Means Simultaneously Conveying Plural Articles From A Single Source And Serially Presenting Them To An Assembly Station Patents (Class 156/566)
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Patent number: 6845799Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is provided with a pressing and applying drum (17) which is driven during start-stop operation in a controlled manner and is used for applying the labels (16) to flat objects (20) which are transported along a conveying path. The aim of the invention is to transport said objects (20) past the pressing and applying drum. Said drum is provided with a first casing region (23) which receives labels and has a circular bend. The centre of the circle is situated within the rotational axis. The drum is also provided with a second casing region (24). The surface of said second casing region is displaced towards the inside to such an extend that the second casing region (24) cannot touch the objects in a disturbing manner. The two casing regions (23, 24) are connected to one another by means of transition areas (25).Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jürgen Francke, Frank Voss
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Publication number: 20040261949Abstract: A tubular label fitting apparatus for containers in which label fitting heads are arranged at even intervals on the outer perimeter of a main turret, each fitting head comprising a container table, a container presser bar that applies a pressing force against the top of a container which is supported by the container table, and vacuum jaws to hold the label. The label fitting head comprises a container presser bar means 40 on the bottom of a container presser bar body 41. The container presser bar means 40 further comprises a label attitude control element 42 whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of a fitting tube. When a bottle 32 is supplied to the bottle mounting platform 7, the label attitude control element 42 lowers and passes through a label 29 which is held by the label holding means, such that the bottle is sandwiched between the container table 7 and the container pressing head 44 that is provided in the label attitude control element 42 so as to have a cushioning capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: NIPPON AUTOMATIC FINE MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshihiko Tanaka, Kazuo Kobayashi, Kanji Hatano
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Publication number: 20040250960Abstract: A labeling device (20) is provided which is especially designed for use as a transverse labeler with in-line packaging machines (22). The device (20) includes a label dispensing unit (34), and a transport and tamping assembly (36) with a tamping assembly (68). The assembly (68) has a plurality of side-by-side hollow upright plates (78) presenting label-engaging ends (80) and remote ends (82), with the plates (78) secured with movement in unison to a slotted crosspiece (84); an air cylinder assembly (98) is coupled with the crosspiece (84) for selective movement of the plates (78). Apparatus (100) is also provided for creating reduced pressure conditions at the ends (80) of the plates (78), including fans (104) oriented to draw air through the hollow plates (78). The transport and tamping assembly (36) is adjustably mounted to the labeler frame (38) in order to permit selective adjustment of the assembly (36).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: James R. Harte, John Scott Nixon
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Patent number: 6830642Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a discrete pressure sensitive label from a plurality of continuous webs of discrete pressure sensitive labels to a continuous series of discrete objects moving in multiple columns wherein the web and labels are mounted to a plurality of label stations removably mounted to a bridge member providing common utilities to each of the plurality of label stations, the web and labels are brought into contact tangentially with a perforated rotating transfer machine mounted on a hub, the web and labels in contact with the perforated rotating transfer means for a portion of its arc of circumference, the label being subjected to a vacuum during rotation while simultaneously redirecting the web away from the perforated rotating transfer means, the label maintaining contact with the rotating transfer means until registration with a pressure port at which point the label is subjected to a pressurized gas flow and is blown from the rotating ting to the object to be labeled when that obType: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventors: Charles E. Greenhill, James Nogrady
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Patent number: 6823921Abstract: The device (1) comprises individual stations, which are passed through in succession, and consisting of: a removal station (4) for labels (2), whereby one label (2) at a time is removed from a label stack (7); an application station (5), in which at least one securing element (3 is applied to the label (2), and of; a storage station (6) for the labels (2) provided with the securing elements (3), whereby said labels (2) provided with the securing elements (3) are placed in a label stack (9).Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Checkpoint Systems International GmbHInventor: Detlef Duschek
