Means Simultaneously Conveying Plural Articles From A Single Source And Serially Presenting Them To An Assembly Station Patents (Class 156/566)
  • Patent number: 11801962
    Abstract: Systems and methods include an assembly for a label wrapper to adhere a label to an elongated object, such as a wire. The assembly includes a support structure defining a receiving space. One or more resilient members are positioned within the receiving space and define one or more channels. One or more flexible sheets are disposed over the resilient members and within the channels. The first and second flexible sheets may provide a substantially uniform pressure on the label being applied to the wire regardless of the size of the wire and the label. In some instances, the label is configured to fold around the wire and have first and second opposing end segments that couple with one another remotely from the wire thereby forming a flag label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Moises Guerrero
  • Patent number: 11661228
    Abstract: A vacuum drum for a labelling unit of a labelling machine has the segments arranged next to each other to collectively form a circumferential surface of the vacuum drum. A typical segment has vacuum-holders that holds ends of the label. The holders are offset along the drum's circumferential surface. The segment also has a carrier plate and a label arc between the first and second vacuum holders. The first vacuum-holder comprises a first housing and the second vacuum holder comprises a second housing. At least one of the carrier plate, the housings, and the label arc is formed by additive manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Essing, Klaus Kraemer
  • Patent number: 11331893
    Abstract: A film-application apparatus includes a body including a first body half, a second body half, and a hinge coupling the body halves; and a squeegee blade movable from a first position relative to the body to a second position relative to the body. The second body half is rotatable about the hinge relative to the first body half to a closed position. When the second body half is in the closed position, the body includes a top ring and a bottom ring both centered on an axis and defining an axial gap therebetween. When the second body half is in the closed position and the body is enclosing a sensor having a cylindrical sensor window, the axial gap exposes the cylindrical sensor window, and moving the squeegee blade from the first position to the second position covers substantially an entire surface area of the cylindrical sensor window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Cindy Anne Peters, Mark Edward Nichols, Michael Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11318620
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a material handling system for manipulating items. The material handling system includes a repositioning system comprising a robotic tool which includes a robotic arm portion and an end effector. The robotic tool is configured to manipulate an item in a first orientation and reorient the item to a second orientation. The material handling system further includes a vision system having one or more sensors positioned within the material handling system. The vision system is configured to generate inputs corresponding to the characteristics of the items. The material handling system may further include a controller executing instructions to cause the material handling system to identify the item in the first orientation, based on the one or more characteristics of the item, initiate, by the repositioning system, picking of the item in the first orientation, and re-orient the item in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignees: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLC, Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Matthew R. Wicks, Michael L. Girtman, Thomas M. Ferner, John Simons, Herman Herman, Gabriel Goldman, Jose Gonzalez-Mora, Katharina Muelling
  • Patent number: 11053083
    Abstract: A transport device having a plate; an unloading device which pushes a plurality of articles arranged on the plate; a bridge disposed adjacent to the plate; and a conveyor belt which is disposed adjacent to the bridge and which transports a row of articles having been pushed out from the plate. After a predetermined row of articles is pushed out from the bridge onto the belt conveyor, the belt conveyor moves in the same direction as the direction in which the unloading device pushes the articles, separating from the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hisashi Beppu
  • Patent number: 9936620
    Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes a component supply device that intermittently feeds a carrier tape, in which components are stored in a plurality of pockets formed with a uniform pitch, based on a predetermined feed pitch to supply the components stored in the pockets to a component suction position, and picks up the components supplied to the component suction position to mount the components onto a board, an imaging unit that images the pockets, and a control unit that measures a formation pitch of the pockets based on obtained image data, and changes a feed pitch of the carrier tape from the predetermined feed pitch to the formation pitch of the pockets when the measured formation pitch of the pockets and the predetermined feed pitch are different from each other, and the component supply device intermittently feeds the carrier tape based on the changed feed pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taisuke Mori, Kenji Kamakura, Hideaki Kato
