U-fold Forming Initial Wrap Patents (Class 53/228)
  • Patent number: 11905047
    Abstract: A transport unit transports a package combination through a wrapping unit that wraps it with a cutout such that a front end of the cutout and a rear end of the cutout are arranged to overlap each other while lying on the transport unit. The transport unit includes a wrapping belt that passes through the wrapping unit for conveying the combination along a transport plane from an inlet to an outlet. The wrapping belt comprises long belts and short belts that are parallel to each other and that circulate in a transport direction. The long belts extend from the wrapping-belt inlet to the wrapping-belt outlet and the short belts extends from the wrapping-belt inlet as far as an end region that falls short of the wrapping-belt outlet. Each of the short belts is arranged between a pair of the long belts, thereby forming free spaces between the long belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Cox, Michael Jörissen
  • Patent number: 11697518
    Abstract: A device (1) handling articles comprises at least one work module (30), which can move packages with article placed on a first packaging type and at least one folding mechanism (45) used to erect back and/or front flaps of the first packaging type. Another component of the device (1) is at least one transport module (20), with a transport device (2), along which articles intended for packages of a second packaging type move, where the second packaging type differs from the first packaging type. The at least one folding mechanism (45) and the transport device (2) alternate between an operating position (BP) and a waiting position (WP). The operating positions (BP) and the waiting positions (WP) are configured such that the at least one folding mechanism (45) is disposed exclusively adjacent to the right side or to the left side of the transport means (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Krones Ag
    Inventors: Juergen Werner, Herbert Spindler, Johann Luber, Stephan Wittmann
  • Patent number: 10435188
    Abstract: Described is a machine for wrapping groups (1) of products in a roll, comprising: a packaging unit (2) positioned above a feed channel (3); a transfer element (5) configured for feeding, in a feed direction (V5), to the packaging unit (2) the groups (1) of products in a roll with a corresponding sheet of wrapping material (6); feed and positioning units (8) configured for feeding the sheet (6) of wrapping material inside the vertical channel (3), in a direction (T6) transversal to the direction (V5) for feeding the group (1) of products; the machine also comprises means (9) for controlled retaining and unwinding of the sheet (6) of wrapping material positioned along the vertical feed channel (3); a first movement unit (10) connected to the controlled retaining and unwinding means (9) and configured to move the controlled retaining and unwinding means (9) from a position of free passage of the sheet (6) of wrapping material to a position for bilateral retaining of the sheet (6) of wrapping material positioned
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: TISSUE MACHINERY COMPANY S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Rasi
  • Patent number: 10112776
    Abstract: Device for distributing products to feed lines, comprising: a plurality of outfeed channels (1) each configured for feeding a succession of products (2) along a first feed direction (D1); the plurality of outfeed channels (1) is positioned at a first level (H1); a plurality of infeed channels (3), configured to receive single or lines of products (2) and feed products (2), along a second feed direction (D3); the plurality of infeed channels (3) is positioned at a higher second level (H3), a plurality of pairs of carriages (4) defining corresponding housing pockets (5); a track (6) configured in the form of a closed, ring-shaped path to define a lower operating section (6a) and an upper operating section (6b) and on which move the plurality of pairs of carriages (4) along a direction (D6) transversal to the first (D1) and second (D3) feed directions; the track (6) is interposed between the plurality of outfeed channels (1) and the plurality of infeed channels (3) in such a way as to position along a lower oper
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: TISSUE MACHINERY COMPANY S.P.A.
