Contents Or Receptacle Transfer Between Conveyers Patents (Class 53/251)
  • Patent number: 11958650
    Abstract: A method for producing packagings (12a; 12b), in particular cartons, in which in at least one method step packaging parts (32a; 32b), in particular carton parts, are conveyed by a transport device (14a; 14b) having a planar drive. The packaging parts (32a; 32b) are in each case moved via at least one platform (30a; 30b) of the transport device (14a; 14b) which is movable by the planar drive, and are processed during a movement that is induced by the platform (30a; 30b). At least one processing step for producing a packaging (12a; 12b) from a packaging part (32a; 32b) is realized at least partly by a force generated by the at least one movable platform (30a; 30b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Syntegon Packaging Systems AG
    Inventors: Andreas Baechle, Philipp Kuettel, Roger Meili
  • Patent number: 11866217
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine (100) for arranging elements, preferably cartons (K), on pallets (Z), wherein the packaging machine (100) has the following: a palletizing station (180) that has a platform (181) and a Scara robot (182), which is positioned on the platform (181) and which is embodied to move elements, preferably cartons (K), to be stowed on pallets (Z); a pallet feed (190), which is embodied to feed empty pallets (Z) along a path, wherein the platform (181) is embodied in a bridge-like manner and the path extends through under the platform (181) of the palletizing station (180) to a pallet loading station (191).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Linus Wöhle
  • Patent number: 11866254
    Abstract: The invention relates to an overhead conveyor system (1a . . . 1d) with hanging bags (2, 2a . . . 2d), which are adjustable between a transport position and a loading position and which are designed for transporting articles (4, 4a . . . 4i), with a loading station (5a . . . 5d), at which a hanging bag (2, 2a . . . 2d) can be loaded with an article (4, 4a . . . 4i), and with an overhead conveying device (6, 6a . . . 6d) for transporting a hanging bag (2, 2a . . . 2d) into the loading station (5a . . . 5d) and for transporting the hanging bag (2, 2a . . . 2d) out of the loading station (5a . . . 5d). The overhead conveyor system (1a . . . 1d) further comprises a measuring device (11a . . . 11d), by means of which an expansion (a) of the bag body (3) in a transport direction of the loaded hanging bag (2, 2a . . . 2d) is determined in the transport position of the bag body (3). Moreover, the invention relates to a method for operating such an overhead conveyor system (1a . . . 1d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TGW Mechanics GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Reischl
  • Patent number: 11802004
    Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising: a belt body (13), one rotatable portion (12) coupled to the belt body (13) and configured to turn relative to the belt body (13). The rotatable portion comprises a plurality of sub-elements (17), with each one of said sub-elements being rotatably connected to an adjacent sub-element and having first opposite side portions and second opposite side portions; each one of the sub-elements (17) further comprises: one or more first annular features (19) at each of the first opposite side portions, one or more second annular features (20) at each the second opposite side portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Cryovac, LLC
    Inventors: Giulio Benedetti, Haris Nazic
  • Patent number: 11767176
    Abstract: A sensor-based monitor system for a conveyor belt station are described. A conveyor device in the conveyor belt station includes a conveyor belt that transports containers. A bracket is connected a surface of the conveyor device, a first sensor device is connected to the bracket, and a second sensor device is connected to the bracket. A conveyor controller is configured to control the motor, which causes the conveyor belt to move based on the first sensor device receiving a first light beam reflected by a corresponding first reflective surface and on the second sensor device receiving a second light beam reflected by a corresponding second reflective surface. An object, different from the containers, is detected on the conveyor belt based on the first sensor device receiving the first light beam and on the second sensor device ceasing to receive the second light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: German Valle Gomez, Jorge Munoz Parra
  • Patent number: 11724885
    Abstract: A conveyor for a packaging apparatus comprising a conveyor having a conveyor belt (2) with a rotatable portion (12) comprising a plurality of sub-elements (17). Each one of the sub-elements (17) comprises first annular features and second annular features. The first annular features of a sub-element mate with the second annular features of an adjacent sub-element forming a coupling seat where a pin is inserted to rotatably connect the two adjacent sub-elements. The rotatable portion (12) carries driving pieces which are put into motion by a control mechanism such that upon displacement of the conveyor belt (2) a corresponding rotation by 90° or multiples thereof is imparted to the rotatable portion (12). A packaging apparatus using the above conveyor belt is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Cryovac, LLC
