Applied To Package Patents (Class 53/136.1)
  • Patent number: 10934046
    Abstract: A vacuum blood collection tube labeling machine and a conveying and labeling method for a vacuum blood collection tube. The machine includes: a loading part of a vacuum blood collection tube, including a plurality of loading slideways disposed in parallel, each of the loading slideways includes an inclined segment and a horizontal segment extending forward from a bottom end of the inclined segment; a label printing part, including a label printer and a output channel of the vacuum blood collection tube connected to the label printer; and a robotic arm, used for grabbing and lifting up a vacuum blood collection tube located on the horizontal segment and transferring the vacuum blood collection tube to the label printer. A method for grabbing the vacuum blood collection tube, moving direction and track of grabbing the vacuum blood collection tube, the robotic arm includes a grabbing mechanism and a movement control assembly for driving the grabbing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: SHANGHAI CHUANGSIJIE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Quan Sha, Jian Sun, Lele Fan
  • Patent number: 10781006
    Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging products to be packaged by means of a stretchable film includes: a film transport device for a film feed to a product to be packaged; a first and a second belt conveyor for transporting the film, the belt conveyors each including a first and a second belt conveyor that are synchronously driven in a film transport direction prescribed by the film transport device and are arranged side by side, at least the second belt conveyor device being movable in a direction perpendicular to a film transport direction; and a movable film guiding element, by which the film is introducible into the film transport device, the film guiding element including a guide plate for guiding the film that has a first recess and a second recess in an upper edge in a vertical direction toward the belt conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: BIZERBA SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Sascha Kirsch, Eugen Elis
  • Patent number: 9132664
    Abstract: A method and device for printing containers in multiple colors on at least one outer surface thereof. The device includes at least one printing group, with at least two ink jet print heads in each printing group. Each of the print heads is designed to be moved out of the printing position after completing a printing task, and then another print head is moved into the printing position to perform a printing task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Schach
  • Publication number: 20150143778
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of containers (10), with a movable carrier (2) for conveying the containers to be treated, with a plurality of treatment units (4, 6, 8) which treat each container (10) in a pre-set manner, wherein the treatment units (4, 6, 8) of a first group of these treatment units (4, 6, 8) are filling units (4) which fill the containers (10) with a flowable medium, and these filling units (4) have in each case filling elements (14) which are arranged on the carrier (2) and which move jointly with the containers (10) at least sectionwise, wherein the treatment units (4, 6, 8) of a second group of these treatment units (4, 6, 8) are labelling devices (6) which apply labels to the containers (10), and wherein the treatment units (4, 6, 8) of a third group of these treatment units (4, 6, 8) are closing units (8) which close with a closure the containers (10) filled with the flowable medium and which have in each case closure elements (18) which are arranged on the carrier (2) and which move jo
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Heinz Humele, Horst Winter
  • Publication number: 20150143777
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging assembly comprising a device for transporting a packaging means (2), in particular a carton, said device comprising a continuous conveying section (3) and a plurality of conveying elements (4, 5). The continuous conveying section (3) is oriented vertically, forming an upper run region (30) and a lower nm region (31), and the packaging means (2) is transported on the lower run region (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Rapp, Ruediger Grabowski, Josef Weis
  • Patent number: 9010073
    Abstract: The main objective of this invention is a Mobile plant for dosing, mixing and packaging of powdery products, characterized because it is comprised of a carrying structure and several areas for: reception and weighing, loading, mixing, sack filling, sewing and labelling, metal detection, palletizing and cleaning. This invention is included within the industrial plants technical sector of manufacturing and mixing of powdery products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Inversiones HIK16, S.L.