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Patent number: 6820672Abstract: A device for affixing objects to products moving in a row, which device includes a holder for a stock of the objects and with an affixing device that includes a carrier for removing an object from the holder and moving the object. The affixing device is capable of rotary movement about an axis of rotation. The object is affixed to the moving product during the rotary movement of the affixing device. The affixing device can be driven intermittently between rotation and standstill. During the standstill of the affixing device, the carrier can remove the object from the holder. Preferably, more than one carrier is provided, with the carriers each provided with a suction nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Antonius Adrianus Arnoldus Smits
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Publication number: 20040226659Abstract: Techniques to apply a label to an object are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Scott Denholm, John C. Ford
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Patent number: 6818089Abstract: An attachment apparatus and method for attaching a disc protective sheet to at least one half of a magnetic disc cartridge body include a supporting mechanism that supports each half body section of the cartridge body. The apparatus and method also include a supply mechanism that provides disc protective sheets to the one half body section. Each protective sheet is punched from a web of material and includes a cutout that corresponds to an opening provided in the one half body section to expose part of a magnetic disc held within the body when assembled. Each protective sheet also includes a thermal fusible layer on an attachment surface opposite a surface that will face a disc when the cartridge body is assembled. Each protective sheet to be assembled is arranged so that the cutout and the opening in the one half body section corresponds to one another. A fusing mechanism has a shape that is slightly larger than that of the protective sheets and is positioned directly over the supporting mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kenichi Kano, Takahiko Fukushima
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Patent number: 6817397Abstract: A swivel mount is configured for use with a tamp pad for a label applicator of the type for receiving a label at a first retracted position and applying the label to an object at a second, extended position. The mount includes a mounting block for fastening to the tamp pad. The mounting block has a bore therein having an inner, open cross-sectional region and a retaining region. A knuckle fitting is received within the bore and is engageable with the retaining region. The knuckle fitting has a largest cross-sectional area that is larger than the open cross-sectional area of the retaining region such that a portion of the knuckle fitting is retained within the bore. A spring is positioned to provide a force against the knuckle fitting against the retaining region. The mount permits movement of the tamp pad from an orientation perpendicular to a direction of movement between the retracted and extended positions to an orientation inclined relative to the direction of movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Bixen
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Patent number: 6811648Abstract: A machine for printing on containers and applying labels thereto, includes a printing blanket cylinder having a printing blanket thereon; inking assemblies applying ink to the printing blanket; a cylinder having mandrels for holding containers to be printed; a cylinder drive moving the cylinder to position each mandrel in sequence at a printing position adjacent the printing blanket; a mandrel drive rotating each mandrel positioned adjacent the printing blanket in order to rotate a container thereon against the printing blanket to print thereon, except for a predetermined area; a label applying device applying a label to the predetermined area of the container, substantially simultaneously with printing on the container; and a control arrangement which controls timing of the label applying device, the support member drive and the mandrel drive in a manner to ensure that the label is applied to the predetermined area on each container.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Polytype America CorporationInventor: James W. Dominico
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Patent number: 6805182Abstract: A bottle labeling machine, comprising a rotating carousel provided with a supporting structure for pans on which the bottles rest and comprising input and output star conveyors, the input and output star conveyors being arranged at a fixed elevation, the rotating carousel being provided with means suitable to change the elevation of the pan supporting structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: P.E. S.r.l.Inventor: Mario Ballarotti
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Publication number: 20040194891Abstract: A labeling apparatus is provided. The labeling apparatus includes a detachable label cassette which presents labels to be attached to fruit and/or vegetables and a label applicator which receives the label and applies it to the fruit and/or vegetables. Label strip is pulled off the label cassette by a label drive mechanism and the movement of the applicator is driven by an applicator drive mechanism both of which include stepper motor drives. A control arrangement controls both the label drive mechanism and the applicator drive mechanism and the control arrangement includes a memory device which stores parameters relating to different labels. The use of stepper motors in the drives and the use of a memory in the control arrangement makes it possible to provide for automatic set up on initiation or label change.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2001Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Alan Constantine, Tim Knights, Richard Hawkes