    Inventors: Giulio Benedetti, Haris Nazic
  • Patent number: 11623777
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a first transfer station to receive a plurality of products thereon, a staging station comprising a track and a plurality of shuttle members configured to move along a path defined by the track, and a second transfer station comprising a robotic arm coupled to a plurality of gripping members. The plurality of gripping members can be configured to pick up the plurality of products from one or more of the plurality of shuttle members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventors: David Nichols, Karl Robrock
  • Patent number: 11603224
    Abstract: A method of collating packages that includes receiving a plurality of packages in a main channel of a collation module, conveying the packages in the main channel along parallel grooves having a first portion arranged perpendicularly to the main channel, and conveying the packages in the main channel along a second portion of the parallel grooves angled towards a first side of the collation module, where each package passes through first and second portions of a single groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Remedi Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Bailey, Bobby O. Archer, Kimberly Hawkes
  • Patent number: 11465847
    Abstract: A method for order-picking goods in which individual goods are removed from store from a goods collection, are combined in accordance with stipulations to form goods groups and, in the form of these goods groups, are output for further processing. A simple and flexible type of order picking is achieved in that the combining of goods to form goods groups is carried out in pockets suspended on a suspension conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Stefan Sutter
  • Patent number: 11434084
    Abstract: A method and a device for opening a transport bag for loading and/or unloading, wherein the transport bag is conveyed along a conveying path by a conveyor system, in a suspended manner, to a device for opening the transport bag. The transport bag has a front and rear wall and a movable push element, which effects a relative movement of the front and rear wall with respect to one another between a closed bag state and an open bag state. An actively moved push device exerts a pushing force on a first end of the push element of the transport bag and the push element is converted from an idle conformation into a conformation subjected to a pushing force. The front and rear wall are thus moved relative to one another in the direction of an open bag state and the transport bag is opened for loading and/or unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventors: Marcel Ramseier, Erwin Stauber, Martin Keller
  • Patent number: 11358794
    Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins being in communication with a retrieval conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and is adapted for movement of the programmable motion device along a first direction, and a plurality of destination bins that are provided in at least one linear arrangement along the first direction of movement of the programmable motion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, Victoria Hinchey, Jennifer Eileen King, Thomas Koletschka, Michael Cap Koval, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, William Chu-Hyon McMahan, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 10829250
    Abstract: A machine for filling a secondary container with a plurality of primary containers is provided. The machine includes a frame, a secondary container filling section coupled to the frame and configured to position the primary containers within the secondary container, and a first rail member coupled to the frame. The first rail member includes a chain, a support rail that extends in a longitudinal direction between a supply source of secondary containers and the secondary container filling section, and at least one longitudinally extending interface surface coupled to the support rail and configured to receive the chain, such that the chain is movable in the longitudinal direction. The first rail member also includes an articulated chain cover secured to, and movable with, the chain, the articulated chain cover defining a support surface on which the secondary containers are conveyable between the supply source and the secondary container filling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio, Michael F. Flagg
  • Patent number: 10046876