    Inventors: Henrik Stamm Kristensen, M. Maravillas Martinez Lopez
  • Publication number: 20140311093
    Abstract: A device is provided for applying consumable materials to containers, including a storing apparatus that stores a supply of the consumable material, a transporting apparatus that conveys the consumable material to the containers, and an application unit that applies the consumable material to the containers or to combinations of containers. The device has at least one sensor apparatus, which detects at least one actual value of the consumable material that is characteristic of a physical property of the consumable material, a comparing apparatus, which compares the detected actual value with at least one target value stored in a memory apparatus, and a signal outputting apparatus, which outputs a signal according to a result of said comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Huber, Johannes Boehm
  • Patent number: 8763349
    Abstract: A method and device for producing bundle packages, in particular bundle packages (10) for cigarettes (cigarette carton 11), wherein a group of packs (12), in particular cigarette packs, is encased in an outer casing (13) to form the bundle package (10), and wherein the packs (12) respectively exhibit a code (19), in particular a barcode, and the group of packs (12) is encased in the outer casing (13) such that the code (19) of the packs (12) is not concealed by the outer casing (13) and that a means (20, 23) for concealing the code of the packs (12), in particular a pre-cut piece (20), such as an (adhesive) label, and a code (21) for the bundle package (10) are subsequently arranged on the bundle package (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Falko Böger
  • Patent number: 8713897
    Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a filled prescription order is described. The prescription order includes a first plurality of tablets that is different from a second plurality of tablets. Additionally, the first plurality of tablets has a particular shape and a color that is different from the second plurality of tablets. The system and method generates an order that is communicated to a filling system. A code is then generated at the filling system when the filling system can fill the order. An automated inspection at visual wavelengths is performed for each of the pouches at an inspection station. The automated inspection at visual wavelengths inspects a color and a shape of each tablet. The method then proceeds to scan the code at the inspection station to verify that the correct pouches are associated with the tablets that correspond to the prescription order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Edge Medical Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Leslie Baker, Larry Luciano
  • Patent number: 8601773
    Abstract: An in-line insert folder system includes a continuous roll of preprinted inserts, and a cutter for cutting individual inserts from the roll. A transport serially conveys the individual inserts in a downstream direction to a buckle folder that receives the inserts and folds each one along at least one fold line. An applicator serially receives the folded inserts from the buckle folder and applies the inserts to consumer packs such as cigarette packs, for example. The folded inserts may be directly applied to the packs before placement of flexible outer wrap or the folded inserts may be applied onto the flexible outer wrap before that wrap is placed around the packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Edmond J. Cadieux, Jr., Barry S. Smith, Robert G. Scott, Martin T. Garthaffner, Steve R. Rinehart, Xuan Pham, Linwood H. Carneal, Jr., Hubert Coleman Goodman, Jr., Joshua L. Roby, Christopher Crawford, James D. Evans
  • Patent number: 8549821
    Abstract: There is provided a method for loading varied pre-determined digital content into a plurality of digital storage devices, and subsequently providing each digital storage device with varied pre-determined accessories. It is preferable that the digital content loaded into the digital storage device is not identifiable at the digital content loading post, and the consolidated digital storage device and the pre-determined accessories are shipped to particulars of the shipping label. A corresponding system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Keng Wah Tan, Woon Hua Edwin Kuah, Boon Tien Tyo
  • Patent number: 8522514
    Abstract: Methods of improving the shelf life of beverages may involve applying a coating mix to a label thereby forming a coated label, curing the coated label, applying the coated label to a container, and adding a beverage to the container, wherein the coated label increases a gas barrier property of the container. Beverage containers such as PET containers may be tailored for specific beverages using certain coated labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick George
  • Patent number: 8479475
    Abstract: The invention provides a transportable bottling plant integrated into a container. The container has a separation wall dividing the container into a bottling room and a technical room. A preform feeder, a bottle blowing unit, a filling and closing unit and first and second transferring devices are mounted in the bottling room. A power generator, an air compressor and an air conditioning unit are mounted in the technical room. The preform feeder comprises a recipient for receiving plastic bottle preforms and an ordering unit for ordering the preforms and feeding them towards the bottle blowing unit. The first transferring device is provided for transferring the preforms from the preform feeder to the bottle blowing unit. The bottle blowing unit comprises a heater for heating the preforms and a blow-molder for blow-molding the preforms into bottles. The second transferring device is provided for transferring the bottles from the bottle blowing unit to the filling and closing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Conteno