  • Patent number: 9718102
    Abstract: An air-sourced cleaning and deburring workpiece mechanism includes a fixed frame, a transfer assembly coupled to the fixed frame, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a drive member, a slide member, and a first cleaning member. The drive member can drive the first cleaning member to move back and forth along a transfer direction of the transfer assembly, so that the first cleaning member can be applied to a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Heng Duan
  • Patent number: 9219289
    Abstract: The invention relates to an equipping station for equipping motor vehicle battery housings with sets of electrode plates for manufacturing a motor vehicle battery wherein the equipping station has at least one feed section for unequipped battery housings, at least one discharge station for equipped battery housings, at least one apparatus for feedings sets of electrode plates and at least one first equipping section, which is arranged between the feed section and the discharge section and in which sets of electrode plates which have been fed by means of the apparatus for feeding sets of electrode plates are inserted into the battery housing, wherein the first equipping section has a base part, wherein the base part is formed without a conveying apparatus for the battery housing, and the equipping station has at least one first extendable slide, via which a battery housing is horizontally displaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Roger Loer
  • Patent number: 9017496
    Abstract: A drum for cutting linerless labels from a continuous strip and transferring the labels to a container movable with a given trajectory and speed on a machine, the drum including a side surface suitable for guiding the strip by contacting a non-adhesive surface of the labels, the side surface defining a vertical slit, a coaxial and concentric sleeve for centering the drum on a corresponding support spindle, a cutting blade parallel to a vertical direction of the drum, the cutting blade being displaceable in a radial direction from a position retracted inside the drum to a position at least partially extended through the vertical slit outside the side surface of the drum, a fixed cam relative to which the drum rotates and that is configured to press against the cutting blade so as to cause the cutting blade to extend out in a predefined angular position, and a seat that extends in the vertical direction (Z-Z) and is connected to the cam and which is suitable for engagement with a corresponding fixed reference p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ILTI S.r.l.
    Inventors: Tarcisio Scapinelli, Andrea Botrini
  • Publication number: 20150107755
    Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a tyre tread with lugs, the tread having a tread base, and a number of lugs projecting upwards from the tread base; the method having the steps of: preparing a green-rubber blank tread of constant thickness; applying rubber blocks to the areas of the blank tread where the lugs are to be formed, each block varying lengthwise in cross section, so it is thinner at the centre and thicker at the side; and curing the blank tread, together with the blocks, in a curing mold negatively reproducing the pattern of the tread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Roberto Mattocci
  • Patent number: 8999100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a label to an article travelling along an article path, said label being received on a movable surface at an input location to be retained against said surface whilst being glued and advanced to an output location, at which the label is transferred to the article; the article being rotated with a tangential speed about an axis whilst travelling at a speed along the path including providing at least three portions of surface with independent and controllable vacuum means for retaining the label, including curtailing the application of vacuum means at the first portion of the surface upon the first portion reaching the output location and interrupting the application of vacuum means at the third portion of the surface, with the trailing edge of the label being retained at the second portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SIDEL S.p.A. con Socio Unico
    Inventor: James Carmichael
  • Patent number: 8986476
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob A. Dent, Brian Gorman, Mark Bidus
  • Patent number: 8978347
    Abstract: A container handling machine and method of handling containers, in which an attachment arrangement is used to attach an elongated strip, such as a banderole, a security strip, a label strip, or a tax strip, to the removable top of a closed container. Either or both of the container holder and the attachment arrangement which attaches the strips can be rotated in order to place the strip in a particular orientation with respect to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Claas Fritsche, Lutz Deckert