    Inventor: Michele Rasi
  • Patent number: 9434493
    Abstract: A packaging device includes a conveyance mechanism, a guide portion, a heating portion, and a processor. The conveyance mechanism is configured to convey, in a conveyance direction along a conveyance path, a base on which an object is placed. The guide portion is configured to guide a film for packaging and to move along a movement path. The heating portion is provided below the conveyance path, is configured to heat the film, and includes a plurality of heating units that are arranged parallel to the conveyance path and that are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction. Each of the plurality of heating units includes a heater and an urging portion. The urging portion is configured to urge the heater upward toward the conveyance path. The processor is configured to cause the heating portion to heat the film guided to a lower side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takahashi, Teruo Imamaki
  • Patent number: 9003747
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide an alternative way of wrapping a product with cardboard at faster speed and maintain stacking strength. This accomplished by bending two strips of cardboard into the shape of a U channel where the sides of the U form an angle smaller than 90 degrees with the center part of the U form. The sides of the U channel cardboard will be open by a guide that will allow each U channel cardboard piece to slide around each end of the product without requiring glue to hold the U Channel in position. By maintaining an angle of less than 90 degrees the U channel cardboard acts like a spring clamp around the product and maintains its position on the conveyor belt while the product is film wrapped and the film is heat shrunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Patent number: 9003744
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging a load with film from a film supply has a first wrapping device that forms from the fed film a first film curtain that can be attached to all walls of the load. A folding device in the first wrapping device can fold a film section of the film fed from the film supply such that, after wrapping the load with the first film curtain, the film is attached to the side walls in a lower region of the side walls of the load in a double-layer manner according to the width of the folded film section. A second wrapping device forms from the fed film a second film curtain that the second wrapping device also attaches to the upper wall, to two side walls and to the bottom wall of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: MSK-Verpackungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Hannen
  • Patent number: 8950164
    Abstract: A packaging for a mattress consisting of a wrapping provided by a sheet of heat-sealing plastics, the wrapping comprising two rectangular portions, which are sized to cover the opposite faces of the mattress and have perimetric regions which are folded so as to cover the perimetric band of the mattress and have, along at least two mutually opposite and parallel sides of the mattress, subflaps which are folded outward and heat-sealed to each other, so as to form wings provided with slots adapted to act as handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Resta S.R.L.
    Inventors: Roberto Resta, Paolo Resta
  • Patent number: 8925288
    Abstract: A packing method and unit (11) for folding a sheet (3) of packing material about a group (2) of cigarettes, and having: a first packing conveyor (12) having a first pocket (14) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; a second packing conveyor (18) having a second pocket (20) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; and a transfer device (24) which transfers the group (2), wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material, from the first pocket (14) to the second pocket (20), and has a pusher (26) located at the first pocket (14) and engaging a first base wall (4) of the group (2), and a counter-pusher (27) located at the second pocket and engaging a second base wall (4), opposite the first base wall (4), of the group (2); the pusher (26) and/or the counter-pusher (27) of the transfer device (24) having respective lateral appendixes (28) which engage minor lateral walls (6) of the group (2), when the push
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: G.D Societa'per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Ghini, Roberto Polloni, Andrea Biondi
  • Patent number: 8650841
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low friction gliding plate designed to optimize the process of packing at least one compressible object, such as insulation material, in continuous foil. In addition the present invention relates to a method for using a low friction gliding plate in packaging at least one compressible object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Seelen A/S
    Inventor: Jan Waltersdorph Knoblauch
  • Patent number: 8516780
    Abstract: A method and device for strapping one or more packets with a band, which device substantially comprises a frame, a lying conveyor belt supported by the frame for moving forward the packets, a pair of band clamping and guiding jaws movable toward and away from each other transversely of the conveyor belt, a supply reel associated with a jaw and guide members for the strapping band in addition to welding means co-acting with the jaws for welding together the band portions supplied by the pair of jaws, wherein means for arranging one or more label means at a time on the band are placed along the guide path of this band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Endra B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Johannes Maria Derks
  • Patent number: 8333050
    Abstract: A machine for making outer envelopes (101) in which a filter bag (103) for an infusion product is wrapped in an overwrapping (S) comprises: stations for making the filter bags (103), means (106) for moving the filter bag (103) towards a station (107) for wrapping a sheet (S) of overwrapping material around the filter bag (103); and a station (109) for closing longitudinal end edges (S1, S2) and a transversal end edge (S3) of the “U”-wrapped sheet (S) to form an outer envelope (101); the closing station (109) comprises a joining carrousel (110) equipped with a plurality of sealing elements (112) which are movable in rotation with the joining carrousel (110) and designed to receive respective single filter bags (103) with the folded overwrapping sheet (S) and to allow simultaneous closing of the longitudinal edges (S1, S2) and the transversal edge (S3) of the sheet (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ima Flavour S.R.L.