    Inventor: Christophe Armand Van Steen
  • Patent number: 8402721
    Abstract: A container labeling machine gluing apparatus which has a rotatable glue roller and a glue dispenser for dispensing glue onto the glue roller. The apparatus also has a glue thickness adjuster which adjusts the thickness of a glue layer on the glue roller. The glue thickness adjuster comprises a spring element and a glue contact element connected to the spring element, which spring element presses the glue contact element into contact with glue on the glue roller. The glue contact element is disposed upstream of remaining portions of its glue thickness adjuster in the direction of rotation of the glue roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Krämer, Lutz Deckert, Oliver Kress
  • Publication number: 20120304596
    Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus fills a vial having a polygonal cross-sectional shape with medicines to dispense the medicines. The apparatus contains a stocker, a first vial transporting unit, a vial orienting unit, a labeling unit, a second vial transporting unit, a medicine filling unit, and a vial discharging window. The stocker stores the vial. The first vial transporting unit transports the vial from the stocker to the labeling unit. The vial orienting unit adjusts an orientation of the vial. The labeling unit labels the vial. The second vial transporting unit transports the vial from the labeling unit to the medicine filling unit. The medicine filling unit fills the vial with the medicines. The second vial transporting unit further transports the vial from the medicine filling unit to the vial discharging window, where the vial is discharged through the vial discharging window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: YUYAMA MANUFACTURING Co., LTD
    Inventors: Naoki KOIKE, Takafumi Imai, Kazuaki Matsumura, Takuya Tsugui, Kazunori Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 8307611
    Abstract: A strip-pack manufacturing apparatus is adapted to attach an end part of an article to a strip. The strip-pack manufacturing apparatus includes a holding part, first and second rollers, a stopper member and an adjusting part. The holding part is configured and arranged to hold and transport the article to a predetermined attaching position. The first and second rollers are arranged in a receiving position at which the holding part receives the article. The first and second rollers are configured and arranged to rotate while sandwiching the end part of the article therebetween. The stopper member is configured and arranged to control the position of the end part of the article that has been drawn by rotation of the first and second rollers to stop at a predetermined position. The adjusting part is configured and arranged to adjust a distance between rotation axes of the first and second rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Iwasaki, Akira Yamamoto, Michio Nishi
  • Patent number: 8281553
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system, which includes a main body in which a plurality of receiving shelves is arranged, the main body having a door to enable user access, a medicine introduction/discharge unit installed in one side region of the main body to introduce or discharge a medicine product into or out of the main body, a robot transfer unit installed in the main body to transfer the medicine product, introduced via the medicine introduction/discharge unit, to each receiving space of the main body, or to discharge the medicine product received in the receiving space, and a control unit to control operations of the main body, the medicine introduction/discharge unit, and the robot transfer unit. The system is able to store a variety of medicine in a single main body and to achieve enhanced security for special medicine and efficient management of stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20120199510
    Abstract: A method allows candy to be sold in customized bottles to form gifts and keepsakes. The bottle and candy can be form a “pill” motif. Candy selected by the customer is placed in a bottle. The bottle appears like a pill bottle. The customer selects a label from a plurality of labels to reflect a given event, mood, or message. The message in the label can have a pill or medicine related theme. The overall product becomes a customized gift or keepsake by virtue of adding the customized label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SMILEY VENTURES, LLC
    Inventor: Scott H. Deutsch
  • Publication number: 20120131883
    Abstract: A system for evaporating excess water from a source includes a housing having: an air inlet, the air inlet directing air in a first direction; an air outlet; a plurality of channels arranged generally perpendicular to the first direction, the channels having undulations; and a water reservoir that feeds water into the channels. In some embodiments, baffles are created with walls that depend from the ceiling of the housing and that are interdigitated with dividers that separate the channels. This configuration can remove water generated by the source (such as an external compressor unit) in a quick and efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Jason Cora, Matthew P. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8047249