  • Patent number: 8957278
    Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent composite that includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, and a second triggering mechanism. The superabsorbent polymer composition may have a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25% greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Arvinder P. Singh Kainth, Richard N Dodge, II, David L Zenker
  • Publication number: 20150034252
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving, from a wide container stream upstream from the apparatus, single-lane container streams and creating package units of containers includes a separating and/or combining unit, application elements, and a linear transporter. The unit separates and/or combines containers to form partial packaged units that are then combined into a package unit. The application elements are disposed so that at least one container of a package unit has, on a contact surface thereof, adhesive or glue. The linear transporter comprises transport elements circulate along a guide element, and a controllable drive. Each transport element of the linear transporter comprises as many head guides as there are containers in the package unit, each of which is axially movable or rotatable relative to the transport element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Christoph Stuhlmann
  • Patent number: 8943658
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a tampon includes a pushing-member inserting mechanism that inserts a pushing member into an accommodating cylinder through a leading-end opening; and a tampon main body inserting mechanism that inserts a tampon main body into the accommodating cylinder from side including a cord through the leading-end opening; a drive section connecting the guide tube and the accommodating cylinder by moving one of the guide tube and the accommodating cylinder towards other one and thus contacting the guide tube and the leading-end part of the accommodating cylinder; a pressing part pressing the tampon main body inserted into the guide tube so as to insert the tampon main body into the accommodating cylinder connected to the guide tube; and an air suction device sucking air from rear-end side of the accommodating cylinder in a case where the tampon main body is inserted into the accommodating cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shinobu Seki, Hideki Onishi, Masashi Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20150007936
    Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator device for applying wrapping labels (13) to packagings (15), having a transverse transport device (19) which is configured for transporting a label, which is first of all dispensed by a label dispenser, in particular a label printer (11), in the vertical direction into an intermediate position, from the intermediate position transversely with respect to the vertical into an application position, in which the label can be received by a packaging which is running through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Bizerba GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Bernhard, Holger Offermann, Sebastian Ruff, Armin Weckemann, Marc Naschke
  • Patent number: 8881786
    Abstract: A device for forming and transferring a sleeve-like label to a container to be labeled, comprising a feeder designed to feed a portion of heat-shrink film to at least one forming spindle and means for wrapping the portion of heat-shrink film around the lateral surface of the forming spindle, feeder means being provided which are adapted to move, along an approach path that has at least one component perpendicular to the axis of the forming spindle, the container to be labeled to a labeling position arranged below the forming spindle and pick-up means adapted to pick up the container with the sleeve-like label fitted around the respective lateral surface along a path for removal from the labeling position which has at least one component perpendicular to the axis of the forming spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sacmi Verona S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Pedercini, Daniele Marastoni, Paolo Lanfredi
  • Patent number: 8863806
    Abstract: The invention relates to a labelling plant and method for containers. Heat shrinkable sleeves are supplied and containers are supplied. A device for arranging the sleeve around the container will arrange the sleeve in a position with respect to the container. In a heat shrink oven the sleeves are fixed to the container forming the label. A conveyor will transport containers from the container supply and sleeves from the sleeve supply into the heat shrink oven. According to the invention a sleeve support will hold one or more sleeves in a predetermined position with respect to the container. The sleeve support comprises a platform supporting a part of a circumferential edge of the sleeve. Further one or at least two sleeve support elements are arranged to abut on an external side of the sleeve and to support the sleeve in an opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernst Christiaan Koolhaas
