Interrelated Conveying And Driver-actuating Means Patents (Class 227/100)
  • Patent number: 12064897
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a pallet with at least two rows of blocks nailed to a board element. Nailing the rows of blocks to the board element includes supplying a first set of at least two blocks at respective supply points, such that the blocks are aligned with one another forming a row, and placing the board element in contact with the blocks, nailing the board element to the blocks located at the respective supply points, moving the assembly of board element and blocks previously nailed to a new nailing position and supplying a second set of at least two blocks at said respective supply points, and nailing together the board element in the new nailing position and the second set of at least two blocks located at the respective supply points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Mecanica Cape, S.L.
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Perez Toneu, Carlos Perez Toneu, Marc Perez Toneu
  • Patent number: 11878872
    Abstract: A portable roller dislodging device is disclosed. The device is configured to dislodge a jammed roller of a conventional conveyor. The device may be detachably secured to the rail of the conveyor about any selectively-desired position. The device includes a motor, a rotating motor shaft, and a means for coupling the motor shaft to the jammed roller to facilitate dislodgement thereof. The device may be operated remotely via a wireless remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Andrew K. Cipriani
  • Patent number: 11691450
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes a paper alignment tray including a loading table on which a paper is to be loaded, and a side guide and an end guide to align a side in a width direction and an end in a longitudinal direction of the paper stack, respectively, a first binder including a binding unit to bind the paper stack on the paper alignment tray in a stapleless manner, the first binder displaceable to a binding location to bind the paper stack and to a separation location to separate the binding unit from the paper stack, and a controller to move the paper stack relative to the binding unit while displacing the first binder from the binding location to the separation location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eiji Fukasawa, Taehong Kim, Jeongyeon Park
  • Patent number: 11529821
    Abstract: Provided is a book block feed device capable of feeding a book block always in an aligned state to a bookbinding machine. The book block feed device comprises an alignment unit and a press unit that are adjacently arranged in order along a conveying path of the book block from an inlet to an outlet of the conveying path. The alignment unit comprises a vibrator that vibrates the book block. The press unit includes a press surface that forms a part of a conveying surface of the conveying path, and a press plate that sandwiches and presses the book block between the press plate and the press surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Horizon International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kanta Kambara, Shigenobu Fukuda, Kohei Okamoto, Hiroto Otani, Takehito Yokogi, Shigeru Wakimoto
  • Patent number: 11347174
    Abstract: A sheet discharge device includes: a sheet discharge portion; a sheet stacking portion having a sheet stacking surface for stacking a sheet discharged from the sheet discharge portion; and a stopper in the sheet stacking portion against which, for alignment, the leading end of the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge portion is thrust. The stopper has a support portion, a restricting portion, and an urging mechanism. The restricting portion is supported pivotally on a pivot shaft on the support portion, and is arranged either in a retracted position to lie flat substantially horizontally along the sheet stacking surface or in a restricting position to stand upright substantially vertically to the sheet stacking surface. The urging mechanism urges the restricting portion, when in retracted position, in a direction from restricting position to retracted position and, when in restricting position, in a direction from retracted position to restricting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Hanamoto, Hoang Danh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11236519
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling framing assemblies for use as ceiling or floor structures of modular building units using automation are disclosed. The framing assemblies include trusses that are attached at the lateral edges thereof by a joist including at least one layer of dimensional lumber to form a substantially rigid framework. Cover panels are positioned over and attached to an inner surface of the framing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Buildz, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Joseph Bellissimo, Jason Daryl Hunsinger, Stanley Clark Beard, Jr., Harrison Grant Meadows
  • Patent number: 11123875
    Abstract: A robot 140 includes a control unit 160 configured such that a reference line L connecting a root portion of a first arm (upper arm 143) and an end portion of a second arm (forearm 144) is assumed on a main plane determined in a space where the robot 140 is installed, an angle ? formed by the first arm (upper arm 143) and the reference line L is decreased while increasing a crossing angle ? between the first arm (upper arm 143) and the second arm (forearm 144) on the side facing the reference line L, the end portion of the second arm (forearm 144) is moved in a work pressurizing direction (F direction) which is determined to be along the reference line L, and a work pressurizing unit (push-in unit 153) is pressurized in the work pressurizing direction (F direction) by the end portion of the second arm (forearm 144).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: KANAE KOGYO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Sei
  • Patent number: 11021340