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Patent number: 6796352Abstract: An apparatus for decorating an object with the heat-transfer label of a heat-transfer label assembly includes a decorating unit for applying the heat-transfer label onto the object during an extended period of decoration a conveying mechanism for continuously, rotationally advancing and supporting the object during the extended period of decoration. The decorating unit includes a preheater for heating the heat-transfer label assembly before the period of decoration, a generally flat, heated contact plate which is adapted to pivot so as to continuously urge the heat-transfer label into contact with the object throughout the extended period of decoration and a transport assembly for advancing the heat-transfer label assembly from the preheater to the heated contact plate. The heated contact plate includes a rubber layer constructed of an 80 durometer silicone and a 0.10 inches thick, TEFLON fiberglass cloth covering mounted on the rubber layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Inventors: John W. Geurtsen, Friedrich H. H. Geurtsen, Paul C. Croci
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Patent number: 6792992Abstract: A labeler for applying labels to articles is provided. The labeler includes a label application device having an opening in an end thereof. The label application device is expandable when subjected to pressure. The labeler also includes a positioner for supporting the label application device and moving the label application device between a label pick-up position and a label application position. A vacuum source and a pressure source are also provided which can be selectively connected to the label application device such the label application device is subject to pressure when adjacent the label application position and subject to vacuum for picking up and retaining a label on the label application device at the label pick-up position. The labeler also includes a flow control element having at least one flow control passage therein which defines at least one air flow path through the flow control element to the label application device opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: FMC Technologies Inc.Inventor: Robert R. Goetz
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Patent number: 6786263Abstract: An apparatus is provided for printing data onto one or two surfaces of labels and applying labels to various items. It includes a mounting means for rotatably mounting a roll of label stock, and a transfer means for positioning the inner surface of a label adjacent to at least one print means from the roll and to a separation edge where the label is separated from a next label. The apparatus also includes an applicator for accepting the label from the separation edge and applying the label to an item.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Fox IV Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fox, Jr., Richard H. Hoffman, David J. Malarik
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Publication number: 20040154749Abstract: A label applicator for applying labels to an article is presented. The labels are carried on an elongated web wound around a core to form a roll of labels. The label applicator includes a supply reel, a label removal device, a label application device, and a take-up reel all mounted to a frame. The supply reel has a mounting mechanism for releasably retaining the core of the roll, and a magnetic tension control mechanism for applying tension to the web as the web is unwound from the roll. The magnetic tension control mechanism has a housing with a magnet and a rotating generally disc shaped member mounted therein. The magnet emits a magnetic flux and the rotating generally disc shaped member conducts the magnetic flux to provide a tension force opposite to the direction of rotation of the roll as it is unwound on the supply reel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventor: Clifford B. Rice
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Patent number: 6763870Abstract: A method and unit for applying labels to packets of cigarettes, traveling in a given direction along a first path with a given spacing and arranged a given distance apart, provide for feeding a gripping head along a second path, and applying each label to a first face of a respective packet by inserting the gripping head between one packet and the adjacent following packet to roll the gripping head and apply the label along the first face, which is perpendicular to the given direction. (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: G.D Societa' Per AzioniInventors: Mario Spatafora, Fabrizio Tale'
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Patent number: 6748995Abstract: An apparatus having several stations that receive, apply adhesive to, crowd, press and cure the wood pieces into a continuous wood panel. A singulation station engages an individual one of the wood pieces oriented in a cross-machine direction from an infeed station, presents the wood piece to an adhesive station for adhesive application and releases the wood piece for crowding at a crowding station into a batch of the wood pieces. A press station downwardly presses the batch with an upper platen and presses the batch in a downstream direction onto the continuous wood panel with a clamping device. A radio frequency device applies radio waves to cure the adhesive between the wood pieces of the batch so as to adhere the wood pieces together and so as to adhere the batch to the continuous wood panel. A cutting station cuts individual wood panels from the continuous wood panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Radio Frequency Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Gorich, Lee Kidd, Mike Bicio, Greg Sprole