  • Patent number: 8807188
    Abstract: Embodiments herein disclose a mounting device for attaching a quad to an extender during a hard disk drive manufacturing process. Specifically, the mounting device includes a quad clamp for fastening the quad onto the surface of the mounting device and an extender clamp for fastening the extender to the mounting device. A human operator may apply an adhesive material onto a contact surface of the extender that faces the quad. Using a pressing unit, the mounting device slides the quad until the quad couples to the extender at the contact surface with the adhesive. Once the quad and extender are connected, the clamps may be disengaged so that the combined quad/extender structure may be removed from the mounting device. Using the mounting device to mechanically mount the quad onto the extender mitigates misalignment between the quad and the extender relative to a bonding process that relies on the human operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Anabie B. Borja, Ana Liza B. Hubilla, Ervin R. Iporac
  • Patent number: 8795258
    Abstract: The urisheath provided here includes an element of thin material (a strip) that allows at least two lengths of it to run in a parallel fashion down either side of the sheath. The is obtained by injection molding the strip in liquid silicone in the silicone injection molding process for the urisheath, either by one, two or more component injection molding. The injection molding takes place in an injection molding form for a urisheath with a cavity for the body portion and a cavity for the strip portion wherein the cavity for the body portion is connected to the cavity for the strip portion creating an attachment zone between the strip and the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Lindenskov Nielsen, Johan Christiansson, Peter Persson
  • Patent number: 8733416
    Abstract: A method for positioning an article within a label applicator and securing the article between a first roller, a second roller, and a moveable contact member includes securing the article by moving the moveable contact member from a first position in which the moveable contact member is not in contact with the article to a second position in which the moveable contact member is in contact with the article. A label is received for application to the article by delivering the label between the article and at least one of the first roller, second roller, and the moveable contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventor: Raymond Herard
  • Patent number: 8678061
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of file fastener to a backboard is disclosed. Backboard, usually pressboard is resistant to attachment by hot melt glue. This problem is overcome by providing deflector for increasing the heat retention angled to provide a chimney effect, pressing the fastener at its tangs toward the heating element, and providing an elastic anvil and hammer which distribute force over a longer period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Marvin J. Halfen
  • Patent number: 8627870
    Abstract: An apparatus (200) and a method for labeling containers (100) with different types of label is disclosed. To each of at least two labeling machines (1, 2) there corresponds an infeed star wheel (61, 62) and a discharge star wheel (81, 82). A container path (7) is formed, along which the containers (100) to be labeled are fed to the at least two labeling machines (1, 2) in a controlled manner. At least one type of label is processed with each of the at least two labeling machines (1, 2), wherein the types of label processed with the at least two labeling machines (1, 2) are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Dieter Leykamm
  • Patent number: 8617332
    Abstract: A method of applying a spacer to a glass sheet while forming an insulating glazing unit includes the step of integrating the application of the sealant to the spacer body with the automated manufacturing process. The sealant is applied to the spacer body on line so that the sealant-laden spacer body may be applied to the glass without manually handling the sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Quanex IG Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Reichert
  • Patent number: 8590589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vacuum drum for handling labels in labelling machines to be used for labelling containers such as bottles. In particular, the present invention relates to a vacuum drum system (1) for labelling machines, comprising a vacuum drum (2) rotatably supported on a non-rotating base (12), a feeding and cutting group (4) for the labels and a gluing group (5) having a gluing drum for the label, characterized in that it comprises a suction system (3) for withdrawing hot glue filaments originating from the glued label assisted by air jets emitted from the drum surface, the said suction system (3) being positioned adjacent to and downstream the gluing drum of the said gluing group (5), along the direction of rotation of the said vacuum drum (2). A method of operating the said system is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel Holdings & Technology S.A.