    Abstract: A strip pack apparatus is an apparatus for manufacturing a strip pack with a plurality of items attached on a backing sheet. The strip pack apparatus includes a conveying unit configured and arranged to convey the item generally in the horizontal direction, a moving unit configured and arranged to move the item from the conveying unit to a position obliquely downward on the front side in the conveying direction, and an attaching unit configured and arranged to attach the item moved by the moving unit to the backing sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Iwasaki, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8046977
    Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for the production of packages by the packing of material in packages, with a machine having at least one processing station, such as a sealing station, a cutting station or similar station and a weighing station (8) for determination of the weight of the filled and sealed packages (7), is provided which has less space requirements than conventional packaging machines and improved manipulation. According to the invention, the above is achieved, whereby the weighing station (8) and/or the at least one processing station has a controller, in which the working speed of the weighing station (8) is synchronized with the working speed of the previous processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Eugen Ehrmann, Tieme Jan Slomp, Hans-Joachim Boekstegers
  • 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: 7946330
    Abstract: A machine for applying inland revenue stamps to packets of cigarettes, the machine having a conveying device for feeding the packets along a given path through an application station; and a feed device for feeding the stamps to the application station, and applying each stamp to a given portion of a respective packet; the feed device being movable crosswise to the travelling direction to adjust the given portion of the packet to which the stamp is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Publication number: 20100289890
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for aligning containers, in particular bottles, in a labeler, the apparatus having rotatable holders for containers to be aligned, and a camera unit for imaging the containers as well as a proximity switch for triggering an imaging function of the camera unit. This allows a precise alignment in combination with a reduced expenditure of time and reduced space requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Anton Niedermeier, Karl Aichinger
  • Publication number: 20100257818
    Abstract: A method of arranging containers, such as bottles or cans, for forming groups of containers to be packaged as a group in a container filling plant, and apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Hans-Gerd RIPKENS, Tuchwat SCHAGIDOW, Sebastian KAMPS, Thomas Rütten
  • Publication number: 20100236189
    Abstract: A strip-pack manufacturing apparatus for attaching an end part (Z) of a bag (X) to a strip comprises holding means for holding the bag (X) and transporting the same to a predetermined attaching position; a pair of rollers (52a, 52b); a stopper (84); and adjusting means. The pair of rollers (52a, 52b) are provided to a receiving position at which the holding means receives the bag, the rollers rotating while sandwiching the end part (Z) of the bag (X). The stopper (84) controls the position of the end part (Z) of the bag (X) to stop at a predetermined position, the end part (Z) having been drawn by the rotation of the pair of rollers (52a, 52b). The adjusting means causes a supporting member (78) for supporting one of the rollers (52a, 52b) to pivot around an axis is that parallel to a rotation axis of the roller (52b), thereby adjusting the distance between the axes of the rollers (52a, 52b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshio Iwasaki, Akira Yamamoto, Michio Nishi
  • Publication number: 20100223885
    Abstract: A strip-pack manufacturing apparatus is adapted to manufacture a strip-pack in which at least first and second articles are attached to a strip. The strip-pack manufacturing apparatus includes an attachment part and an orientation control part. The attachment part is configured and arranged to attach an end portion of each of the first and second articles to the strip. The orientation control part is disposed downstream of the attachment part, and configured and arranged to control the orientation of the first article attached to the strip prior to the second article while the attachment part attaches the second article to the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Yamamoto, Michio Nishi
  • Publication number: 20100083611
    Abstract: A strip-pack apparatus is positioned between an upstream mechanism and a downstream mechanism and adapted to process products and to manufacture a strip pack. The strip-pack apparatus includes a moving mechanism, an affixing mechanism, an operating mode selecting unit and a control unit. The moving mechanism is configured and arranged to selectively move the products to an affixing position or the downstream mechanism. The operating mode selecting unit is configured and arranged to receive a selection input for an operating mode between a strip pack manufacturing mode in which the moving mechanism moves the products to the affixing position and a product passing mode in which the moving mechanism moves the products to the downstream mechanism without moving the products to the affixing position. The control unit is configured to control operations of the moving mechanism and the affixing mechanism according to the operating mode that has been selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukio Nakagawa, Yoshio Iwasaki, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7591120