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Giacomo Noferini, Emanuele Rubbi
  • Patent number: 8266877
    Abstract: A packing method and unit for folding a sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article, the packing unit having: a conveyor for feeding the article along a path; a feed device for feeding the sheet of packing material perpendicularly to the path and in front of the article, so the article, as it moves forward, intercepts and gradually folds the sheet of packing material into a “U”; two lead-in devices mounted to move parallel to the path and positioned on opposite sides of the article, so the article is enclosed between the two lead-in devices; and an actuating device for feeding the two lead-in devices parallel to the path and together with the article, so the sheet of packing material is also intercepted by the lead-in devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Michele Squarzoni, Paolo Degliesposti, Maurizio Ventura
  • Publication number: 20120174534
    Abstract: A method and unit (11) for folding a sheet (5) of wrapping material about a group (2) of cigarettes, the method including the steps of: feeding the group (2) of cigarettes and the sheet (5) of wrapping material into a pocket (14) of a wrapping conveyor (12), so the sheet (5) of wrapping material folds into a U inside the pocket (14) and has an outer portion (8) projecting from the pocket (14), and an inner portion (9) resting on a lateral wall (?a) of the group (2) of cigarettes; folding the inner portion (9) 90° with respect to the lateral wall (6a) of the group (2) of cigarettes, so the inner portion (9) is perpendicular to the lateral wall (6a); folding the outer portion (8) into an L inside the pocket (14), onto the lateral wall (6a) of the group (2) of cigarettes and onto the inner portion (9) perpendicular to the lateral wall (6a), so as to superimpose the outer portion (8) and the inner portion (9) and impart a tubular shape to the sheet (5) of wrapping material; and heat sealing the outer portion (8)
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Luca Cavazza, Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Michele Squarzoni, Andrea Biondi
  • Patent number: 8156717
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for wrapping a stack (12, 13) of superposed sheets, brochures and/or folders with a wrapping sheet (15). The stack (13) is travelling in a first direction (4) on a first conveyor (2) defining a conveying path. A supply of wrapping sheets (14) is placed in line with the first conveyor (2). At the downstream end of the first conveyor (2) a rotating waver wheel (10) is arranged. This waver wheel pulls a top sheet (15) from the supply of wrapping sheets (14) and turns the wrapping sheet (15). Downstream of the first conveyor (2) a second conveyor (3) is provided defining a gap (5) between the first and second conveyors in which the wrapping sheet is inserted. As the stack (13) engages the wrapping sheet (15), the rotating waver wheel (10) folds the sheet around the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schur Packaging Systems A/S
    Inventor: Kristian Jørgensen
  • Patent number: 8037664
    Abstract: A wrapping method and unit for producing a package containing a group of cigarettes and having a cigarette extraction opening; a sheet of wrapping material, complete with the cigarette extraction opening, is fed into a pocket of a wrapping wheel so that the sheet of wrapping material folds into a U inside the pocket; then the group of cigarettes is fed into the pocket containing the U-folded sheet of wrapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Michele Squarzoni, Stefano Serafini, Paolo Degliesposti, Andrea Biondi
  • Patent number: 7997051
    Abstract: A method of folding a sheet (2) of packing material about a group (3) of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall (8a) of the group (3) of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet (2) of packing material, so that the major transverse edges (10) of the group (3) of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet (2) of packing material; folding the sheet (2) of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges (10) of the first end wall (8a), so that the sheet (2) of packing material partly covers both the major lateral walls (6) of the group (3) of cigarettes; folding the sheet (2) of packing material about the minor transverse edges (10) of the first end wall (8a), so that the sheet (2) of packing material completely covers both the major lateral walls (6) and the minor lateral walls (7), and forms a tubular package having one open end at a second end wall (8b); and folding the sheet (2) of packing material onto the second end wall (8b) to complete the foldin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Roberto Polloni
  • Patent number: 7913478
    Abstract: Food service set assembly systems and methods include delivery of one or more utensils and a napkin to a receiving cradle where they are grasped by two fingers attached to a rotatable shaft and wound to a desired tension. Utensils are delivered to the receiving cradle is a uniform alignment via a gravity driven system. Sterilization of the utensils can also be provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Convenience Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Payam Lavi