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Patent number: 6748996Abstract: A rotation device includes: an endless guide; and a plurality of moving sections that move while being guided by the guide, wherein an interval between the moving sections can be changed.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Zuiko CorporationInventors: Masaki Nakakado, Yuzo Ichiura, Satoshi Tanaka, Ikuo Tachibana
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Patent number: 6729376Abstract: A sheet sorting apparatus which easily sorts sheets into groups, and makes these groups readily distinguishable on a single output tray. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a sheet sorting apparatus located at the sheet outlet location of an image processing device, the sheet sorting apparatus including a marker attaching mechanism for attaching markers at a certain position on the output sheets. The marker attaching mechanism includes a tape feeding device in which the tape has an adhesive surface along one side edge, a cutter for making a marker by cutting the tape at a preset length, guides for positioning the marker in the proper location on the output sheet, a marker attaching roller, and a feeder for feeding the sheet and marker together. The feeder presses the marker against the sheet to attach it. The advantages of the invention include the markers for separating the groups being attached to the sheets, so they will not fall out if the sheets are removed from the output tray.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Takeshi Kakinuma, Akihiro Kamei, Kazuhiko Hanaki, Koichi Ohmae, Norihito Ozeki, Tetsunobu Shibata
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Patent number: 6726794Abstract: A pre-loaded disposable merchandiser (10), apparatus for producing merchandiser (10), and method for producing merchandiser (10). Merchandiser (10) includes strip (30), hanger (46) at one end of strip (30), and a plurality of items (12) connected to strip (30) in staggered locations. The apparatus includes strip material feeder (36), tape applicator (80) to apply piece (72) of tape (60) to a portion of strip (30) and a portion of an items (12). Items (12) may be heat sealed to strip (30) instead of taped. The method includes registering items (12) with strip (30) with items (12) being heat sealed to strip (30) or taped to strip (30). Merchandiser (10) is then cut from strip (30).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Rudolph Foods Company, Inc.Inventor: James G. Belt
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Publication number: 20040074582Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus conveying a roll of liner stock bearing removably adhered components such as labels. The liner is pulled through the feeder by a capstan drive having opposed fluted nip rollers driven by a stepper motor. Advance of the stepper motor is controlled by a programmable electronic controller. The linered labels are led through a tensioner and around an acute-angle peeler edge which separates the labels from the liner. The peeling action advances a label onto a platform comprising a bed of rollers having an inherently low-adherence surface. Preferably the rollers are undercut to form circumferential ridges and reduce the surface area in contact with the label adhesive and to minimize adherence thereto. When peeling of a label is completed, the label has been advanced onto the roller bed to precisely the proper location for acquisition by a pick-and-place machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Peter Davis, Richard Howe, David W. Lyndaker, Scott Proctor
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Patent number: 6702918Abstract: A rapid prototyping process and apparatus that provides an intermittent material feed type variable-lamination rapid prototyping using a linear thermal cutting system, wherein intermittently fed materials are cut to have variable lengths, widths, and lateral gradients with the 4-axis control-type linear thermal cutting system controlled by a computer, and based on cutting operation data generated in the computer.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Dong-Yol Yang, Dong-Gyu Ahn, Sang-Ho Lee, Hong-Seok Choi, Seung-Kyo Park
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Patent number: 6695028Abstract: A conveyor system conveys a plurality of printed products along a path of travel in an imbricated stream and such that a border region of each printed product is exposed by the imbricated overlap. A contrast panel (14), which forms a text panel (12), is applied to the exposed border region of each printed product (10). The contrast panel is provided with the text (18) and the contrast panel forms a contrast with respect to the text (18), with the result that the latter can be immediately seen and read easily. In one embodiment, the contrast panel is applied by printing, and in another embodiment, the contrast panel comprises a separate label which is adhesively applied.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1998Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Ferag AGInventors: Markus Scheuber, Hans Frei