    Abstract: During the production of (cigarette) packs by packers (13), the pack, depending on its configuration, has printing carriers, namely coupons which may be folded a number of times, added to it. These are produced by a coupon-production device (16) in a coupon arrangement (15) and are introduced into containers, namely magazines (20), in a filling station (18). A number of these magazines, in turn, which corresponds to requirements is kept on vehicles, namely transporting carts (42, 43), in order to be fed to the packer (13). The relevant machines and subassemblies are connected to a central control unit (91) which defines the quantity of coupons which are to be produced and causes the magazines (20) and/or the transporting carts (42, 43) to be coded, with the result that the supply of the packers (13) with coupons is controlled in accordance with the batch of packs which is to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Thomas Hafker, Jens Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7571585
    Abstract: Beverage bottle or container filling plant having a stretch blow mold machine for the manufacture of bottles or similar containers by stretch blowing using preforms made of thermoplastic plastic, with a preheating station for the preheating of the preforms fed to this station and with a blowing station that has at least one blow mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Publication number: 20090077927
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a sensory experience for a consumer. The present invention contemplates product packaging containing a retail product that has one or more characteristic surfaces. A sample is affixed to the exterior surface of the product packaging to provide a user with an illustrative simulation or representation of the characteristics of the retail product such as textures or patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: POLY-AMERICA, LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Ross
  • Patent number: 7506485
    Abstract: A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes a conveyor system including a plurality of spring arms and a ceiling plate positioned above the spring arms. The system also includes a carton opening system positioned at a first station along the conveyer system, a pack stamping system positioned at a second station along the conveyer system, and a carton closing system positioned at a third station along the conveyor system; wherein the spring arms bias the cartons against the ceiling plate to position the packs at a predetermined distance form the carton opening system, pack stamping system and carton closing system. A method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes biasing the carton along a conveyor system, and positioning the packs within the carton at a predetermined location from operation stations based on the biasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Quinn, John Levander, Cameron Mikos
  • Patent number: 7467503
    Abstract: An automatic system for the delivery and distribution of articles in groups comprises a store of articles, a unit for the collection and delivery of articles from the store and a controller associated with the collection and delivery unit in order to control the selective collection of articles from the store and their output as sets of articles logically grouped together. The system further comprises a grouping device which receives the sets of articles logically grouped together as inputs and outputs corresponding packs, groups or bundles of articles physically connected to one another by a restraining loop or strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Swisslog Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Davolio, Franco Gambarelli
  • Patent number: 7409808
    Abstract: A plant for the cold aseptic bottling of a liquid in bottles with a conveyor line on which bottles are moved by at least one bottle handling machine in a sterile space which is separated by a housing from at least one non-sterile space, whereby the housing is formed by at least one circulating part and one stationary part, and whereby at the transition between these parts, a siphon seal is provided which makes possible the relative motion of the parts, which siphon seal comprises at least one annular duct that concentrically surrounds an axis of the circulating part to hold a sealing or barrier fluid on a ring-shaped wall element on the other part of the housing that extends into the barrier fluid located there, with at least one inlet for the feeding of the barrier fluid into the at least one annular duct and with at least one outlet for the discharge of the barrier fluid out of the annular duct, wherein the at least one outlet is realized in the form of an overflow that sets the level of the barrier fluid,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- Und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Volker Till, Daryoush Sangi
  • Patent number: 7404276