    Abstract: In the method for transferring at least one item to be packaged into a container and for transporting the filled container onward the at least one item to be packaged is conveyed in a conveying direction to a transfer position by a linear motor transport device. The at least one item to be packaged is then moved from the transfer position to an intermediate storage area, which is arranged next to the transport device. A container is conveyed in the conveying direction to the transfer position by the linear motor transport device, and the at least one item to be packaged is moved back from the intermediate storage area to the transport device, thus filling the container. Afterwards, the filled container is moved onward in the conveying direction by the linear motor transport device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Aumann, Daniel Zieher, Wolfgang Rodi, Fritz Fochler, Mathias Wegerer, Joerg Riekenbrauck, Juergen Haaga
  • Patent number: 10017285
    Abstract: An apparatus displaces and positions items in a predetermined configuration. The apparatus includes a grouping station, a grouping manipulator using at least two degrees of freedom and having a prehension end-effector and a placing manipulator using at least four degrees of freedom and having a prehension end-effector. The grouping manipulator is configured to pick items at a first item location, displace the items towards the grouping station, and release the items at the grouping station to form a group of items. The placing manipulator is configured to pick the group of items at the grouping station, change an orientation of the group of items, and release the group of items at a receiving station in the predetermined configuration. A method displaces and positions items in a predetermined configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: PREMIER TECH TECHNOLOGIES LTEE
    Inventors: Jean-Robert Boudreau, Michel Corriveau, Yannick Savard, Sebastien Soucy
  • Patent number: 9944419
    Abstract: A system comprising a staging area and a packing area. The staging area may include a plurality of staging bins and a shuttle moveable along the plurality of staging bins. A staging bin of the plurality of staging bins may be configured to selectively retain a component of an order therein. Such staging bin may be configured to selectively release the component to the shuttle. The packing area may include a slide, a scanner, and a wrap seal conveyor. The shuttle may be configured to release the component onto the slide, and the scanner may be operable to scan and verify the component during placement of the component onto the wrap seal conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Joplin, Robert E. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8997438
    Abstract: A robotic case packing system loads articles from one conveyor into containers on another conveyor using a robotic pick and place mechanism and a set of pivoting bins. A controller moves the robotic mechanism in first picking movements to pick and place articles from the conveyor into the first bin. Once the first bin is full, the controller pivots the first bin to allow the articles stacked in the first bin to be loaded into a container held below. While the first bin is pivoting, the controller moves the robotic mechanism to pick and place articles from the conveyor into the second bin. The process repeats with the controller pivoting the second bin during the picking movements used to fill the first bin and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: David M. Fallas
  • Publication number: 20150082754
    Abstract: A carrier element for use in a packaging device is provided wherein the carrier element is connectable with at least one transport device of the packaging device. The carrier element comprises at least one receiving surface for receiving at least one package. The receiving surface comprises at least one suction opening for fixing the package by suction. The carrier element further comprises at least one pressure reservoir connected to the suction opening. The carrier element further comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure inside the pressure reservoir. A packaging device for packaging at least one product into at least one package is also disclosed. The packaging device comprises at least one carrier element and at least one transport device, wherein the carrier element is connected to the transport device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Jasiulek, Andreas Trapp
  • Publication number: 20150041355
    Abstract: Tubes for storing unit doses of drugs are disclosed, the tubes may include an elongate outer casing having two open ends, an inner structure inside said casing, which includes two opposite symmetrical walls connected at the ends thereof and ribbed on the inner surfaces thereof such as to enable the insertion and fastening of a blister pack containing a unit dose of a drug in channels opposite to said walls, and a pulling means for inserting and extracting the inner structure from the outer casing. Devices and methods for filling the tube with unit doses of drugs is also disclosed, along with cabinets for dispensing unit doses of drugs from said storage tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Isish healthcare System, S.L.