    Inventors: James Frederick Robertson Carmichael, Marco Domeniconi
  • Patent number: 8517075
    Abstract: A machine for continuously forming heat-reflective blanks is provided. The heat-reflective blanks each include a blank of sheet material and a thermal film patch coupled to the blank. The machine includes an intake station configured to align a first blank of sheet material and a second blank of sheet material for application of a first thermal film patch and a second thermal film patch, respectively. The intake station is further configured to maintain a spacing between the first blank and the second blank. The intake station includes adjustable hold-down bars for maintaining an alignment and the spacing of the first and second blanks. The machine also includes an applicator station configured to apply the first and second thermal film patches to the first and second blanks, respectively, to form a first heat-reflective blank and a second heat-reflective blank, and an ejection station configured to eject the heat-reflective blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: RockTenn CP, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth John Shanton, Paul Charles Haschke
  • Patent number: 8460499
    Abstract: A labeling machine for the dispensing of labels, such as self-adhesive labels, on objects, such as containers or bottles. The labeling machine has an arrangement for the generation of a defined strip tension of the labeling material over its strip length between a looper and a dispensing edge, and for the generation of a defined strip tension of the backing material over at least a part of its strip length between the dispensing edge and a receptacle for the backing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Stenner, Frank Putzer
  • Patent number: 8434540
    Abstract: There is disclosed a configurable modular labeling machine and a method of making same. The machine can be selectively assembled in a number of different configurations. The machine has a frame or housing that can mount selectively positionable applicator and rewind modules. The applicator module includes a plate that can carry direction-changing and feed rolls and can mount a dispensing mechanism. The rewind module can include a plate that can mount direction-changing rolls and a rewind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Johannes S. Lenkl
  • Patent number: 8419879
    Abstract: A method for combining with adhesive at least two flat products positioned at least partially one above the other is provided. The method includes moving first flat products in an overlapping flow along a guiding line in a conveying direction and separating the first flat products into a non-overlapping flow after leaving the guiding line and while being conveyed through an underneath-arranged conveying region. The method also includes supplying second flat products from underneath the first flat products with a synchronous time relative to the first flat products. The second flat products each have an adhesive surface. The method further includes combining a respective one of the first flat products along the adhesive covered surface of an underneath supplied respective one of the second flat products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Rickli
  • Patent number: 8408267
    Abstract: A vacuum cylinder for a labeling apparatus may include a bottom support and a plurality of spaced-apart supporting elements. The bottom support may have a receiving opening for receiving a shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The supporting elements may have a longitudinal dimension extending substantially perpendicular to a plane of the bottom support. Each of the supporting elements may be releasably connected to the bottom support via a first end section, and the bottom support may have a plurality of cutouts arranged in a radial direction of the bottom support between the receiving opening and the supporting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Dieter Hafner, Gundolf Kipper
  • Patent number: 8402642
    Abstract: In a pocket coil spring structure assembling apparatus, a row-of-pocket-coil-springs auxiliary feed stock mechanism and a row-of-pocket-coil-springs delivery mechanism are connected together in series so as to form a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit, a plurality of row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply units are disposed on an upstream side with respect to a sealing/cutting mechanism, a control apparatus is allowed to alternatively select a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit to face the sealing/cutting mechanism from the plurality of row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply units, and a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit alternatively selected is moved to face the sealing/cutting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Matsushita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Kujuro, Hiroyuki Etoh
  • Patent number: 8383877
    Abstract: An absorbent composite includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, where the superabsorbent polymer composition has a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25 % greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvinder P. Singh Kainth, Richard N. Dodge, II, David L. Zenker
  • Patent number: 8365788
    Abstract: A printer system includes a print and apply device that receives a single data stream containing label printing/encoding data and positioning data. The print and apply device transmits label data to a printer/encoder portion of the system and positioning data to motors that move the system. Once the printer portion and the applicator portion have indicated they are ready, a signal is sent to apply the label. The label can be applied anywhere in the X, Y, and/or Z directions on a package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Van Loi Le