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Patent number: 6691496Abstract: An advertising arrangement applicable to laminar strips of plastic material for shrink-wrapping and protecting luggage, which consists of incorporating inside the tunnel (3) of a machine for protecting luggage means for positioning labels (5) and (5′) of any shape considered appropriate, provided with means for fixing in the central area of the luggage (9). The labels to be incorporated or the similar means are made up of a spool (6) and (6′) situated in the upper part and tensioned in the lower part by appropriate means (7) and (7′). The luggage (9) exits by means of a conveyor or roller belt (4′).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Norberto Chinique Peña
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Patent number: 6672356Abstract: A pallet labeler station for applying a printed label to a loaded pallet at a predetermined label position includes a label printer for printing a label to be affixed to the loaded pallet, a label applicator mechanism for applying the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position and a rack and pinion drive mechanism for moving the label applicator mechanism so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position. The pallet label station includes a programmable control that receives data defining the predetermined label position and causes the rack and pinion drive mechanism to move the label applicator mechanism to the proper position so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position defined by the label position data.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Kolinahr Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gary E. Jenkins, Gregory W. Reichling
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Patent number: 6666937Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically labeling and stacking a plurality of flower pot covers. The apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed support assemblies connected thereto, each of the support assemblies selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position and the second conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed chutes supported thereon, each of the chutes having an object receiving space formed therein adapted to receive a plurality of flower pot covers, at least a portion of the second conveyor spatially disposed above the first conveyor such that a portion of the travel path of the second conveyor overlaps a portion of the travel path of the first conveyor so that the support assemblies on the first conveyor are aligned with the chutes on the second conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Frank Craig
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Patent number: 6640865Abstract: An object of the invention of the present application is to provide a label holder which reliably attaches a label on a required position of a material to which the label will be attached, without wrinkles; in order to achieve the object, the present invention provide a label attaching apparatus for attaching a label on the material, comprising a label holder provided with a label sucking face for sucking and holding the label wherein said label holder comprises at least one air blowout chamber for supplying air supplied from an air source into a plurality of air blowout pipes having openings formed at the label sucking face and at least one air suction chamber for dividing negative pressure due to the air suction source into a plurality of air suction pipes having openings formed at the label sucking face.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Hajime Morikawa
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Patent number: 6634404Abstract: The present invention relates to a set-down box of a labelling machine, including: a conveyor means used to place the labels over the articles to be labelled; a vertically displaceable pressing means used to press the labels on the articles to be labelled; a means used to vertically displace the pressing means; a motor with clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation; and a driving means transmitting the driving power of the motor to the conveyor means and to the means used to vertically displace the pressing means; wherein the means used to vertically displace the pressing means has a free-wheel in one direction of rotation of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Convenience Food Systems Wallau GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Rainer Simon
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Patent number: 6634403Abstract: In an apparatus for bonding window pieces to envelope blanks having window cut-outs, window pieces are cut from a transparent material web and then the window pieces and envelope blanks are brought together by a suction roller serving as a bonding cylinder and joined to one another by adhesive applied onto the window pieces by a gluing mechanism while the window piece is on the suction roller before being joined to the envelope blank. A suction belt conveyor device is provided, at least in the region of the joining location, as a carrier for the envelope blanks and as a counter-tool for the suction roller serving as a bonding cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Winkler + Duennebier AGInventor: Martin Bluemle
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Patent number: 6626224Abstract: A machine is provided for automatically attaching cover slips to microscope slides having specimens for microscopic examination, including a first magazine for microscope slides, a second magazine for cover slips, and a reciprocating transport means for transport of slides and cover slips from the respective magazines to a working station. The apparatus further includes a pump for application of adhesives to slides, and a lifting means for lifting and placing of a cover slip on a slide which is provided with adhesive. The two magazines are located on opposite sides of the transport means, and that the transport means is arranged to carry a slide from the first magazine to the working station in an outgoing movement from a home position, and to carry a cover slip from the second magazine to the working station in a return movement.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Torstein Ljungmann