    Abstract: A sheet stacking device includes a conveyance part and a stopper. The conveyance part includes a tray and a conveyance member. On the tray, sheet stacks are stacked. The conveyance member conveys the sheet stack on the tray. The stopper is located on a downstream side of the tray and prevents the sheet stack from falling from the tray. The stopper has a main plate and an anti-slip member. The main plate is inclined upward. The main plate has a contact face coming into contact with the sheet stack and a bent face bent downward from a downstream side tip end of the contact face. The anti-slip member is provided from a downstream side end portion of the contact face to the bent face. A frictional coefficient between the anti-slip member and the sheet stack is larger than a frictional coefficient between the sheet stack and the contact face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Tadahisa Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 10549451
    Abstract: In construction of pallets, stringers are conveyed on a conveyor in a conveying direction to a pneumatic stop assembly including a pawl. The pawl is moveably mounted relative to the conveyor by a parallelogram linkage and moveable by a pneumatic actuator between first and second heights relative to the conveyor. While the pawl is at its first height, a lower board in a hopper is pushed from a shelf by a pusher onto the stringers on the conveyor. While pushed, the ends of the board slide along and between first and second slide rails on opposite sides of the conveyor. The board on the stringers is sandwiched between the pusher and the pawl at the first height while fastened together by a nail gun. After being fastened together, the pawl is moved to its second height which does not interfere with the fastened board and stringers conveyed by the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Palletec, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Howard Wagner
  • Patent number: 10082759
    Abstract: A sheet processing device includes: an accumulator on which sheets are accumulated; a staple driver; a staple receiver disposed at a position facing the staple driver, wherein the staple driver drives a staple into the sheets when the sheet are between the staple receiver and the staple driver; an arm that extends from the staple driver in a direction perpendicular to a staple driving direction to operate the staple driver in the staple driving direction; and a regulator that regulates deviation produced when the staple driver drives the staple. The deviation is in a short length direction of the arm perpendicular to a long length direction of the arm and to the staple driving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventor: Kei Kitamura
  • Patent number: 9944213
    Abstract: A robotic cargo system provides an ability to move cargo without requiring the use of additional material handling equipment such as forklifts and K-loaders. The robotic cargo system may operate as a vehicle during drive maneuvering, and may operate to lockdown on an aircraft as a pallet during flight. The system may navigate over rough terrain while carrying heavy loads through the use of a track-based propulsion system. The system may provide a cargo loading system, ramp ascent and descent algorithms, and autonomous navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Stratom, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Ambrosio, Jonathan Harrach-Salazar, Mark Gordon, Mark Rosenblum, Martin Sotola, Ryan Delgizzi, Peter James
  • Patent number: 9284152
    Abstract: A post-processing device includes: a tray; a sheet output section; a stapler provided movably in a direction perpendicular to a direction of discharge of a stack of paper sheets and configured to apply staples to a plurality of locations on the stack of paper sheets loaded on the tray; a sheet stack shifting section configured to shift the stack of paper sheets loaded on the tray in the direction perpendicular to the direction of discharge of the stack; and an operation control section configured to allow the stapler to apply a staple to a first location on the stack of paper sheets and then allow the stapler to move to a position corresponding to a location to be stapled next while allowing the sheet stack shifting section to shift the stack in a direction opposite to a direction of the movement of the stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Keisuke Yamashita, Hideo Tanii
  • Publication number: 20150014387
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a stacking unit that stacks conveyed sheets; an aligning unit that aligns the sheets stacked on the stacking unit in a sheet conveying direction; a binding unit that moves along an end portion of a bundle of the sheets on a binding portion side and performs a binding process for the bundle of the sheets that have been aligned by the aligning unit; a pressing unit that presses the bundle of the sheets at the end portion thereof on the binding portion side; and an interlocking unit that moves the pressing unit in association with a motion of the binding unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Kazuya YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20150014386
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus capable of performing a binding process on a sheet bundle inserted to a manual setting portion of an apparatus housing and a binding process on a sheet bundle introduced to a processing tray with a common stapling unit having a simple unit moving mechanism therefor as well as facilitating staple replenishment. The present invention comprises a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus including a processing tray on which sheets are stacked, a binding device which staple-binds a sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray, and a manual setting portion to which a sheet bundle is set from the outside of the apparatus, the binding device being arranged to be movable among a first position where a sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray is to be bound, a second position where a sheet bundle set at the manual setting portion is to be bound, and a third position where staples are replenished to the binding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicants: NISCA CORPORATION, CANON FINETECH INC.