    Inventors: Rafael Maria Lopez Losada, José Maria Argüello Martinez, Josep Monterde Junyent, Julio Martinez Cutillas
  • Publication number: 20150027084
    Abstract: A container filling apparatus of the present invention includes: a first supply apparatus configured to supply a content; a rotational body having a placement portion configured to carry the contents supplied by the first supply apparatus, the rotational body being configured to rotate with respect to an axis thereof to turn the placement portion; a second supply apparatus configured to place a container from above on the content placed in an upward-facing state on the placement portion; and an engagement portion provided on the rotational body and configured to engage with the container that is placed over the content by the second supply apparatus, wherein the container is disengageable from the engagement portion by the container being rotated by the rotational body at an angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Navarro Rosales, Yoshifumi Morita
  • Patent number: 8931240
    Abstract: A shuttle system including a main conveyor for transporting food products in a longitudinal direction, a supply of open top containers displaced along a longitudinal direction and movable in the longitudinal direction into a filling station. The shuttle system includes a shuttle robot for moving food products from the main conveyor to an open top container in the filling station. A sensor for receiving food product position data and a controller receiving data from the sensor and for instructing operation of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Lindee
  • Patent number: 8820037
    Abstract: A thermoforming packaging machine according to the disclosure comprises a forming station for producing packaging troughs in a bottom foil, and a filler for filling the packaging troughs with products. The filler is arranged at a transition region for conveying the packaging troughs from a first transport plane to a second transport plane. A corresponding method for filling packaging troughs with products is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 8783000
    Abstract: Improved product handling and transfer apparatus includes rotatable product buckets for receiving product and re-orienting product for packaging in diverse configurations or containers. Buckets preferably include channels spanned by deposited product or receiving product therein, with bucket turning as appropriate to a packaging configuration. Flat bottom buckets and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: R. A. Jones & Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Wintring, R. Todd Gatman
  • Patent number: 8769913
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus (A) are disclosed, for transferring a plurality of tubular receptacles (1) made of a fragile material, suitable for containing doses of medicinal substances, for example barrels (1) for syringes or vials, from containers (2, 20), in which the receptacles (1) are housable separated from one another, to a packing machine (M) for processing the receptacles (1). Each container (2, 20) houses a multiplicity of receptacles (1) and is transportable by a conveyor line (L) towards the packing machine (M). The method includes the following steps: a. collecting a plurality of receptacles (1) from a container (2, 20), maintaining the receptacles (1) separated from one another; b. arranging the collected receptacles (1) at an inlet (I) of the packing machine (M), in a predefined formation and kept separated from one another, and c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 8757355
    Abstract: Method and device for loading a container with products which are made up of individual thin sheets of glass (1) of a large surface area or with individual sheets of glass (1), in particular photovoltaic modules, TFT screens or component parts thereof, comprising the following features: a) means for respectively bringing into place individual sheets of glass (1) or products made up of various sheets of glass (1), b) a vertical adjuster with a sliding carriage (16) and supporting forks (12), c) a transverse transporting device (18) for loading, d) a device for transferring force from the transverse transporting device (18) to a transporting belt (8) respectively of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Weigl
  • Patent number: 8714340
    Abstract: The invention can be used with an automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A take-away feeder is positioned over the vertical stacker table and is arranged to withdraw individual envelopes from the vertical stack in a sideways direction. The envelope is then redirected in a downward direction by ejecting the envelope into an open space. A downward tamping mechanism positioned above the open space moves downward to push on a top edge of the free-floating envelope. A downward transport positioned beneath the open space receives and transports envelopes pushed downward by the downward tamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Keane, Donato C. Farole, Glenn A. Nester
  • Patent number: 8713899
    Abstract: A goods-to-person picking station and method of picking goods from a product container and placing the goods in at least one order container includes a product container-handling mechanism and at least one order container-handling mechanism juxtaposed with the product container-handling mechanism. The product container-handling mechanism supplies a product container to a pick area. The at least one order container-handling mechanism supplies at least one order container to the pick area. In this manner, an operator can pick goods from a product container at the pick area and place the goods selectively to the at least one order container at the pick area. The product container-handling mechanism includes a product container elevator assembly and a product container extractor assembly. The elevator assembly elevates a product container from the feed area to the pick area. The extractor assembly transfers a product container from the pick area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Philipp J. Hortig, Matthew A. Steenwyk, Aaron J. Hayden, Raffaele Destro, Beat Losenegger