    Abstract: A plant for the cold aseptic bottling of a liquid in bottles with a conveyor line on which bottles are moved by at least one bottle handling machine in a sterile space which is separated by a housing from at least one non-sterile space, whereby the housing is formed by at least one circulating part and one stationary part, and whereby at the transition between these parts, a siphon seal is provided which makes possible the relative motion of the parts, which siphon seal comprises at least one annular duct that concentrically surrounds an axis of the circulating part to hold a sealing or barrier fluid on a ring-shaped wall element on the other part of the housing that extends into the barrier fluid located there, with at least one inlet for the feeding of the barrier fluid into the at least one annular duct and with at least one outlet for the discharge of the barrier fluid out of the annular duct, wherein the at least one outlet is realized in the form of an overflow that sets the level of the barrier fluid,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Volker Till, Daryoush Sangi
  • Patent number: 7404277
    Abstract: Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having an information adding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Martin Schach, Klaus Krämer
  • Patent number: 7401444
    Abstract: Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having an information adding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Klaus Krämer, Siegmar Sindermann, Martin Schach, Winfried Schlüter
  • Publication number: 20080155942
    Abstract: A labeling unit having a label holder for at least one first size or format of label, at least one transfer-plate shaft which is at least drivable in rotation and which carries at least one transfer plate for the first size or format of label, a gripper cylinder at least able to be driven in rotation which carries controlled grippers set at least to the first size or format of label, and having pressure-applying members on the gripper cylinder which are associated with the grippers. The label holder, the transfer plate and the gripper cylinder are three main sub-assemblies of the labeling unit which define a transfer path for labels, which co-operate with one another at positions for co-operation and which can be converted for a change of size or format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Horst Winter
  • Patent number: 7383673
    Abstract: A plant for the cold aseptic bottling of a liquid in bottles with a conveyor line on which bottles are moved by at least one bottle handling machine in a sterile space which is separated by a housing from at least one non-sterile space, whereby the housing is formed by at least one circulating part and one stationary part, and whereby at the transition between these parts, a siphon seal is provided which makes possible the relative motion of the parts, which siphon seal comprises at least one annular duct that concentrically surrounds an axis of the circulating part to hold a sealing or barrier fluid on a ring-shaped wall element on the other part of the housing that extends into the barrier fluid located there, with at least one inlet for the feeding of the barrier fluid into the at least one annular duct and with at least one outlet for the discharge of the barrier fluid out of the annular duct, wherein the at least one outlet is realized in the form of an overflow that sets the level of the barrier fluid,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Volker Till, Daryoush Sangi
  • Publication number: 20080072533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and processes for accurately positioning and rotating coupons for application on cigarette packs or pack film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Steven M. Campbell, G. Robert Scott
  • Patent number: 7331156
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for conveying articles for processing, the system including a conveyor configured to convey articles to the processing station. The conveyor includes a plurality of links, each link including at least one movable gripper for gripping an article, articles being gripped by adjacent links so as to achieve a predetermined spacing between the articles. A processing station is disposed along the conveyor, the conveyor being driven so as to move the articles through the processing station maintaining the predetermined spacing via the movable grippers, the processing station including mating elements spaced according to the predetermined spacing for processing the articles. The articles may be containers, and the processing station may be a filler or other container processing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hartness International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hartness, William R. Hartness, III, Mark W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7331152
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles having a beverage bottle orientation and positioning arrangement. The orientation and positioning arrangement includes the use of cameras, and an evaluation and control system. A first camera is configured and disposed to scan the external or peripheral surface of the beverage bottle over a wide area. A second camera is configured and disposed to scan the external or peripheral surface of the beverage bottle over a narrower area than the first camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Herbert Menke
  • Patent number: 7303520