    Inventors: Yusuke OBUCHI, Yuki NISHI, Shin TSUGANE
  • Patent number: 8123097
    Abstract: A self-propelled stapler has a stapler body provided on a base in such so as to be slidable relative to the base. A sliding mechanism is provided between the base and the stapler body. The stapler body slides to a predetermined binding position at the time of a binding operation, and slides to an original position after the binding operation by the sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism has a link which is rotatably provided on each side of the stapler body, and one end of the link engages with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiichi Haramiishi, Katsunori Manabe
  • Patent number: 7988138
    Abstract: A gatherer stitcher for collating signatures made of paper, paperboard and the like, for stitching the collated signatures and for delivering the stitched signatures, includes a gathering section, a stitching station and a delivery station. The stitching station has a stitching carriage with at least one stitching head and, during a stitching operation, the stitching carriage is moved by a stitching carriage drive at a speed of the collated signatures. A switching unit is disposed between the stitching carriage drive and the stitching carriage for adapting a stitching carriage movement to a gatherer chain pitch, that is to say for adapting a horizontal reciprocating movement of the stitching carriage, and for adapting a horizontal distance between the stitching carriage and the delivery station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Torsten Brünner, Frank Jaentschel, Torsten Krause, Andreas Steinert, Siegmar Tischer
  • Patent number: 7984897
    Abstract: A stitcher for binding variable thickness collations including a means for determining the thickness of a multi-sheet collation, a stitch head operative to drive a stitch through the multi-sheet collation, an anvil operative to clinch the stitch to bind the sheets of the collation and a plurality of actuators operative to displace forming elements of the stitch head to form the stitch, position the stitch head and anvil against opposite surfaces of the multi-sheet collation, drive the stitch through the collation and clinch the ends of the stitch. A processor, responsive to the thickness value signal, controls the actuators to form the stitch and bind the collation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Williams, Russell W. Holbrook, Edward M. Ifkovits, Robert F. Marcinik
  • Patent number: 7516533
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a bedding foundation having a base and a wire grid of support wires comprises at least one vertically moveable staple gun having a staple head and a wire positioner associated with the staple head, the wire positioner being configured to engage one of the support wires and to position the one support wire relative to the staple head such that upon activation, the staple gun staples the one support wire in the intended position to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Niels S. Mossbeck, Franklin H. Rawlings, Michael L. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7490401
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a bedding foundation having a base and a wire grid of support wires, comprising at least one vertically moveable staple gun having a staple head and a wire positioner associated with the staple head, the wire positioner being configured to engage one of the support wires and to position the one support wire relative to the staple head such that upon activation, the staple gun staples the one support wire in the intended position to the base, wherein the wire positioner has a fixed positioning element and a movable positioning element, the elements adapted to position the one support wire therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Niels S. Mossbeck, Franklin H. Rawlings
  • Patent number: 7467454
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Imaginal Systematics, LLC
    Inventor: Larry G. Durkos
  • Patent number: 7222402
    Abstract: A fastening apparatus and method is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Imaginal Systematics, LLC
    Inventor: Larry G. Durkos
  • Patent number: 7121540
    Abstract: A method and machine for stitching multipart printing products by means of wire staples (8, 26), in which the products (2, 22) are transported forwards continuously by a conveyer (4, 19, 23) and a wire staple (8, 26) is driven in by a stitching head (5, 25) with a displaceably guided staple-driver, at least one wire staple (8, 26) is driven, during the movement conveying the product (2, 22), into the product (2, 22), transversely to the direction of conveyance, by a stitching head (5, 25) positioned in a stationary manner. The staple-driver of the stitching head (5, 25) drives in the wire staple (8, 26) at such high speed that the wire staple (8, 26) penetrates the product (2, 22) substantially perpendicularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Machon, Holger Engert
  • Patent number: 6994241