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Patent number: 6621157Abstract: For encapsulating an electronic component, in particular a semiconductor chip the component (3) at a distance is fastened onto a flat substrate (2). For this on the substrate there is deposited an elastomer layer (4, 9) which compensates the differing thermal expansion coefficients between the substrate and the component. A buffer material and/or an adhesive in liquid or pasty form is deposited from a dispenser and the component at room temperature is placed onto the buffer material and/or the adhesive. Before the final curing the buffer material and/or the adhesive is firstly subjected to a precuring. Subsequently the component by way of electrical leads is connected to contact locations on the substrate and lastly there is effected an encasing of all remaining hollow spaces including the electrical leads, with a protective mass.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Alphasem AGInventors: Gustav Wirz, Wolfgang Herbst, Heinz Ritzmann
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Patent number: 6598647Abstract: In a machine (1) for the manufacture of packets substantially parallelepiped in shape, typically containing cigarettes, the packets (4) advance in succession on a conveyor belt (P) toward an affixing station (7), where a revenue stamp (8) and a detachable coupon (3) are attached simultaneously to each one in turn by a single applicator device (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: G.D S.p.A.Inventor: Fiorenzo Draghetti
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Patent number: 6595259Abstract: A label applying apparatus is formed by a wand assembly including a first portion having a vacuum opening for connection to a vacuum source, and a second portion movable relative to the first portion along an axis of the wand assembly to define at least a non-extended position and an extended position. A biasing member may be provided for urging the wand assembly into the non-extended position, the second portion including a label pick-up opening at an end thereof. Application of a vacuum to the vacuum opening of the first portion causes the wand assembly to be placed in the extended position and termination of the vacuum causes the wand assembly to return to the non-extended position.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Premark FEF L.L.C.Inventor: Michael A. Whitby
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Patent number: 6591886Abstract: A quick-change roll-fed labeling machine employs a unique container flow path, resulting in higher labeling speed and precision label placement. The labeling machine comprises a conveyor for moving articles to be labeled, and an infeed screw assembly for spacing and stabilizing the articles. Additional system elements include a rotatable starwheel assembly having a plurality of spaced pockets for receiving individual ones of the articles therein, a rotatable vacuum drum assembly, and a supply of roll fed labels, wherein the labels are dispensed singly onto a label receiving face of the rotatable vacuum drum assembly. A glue wheel assembly is disposed adjacent to the vacuum drum assembly for applying glue to the labels. Advantageously, the glue wheel assembly comprises an air cylinder drive for driving the glue wheel disposed between a pair of bushings.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Impaxx Machine Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard R. Gonzalo
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Publication number: 20030121616Abstract: A beating and pressurizing apparatus (101), to which a circuit board (70) with electronic components (8) pre-bonded thereto via bonding elements (9) is carried in, is provided. The heating and pressurizing apparatus post-bonds the electronic component to the circuit board by heating and pressurizing the electronic component by a contact member (1211) having a heating device (122). By executing the pre-bonding and the post-bonding of the electronic components to the circuit board independently of each other, the time required for the post-bonding can be reduced, compared with the conventional case, and the productivity of the whole mounting line can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Shozo Minamitani, Naoto Hosotani, Koichi Morita, Syunji Onobori, Kenichi Nishino
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Patent number: 6578614Abstract: An apparatus for advancing and uniting first and second components into respective single items, includes a first conveyor for supplying the first components in a series; a feeding device for supplying the second components in a series; a second conveyor adjoining the discharge end of the first conveyor; a plurality of first carriers mounted on the second conveyor for receiving a respective first component from the first conveyor at the discharge end thereof; and a plurality of second carriers mounted on the second conveyor for receiving a respective second component from the feeding device. The second carriers are in alignment with the respective first carriers for advancing the respective first components and the respective second components together and in alignment with one another; and a device for uniting a first component with a respective second component during advancement of the first and second components by the second conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: SIG Pack Systems AGInventor: Horst Loewenthal