  • Patent number: 7900424
    Abstract: A method and wrapping unit for producing a package containing a group of cigarettes, and which include: feeding the group of cigarettes along a path; feeding a sheet of wrapping perpendicularly to the path of the group of cigarettes; feeding a tubular spindle along the path of the group of cigarettes to intercept the sheet of wrapping and fold the sheet of wrapping into a U about the tubular spindle; and feeding the group of cigarettes through the tubular spindle to slide the sheet of wrapping off the tubular spindle and apply the U-folded sheet of wrapping to the group of cigarettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: G.D Societa'per Azioni
    Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Luca Testoni, Antonio Vitali, Cristian Dakessian, Andrea Biondi
  • Patent number: 7827769
    Abstract: A method of folding a sheet of packing material, having an extraction opening, about a group of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall of the group of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that the major transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and the minor transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the first end wall, so that the sheet of packing material covers both the major lateral walls of the group of cigarettes completely; folding the sheet of packing material onto a second end wall of the group of cigarettes; and folding the sheet of packing material onto the minor lateral walls of the group of cigarettes; the first end wall of the group of cigarettes is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the sheet of packing material
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: G.D Societa′ per Azioni
    Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Roberto Polloni, Michele Squarzoni, Fausto Negrini, Stefano Negrini
  • Patent number: 7797913
    Abstract: Method for packing groups of products or products of prismatic shape with rectangular or square base, which from a feed or grouping unit are then moved towards a first folding spindle so as to be delivered therefrom wrapped in the shape of a “U” rotated through 90° and open at the back, by a packing sheet which is previously placed in front of the spindle with vertical positioning, characterized in that the product with the packing sheet delivered from the spindle are picked up directly and fed in phase between the parallel and horizontal motorized conveyors of a tilting drum positioned inside which longitudinally, edgewise and parallel with each other, are folding devices which guide the product with the packing laterally and fold on the lateral faces of the product the first flaps with vertical folding, projecting laterally and anterior in the feed direction of the packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: KPL Packaging S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giordano Gorrieri, Moreno Cremonini, Mirko Cassoli
  • Patent number: 7784252
    Abstract: A unit for positioning a sheet (1) of film (2) to cover the tops of product groups (3) comprises: a second roll (12) of film (2); a first carriage (13) that is slidably mounted on guide rails (14) running along an upper horizontal plane and is driven in both directions along the wrapping area (10) by motorized movement means (15); the first carriage (13) is equipped with a first gripper unit (16) designed to grip the free end of the film (2) and to unwind the film (2) for a predetermined length; film (2) cutting means (17) located in the vicinity of the second roll (12) and designed to separate the length of film thus unwound from the rest of the film (2); a second carriage (18) slidably mounted on the guide rails (14) in the vicinity of the cutting means (17); a second gripper unit (19) mounted on the second carriage (18), acting on the film (2) in such a way as to hold the sheet (1) at a second retention point when the cutting means (17) are activated; means (20) for coupling the second carriage (18) to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Aetna Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cere′
  • Patent number: 7739860
    Abstract: Device for packaging items, in particular confectionery, such as for example lollipops, comprising a packaging conveyor having a series of holders rotating along a movement path for holding each item and its associated packaging sheet securely during conveying, a feed station for feeding the items and the packaging sheets to the packaging conveyor and a discharge station for discharging the items packaged on the conveyor, the packaging conveyor being provided with means for closing the packaging sheet on the respective item and with a series of heat-sealing means co-rotating with the holders for heat-sealing the closed packaging by supplying heat, each of the heat-sealing means comprising a sheet gripper which is provided with a heating body, the device furthermore comprising means for heating each heating body and means for controlling the heating means, the control means being designed for controlling the heating means for each heating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: CFS Weert B.V.
