Patents by Inventor Michael Elent
Michael Elent 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: 8272193Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the method is for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Parmalat Canada Inc.Inventors: Robert Edwards, Michael Elent
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Publication number: 20110271648Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the method is for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: PARMALAT CANADA INC.Inventors: Robert Edwards, Michael Elent
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Patent number: 8001746Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the apparatus and method are for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Parmalat Canada Inc.Inventors: Robert Edwards, Michael Elent
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Publication number: 20100126120Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the apparatus and method are for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: PARMALAT CANADA INC.Inventors: Robert Edwards, Michael Elent
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Patent number: 6651800Abstract: A system can re-orient a series of objects, such as containers, including pouches, from a first orientation that is one of several possible orientations, to a pre-selected second orientation. The system includes an orientation apparatus that can move a series of objects from their first orientation to the pre-selected second orientation by a movement sequence. The system includes a sensor system, such as a vision system, for detecting which of said several orientations is the first orientation. The orientation apparatus responds to a signal from said sensor, and performs a pre-determined movement sequence based on the detected first orientation.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Langen Packaging Inc.Inventors: Petar Baclija, Michael Elent, Peter Guttinger
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Patent number: 6467606Abstract: A rotary diverter can be operated at high speed to divert selected products from one conveyor to a vertically displaced second conveyor. The rotary diverter can have at least one rotary member with a plurality of radial arms. Each radial arm can have an end effector with a lifting platform. A timing belt may be coupled to each end effector to the rotary member in order to keep the lifting platform substantially horizontal. A control system is provided to control a drive mechanism for rotating the rotary member. As the rotary member rotates, the lifting platform of the end effector rises through the first conveyor to lift a selected product over the second conveyor. As the rotary member continues to rotate the lifting platform can then descend through the second conveyor to deliver the selected product upon the second conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Langen Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Michael Elent, Ronald W Martin, Constantin Mighiu
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Publication number: 20020110448Abstract: A system can re-orient a series of objects, such as containers, including pouches, from a first orientation that is one of several possible orientations, to a pre-selected second orientation. The system includes an orientation apparatus that can move a series of objects from their first orientation to the pre-selected second orientation by a movement sequence. The system includes a sensor system, such as a vision system, for detecting which of said several orientations is the first orientation. The orientation apparatus responds to a signal from said sensor, and performs a pre-determined movement sequence based on the detected first orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Petar Baclija, Michael Elent, Peter Guttinger
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Patent number: 5997458Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotary object feeder, which feeds objects from a by rotating the objects from a pick-up location to a drop-off location. The object is picked-up by at least one pick-up member having a suction cup. Suction at the suction cup is controlled by a vacuum generator proximate the suction cup. Additionally, a control valve is interconnected to a programmable controller that controls the presence or absence of suction at the suction cup. The controller may be dynamically programmed for flexibly adjusting the pick-up and drop-off locations for objects. The controller may further advance the turn-off position of vacuum at the suction cup, in order to implement a speed compensation system to accurately deliver objects to the drop-off location. The invention is particular well suited for use as a rotary carton feeder.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Langen Packaging Inc.Inventors: Peter Guttinger, Tony Spadafora, Michael Elent
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Patent number: 5910078Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotary object feeder, which feeds objects from a first location to a second. The object feeder feeds the object from a pick-up location to an off-loading location, by moving an object pick-up member along a trajectory formed by rotating the object pick-up member about a first axis of rotation; rotating this first axis of rotation about a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and spaced therefrom; rotating the second axis of rotation about a third axis of rotation substantially parallel to the second axis of rotation and spaced therefrom. The invention is particularly suited for use in a rotary carton feeder having numerous suction cup pick-up members, used to feed cartons from a pick-up location, through an operating location to a drop-off location. The relative rates of rotation of the pick-up members may be chosen to minimize their tangential velocities at the pick-up, operating or drop-off locations.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: H. J. Langen & Sons, Inc.Inventors: Peter Guttinger, Tony Spadafora, Michael Elent