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Patent number: 6575216Abstract: In a labeling machine, a bar code sensor, a batch information sensor and a label sensor are coupled electrically to a controller, and are disposed along an advancing route of a label reel. When any of these sensors detects an error in one of the labels or the absence of a label on the reel, the controller activates a container removal unit to remove the container with the defective label or with no label at a take-out end of a container conveying unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventor: Sheng-Hui Yang
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Patent number: 6568451Abstract: A device for labeling foodstuffs packages comprises a feed unit for transport of the package in a horizontal direction, a weighing unit arranged in the conveyance path for weighing the package, a printing device for printing a label detchably affixed to a carrier strip, and an application unit for applying the printed label to the underside of the package. The application unit comprises a roller which, during application of the label to the package, is driven so as to be synchronous with the package. The printed label is removed from the carrier strip and carried by a part of the outer circumference of the roller and fed to the underside of the package. The point of labeling the package coincides with the zenith of the roller and the zenith of the outer circumference of the roller arranged on a horizontal projection in the conveyance direction of the package.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Espera Werke GmbHInventor: Manfred Korthäuer
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Patent number: 6568452Abstract: An attachment apparatus for disc protective sheet which is adapted for attaching disc protective sheet for protecting disc rotatably accommodated within a cartridge body formed by connecting or joining a pair of upper and lower halves with respect to the surface opposite to the disc of the half.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kenichi Kano, Takahiko Fukushima
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Patent number: 6568449Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for attaching a cutting strip to a carton blank. The apparatus includes a first member for conveying carton blanks past a second member, and the second member is arranged to cut a cuffing strip from a supply of cuffing strip material and deposit the cutting strip upon a carton blank. The first member may be a conveyor belt fitted with a suction member, and the second member may be upper and lower dies that are movable relative to one another and a member that can feed a supply of cutting strip material between the dies. Initial downward movement of the upper die cuts a cutting strip from the supply of cutting strip material and the cutting strip is retained on the upper die. Further downward movement of the upper die brings the cutting strip into contact with a carton blank. The apparatus may also include an alignment member to ensure that the carton blanks are properly positioned relative to the second member when the cutting strips are attached.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Carton Edge Systems LimitedInventors: Edwin Wyn Owen, Ian Jamie
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Patent number: 6557606Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and a method for inserting a security and/or identification element between two layers of a marking strip for items of baggage, the two layers being an overlayer and a substrate joined together at least in sub-sections by way of an adhesive layer which adheres to the overlayer when the substrate is delaminated. The marking strips are manufactured with integrated security/identification elements at low cost. The marking strips are available in web form and are guided in a running direction past a vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Meto International GmbHInventor: Detlef Duschek
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Patent number: 6551431Abstract: An individually wrapped absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin which is simple, compact, sanitary, and easy to unwrap for use and to dispose of after use. The absorbent article avoids the need for a separate peel strip and pouch because it is provided with a wrapper that can be folded into a pouch. Substantially the entire backsheet of the absorbent article directly faces the wrapper and is secured to it to form an assembly. In the case of a winged or tabbed type absorbent article, this configuration obviates the need for a separate peel strip to cover the garment adhesive located on the wings or tabs. The assembly is wrapped by folding the lateral flaps thereof longitudinally over one another to enclose the article to prevent the garment adhesive from becoming contaminated. The package is then tri-folded laterally to form an e-shaped pouch. Wrapping and folding can be performed by an in-line process that uses simple equipment and that does not require reversal in the direction of article conveyance.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Colin Lee