    Inventor: Joseph Johan Maria Van Rens
  • Publication number: 20100132312
    Abstract: A packing method and unit for folding a sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article, the packing unit having: a conveyor for feeding the article along a path; a feed device for feeding the sheet of packing material perpendicularly to the path and in front of the article, so the article, as it moves forward, intercepts and gradually folds the sheet of packing material into a “U”; two lead-in devices mounted to move parallel to the path and positioned on opposite sides of the article, so the article is enclosed between the two lead-in devices; and an actuating device for feeding the two lead-in devices parallel to the path and together with the article, so the sheet of packing material is also intercepted by the lead-in devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: G. D SOCIETA'PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Michele Squarzoni, Paolo Degliesposti, Maruizio Ventura
  • Patent number: 7721511
    Abstract: Banding machine in which logs of sheet material are fed by a conveyor belt to a banding device that is adapted to band the logs with a banding web to form a tubular wrapper around the logs. The banding device includes a pusher operated by an actuator, which pushes the log into a channel, in which a packaging sheet is arranged, stretched in front of the log, as an obstacle. The conveyor belt and the packaging apparatus are arranged at different heights, respectively at a first and a second height (H1 and H2). A pusher is be provided, operated by a piston at the first height (H1), in addition to a pusher provided at the second height (H2), independent from each other. Further, a lifting member is provided, which receives the log from the first pusher and moves from the first height (H1) to the second height (H2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: MTC-Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • Patent number: 7669387
    Abstract: Transponders are used for identifying objects such as packaging, packaging material or machines and machine elements and are attached to the object to be identified. The transponders contain data which are provided by an electronic write unit and which can be recognized by a read unit. The transponders are provided in a concealed manner on the machines, machine parts, etc. or are embedded in the machine part, for example, inside a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Jurgen Focke, legal representative, Doris Focke, legal representative, Tobias Jacobi, Gisbert Engel
  • Patent number: 7654386
    Abstract: A machine (1) for wrapping bundles (2) of roll products (3), where the products (3) are grouped together in piles (4), comprises a bundle (2) forming line (6), equipped with a chain conveyor (7), and a product (3) feed line (12) that serves the forming line (6); the feed line (12) having an elevator (13) which is equipped with a product (3) supporting platform (14) and which is vertically mobile under the forming line (6) between a lowered position where it receives the products (3) and a raised position where it delivers the products (3) to the forming line (6); a screw mechanism, fixed to a fixed machine mounting structure and screwed on a lead nut placed inside a mounting frame, adjusts the position of the chain conveyor, the pair of pulleys and the pusher rods relative to the raised position of the product supporting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tissue Machinery Company S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Dall'omo, Christian Zagnoni
  • Patent number: 7650730
    Abstract: On a packing machine, packets of cigarettes, selected from different alternative packets of cigarettes of at least a first and second type, are produced by transferring groups of cigarettes relative to the selected type of packet from a forming path to a first packing path, along which an inner sheet of packing material is folded about each group of cigarettes, and then to a second packing path, along which at least a collar is folded about each group of cigarettes and on top of the inner sheet of packing material; each group of cigarettes is then transfer red, depending on the type of packet selected, to a third packing path, along which folding of a first outer blank about each group of cigarettes is completed to form a packet of cigarettes of the first type, or to a fourth packing path, along which folding of a second outer blank about each group of cigarettes is completed to form a packet of cigarettes of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Roberto Polloni, Andrea Biondi, Alessandro Minarelli
  • Patent number: 7555876
    Abstract: For the purpose of wrapping articles, in particular groups (19) of packs, in a blank (10), use is made of a folding turret (21) having a single pocket (23) passing through its diameter. Lateral boundaries of the pocket (23) comprise belts (30, 31) which, upon introduction of a group (19) of packs with blank (10), can be moved in the pushing-in direction and which butt in a friction-free manner against legs (27, 28) of the blank (10), which is folded in a U-shaped manner. A block-form stop component (37) can be moved within the pocket (23) from one end position to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Alfred Drenguis, Michael Wegmann, Andreas Storcks
  • Patent number: 7530208
    Abstract: A cigarette packing method and machine, whereby blanks, fed successively along a feed path inside respective feed pockets, are fed to a loading station where each blank is transferred, by a pusher and along a transfer path, to a respective packing pocket fed to the loading station along a packing path, and is folded partly, during transfer along the transfer path, to define a seat for receiving a respective wrapped group of cigarettes, and which is formed by feeding the blank and the pusher through a folding spindle located, at the loading station, between the feed path and the packing path and along the transfer path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Alessandro Minarelli, Luca Cavazza