  • Patent number: 8327904
    Abstract: A work conveying mechanism according to the present invention includes a rotation drum in which an adsorbing pad for adsorbing an absorber is provided. The work conveying mechanism rotates the rotation drum and arranges the absorber on a third web being conveyed. In an outer shape of the work adsorbed by the adsorbing pad, an outer edge portion thereof is closer to a shaft center side of the rotation drum than a central portion thereof is. A work conveying mechanism includes a roller mechanism provided on a side of the third web opposite to the rotation drum side and configured to locate the third web on the adsorbing pad side. At a passing point, the roller mechanism arranges an outer edge portion of the third web in a width direction on a shaft center side of the rotation drum closer than a central portion thereof is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8293047
    Abstract: A machine for labelling containers (100), comprising first transport means (2) for positioning at least a container (100) at a time in a labelling position, second transport means (3) for positioning an annular heat-shrinkable label (200) below the at least a container (100) in a labelling position, raising means (50, 52) for raising the label (200) for inserting the label from below onto a container (100) in a labelling position, and dispensing means (51, 53) for investing the label (200) with a hot fluid; the dispensing means (51, 53) being unconstrained to the second transport means (3) such as to be stationary with respect to the labels (200) which advance, activated by the second transport means (3), and are configured such as to perform heat-shrinkage of at least a portion of the label (200) inserted on the at least a container (100) in a labelling position thereon, in which the portion extends over an entire axial development of the label (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
    Inventor: Gianni Minganti
  • Patent number: 8276639
    Abstract: A plant for manufacturing single-dose capsules for preparing beverages, comprising a conveyor (2) for advancing impermeable shells (101) in succession along a production line, which plant comprises at least: forming means (3) for forming individual beaker-shaped filters (105) of filtering material and for releasing each of the beaker-shaped filters (105) inside an impermeable shell (101), means for adjusting the level of each beaker-shaped filter (105) inside the relative impermeable shell (101), and welding means (5) for welding the upper edge of each beaker-shaped filter (105) to the upper edge of the impermeable shell (101) in which the beaker-shaped filter (105) is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Opem S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Binacchi
  • Patent number: 8267142
    Abstract: Modular labeling station suitable for being detachably connectable to a labeling machine in a labeling arrangement. The labeling station comprises a base suitable to lay on a floor at a side distal from the labeling machine and to lay substantially on the labeling machine at a side proximal to the labeling machine itself, and a labeling unit mounted on the base in an adjustable manner. The base lays on the labeling machine at a portion that is structurally independent from the labeling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sidel Holdings & Technology S.A.
    Inventors: Marco Ferri, Mattia Giuliani
  • Patent number: 8230893
    Abstract: The invention is generally applicable to labeling apparatus, and relates to a device (10) for rotating Container plates in a labeling apparatus; such device (10) being engaged by at least two wheels (1) with a cam (5) for guiding and rotating it, so that the plate connected therewith is also rotated; each wheel (1) consisting of at least one rigid element (2) and at least one elastic disk (3) coupled thereto, having a greater outside diameter, so that the cam (5) is first contacted by said elastic disk (3). As the load between the elastic disk (3) and the cam (5) is increased, and such disk (3) is elastically deformed, the cam (5) is contacted by the rigid element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sidel S.p.A.
    Inventors: Vanni Zacche′, Daniele Marastoni
  • Patent number: 8231749
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob A. Dent, Brian Gorman, Mark Bidus
  • Patent number: 8228195
    Abstract: A system and method for partially pre-programming RFID labels. Common data associated with items to which RFID labels are to be applied is pre-programmed into the labels. Item specific data is programmed by a RFID label programmer in the application process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Ford, Christopher Marcus
  • Patent number: 8215365
    Abstract: Appliance for applying labels to receptacles, which comprises a transport device that transport the receptacles to be labeled along a predefined transport path, and comprises a first pressing-on unit that presses the labels onto an outer wall of the receptacles, the first pressing-on unit having a brush device having a multiplicity of bristles that extend in the direction of the receptacles. According to the invention, the first pressing-on unit, at least in a partial region of the first pressing-on unit, is shorter, in the longitudinal direction of the receptacles, than the label to be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Willibald Bittner, Martin Plank
  • Patent number: 8156987