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method and apparatus for squaring wall panel assemblies prior to nailing sheathing material thereto. A preformed wall section having a frame and studs has a sheathing member placed thereover and fastened thereto whereby said components form a prefabricated wall section. To ensure that the assembled wall section is square the assembly line has squaring stops positioned on each side of the guide track. These stops are engineered to be in alignment with each other and causing the workpiece to form two right angles prior to release for nailing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: David Ohnesorge
  • Patent number: 6962280
    Abstract: A rotary stitching device has a wire supply, a cutting device for cutting a wire section from the wire supply, and a rotating forming wheel having a forming wheel axis of rotation, the rotating forming wheel receiving the wire section. A rotating delivery wheel has a delivery wheel axis of rotation parallel to the forming wheel axis of rotation and an outer circumference, the delivery wheel having an opening in the outer circumference and having at least one stitching head, and the forming wheel placing the wire section in the opening to form a stitch. A printed product conveyor moves printed products in a direction perpendicular to the delivery wheel axis of rotation so that the printed products receive the stitch from the stitching head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: Mehmet Oktay Kaya
  • Patent number: 6935546
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Imaginal Systematics, LLC
    Inventor: Larry G. Durkos
  • Patent number: 6926185
    Abstract: A device for executing a number of actions, such as driving in nails, on a planar section, for example a wall element, for fixing a covering panel or the like on the planar section. A carriage is displaceable longitudinally over the planar section. A number of the action device are mounted on one side of a carriage and are displaceable individually transversely of the planar section. A number of the action devices are mounted on the other side of the carriage and are displaceable together with one another transversely of the planar section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Randek Maskin AB
    Inventor: Ake Svensson
  • Patent number: 6814272
    Abstract: A nailing machine for pallets, comprises nailing grippers supported by a beam which is controllably movable in a vertical plane and includes feeding bins for feeding nails to the grippers, with a plurality of gripper holding beams movable in a vertical plane, a central gripper holding beam being supported by a locally fixed construction, adjoining gripper holding beams being adapted to be properly positioned with respect to the workpiece to be nailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Stori S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Storti
  • Patent number: 6742245
    Abstract: A portable roof panel structure assembly mechanism that may be transported to a construction site and that is used to automatically assemble roof panel structures at the site. The assembly mechanism includes a purlin feeder, subpurlin clamping mechanisms and feeders, and a diaphragm feeder. The purlin feeder lifts a purlin into position, and advances the purlin into an assembly station. The subpurlin feeders insert a subpurlin into each of a plurality of subpurlin clamping mechanisms, and the clamping mechanisms advance into the assembly station and hold the subpurlins against the section of the purlin that has been advanced. The diaphragm feeder places a diaphragm onto the subpurlins and the purlin at the assembly station. The components are attached by automatic nailers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph K. Glenn
  • Patent number: 6681977
    Abstract: An end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions. First and second tie dampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first end frame and third and fourth end plates hoppers are positioned on the second end frame. A movable shuttle plate is provided on each of the end frames as is a plate transporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Robbins Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Gordon E. Matlock
  • Patent number: 6666367
    Abstract: Apparatus having automated loading 15, nailing 22, and stacking 24 areas for wood components, wall panels or wall components is described. The apparatus includes a control panel 14 that allows automated selection 94 of the type of sub-component to be handled, the speed 98 at which the nailing and stacking operation is executed, the compression rate 100 in which the operation is executed and provides automated feedback 106 of the progress of the operation. A guide track 30, stationary 26 and powered 28 compression members and side conveyer belts 16 that work in conjunction with upper 18 and side 20 rollers allow for positioning, clamping, and movement of the raw material 70 into the nailing stage 22 of the operation. The rollers allow for the nailing process 22 before being moved to the stacking system 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ohnesorge, Jason Gregory
  • Patent number: 6651859