  • Patent number: 8549818
    Abstract: In a process for introducing individual products into containers by means of a picker line comprising at least two pickers individual products are individually picked and transposed to containers. The individual products and the containers are delivered in counterflow on at least one transportation device for the individual products and on at least one transportation device for the containers. The delivery of a next container to be filled into the transposition area of the picker line is controlled by any picker. The picker which is controlling the delivery of the next container to be filled is determined by the number of currently introduced products at the infeed of the picker line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Veltru AG
    Inventors: Matthias Ehrat, Jürgen Renner
  • Publication number: 20130199132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing stacks of slices (10) from slices (14) packed individually in film, in particular cheese slices, wherein a dispensing roller (1) is provided between the cutting unit (2) and the slice feeding unit (3, 4), first dispensing the slices (14) packed individually in film by the cutting unit (2) transverse to the horizontal main conveyor direction (15), and then transferring said slices to at least two slice conveyor elements (5) of the slice collecting and stacking unit (5-9) by means of two separate conveyor belts (3, 4) of the slice feeding unit (3, 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Eugen Fakler
  • Patent number: 8490774
    Abstract: A loading station for transport bags transported in an overhead conveyor system comprises an upper supply rail for the transport bags, a vertical conveyor which adjoins the supply rail for moving the transport bags into a lower loading position, a device for opening the transport bags in the loading position and a lower discharge rail which adjoins the vertical conveyor for discharging the transport bags from the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Janzen
  • Patent number: 8413790
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synchronizing, and a transfer device for synchronizing, a movement pattern between two units in a packaging line, wherein one unit is intermittently operated and the second unit is continuously operated. The invention is particularly intended for a transfer device between an intermittently operated filler unit and a continuously operated cartoning machine. The transfer device is provided with a frame (13) arranged to support tube pickers-/placers (28) and is arranged to perform a simultaneous pivoting movement about a first and a second shaft (16, 31), and for rotation about a third shaft (48) at right angles to the second shaft (31). The frame is further provided with means for adjusting the spacing between the tubes and means for compensating for differences in vertical position during the rotating movement in the case where the containers picked from the part circular conveyor of the filling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Norden Machinery AB
    Inventor: Jan Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8393132
    Abstract: A packaging station of a packaging machine for filling containers with products, the station comprising a transport device for feeding the products along a feed path and via first and second charging paths which run parallel to said feed path and transport the containers. The containers are filled by a filling device designed to seize one or more of the products from the feed path and to place said seized products into one or more containers on one or other of the charging paths. The charging paths consist of the following sequence of items, listed in order in the displacement direction of the containers to be filled: a set-up assembly, a transport device and a sealing unit. The device and method permit a more rapid filling of packaging materials with products in a relatively small space, in particular on a platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Juerg Waeckerlin
  • Patent number: 8387349
    Abstract: A machine for cartoning products incorporates a cardboard box forming section, at least one box conveyor, and one robotic loading section. The machine includes a section for closing boxes, for example by folding and gluing the respective flaps. The closing section is fed directly by the box conveyor. During the closing operation, a servo-train of the conveyor is operated with a forward motion synchronized with the work cycle of a closing device of the closing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: CAMA1, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Bellante
  • Patent number: 8112969
    Abstract: This present application relates to a transport system for the transport of bottles or similar containers between at least a first machine, for example a blow molding machine for the manufacture of the containers out of plastic, and at least one second machine, for example a filling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventors: Martin Backhaus, Thomas Stienen
  • Patent number: 8082722
    Abstract: The device places filled and sealed collapsible containers. The device has a gripping unit with a number of finger pairs that correspond to the number of containers in a packing state. The gripping unit has a gripping state in which each finger is arranged to make a squeezing motion such that the contents of the container forms an inner counter-pressure structure to provide a well-defined grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolean Research & Development A/S
    Inventor: Per Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 8015776
    Abstract: A product packaging system is provided having a series of selector wedges that engage the lower portions of a series of products moving along a product infeed conveyor. The selector wedges separate the products into product groups for loading into product cartons moving adjacent the product infeed conveyor. At approximately the same time the selector wedges are engaging the products, a series of lugs are conveyed by an overhead lug system into engagement with each of the products being engaged so as to help stabilize the products and prevent tipping of the products as they are separated and loaded into their corresponding product cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vicenc Alfonso Alfonso, Vicente Marquez Estevez