    Abstract: A container labeling machine comprises a conveyor, a pressure sensitive label applying apparatus, a star wheel and at least one indexing mechanism, the conveyor supplying containers to the star wheel and taking away the containers upon release from the star wheel. The star wheel is fitted with rollers at the apices of points of the star wheel, the star wheel receiving containers between the rollers of adjacent apices. The label applying apparatus is adapted to apply the label to the container and rotate the container within the star wheel to adhere the label to the container. The indexing mechanism aligns the star wheel to present the container into a perpendicular relation with the label applying apparatus and retains the container in the perpendicular relation until the label is adhered to the container, the indexing mechanism releasing the star wheel allowing the container carrying the label to the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Graham Louis Lewis
  • Patent number: 8105459
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, such as a labeled EPS cup uses a heated pocket to thermally bond a label to a plastic cup. Also described is a labeled plastic foam container, such as a labeled EPS cup, having high quality printing capabilities, sufficient stiffness, acceptable insulation and barrier properties and reduced production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Grupo Convermex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Benito Alvarez
  • Patent number: 8082965
    Abstract: A rubber sheet joining apparatus includes a cutting unit for cutting a ribbon of rubber sheet reinforced with cords to generate rubber sheet strips having different lengths; a sheet overlapping unit for overlapping and joining the rubber sheet strips having different lengths to make an overlapped and joined strip. First holding members hold a front end portion of a following overlapped and joined strip. Second holding members hold a rear end portion of a preceding overlapped and joined strip. Support guides movably support the first holding members relative to the second holding members. An operating unit moves the first holding members relative to the second holding members to butt-join the side surfaces of two successive overlapped and joins strips held respectively by the first holding members and the second holding members to generate a ply sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Fuji Seiko Co., Ltd., Fuji Shoji Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemasa Takagi, Chikara Takagi, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8075543
    Abstract: A disposable diaper 1 includes a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent member 4 between the sheets 2 and 3. A pair of leg flaps 5 each having an elastic member is provided along the laterally opposite side edges of the absorbent member 4. Each of the leg flaps 5 is fixed at its front end portion 52 and rear end portion 53 to a portion C, one of longitudinally opposite end portions of the diaper, and to a portion B, the other end portion, in such a configuration that each of the leg flaps 5 may be folded back over the side of the backsheet 3 when the disposable diaper 1 is in a flat-out state with the elastic members stretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Okuda
  • Patent number: 8069893
    Abstract: A cutting mechanism for dry film laminator includes a main base connected to a dry film laminator. The main base has a cutting space defined therein. The main base has two rollers disposed thereon and located beside the cutting space. The two rollers flatly guide a film above the cutting space. A film-carrying device is movably disposed on the main base. The film-carrying device includes a suction member movably disposed thereon. The suction member has at least one annular groove defined therein and corresponding to a shape of a wafer. A cutting device is movably disposed below the main base. The cutting device includes a film cutter movably disposed thereon. The cutting device includes an elevating device disposed thereon for moving the film cutter upward/downward. The cutting device includes a motor disposed thereon for rotating the film cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Chin-Sen Lai
  • Patent number: 8066046
    Abstract: A cutting and transfer drum in a continuous-film labeling machine, which allows disassembly into sectors comprised between two contiguous blades, each sector being provided with elements for locking in the active position, which comprise a rotating rod which is provided with an actuation crank, said rod having a portion which is adapted to mate with a reference element provided on the sector, elements adapted to retain the sector in the locking position, a cam adapted to make contact with an abutment provided on the sector, so as to ensure a contact pressure of the sector on a supporting ring which ensures the retention of the fluid that provides suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: P.E. Labellers S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Ballarotti
  • Patent number: 8028496
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant, a labeling machine for use in a beverage bottling plant, and a glue application device for use with a labeling machine in a beverage bottling plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventors: Lutz Deckert, Klaus Krämer, Oliver Kress
  • Patent number: 8025086
    Abstract: To provide a manufacturing apparatus of an electronic component using an interposer, having high installation flexibility and high production efficiency. The electronic component manufacturing apparatus includes a converter unit configured to place an interposer on a surface of a base circuit sheet, and an interposer supply unit configured to continuously convey carriers holding the interposers and supply the interposers to the converter unit. The interposer supply unit has the carriers that hold the interposers, and is configured to convey the interposers via the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hallys Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoyama, Ryoichi Nishigawa