time by the handling device so that they can be filled with objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Dennis Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20160083129
    Abstract: A and device method for handling containers, in particular cardboard boxes, for groups of objects, in particular packages, in which the objects are inserted one after another into the container and are deposited there in an ordered formation, and in which the containers are held ready in each case by a handling device, in particular a cardboard box robot, for the insertion of the objects, and in each case several containers are held ready at the same time by the handling device so that they can be filled with objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: FOCKE & CO. (GMBH CO. KG)
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Dennis Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9056726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for grouping (flat) articles (10), in particular hygiene products such as diapers, wherein the articles (10) to be grouped are conveyable individually and one after another on a feed conveyor (19) and are suppliable to a grouping conveyor (12). The invention is characterized in that the grouping conveyor (12) has compartments (13) for in each case one group (11) of articles (10), in which compartments the articles (10) are arranged preferably standing upright, in particular tightly packed together, wherein the articles (10) are suppliable by means of the feed conveyor (19) at an angle, in particular substantially transversely, with respect to the conveying direction of the grouping conveyor (12) and are conveyable in the conveying direction of the grouping conveyor (12) by way of a substantially cone-shaped conveyor (24) thus forming a group (11) of articles (10) in one compartment (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Josef Schulte, Andreas Prahm, Björn Brandhorst
  • Patent number: 8763349
    Abstract: A method and device for producing bundle packages, in particular bundle packages (10) for cigarettes (cigarette carton 11), wherein a group of packs (12), in particular cigarette packs, is encased in an outer casing (13) to form the bundle package (10), and wherein the packs (12) respectively exhibit a code (19), in particular a barcode, and the group of packs (12) is encased in the outer casing (13) such that the code (19) of the packs (12) is not concealed by the outer casing (13) and that a means (20, 23) for concealing the code of the packs (12), in particular a pre-cut piece (20), such as an (adhesive) label, and a code (21) for the bundle package (10) are subsequently arranged on the bundle package (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Falko Böger
  • Publication number: 20140151188
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for grouping (flat) articles (10), in particular hygiene products such as diapers, wherein the articles (10) to be grouped are conveyable individually and one after another on a feed conveyor (19) and are suppliable to a grouping conveyor (12). The invention is characterized in that the grouping conveyor (12) has compartments (13) for in each case one group (11) of articles (10), in which compartments the articles (10) are arranged preferably standing upright, in particular tightly packed together, wherein the articles (10) are suppliable by means of the feed conveyor (19) at an angle, in particular substantially transversely, with respect to the conveying direction of the grouping conveyor (12) and are conveyable in the conveying direction of the grouping conveyor (12) by way of a substantially cone-shaped conveyor (24) thus forming a group (11) of articles (10) in one compartment (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.KG)
    Inventors: Josef Schulte, Andreas Prahm, Björn Brandhorst
  • Publication number: 20140137515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling (flat) articles (10), in particular hygiene products such as diapers, napkins or the like, wherein the articles (10) are supplied on a first feed conveyor (11) and are removed as a compressed group (12) of articles (10) on a removal conveyor (14). The invention is characterized in that the feed conveyor (11) and the removal conveyor (14) are continuously driven and a group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the continuously driven feed conveyor (11) to a continuously driven compressing device (16) in which the group (13) of articles (10) is compressed, and in that the compressed group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the compressing device (16) to the continuously driven removal conveyor (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Björn Brandhorst, Andreas Prahm, Frank Sachs
  • Patent number: 8689530
    Abstract: In order to insert packages, particularly bags (10) having fragile packaging goods into containers or cartons (14), the carton (14) is held ready in a packing station (16) such that the bags (10) can be inserted into the carton (14) by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher (56). In order to create different, ordered formations of the bags (10) within the carton (14), said carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton (14) at a predetermined feed plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Mimke Bohlen, Frank Sachs
  • Publication number: 20120279882
    Abstract: A method and device for producing bundle packages, in particular bundle packages (10) for cigarettes (cigarette carton 11), wherein a group of packs (12), in particular cigarette packs, is encased in an outer casing (13) to form the bundle package (10), and wherein the packs (12) respectively exhibit a code (19), in particular a barcode, and the group of packs (12) is encased in the outer casing (13) such that the code (19) of the packs (12) is not concealed by the outer casing (13) and that a means (20, 23) for concealing the code of the packs (12), in particular a pre-cut piece (20), such as an (adhesive) label, and a code (21) for the bundle package (10) are subsequently arranged on the bundle package (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Falko Böger
  • Patent number: 7984603
    Abstract: For supplying machines, namely packaging machines, with web-like packaging material which is present in the form of a reel, a reel store (15) is fitted out with a portal (16), in which the reels (10 . . . 13) are kept on pallets (14). A portal robot (20) with an articulated arm (27) transfers reels (10 . . . 13) as required to winding subassemblies (29 . . . 32) arranged outside the portal (16). From these winding subassemblies, the material webs are transported toward opposite sides, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the portal (16), to the consuming machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Harald Freudenberg, Andreas Prahm, Frank Sachs, Michael Schlenker
  • Publication number: 20110005174
    Abstract: In order to insert packages, particularly bags (10) having fragile packaging goods into containers or cartons (14), the carton (14) is held ready in a packing station (16) such that the bags (10) can be inserted into the carton (14) by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher (56). In order to create different, ordered formations of the bags (10) within the carton (14), said carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton (14) at a predetermined feed plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Mimke Bohlen, Frank Sachs
  • Patent number: 7748254
    Abstract: To test the integrity of packages—cups (11)—a package conveyor (14) is provided, on whose conveying run (17) the cups (11) are positioned at a distance from one another, specifically in a correct formation forming transverse rows (23). In order to form a sealed testing chamber (13) for a group of cups (11) to be tested, a covering hood (19) can be lowered from above onto the package conveyor (14). Together with the covering hood (19), the latter forms a sealed testing chamber (13). A vacuum is produced in the latter, with the consequence that the packages experience deformation, specifically the cups (11) experience deformation of a closure film. Non-sealed cups (11) are identified and separated out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Gisbert Engel, Andreas Prahm
  • Publication number: 20100154355
    Abstract: For supplying machines, namely packaging machines, with web-like packaging material which is present in the form of a reel, a reel store (15) is fitted out with a portal (16), in which the reels (10 . . . 13) are kept on pallets (14). A portal robot (20) with an articulated arm (27) transfers reels (10 . . . 13) as required to winding subassemblies (29 . . . 32) arranged outside the portal (16). From these winding subassemblies, the material webs are transported toward opposite sides, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the portal (16), to the consuming machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Harald Freudenberg, Andreas Prahm, Frank Sachs, Michael Schlenker
  • Patent number: 7596926
    Abstract: For the dispatch-ready packing of, in particular, cigarette packs or cigarette bundle packs (12), a device is provided, in which the box packer (14) and the palleting station (29) are combined, in order to introduce the bundle packs (12) into boxes (10) and to deposit the latter on pallets (11). The structurally combined units form an overall device which can be operated jointly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Josef Schulte, Andreas Prahm, Horst Guss
  • Publication number: 20080229708
    Abstract: For the dispatch-ready packing of, in particular, cigarette packs or cigarette bundle packs (12), a device is provided, in which the box packer (14) and the palleting station (29) are combined, in order to introduce the bundle packs (12) into boxes (10) and to deposit the latter on pallets (11). The structurally combined units form an overall device which can be operated jointly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Josef Schulte, Andreas Prahm, Horst Guss