  • Patent number: 7503153
    Abstract: Banding machine for packaging logs of stacks of folded, overlapped or interfolded sheets applies a banding web of paper or plastic film on four longitudinal sides. During motion of the web in a direction orthogonal to the drawings, a glue gun spreads a glue line the length of the web, near the lower free wing. The packaging web crosses the walls at upper and lower gaps. Pushing the compressed log in the channel, the packaging web is arranged stretched in front of the log, the log being pushed against the packaging web well beyond the gap, causing self-packaging, i.e. the log is wound for ¾ by the web, leaving two free wings with the second having glue on it. At least one of the sections includes a movable portion, which can be a rotating wall, for enlarging the gap to allow the movement of the glued zone of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: MTC-Machine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • Patent number: 7412808
    Abstract: A device and method for assembling a food service set comprising at least one napkin wrapped around one or more utensils and secured by an adhesive band. The device includes a magazine subsystem including one or more magazines for containing and dispensing the at least one napkin, the one or more utensils, and the adhesive band. The device further includes an integrator subsystem configured to integrate the at least one napkin, the one or more utensils, and the adhesive band together. A processor subsystem is configured to roll the at least one napkin around the one or more utensils and to secure the adhesive band around the at least one napkin. A receiver subsystem is configured for receiving the service set. A sterilization system is provided to sterilize the utensils prior to, or after, being assembled into a service pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Convenience Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Payam Lavi
  • Patent number: 7318523
    Abstract: A rigid container for tobacco items, defined by a tubular lateral wall (11) and by at least one end wall (6), and wherein one of the two walls (6, 11) has at least one inwardly concave portion (13; 82; 91; 96; 102; 113), and the other wall has at least one flat portion (8; 114), which mates with the concave portion (13; 82; 91; 96; 102; 113) along a convex outer edge portion (10, 115) of its own, and is formed from a panel (6?; 6?, 6?; 121a, 122a) having a first portion (6?a; 6?a, 6?a; 128) corresponding to the flat portion (8; 114), and a peripheral second portion defined by at least one curved strip (20; 20?, 20?; 127) bounded internally by a curved crease line (19; 19?, 19?; 126) extending along the convex outer edge portion (10; 115); the strip (20, 20?, 20?; 127) being folded squarely, by drawing, to define a convex border (23; 129) extending along the convex outer edge portion (10; 115), and being made integral with an inner surface of the concave portion (13; 82; 91; 96; 102; 113).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 7316103
    Abstract: A continuous motion packaging system for packaging a series of articles in cartons as the cartons are moved along a carton conveyor. A series of selector wedges engage and form groups of articles received on the cartons, which are folded or wrapped about the articles as the cartons are moved forwardly along a packaging path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20070271872
    Abstract: Banding machine for logs (1) of sheet material fed by a conveyor belt (2) to a packaging apparatus adapted to band it with a banding web (11) up to form a tubular wrapper around it. The packaging apparatus of the banding machine comprises a pusher (7) operated by an actuator (8), which pushes the log (1) in a channel (10) where a packaging sheet (11) is arranged stretched in front of the log, as an obstacle, along all the length of the machine through a passage (12). According to the invention, the conveyor belt (2) and the packaging apparatus (7) are arranged at different heights, respectively at a first and a second height (H1 and H2). Another pusher (14) can be provided, operated by a cylinder piston (15) at a first height (H1), in addition to the pusher (7) at the second height (H2), independent from each other. Furthermore, a lifting member (13) is provided, which receives the log (1) from the first pusher (14) and moves from the first height (H1) to the second height (H2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: MTC- MACCHINE TRASFORMAZIONE CARTA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro DE MATTEIS
  • Patent number: 7269931
    Abstract: An overwrapping machine for packets of cigarettes, wherein a first feed line feeds the packets of cigarettes successively along a first path, and a second feed line feeds sheets of transparent packing material successively along a second path intersecting the first path at a cross station to pair each packet with a respective sheet of packing material; and wherein a guide for the packets is located upstream from the cross station, and has an output end, for the packets, facing the cross station; the guide is movable to and from a forward operating position, in which the guide forms part of the first path, and the output end of the guide is positioned substantially contacting the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: G.D. Societa per Anzioni
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Stefano Negrini
  • Patent number: 7197862
    Abstract: A log packaging apparatus for packaging logs using a turret or a shuttle. The turret or shuttle can be used in conjunction with a wrap conveyor. The turret system can include a rotatable turret with at least one clamp movable into different positions in the apparatus, a log station at which logs are received, and a log ejector for ejecting logs from the log station into clamps of the turret. Logs can be ejected from the log station, through wrap material, and into the turret clamps. In other embodiments, a wrap conveyor inserts wrap material between a shuttle and a log station at which logs are received. Logs in such embodiments can pass from the log station to the shuttle through the wrap material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Daoust, Joseph A. Yachinich, Dennis P. Couturier