    Abstract: A device for mating strips joined at an angle for forming rectangular frames having a L-shaped element, acting as movable abutment for the strips, has a symmetrical hinged connection to a pair of linkages, pivotally connected to a free end to the supporting element fixed to the platform, and an arm protruding outside the L-shaped element along the extension of its bisecting line and undergoing elastic centering. The element and linkages are accommodated in the supporting element in two mutually aligned seats which lie transversely to the slot of the platform, and are each constituted by a bush from which a slider protrudes; the slider is pushed, until it rests against an abutment of the bush, by a cylindrical spring which acts between the slider and the screw-type cap used also to adjust the preloading of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Giuseppe Raffoni
  • Patent number: 6644643
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet bundle includes a stitching unit having a head portion for driving staples into the sheet bundle and an anvil portion for receiving and bending the staples driven by the head portion, a feeding device for feeding the sheet bundle to a stitching position between the head portion and the anvil portion, a transport device for transporting the stitching unit to a position perpendicular to a sheet bundle feeding direction, a guide member for guiding the sheet bundle to the stitching position, and a supplement guide member. The supplement guide member retracts to a position that does not hinder the movement of the stitching unit when the stitching unit moves, and guides the sheet bundle to the guide member without a leading edge of the sheet bundle touching the upstream edge of the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Nonaka, Satoshi Iwama
  • Publication number: 20030205606
    Abstract: A nailing machine for pallets, comprises nailing grippers supported by a beam which is controllably movable in a vertical plane and includes feeding bins for feeding nails to the grippers, with a plurality of gripper holding beams movable in a vertical plane, a central gripper holding beam being supported by a locally fixed construction, adjoining gripper holding beams being adapted to be properly positioned with respect to the workpiece to be nailed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Giancarlo Storti
  • Patent number: 6568669
    Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a head unit and an anvil unit movably disposed in a direction traversing the sheet discharge direction to provide staples into a sheet bundle. A feed path is disposed between the head unit and the anvil unit for allowing the sheet bundle to pass therethrough. The sheet bundle is moved from a stacking device to the feed path, wherein the head unit and anvil unit stitch the sheet bundle fed for a specified distance into the feed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Hosaka
  • Patent number: 6561404
    Abstract: An automated apparatus for feeding and positioning strips in machines for making rectangular frames which are equipped with four stapling units for joining, by steel staples, the strips that form the frames, wherein the strips are picked from corresponding conveyor belts and are transferred and positioned correctly in the stapling units by four motorized carriages which are provided with rotating arms fitted with clamps for gripping the individual strips and move on their respective guides, which are parallel to the conveyor belts that feed the strips for a first couple of the carriages and are perpendicular to the conveyor belts for a second couple of the carriages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Giuseppe Raffoni
  • Patent number: 6550659
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a component holder assembly includes a frame, a plurality of stapler assemblies, which are supported by the frame, and a support surface. The stapler assemblies are aligned along a common axis for ejecting staples along the common axis. The support surface is provided to support at least a first side frame member of a component holder assembly whereby a portion of the first side frame member can be aligned with the stapler assemblies. The apparatus further includes an actuator for actuating at least a group of the stapler assemblies to eject staples generally along the common axis to form a seam for connecting a shelf member of a component holder assembly to a first side frame member of the component holder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Production Assembly Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin J. Kortman, Mark A. Kortman, Joyce E. Kortman
  • Patent number: 6223964
    Abstract: A rotating stitcher 4 for driving U-shaped wire stitches 43 into printed products 3 being conveyed along a linear path, wherein a stapling closing device 5 cooperates with the stitcher 4, for closing the wire stitches 43. The rotating stitcher 4 has stitching heads 7 which are hinged around a rotating support 6. A control device guarantees that the stitching heads 7 are swung into a position where the direction of displacement E of the stitch plunger 10 is at right angles to the direction of transport A of the products 3 to be stitched. This takes place before or during entry of the stitching head 7 into the stitching area. While the wire stitches are driven in and stitched, the stitching heads 7 are held in this position and thus move linearly in the stitching area. The heads 32 of the stapling closing device 5 are guided in the same way, so that they move linearly during stapling, just like the allocated staple head 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Holger Müller