  • Patent number: 7941992
    Abstract: A method and unit for feeding products to a group-forming unit for forming groups of products, each containing a given number of products; an orderly succession of products is fed in a first direction by means of a first conveyor; an orderly succession of products is fed in a second direction, parallel to the first direction, by means of a second conveyor parallel to the first conveyor; and the products are transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor by means of a transfer device which is permanently integral with an output end of the first conveyor, is moved in the second direction upon detection of a gap along the first conveyor, and is moved in the opposite direction to the second direction to form, along the second conveyor, a number of consecutive gaps equal to the number of products in each group of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: G.D Societa'per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Spatafora, Fabrizio Tale′
  • Patent number: 7934355
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically mounting substrates with medical and/or pharmaceutical and/or food-supplementing products, including at least one magazine to store blister strips rolled up on rolls or the like, each magazine having at least one holding position for the rolls, a delivery device to unroll the blister strips and deliver the unrolled blister strips to a supply position for the products provided by each roll in the magazine to be mounted, a separating device for separating product-filled blister sections from the blister strip, and a mounting head to receive, rotate and dispense the separated blister sections with the products sealed therein, the mounting head controlled by a control system to transport the separated blister sections from the supply position to a mounting position over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: AvidiaMed GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolai Strub, Gottfried Von Bismarck, Gerhard Breu, Christoph Hammer, Roman Traber, Erich Specker
  • Patent number: 7905077
    Abstract: A transport apparatus for transporting an article, which is a bag formed from a flexible packaging material, includes a first transport part and a second transport part. The first transport part is configured and arranged to transport the article in a predetermined transport direction with the article being supported from below by a transport surface of the first transport part. The second transport part is configured and arranged to transport the article in the predetermined transport direction while exerting a downward force on a portion of an upper surface of the article being transported by the first transport part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yokota, Takashi Kimura, Seisaku Iwasa
  • Publication number: 20100242415
    Abstract: In a process for introducing individual products into containers by means of a picker line comprising at least two pickers individual products are individually picked and transposed to containers. The individual products and the containers are delivered in counterflow on at least one transportation device for the individual products and on at least one transportation device for the containers. The delivery of a next container to be filled into the transposition area of the picker line is controlled by any picker. The picker which is controlling the delivery of the next container to be filled is determined by the number of currently introduced products at the infeed of the picker line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: VELTRU AG
    Inventors: Matthias Ehrat, Jürgen Renner
  • Publication number: 20100229505
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel construction arrangement in a packaging machine for incubator trays, which enables the general automation of the packaging process of eggs in incubator trays. The packaging machine for incubator trays accepts several arrangements and capacity for four, five, six and twelve eggs, depending on the incubator trays to be used. The packaging machine for incubator trays of the present invention exhibits great improvements. One of these great improvements is related to the introduction of an automatic feeder for trays, commonly called tray dispenser or denester for incubator trays. Another great improvement refers to a constructive change in one of the main elements of the disclosed machine, and this change was made in order to stop vibrations that the eggs were eventually exposed. The benefits obtained from the use of the packaging machine for incubator trays, the main object of this invention, are related to the possibility of greater automation of the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Andre Luiz de Aguiar Mirandola
  • Patent number: 7788886
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading containers with bags, wherein the apparatus is provided with a feed conveyor assembly, a loading unit, and a control designed for, each time, forming a layer of bags in the loading unit, which layer has dimensions substantially corresponding to the bottom dimensions of a container to be filled, and wherein the control is designed such that, each time, the loading unit places a wholly formed layer in the container to be filled. In the method, the bags are oriented in a feed conveyor assembly and placed from the feed conveyor assembly onto a bottom of a holder of a loading unit, wherein, subsequently, when the whole bottom of the holder of the loading unit has been filled with bags, this holder is lowered into a container to be filled and the bottom is released when the bottom of the holder is just above the bottom of the container to be filled or a layer of bags present in this container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: PI-WI Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Theodorus Johannes Aquarius