  • Patent number: 7165377
    Abstract: In order to be able to prepare a postman's walk containing both letters (L) and “large format” flat postal objects (P) in a single pass: the letters and the large format objects are moved in series using a conveyor (3) over the bins of a bin carrousel (4) that is stationary, with the successive bins of the carrousel corresponding to different successive delivery points in the postman's walk; each letter or large format object on the conveyor is directed towards that one of the bins of the carrousel which corresponds to the delivery point for the letter or large format object; and when all of the letters and large format objects of the postman's walk have been grouped together by delivery points in the bins of carrousel, the bin carrousel is set into motion in order to bring each bin in succession to a location (5) where the bin is emptied into a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventors: Francois Gillet, Chifflet Raymond, Olivier De Sousa
  • Patent number: 7152388
    Abstract: An upper jaw of the gripper is provided posteriorly to a fulcrum shaft, with opposed portions for a double effect cooperation with an eccentric element keyed on the shaft which controls the orientation of the gripper. The opening and closure movement of the gripper, in an appropriate phase of the distributor (D) of the film, is ensured by the cooperation of a roller of an action lever of the fulcrum shaft with a cam-function lever, horizontally fulcrumed with one end of a support fixed to the frame of the machine and provided on the other end with a trigger and hook device which, when actuated by the roller, deactivates and allows the lifting of the lever via an elastic return device. Subsequent to the lifting, the gripper closes and grasps the film from the distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: A.W.A.X. Progettazione E Ricerca S.r.l.
    Inventor: Renato Rimondi
  • Patent number: 7127873
    Abstract: A unit for packing products, wherein a feed line, for supplying a strip of packing material, feeds the strip with a given movement to a cutting device for cutting the strip into a succession of sheets of packing material, and then to a feed station for feeding each sheet to a packing wheel moving with a further movement through the feed station; and wherein a compensating roller, having a compensating store, is interposed between the cutting device and the feed station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: G.D. Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Alver Tacchi, Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 7124554
    Abstract: A method and machine for producing a package with a coupon, whereby a product is fed to a packing station via a feed station, where the coupon is applied on to a top wall of the product; at the packing station, a sheet of packing material is wrapped about the product to enclose both the product and the coupon, and, between the feed station and the packing station, the coupon is subjected to an electric field and charged electrostatically, so as to adhere electrostatically to the product; the electric field is generated by at least one fixed guide, which is parallel to the path so as to face the top wall of the product, and comprises a number of conducting bodies having a high direct voltage with respect to an electric earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: G.D. Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Franco Spisni, Marco Musiani, Flavio Trebbi, Stefano Negrini
  • Patent number: 7107737
    Abstract: A machine and method for producing a package by folding a sheet of packing material about a respective article; a packing conveyor feeds along a packing path a folding head, which houses the package and has an electrically heated activating member for applying heat to a portion of the package; the folding head also has a movable magnetic core, which has a coil connected electrically to the activating member, and is positioned facing and coupled magnetically to a fixed magnetic core positioned parallel to the packing path; in use, a coil coupled to the fixed magnetic core is supplied with electric current to induce flow of a corresponding electric current through the coil of the movable magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: G. D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 7062890
    Abstract: A packing machine provided with a wrapping conveyor moving along a wrapping path and having a plurality of recesses each of which is designed to receive a respective article together with a respective wrapping sheet; and with a plurality of folding stations successively arranged along the wrapping path, each folding station comprising folding units arranged to cooperate with the wrapping sheets to fold the same around respective articles; the folding unit in at least one of the folding station has a folding device presenting a fixed block and a movable block defining respective contiguous flat surfaces blending along a fold line; the movable block is activated by an articulated parallelogram actuating device having two connecting rods connected by cranks hinged to the fixed block to rotate, with respect to the fixed block, about respective axes parallel to the fold line; the movable block being hinged to the two connecting rods, and defining a further crank rotating, with respect to the fixed block, about an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Fabrizio Tale′, Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 7000370