  • Patent number: 6212762
    Abstract: An apparatus for tagging pieces of lumber including a motor-driven chain for positioning adjacent a lumber conveyor. A stapler is positioned adjacent one end of the chain for affixing a tag to a piece of lumber on the conveyor. A tag feeding attachment urges one tag of a contiguous sequence of tags into alignment with the stapler and severs the tag from the contiguous sequence of tags. A photosensor is positioned adjacent the stapler for detecting the presence of lumber upon the conveyor and for generating an electrical signal in response thereto. Upon receiving an electrical signal from the photosensor, a central processing unit energizes the stapler and the tag feeding attachment in a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: David F. Lucier
  • Patent number: 6142354
    Abstract: A gathering and stapling machine includes a gathering chain for conveying printed products and having a variable chain pitch. A stapling device staples the printed products that are conveyed on the gathering chain. A drive device includes a first gear for driving the stapling device, a second gear for driving the gathering chain and a change-over device connected to the first and second gears and having at least two fixed turns ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Grapha-Holding AG
    Inventors: Heinz Boss, Beat von Aesch
  • Patent number: 6142353
    Abstract: A stapling arrangement of a stapling and gathering machine includes a stapling carriage which is seated on a machine frame and travels with a gathering chain for stapling printed products carried by the gathering chain. At least one stapling head travels with the stapling carriage and with a bending device. A drive mechanism is provided for the stroke of the stapling carriage and the strokes of a shaping element and a punch of the stapling head. The drive mechanism includes a first drive for the stroke of the stapling carriage, and a second drive for the strokes of the shaping element and the punch, and for a movement of the bending device. The first drive can be exchanged independently of the second drive for adaptation to the pitch of the gathering chain. The stapling arrangement can also be converted quickly and easily to a different chain pitch by a semi-skilled operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Graph-Holding AG
    Inventors: Heinz Boss, Beat von Aesch
  • Patent number: 6134775
    Abstract: A device for applying nailing plates to the ends of wooden ties includes a plate feeder for applying nailing plates to the generally vertically-oriented ends of a wooden tie horizontally disposed therein. The plate feeder includes a frame on each side for holding a nailing plate in a generally vertical orientation adjacent one of the ends of the wooden tie, a dispenser associated with each frame for dispensing nailing plates to the frame; and a piston on each side actuable to partially press a nailing plate held in the frame into the ends of the wooden tie. A tie feeder for conveys ties to the plate feeder. There is also a press for pressing nailing plates partially embedded in the ends of a wooden tie, into the ends of the wooden tie. A conveyor conveys wooden ties from the plate feeder to the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Adolfo Castillo
  • Patent number: 6058589
    Abstract: The automatic pallet collar apparatus comprises a frame that has a fixed rail and a movable rail to adjust the width of the frame. A rotatable driving member is in operative engagement with the frame to move forward a set of wood members. A downstream cutting station cut the wood members into a precise length. The drilling station drills holes into the wood member and rivets are dropped into the holes at the rivet mounting station. A downstream turner station turns each wood member downside up and a hinge is positioned onto the rivets at the hinge mounting station. The rivets are then fastened to firm hold the hinge to the wood member. A suitable logo may be printed in the screen printing station and the finished pallet collar components are then stacked at the stacker station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Svenska Balk System Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Leif Erik Vilhelm Hakansson
  • Patent number: 6058601
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembly of fence panels from a plurality of longitudinal backing rails and a plurality of transverse pickets includes a conveyor for supporting and moving the rails in a direction along their length with the rails at spaced transversely positions across the conveyor and a plurality of rail dispensing hoppers, each for receiving a stack of the backing rails and arranged to dispense the rails one at a time onto the conveyor in parallel spaced relation along the conveyor. A picket dispensing hopper dispenses pickets one at a time onto the aligned rails so that the pickets are positioned at right angles to the rails and side by side. Ends of the pickets are aligned on the rails. The pickets are compressed in a direction at right angles to the rails onto the rails and parallel to the rails and at right angles to the pickets so as to squeeze the pickets edge to edge. A nailing assembly applies nails to connect the pickets to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Hubertus C. M. DeKoning
