Patents by Inventor Curtis W. Martin
Curtis W. Martin 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).
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Patent number: 11518561Abstract: A packaging material dispenser of a stretch wrapping machine supports multiple discrete amounts of pre-stretch in a reliable and cost-effective manner in part by incorporating a loop drive assembly with multiple pre-stretch rate wheels capable of being used to drive a driven wheel associated with a pre-stretch roller at different discrete rates of rotation relative to another pre-stretch roller.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: LANTECH.COM, LLCInventor: Curtis W. Martin
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Patent number: 11401063Abstract: An automatic roll change system for a stretch wrapping machine may include multiple mechanically-actuated load stations capable of being actuated by a common actuator assembly, as well as pivotable support members for use in positioning packaging material in a tortuous path for loading into a packaging material dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: LANTECH.COM, LLCInventors: Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Jeremy D. McCray
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Publication number: 20210107691Abstract: An automatic roll change system for a stretch wrapping machine may include multiple mechanically-actuated load stations capable of being actuated by a common actuator assembly, as well as pivotable support members for use in positioning packaging material in a tortuous path for loading into a packaging material dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Jeremy D. McCray
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Publication number: 20210039815Abstract: A packaging material dispenser of a stretch wrapping machine supports multiple discrete amounts of pre-stretch in a reliable and cost-effective manner in part by incorporating a loop drive assembly with multiple pre-stretch rate wheels capable of being used to drive a driven wheel associated with a pre-stretch roller at different discrete rates of rotation relative to another pre-stretch roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventor: Curtis W. Martin
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Patent number: 10899485Abstract: An automatic roll change system for a stretch wrapping machine may include multiple mechanically-actuated load stations capable of being actuated by a common actuator assembly, as well as pivotable support members for use in positioning packaging material in a tortuous path for loading into a packaging material dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: LANTECH.COM, LLCInventors: Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Jeremy D. McCray
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Patent number: 10822126Abstract: A one-way clutch arrangement may be provided on a packaging material dispenser of a stretch wrapping machine in part to provide differing rates of rotation for upstream and downstream pre-stretch rollers in forward and reverse directions of the packaging material dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: LANTECH.COM, LLCInventors: Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin
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Publication number: 20190127093Abstract: An automatic roll change system for a stretch wrapping machine may include multiple mechanically-actuated load stations capable of being actuated by a common actuator assembly, as well as pivotable support members for use in positioning packaging material in a tortuous path for loading into a packaging material dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Jeremy D. McCray
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Publication number: 20190118982Abstract: A one-way clutch arrangement may be provided on a packaging material dispenser of a stretch wrapping machine in part to provide differing rates of rotation for upstream and downstream pre-stretch rollers in forward and reverse directions of the packaging material dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin
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Publication number: 20140208696Abstract: A film dispenser for stretch wrapping machines includes at least one roller and a first brake engageable with a braking surface the one roller. The first brake may include a flat brake pad that is pivotally movable for engagement with the braking surface, and is adjustable between a first configuration engaged with the braking surface and applying a first braking force, and a second configuration disengaged from the braking surface or only minimally engaged with the braking surface such that any braking force applied is substantially less than the first braking force.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: LANTECH.COM, LLCInventors: Thomas E. Phillips, Daniel R. Hendren, Robert D. Janes, Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Curtis W. Martin
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Patent number: 8772651Abstract: A turntable that can be used with a machine for wrapping loads with packaging material includes a turntable assembly having a first support assembly and a load support surface supported for rotation on the first support assembly. A second support assembly contacts a floor surface, and a plurality of load cells disposed between the first and second support assemblies space the first support assembly and the load support surface above the floor surface. In use, the load cells sense a weight of a load on the load support surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Lantech.com, LLCInventors: Curtis W. Martin, Gary L. Peters
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Patent number: 8276346Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material to a load are disclosed. An amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed by a packaging material dispenser is determined based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed is determined, a ratio of relative rotational speed to packaging material dispenser speed can be set and mechanically controlled. In an alternative embodiment, the ratio is electronically controlled.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Lantech.com, LLCInventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldrige, Willie M. Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph D. Norris
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Patent number: 8276354Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one drive down roller configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping mechanism. The at least one roping mechanism may be a cable rolling element configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include an assembly for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Lantech.com, LLCInventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie M. Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph D. Norris
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Publication number: 20120175170Abstract: A turntable that can be used with a machine for wrapping loads with packaging material includes a turntable assembly having a first support assembly and a load support surface supported for rotation on the first support assembly. A second support assembly contacts a floor surface, and a plurality of load cells disposed between the first and second support assemblies space the first support assembly and the load support surface above the floor surface. In use, the load cells sense a weight of a load on the load support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: LANTECH.COM, LLCInventors: Curtis W. Martin, Gary L. Peters
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Publication number: 20120124944Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth is disclosed. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: LANTECH.COM, LLCInventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldrige, Willie Martin Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph Donald Norris
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Patent number: 8145350Abstract: A palletizer for automatically building a load with product from an infeed area is disclosed. It includes means for defining a desired volume of a load including a length sensor, a width sensor, and a height sensor. It also includes means for transporting product from an infeed area to the load. A controller is associated with means for defining the desired volume, the controller being configured to receive signals from the sensors and to automatically control movement of the means for transporting. The controller is configured to automatically determine when the volume is filled. In another aspect, a method of building a load with product from an infeed area is provided. The method includes defining a desired volume of the load using a length sensor, a width sensor, and a height sensor. It also includes automatically filling the volume with product, and determining when the volume is filled.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Lantech.com, LLCInventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Curtis W. Martin, Terry L. Wilson
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Publication number: 20120031053Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one drive down roller configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping mechanism. The at least one roping mechanism may be a cable rolling element configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include an assembly for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: LANTECH.COMInventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie Martin Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph Donald Norris
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Patent number: 8037660Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one drive down roller configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping mechanism. The at least one roping mechanism may be a cable rolling element configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include an assembly for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Lantech.com, LLCInventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie Martin Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph Donald Norris
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Publication number: 20110146203Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie Martin Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph Donald Norris
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Publication number: 20100313525Abstract: A packaging material dispenser may include a roll carriage having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a base plate separating the upper portion from the lower portion. The packaging material dispenser may also include a packaging material dispensing assembly mounted on an upper surface of the base plate and defining at least a portion of a packaging material path. A first portion of the packaging material path may extend behind the packaging material dispensing assembly. The upper portion of the roll carriage may include an opening defining a packaging material path access area positioned to provide access to a top of the packaging material path. The packaging material dispenser may also include a packaging material dispensing assembly drive mechanism extending below the base plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph D. Norris, Richard L. Johnson, Patrick R. Lancaster, III
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Patent number: 7779607Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Lantech.com, LLCInventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie Martin Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph Donald Norris