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for stretch wrapping articles, especially heads of lettuce, wherein a roll (23) of film (24) is supported on a housing (21), and the film is supplied from the roll around a dancer roller (50) and film feed roller (51) to a pair of film feed grippers (33, 34) which grip a leading edge of the film and advance it past an opening (26), whereupon a clamp (27) engages the leading edge of the film to hold it while the grippers release and return to their home position. Additional clamps (28–32) then engage the film to hold it in place over the opening. A head of lettuce (L) is placed on the film in centered relation to the opening, and a ram (37) engages the lettuce and pushes it against the film to stretch the film through and below the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Adam T. Bryant, Arnold Lipes, Bruno Wetter
  • Patent number: 6931816
    Abstract: A packaging mechanism has a loading bed moveable between a loading position and a second position. A plate-like member is moveable with respect to the loading bed between a retracted position for loading and a second position for package sealing. The plate-like member has a hinged portion. A sealing member is positioned at an end of the hinged portion. The sealing member seals a wrap about a sequenced group of product to form a package when the plate-like member is positioned over the loading bed. A clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism is positioned proximate to the loading bed when the loading bed is in the first position. The clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism clamps, cuts and serrates the wrap. A method of packaging is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: J. Edward Roth
  • Patent number: 6922978
    Abstract: The press comprises at least one final pressing station with a standing press comprising one upper pressing plate and one lower pressing plate; the plates are fitted on coaxial coupling attachments (202) and turned on the vertical axis X—X with the bale after final pressing; a lateral sheet (T10) is unwound from a vertical axis reel (206) and is wrapped laterally on the bale, at least partially, by effect of the rotation of the pressing plates, obtained by the presence of the coupling attachments; a cutting device and fasteners (208, 228) for temporary fastening of the ends of the piece (TS) of sheet (T10) to the plates of the press, for binding are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Gualchierani Textile Automation S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Gualchierani
  • Patent number: 6918226
    Abstract: The automatic utensil wrapping machine is an apparatus for wrapping a napkin around one or more utensils for use as a place setting. The apparatus comprises a housing, a support frame and an assembly of elements mounted to the support frame. The assembly of elements includes a napkin lifting station, a napkin wrapping station, a napkin transfer station, a utensil transfer station, and a napkin folding station. The apparatus wraps each napkin around a predetermined amount of utensils without the need for human contact. The napkins are wrapped by first positioning a stack of napkins on the lifting station, then individually transferring napkins from the lifting station to the wrapping station. The utensils are then transferred from the individual cartridges and placed onto the napkin. Two opposing corners of the napkin are then folded over and the napkin is subsequently wrapped around the utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Heilman, Eric A. Heilman, Andre LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6904738
    Abstract: A method and a unit for packing groups of products, each group of products is fed together with a respective blank at a loading station to a radial first seat of a first wheel, the blank is first folded into a U and then completely folded about the group to form a packed group, the packed group is then transferred together with a sheet of overwrapping material at a transfer station to a radial second seat of a second wheel, the sheet of overwrapping material is first folded into a U and then folded completely about the packed group to form an overwrapped group; the blank and the sheet of overwrapping material both being fed successively to the same gripper associated with the first seat and fitted to the first wheel at a location downstream from the first seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Spatafora, Alver Tacchi
  • Patent number: 6892515
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for banding palletized products comprises: a conveyor (2), extending in a direction of feed (A), for transporting pallets (3), each bearing a stack (4) of products; a gantry structure (5) mounted over the conveyor (2) and equipped with two pairs (6, 7) of film reels, each pair being mounted at a different height from the other on the gantry uprights (5a, 5b) in such a way as to form two bands (8, 9) of film positioned transversely relative to the uprights (5a, 5b) so as to intercept the front of the product stack (4) as it moves forward; a pair of units (10, 11) for sealing and cutting the film bands (8, 9) supported by the gantry structure (5) on the rear side of the latter relative to the direction of feed (A), and mobile between an idle position, where the units (10, 11) are close to the uprights (5a, 5b), and a working position, where the units (10, 11) are away from the uprights (5a, 5b) so that each intercepts, seals and cuts a respective portion of the film bands (8, 9) wrapped around
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Aetna Group, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cere′
  • Patent number: 6892514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for wrapping bundles of printed matter by placing a folded film sheet around such bundles when these are conveyed to and through a wrapping station. The apparatus includes a lower, through-going belt conveyor with mutually separated conveyor straps and a couple of overhead band conveyors in line with each other creating a transverse gap between them. Below the spaces between the lower conveyor straps and just below the gap a transverse row of compressed air nozzles directed upwards is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Schur Packaging Systems A/S
    Inventor: Ernst Dahl Kragh