  • Patent number: 6024270
    Abstract: An end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions. A conveyor is provided for positioning a tie between the end frames. First and second tie clampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first and second end frames, respectively, for supporting a plurality of end plates therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Robbins Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Gordon E. Matlock
  • Patent number: 5979733
    Abstract: An end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions. A conveyor is provided for positioning a tie between the end frames. First and second tie clampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first and second end frames, respectively, for supporting a plurality of end plates therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Robbins Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Gordon E. Matlock
  • Patent number: 5927586
    Abstract: An end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions. A conveyor is provided for positioning a tie between the end frames. First and second tie clampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first and second end frames, respectively, for supporting a plurality of end plates therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Robbins Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Gordon E. Matlock
  • Patent number: 5690266
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stapling to a material (1) at predetermined distances along a web formed by the material with the aid of a stapling cylinder (2), a counterpressure cylinder (3), a forming drum (4) and a horn (5) which extends around the periphery of the stapling cylinder between the forming drum and the counterpressure cylinder, wherein the stapling cylinder (2) coacts with a stapling fork (6) which is intended to cut a staple-forming section from wire-like material (10) in a region (B) between the stapling cylinder (2) and the forming drum (4) and to form therefrom a U-shaped staple which can be carried by the stapling cylinder (2) to a region (A) between the stapling cylinder (2) and the counterpressure cylinder (3) and there fastened to a material web (1) passing between the stapling cylinder (2) and the counterpressure cylinder (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Tolerans Ingol Sweden AB
    Inventor: Bengt Klinga
  • Patent number: 5615122
    Abstract: A table is provided to assist in the manufacture of building structures such as walls or the like where the building structure has a plurality of metallic studs extending between top and bottom metallic channel shaped framing members. The table includes a grasping device to move the building structure back and forth along a support surface of the table. A computer operated controller controls a motor to locate the top and bottom framing members adjacent assembly stations. The assembly stations permanently attach a stud to each of the top and bottom framing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Frank Lacrosse
  • Patent number: 5208962
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for labelling individual pieces of lumber by stapling a tag on the end portion of the lumber. A totally automated system is provided whereby the pieces of lumber move on a conveyor and over a sensor which activates a stapler to secure a tag on the end of a piece of lumber. A roller is disposed adjacent the sensor so that, after a tag is secured to the end portion of a piece of lumber, the end portion of the piece of lumber is raised on the roller to reset the sensor for stapling a tag on the next piece of lumber on the conveyor. A tag or label dispenser apparatus is disposed immediately adjacent the stapler. A second sensor is set to activate the tag dispenser to deliver a tag for stapling on the end of a succeeding piece of lumber as soon as a tag has been stapled to the preceding piece of lumber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Tag-Matic, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen R. Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: H1842
    Abstract: A compiling and stapling system with a compiling station for receiving and stacking sets of printed sheets inputted in a defined direction of movement for compiling and stapling them along a sheet edge transverse that movement direction with a two-part stapler providing ejection of the stapled sets out through that two-part stapler in the same direction of movement. This stapler has a staple driving unit separate from its staple clinching unit with an unobstructed spacing between them providing for unobstructed feeding of the stapled sets completely through the stapler in between the two separate units. An interlocking system such as a solenoid retractable alignment pin normally interlocks the two units in correct alignment for cooperate stapling and clinching of the collated set. The interlocking system then automatically unlocks the two units to provide an unobstructed set output path between the two units in that same direction of movement as the input path to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Loren S. Tontarski