  • Publication number: 20100180544
    Abstract: The installation comprises, combined on one and the same rack (6): —an accepting station (11), —a case-packing station (12), —a manipulation head (13) designed to take a batch of products (1) which is presented in the form of a row to said accepting station (11) and to transfer it to said case-packing station (12) in a row of cells (4) of the case or cases to be filled, —the structure (14) for handling the guidance of the products (1) to the input of the cells (4), the structure (14) comprising a grill (22) which extends longitudinally above the cases (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Eric Devaux
  • Patent number: 7752828
    Abstract: An apparatus that loads horizontally oriented slugs of edible, edge-standing items into trays includes a tray delivery mechanism having a tray infeed for receiving trays, a tray outfeed from which filled trays can be removed from the apparatus and a tray conveyor that moves the trays from the tray infeed to the tray outfeed. An over head transfer mechanism is disposed above the tray conveyor. The over head transfer mechanism includes a pusher flight and a retainer flight. The pusher flight and retainer flight are configured to cooperate to transfer a pre-selected number of edge-standing items forming the slug from a counting conveyor to a tray loading area. The overhead transfer mechanism includes a flight adjustment system that adjusts a distance between the retainer flight and the pusher flight to change the pre-selected number of edge-standing items transferred by the over head transfer mechanism from the counting conveyor to the tray loading area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Damien M. Gudim, Rohan V. Patel, Allen L. York, Ankush B. Mittal
  • Patent number: 7726096
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for loading a plurality of items into a plurality of containers. The system may include a plurality of pucks, each puck adapted to retain an item. A puck delivery sub-system may include a puck-infeed conveyor to move each of the pucks along an in-feed conveyor path, and a transition apparatus operable to facilitate the transition of the pucks to a continuous puck unloading conveyor. The puck un-loading conveyor may have a releasable engagement mechanism such that when each of the pucks is engaged with said puck unloading conveyor, each of said pucks is fixed in a relative longitudinal position relative to the puck unloading conveyor. An item transfer apparatus may transfer an item from each puck when engaged with the puck un-loading conveyor, to a corresponding container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Langen Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Guttinger, Berger Bernd Pogrzeba, Tony Spadafora, Tomasz Kardynal
  • Patent number: 7716902
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling a transfer device in a packaging machine. The transfer device comprises a first conveying device which is moved in cycles, a second conveying device which is moved in cycles and extends, at least in sections, parallel to the first conveying device, and a pushing device which performs a pushing motion substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the conveying devices. A product is supplied by the first conveying device to a transfer location, is transferred by the pushing device to the second conveying device during a standstill phase of both conveying devices and subsequently further transported by the second conveying device. The pushing device is in a withdrawn position outside of the path of motion of the product disposed on the first conveying device and extends over the first conveying device and also at least partially over the second conveying device in an insertion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Simm, Stefan Pötzsch
  • Patent number: 7673436
    Abstract: A loading assembly for a packaging system includes a carriage coupled and reciprocally moveable relative to a support structure. The carriage is moveable relative to the support structure along a longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite said first direction. A continuous loop configured with a plurality of spaced apart receptacles is moveably supported by the carriage. The loop includes a first portion that is moved at a continuous speed relative to the support structure, and a second portion that is alternatively moved and stopped relative to the support structure. Various methods of loading a receptacle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Triangle Package Machinery Company
    Inventors: Boris Bershadsky, Vadim A. Lubezny
  • Patent number: 7654062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine for inserting articles which are prepackaged in bags, into folding boxes in an insertion area. The bags can be inserted via an opening cross-section of the box which is able to be at least partially covered by an essentially flat top flap. A device having a receiving area for a top flap of a box is provided in the insertion area. The top flap is, in the insertion area, positioned in the receiving area and is kept in a convex shape so that, at least during the insertion of the bag and of the box when the top flap is convexly shaped, the opening cross-section of the box is larger than when the top flap is flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Mueller, Ulrich Wieduwilt, Armin Rupietta
  • Patent number: RE42730
    Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lasher, Dennis W. Rice, Michael J. Szesko, Frank Modrowsky, James G. McErlean, Michael Kennedy, Paul Thomas Shupert
  • Patent number: RE42766
    Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lasher, Dennis W. Rice, Michael J. Szesko, Frank Modrowsky, James G. McErlean, Michael Kennedy, Paul Thomas Shupert
  • Patent number: RE42937
    Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lasher, Dennis W. Rice, Michael J. Szesko, Frank Modrowsky, James McErlean, Michael Kennedy, Paul Thomas Shupert