    Abstract: A method and unit for folding coupons on a packing machine, whereby the coupons are fed to at least one folding station having two counter-rotating folding rollers, and at least one locating member located at one end of a feed path of the coupons extending over the two folding rollers; the operating speed of the folding station is determined cyclically, and, as a function of the operating speed of the folding station, the position of the locating member along the feed path of the coupons is adjusted during normal operation of the folding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: G. D Societa′ per Azioni
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Fausto Negrini
  • Publication number: 20070261366
    Abstract: A strip-pack manufacturing apparatus is arranged to receive an article having a projecting portion at a prescribed receiving position and to affix the article to a tape at a prescribed affixing position, and includes a transporting mechanism, a grasping section, a transfer mechanism, an affixing mechanism, and a wrinkle smoothing mechanism. The transporting mechanism is arranged to transport the article to the receiving position with the projecting portion of the article being oriented in front. The transfer mechanism is arranged to transfer the article from the receiving position to the affixing position in a state wherein the article is grasped at the project portion by the grasping section. The affixing mechanism is arranged to affix the article to the tape at the affixing position. The wrinkle smoothing mechanism is disposed at the receiving position and arranged to smooth wrinkles of the projecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshio Iwamoto, Kazumi Kitagawa, Yoshio Iwasaki, Taro Hijikata
  • Patent number: 7293591
    Abstract: A tape mounting system 1 mounts a product X to a strip tape T, and includes a tape holding mechanism, a mounting mechanism and a control unit 70. The tape holding mechanism has a payout roller 61 and a carry-out conveyor 64, and holds the strip tape T in a horizontal state. The mounting mechanism has a clamp 62 and a heater block 63, and mounts the product X to the strip tape T by attaching a portion X2 to the strip tape T. The control unit 70 controls the tape holding mechanism and mounting mechanism such that the portion X2 of the products X vertically overlaps the strip tape T. The tape mounting system that reduces positional deviation of the portion X2 and the strip tape T during the mounting of product X to the tape T caused by positional deviation of the tape T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Nakagawa, Masashi Kondo, Yoshio Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 7287360
    Abstract: A case forming machine is disclosed wherein a pusher engages a trailing panel of a case with its bottom flaps folded to closed position and provided the sole means for moving the case from the folding station through a bottom taping systems thereby eliminating the need for the conventional belt drive used to move the case through the taping station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Peter Makar, Peter Clive Sewell
  • Patent number: 7269930
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles or containers with a liquid beverage which has a labeling device for labeling the bottles or containers. The labeling device has at least two labeling stations, wherein at least one labeling station can be moved from an operating position to a rest position when its supply of labels is exhausted, while at least one other labeling station can be moved from a rest position to an operating position to permit a substantially continuous feed and application of labels to bottles or containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Paul-Gerhard Kahlisch, Klaus-Friedrich Stock, Heinz Thielmann
  • Patent number: 7216469
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a netting and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A novel scissors assembly for severing the netting is disclosed. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper closes and severs the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System Corp.
    Inventors: Edward D. Kirk, Robert Pinto, Eggo L. Haschke
  • Patent number: 7093404
    Abstract: An aim is to provide a bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus which is able to conduct a bag manufacturing at high speed, further to be small in height. A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 1 comprises a bag manufacturing unit that includes a transverse sealing mechanism 17 and a strip mounting unit that includes a transfer mechanism 32. The bag manufacturing unit manufactures bags filled with articles. The transfer mechanism 32 transfers bags manufactured by the bag manufacturing unit diagonally downward. The strip mounting unit mounts bags B to a strip S after they are transferred by means of the transfer mechanism 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michihiro Kubo, Masashi Kondo, Akira Yamamoto, Yukio Nakagawa, David Payne
  • Patent number: 7086210
    Abstract: In order to produce (cigarette) packs with an insert blank (25) applied within the pack or to the outside of the latter, this insert blank is fixed temporarily by virtue of the pack or pack contents being electrostatically charged in the region of the insert blank (25). The pack is completed while the static charge is active, with the result that, by way of pack blanks, the insert coupon (25) is fixed in the envisaged position by the pack itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Jürgen Focke, legal representative, Doris Focke, legal representative, Heido Spöring, Martin Stiller, Heinz Focke, deceased