Patents by Inventor Dana J. Liebhart
Dana J. Liebhart 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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Publication number: 20090293427Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals that extend from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance of an inflation edge. In a first embodiment, the machine includes a guide pin, a drive, a blower, and a sealing element. The guide pin is insertable between the transverse seals and the inflation edge. The guide pin defines a path of travel of the web. The drive moves the web along the path of travel. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel for inflating the preformed pouches. The sealing element is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units. The disclosed examples of machines for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units including various improvements to existing machines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Bernard Lerner, Hershey Lerner, Rick S. Wehrmann, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 7571584Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals that extend from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance of an inflation edge. In a first embodiment, the machine includes a guide pin, a drive, a blower, and a sealing element. The guide pin is insertable between the transverse seals and the inflation edge. The guide pin defines a path of travel of the web. The drive moves the web along the path of travel. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel for inflating the preformed pouches. The sealing element is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units. The disclosed examples of machines for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units including various improvements to existing machines.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Lerner, Hershey Lerner, Rick S. Wehrmann, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 7552571Abstract: A packaging machine utilizing side connected chains of open bags is disclosed. The machine has loading and closure sections which are moveable between operating and cleaning/service positions. A resistance heater subassembly is removeable to enable washdown.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 7258656Abstract: A packaging machine utilizing side connected chains of open bags is disclosed. The machine has loading and closure sections which are moveable between operating and cleaning/service positions. A resistance heater subassembly is removeable to enable washdown.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 6055796Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5996319Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belt as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5944424Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5887412Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5806276Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5743070Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5483783Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing sleeves on bottles and other objects is disclosed. In particular, a high speed method and apparatus having a plurality of sleeving stations for placing sleeves on bottles is disclosed. Each sleeving station includes a circularly arranged set of relatively movable parallel pins which are operable to contract or expand. A label transporter deposits a sleeve on the pins when they are contracted. The pins expand to stretch the sleeve. A bottle and the pins are then moved relative to one another to place the bottle inside the stretched sleeve. A gas flow is provided between the bottle and the sleeve to reduce friction. The sleeved bottle is then stripped from the pins. The method occurs without starts and stops by the bottle or the sleeve and is thus capable of very high production rates.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1991Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Automated Label Systems CompanyInventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5477956Abstract: A conveyor system for use with a vessel processing machine, such as a bottle labeler or delabeler is disclosed. The system includes a supply conveyor which feeds bottles in in-line, juxtaposed relationship to a vessel accelerating mechanism at a transfer station. At the station the speed of the vessels is accelerated and they are separated as they pass onto a delivery conveyor from which they are transferred to the processing machine. Processed bottles are returned to the delivery conveyor and transported to a decelerating mechanism at an exit transfer station. There the speed of the bottles is reduced and they are returned to juxtaposed, in-line relationship as they transfer to an exit conveyor for transport to an output for subsequent processing.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Automated Label Systems CompanyInventor: Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5442851Abstract: A machine for removing tubular plastic labels from bottles to facilitate their re-use and recycling. The machine has a multi-station turret and supply and exit conveyors to sequentially supply labeled bottles in line to the turret and remove delabeled bottles from the turret. The delabeling is accomplished with a cutter which is preferably in the form of a high-pressure jet of water. Ideally, the cutter is adjusted so that it is a differential cutter which will cut a label without cutting or marring a bottle from which a label is being removed. With one embodiment, a water flush mechanism is provided to flush cut labels from their bottles and the turret onto a screen conveyor. The flush water passes through the conveyor into a container from which it is pumped for re-use. Removed labels are transported by the screen conveyor to a collection bin. With another embodiment, an air blast mechanism is used to strip cut labels from bottles and a vacuum pick up is used to collect stripped labels.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1993Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Automated Label Systems CompanyInventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart, Richard W. Hess