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Patent number: 6550517Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a discrete portion of a first web traveling at a first speed onto a second web traveling a second speed. The apparatus includes a converting mechanism capable of forming at least one discrete portion out of the first web. An anvil roll is positioned in close proximity to the converting mechanism and can travel at a rotational speed equal to the first speed. The anvil roll is a vacuum roll that is capable of directing the discrete portion away from the converting mechanism. A transfer roll is arranged in close proximity to the anvil roll and initially travels at a rotational speed equal to the first speed. The transfer roll forms a gap with the anvil roll through which the discrete portion can pass. The transfer roll is also a vacuum roll that is capable of directing the discrete portion away from the anvil roll. The transfer roll is capable of changing rotational speed to match the second speed during a single revolution.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Alex Hilt, Randy Keith Burr
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Publication number: 20030070750Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing adhesive backed components from a carrier tape and applying them onto a substrate which utilizes a retracting blade having a top surface for positioning the adhesive backed components. Extension of the retracting blade and advancement of the carrier occur simultaneously and independently from one another thereby enabling a significant reduction in cycle times.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Eric Moore, Steve Gunnerson
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Publication number: 20030066601Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically labeling and stacking a plurality of flower pot covers. The apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed support assemblies connected thereto, each of the support assemblies selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position and the second conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed chutes supported thereon, each of the chutes having an object receiving space formed therein adapted to receive a plurality of flower pot covers, at least a portion of the second conveyor spatially disposed above the first conveyor such that a portion of the travel path of the second conveyor overlaps a portion of the travel path of the first conveyor so that the support assemblies on the first conveyor are aligned with the chutes on the second conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Frank Craig
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Patent number: 6543514Abstract: An in-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine labels containers, such as beverage containers, in an in-line fashion maintaining the elevation of the containers during their linear transport. The in-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine of the present invention receives bottles in flood feeder or linear fashion. A timing screw or the like properly separates, and both spatially and temporally disposes, the containers for sleeving. The timing screw propels the containers onto a pedestal system. The pedestals of the pedestal system maintain their horizontal nature due to offset pivotable attachments to the track system upon which they travel. A sheet of film is unspooled from an unwind roll and passed through a tube forming apparatus that overlaps the edges of the film. The overlapping edges completing the tube enclosure are connected using ultrasonic welding or the like. The sleeve is then passed to an iris carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Axon CorporationInventor: Victor V. Menayan
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Publication number: 20030056903Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing double-sided adhesive tape, from a reel, comprising a press for pressing the tape onto a product, a cutter which guides the tape and makes an incision in the tape and a controller for controlling the application of the tape to the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Gunther Aster, Bernhard Gebbeken, Gerd Hebbel, Reiner Schulze
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Publication number: 20030056902Abstract: A labeling apparatus is provided. The labeling apparatus includes a detachable label cassette which presents labels to be attached to fruit and/or vegetables and a label applicator which receives the label and applies it to the fruit and/or vegetables. Label strip is pulled off the label cassette by a label drive mechanism and the movement of the applicator is driven by an applicator drive mechanism both of which include stepper motor drives. A control arrangement controls both the label drive mechanism and the applicator drive mechanism and the control arrangement includes a memory device which stores parameters relating to different labels. The use of stepper motors in the drives and the use of a memory in the control arrangement makes it possible to provide for automatic set up on initiation or label change.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Alan Constantine, Tim Knights, Richard Hawkes
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Patent number: 6533016Abstract: The apparatus, which serves to join flat supplementary products provided with an adhesive to printed products, has n holding elements which are driven on a circulating path about a first axis, by means of which supplementary products are gripped individually at at least one pick-up point and, after an appropriate rotation about the first axis, can be joined to a printed product at a discharge point.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Ferag AGInventor: Egon Hansch