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Patent number: 5441678Abstract: A method for reshaping objects such as plastic bottles to re-establish round conditions after damage whereinin line bottles are conveyed along a path of travel between opposing, parallel, planar surfaces which are spaced a distance equal to the diameter of the objects. One of the surfaces is a span of an endless belt which is caused to travel in the direction of bottle travel at a speed which will cause the bottles to rotate as they are moved along the path. Rotation of the bottles while opposed lines of contact are maintained between surfaces of the bottle and the opposed planar surfaces re-establishes the objects to round configurations.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Automated Label Systems CompanyInventor: Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5433057Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing sleeves on bottles and other objects is disclosed. In particular, a high speed method and apparatus having a plurality of sleeving stations for placing sleeves on bottles is disclosed. Each sleeving station includes a circularly arranged set of relatively movable parallel pins which are operable to contract or expand. A label transporter deposits a sleeve on the pins when they are contracted. The pins expand to stretch the sleeve. A bottle and the pins are then moved relative to one another to place the bottle inside the stretched sleeve. A gas flow is provided between the bottle and the sleeve to reduce friction. The sleeved bottle is then stripped from the pins. The method occurs without starts and stops by the bottle or the sleeve and is thus capable of very high production rates.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1992Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Automated Label Systems CompanyInventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 5317794Abstract: A machine for removing tubular plastic labels from bottles to facilitate their re-use and recycling. The machine has a multi-station turret and supply and exit conveyors to sequentially supply labeled bottles in line to the turret and remove delabeled bottles from the turret. The delabeling is accomplished with a cutter which is preferably in the form of a high-pressure jet of water. Ideally, the cutter is adjusted so that it is a differential cutter which will cut a label without cutting or marring a bottle from which a label is being removed. With one embodiment, a water flush mechanism is provided to flush cut labels from their bottles and the turret onto a screen conveyor. The flush water passes through the conveyor into a container from which it is pumped for re-use. Removed labels are transported by the screen conveyor to a collection bin. With another embodiment, an air blast mechanism is used to strip cut labels from bottles and a vacuum pick up is used to collect stripped labels.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: Automated Label Systems CompanyInventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart, Richard W. Hess
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Patent number: 4412876Abstract: Apparatus for applying tubular labels to containers comprised of structure defining a labeling station, a container directing unit for directing a succession of containers to the labeling station, a label feeding unit for positioning individual labels at a predetermined position with respect to the labeling station, label applying mechanism including a label engaging device cyclically movable along a path of travel for removing a label from the feeding unit and assembling the label about a container at the labeling station, and a drive unit for imparting harmonic motion to the label engaging device.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1981Date of Patent: November 1, 1983Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 4202153Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading products into horizontally disposed containers is disclosed. The containers are presented sequentially at a loading station, opened, loaded with the product, and removed from the loading station. The containers are included as part of a web which is fed automatically from a supply magazine to the loading station where the containers are severed from the remainder of the web either by the impact of the loading assembly or the products being inserted. A novel method for bag separation is disclosed in which bag separation is effected initially and concurrently near the marginal edge portions of a web and thereafter sequentially inwardly toward a central point. A drive mechanism provides harmonic motion for the loading assembly so that maximum loading speed is attained without damaging the containers.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1977Date of Patent: May 13, 1980Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
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Patent number: 4201029Abstract: A carton filled with a chain of interconnected open bags arranged in a plicated array is disclosed. A process for filling the carton is disclosed in which the chain of bags is fed into an inverted container, closed end first, with the bags being laid in horizontal layers. Each layer is folded back on the preceding layer to produce a plicated array.At the completion of carton loading, the trailing edge of the web preferably is fed along one end wall of the container and out an opening near or at what will become the top of the container. The container is then closed and inverted. The first bag in is the first bag out and it is positioned adjacent to a dispensing opening. The last bag in, which will be the last bag out, also projects exteriorly of the carton and is fixed in place as by taping it to the side of the carton.The plicated array has alternate folds spaced inwardly from the ends of the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1978Date of Patent: May 6, 1980Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart