Endless Conveyor For Receptacle Patents (Class 53/282)
  • Patent number: 12122546
    Abstract: In a transfer device and a process for discrete elements, fed in a line with a predetermined spacing, variations in the dimensions of the discrete elements resulting in a variation in a release spot included in a release segment, are absorbed by an alignment of the receiving elements. A transport device of the transfer device has receiving elements, each configured to receive a respective discrete element and moving along a transport path at a predetermined speed. The discrete elements are transported on a release device of the transfer device along a release path with a linear development. The release path has a release segment intersecting the transport path at a receiving segment of the transport path. The transport device includes a moving mechanism for the receiving elements to align the receiving elements at the receiving segment, where the release segment is superimposed on the transport path at the receiving segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: G.D S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Luca Cavazza, Umberto Zanetti, Enrico Campagnoli, Antonio Gigante
  • Patent number: 11498707
    Abstract: A system for filling containers, in particular syringes, comprising a multi-track transport device for transporting a plurality of rows of containers in a transport direction; at least two weighing devices, which are arranged in succession in the transport direction; at least one multi-track filling station, wherein the number of tracks of the filling station matches the number of tracks of the transport device; at least one sealing station; means for placing each row of containers on one of the at least two weighing devices; and control configured to actuate the transport device such that each row of containers is placed at a relevant weighing device for a filling process, wherein the row of containers merely passes by the other weighing devices without being placed at these other weighing devices for a filling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Bausch + Ströbel Maschinenfabrik Ilshofen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Siegfried Strauss
  • Patent number: 11492160
    Abstract: A sealing tool for a tray sealing machine, comprising an upper tool and a lower tool with a main body having a tray depression for receiving at least a part of a tray to be sealed, and a tray carrier, wherein a gas channel runs through the tray carrier. The sealing tool is characterized in that the tray carrier comprises a first plate with a first pressing surface and a second plate with a second pressing surface and the first plate has a first depression which extends from the first pressing surface, wherein the first depression forms at least a section of the gas channel when the first plate and the second plate are pressed against each other at the first and the second pressing surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Mader, Thomas Zedelmaier
  • Patent number: 11273940
    Abstract: A method of sealing a foil liner to a hot-filled container includes the steps of aligning a liner engagement surface of a seal head with a liner sealing surface of the container when the container is in a first position, wherein at least a peripheral margin of the foil liner is disposed between the liner engagement and sealing surfaces of the seal head and the container, respectively; applying heat between the seal head and the container to heat and attach the foil liner and the sealing surface of the container, resulting in a sealed package; rotating the sealed package from the first position to a second position; and applying fluid onto at least a portion of the sealed package to cool a head space of the sealed package. The head space is disposed between an inner surface of the container and a product packaged in the sealed package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J Chisholm, Brian J Brozell
  • Patent number: 11242166
    Abstract: The machine (1) in question comprises a dispensing module (6) and a unit (9) for applying lids (3). According to the invention, the machine (I) comprises: a rotary plate (5) having cavities (12); a unit (7) for delivering shells (2) of capsules to a cavity (12), comprising a storage magazine (15) for storing the shells (2) stacked together, and a sub-assembly (20-24) for delivering shells (2) one by one to the plate (5), by gravity; a unit (8) for filling a shell (2) with product, comprising a funnel (16) facing which an empty shell (2) placed in a cavity (12) of the plate (5) is positioned by rotating said plate (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Bilel Belbecir
  • Patent number: 10967577
    Abstract: A method and powder system component of an apparatus for use in a printing process is disclosed, and for removing and recycling excess powder. The powder system results in a cutoff point of 3 microns rather than 50 microns of previous systems. The apparatus comprises a powder applicator, a powder remover, a helical cyclone, a powder collector, and two valves that alternately open and close. The two-valve system prevents air backflow. The powder is processed through the two-valve system. The method comprises: valve 1 is closed and powder accumulates; valve 2 is closed also; after valve 1 opens, powder goes through (there is no air backflow), then valve 1 closes; then valve 2 opens and allows powder onto a powder applicator; then valve 2 closes; then the cycle starts again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Impossible Objects, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Swartz, Eugene Gore
  • Patent number: 10899484
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for forwarding a web of closure blanks. The device preferably comprises a closure blank support comprising two parallel support surfaces each extending horizontally from a proximal end to a distal end with a distance in-between and each being moveable in a first direction with a first velocity, and a feeding device adapted to feed an unbroken web of individual closure blanks onto the closure blank support at the proximal end thereof with the rims of the web in contact with the support surfaces and with a feed speed substantially equal to said first velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Primoreels A/S
    Inventor: Valdemar Hougaard Madsen
  • Patent number: 10729281
    Abstract: Provided is a process, including: engaging, with a first subset of end effectors of a robot, a first open-top vessel; engaging, while the first subset of end effectors are engaged with the first open-top vessel, with a second subset of end effectors of the robot, a second open-top vessel; concurrently transporting the first open-top vessel and the second open-top vessel with two or more actuators; disengaging the first open-top vessel at a first workstation of the robot, the first workstation being configured to dispense a first alimentary product into the first open-top vessel; and disengaging the second open-top vessel at a second workstation of the robot, the second workstation being configured to dispense a second alimentary product into the second open-top vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Truebird, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hazen Knuepfel, Andrew William Lynch, Darian Montague Ahler, Jordan Ross Adelson
  • Patent number: 10703002
    Abstract: In a cutting apparatus a rotating carousel conveys caps made of synthetic plastic material to a fixed blade having the shape of a circumferential arc. The caps are rotated about themselves by spindles. The blade cuts an annular weakening line to form the tamperproof ring of the cap. The carousel has an emitter and a laser receiver that cooperate to detect the presence or absence of the cutting edge of the fixed blade. The apparatus ensures good cutting quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SACMI Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
    Inventor: Stefano Bergami
  • Patent number: 10252828
    Abstract: A plant for filling and capping a container is disclosed. The plant comprises a transfer unit configured to feed the container along a feeding path. The transfer unit is connected to a filling drum via an outlet station, and connected to a capping drum via an inlet station. The transfer unit also has an outlet segment at the outlet station, which is straight and tangent to the filling drum, and an inlet segment at the inlet station, which is straight and tangent to the capping drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: SIDEL S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventors: Federica Sorbi, Massimo Nascimbeni
  • Patent number: 9995618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule-weighing device (1) comprising a capsule holder (2) for receiving at least one capsule lower part (4), preferably for medical preparations, a weighing unit (5) that can be positioned independently of the capsule holder (2) and that has at least one first electrode (8) for weighing the capsule lower part (4) in the capsule holder (2), a transport device (3) for moving the capsule holder (2), independently of the weighing unit (5), to different stations (S1-S12), and at least one second electrode (9), wherein an outer wall (7) of the at least one capsule lower part (4) is exposed in the capsule holder (2), or is only thinly enclosed by the capsule holder (2), such that, by means of an electric field between the first and second electrodes (8, 9), the capsule lower part (4) can be weighed without moving the capsule lower part (4) in the capsule holder (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Boehringer, Jens Schlipf, Martin Vogt, Thomas Franck, Werner Runft
  • Patent number: 9828121
    Abstract: A sealant filling device comprises a sealant board and a plurality of injectors installed on it, the sealant board comprises a base and a sealing cover which opening a plurality of sealing holes, the injector comprises a feeding hole which is opposite to the sealing holes, the sealant can be poured into the injector from the sealing holes to the feeding hole, a spring between the top of the injector and the sealing cover is provided for moving in control, while the volume of the sealant reaches the preset value, the spring will be control to move and seal off the sealing hole to stop sealing. If the volume of the sealant reaches the preset volume, then the controller IC will drive the spring moving and sealing off the sealing hole by controlling of the motor. The sealant volume in each injector can be separated distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Longxian Zhang
  • Patent number: 9775923
    Abstract: A device for sterilizing plastic containers includes a transport device for transporting the containers during the sterilization along a predefined transport path, a clean room within which the containers can be transported during sterilization, wherein the clean room is delimited by at least one wall with respect to the environment, and a first external application device for sterilizing at least a section of the outer wall of the containers. The first external application device has a source of charge carriers for generation of charge carriers, and includes a first moving device which moves the containers at least intermittently in the longitudinal direction during their sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Josef Knott, Hans Scheuren, Ludwig-Lorenz Schillinger
  • Patent number: 9260209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container closure application system comprising a feeder mechanism for advancing a closure blank to a container and a compartment for bringing the closure blank in register with an opening of the container, wherein succeeding closure blanks are provided as a web. The invention furthermore relates to a method for applying closures to a container by means of such system, a web of closure blanks or membranes, and a method for preparing such a web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Jørgen Henriksen
  • Patent number: 9089473
    Abstract: A feeding assembly for metering tablets into capsules is provided, wherein a given number of tablets are first loaded into relative metering holes in a dispenser plate mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis tilted with respect to a vertical direction, and are then unloaded into the bottom shell of a capsule from a feed channel formed through a vibrating feed disk mounted to rotate about a substantially vertical longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: MG 2- S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide Frabetti, Ernesto Gamberini
  • Patent number: 9027312
    Abstract: Machine (10) and method for treating containers (12) of liquids comprising a loading station (15) into which baskets (23) are loaded containing, according to a desired pattern of disposition, the containers (12) to be subjected to washing, a filling station (18) in which the washed containers (12) are filled with new liquid, and a re-closing station (19) in which the containers (12) are closed by the relative lids (11). The re-closing station (19) comprises a closing device (63) provided with gripper members (70) by means of which the lids (11) are picked up and positioned so as to close the containers (12), and loading members (66) that automatically direct the lids (11) toward the closing device (63) in a manner consistent with the desired pattern of disposition of the containers (12) in the baskets (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Steelco Spa
    Inventor: Fabio Zardini
  • Patent number: 8943783
    Abstract: A system and method for handling wicket bags involve a wicket bag holder for transporting wicket bags to a working position along a transport path, the bag holder including one or more holding devices each being operable between an open position allowing receipt of an upper tab of the wicket bag and a closed position whereby the bag is held suspended within a working zone. Also involved are one or more main gripping devices each being operable between an open position allowing receipt of a suspended wicket bag and a closed position whereby the bag is gripped to form a bag neck portion. The system and method may be used for bag filling applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Centre de Recherche Industrielle du Quebec
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Ouellet, Sylvain Bilodeau, Olivier Marcotte, Denis Lépine, Nicolas Deschênes, Denis Hotte, Bertrand Maheux
  • Publication number: 20150027085
    Abstract: A beverage capsule machine for making single use capsules (1) for infusion beverages such as coffee, milk, chocolate, tea or combinations of these ingredients, comprises: a transport element (8) for transporting the components of the capsule (1) and being closed in a loop around movement means (9); the transport element (8) is configured to define a plurality of pockets (10) for receiving the components of the capsule (1) and which are positioned one after the other, in succession; a plurality of stations which are positioned along a path (P) followed by the transport element (8) and which are configured for operating continuously in phase with the same transport element (8) and comprising at least: a feed station (11) for feeding rigid containers (2) into respective pockets (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12) for dosing the product into the rigid container (2); a closing station (13) for closing the rigid container (2) with a length of sheet (7); an outfeed station (14) for the capsule (
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Emanuele Rubbi, Pierluigi Castellari
  • Publication number: 20150013268
    Abstract: A machine for making single use capsules (1) for extract or infusion beverages comprises: a transport element (8) for transporting rigid containers (2) and configured to define a plurality of pockets (10) for receiving the rigid containers (2) and which are positioned one after the other, in succession, each having a respective vertical axis (Z10); a plurality of stations which are positioned along a path (P) followed by the transport element (8) and which are configured for operating in phase with the same transport element (8) and comprising: a feed station (11) for feeding the rigid containers (2) into respective pockets (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12) for dosing the product into the rigid container (2); a closing station (13) for closing the rigid container (2) with a length of sheet (7); an outfeed station (14) which withdraws the capsules (1) from the transport element (8); the outfeed station (14) comprises a contact head (21) for contacting and picking a capsule (1) from a res
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Emanuele Rubbi, Pierluigi Castellari
  • Patent number: 8925289
    Abstract: This machine comprises a hopper (2) for storing empty straws, a station (5) for filling the straws, and a transfer device (3), such as a rotary barrel, which is provided with notches for receiving and holding the straws (p) and with which straws removed from the hopper are conveyed to the filling station (5); it is designed to process at least two categories of straws of different diameters, notches being subdivided into at least two distinct series that can be used selectively, the elements (90) of one of the two series being designed to adapt to straws of large diameter, while the elements (91) of the other series are designed to adapt to straws of small diameter. Machine that can be used in more than one way in the packaging of semen for artificial insemination, particularly of cows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Eurl Cryo Vet
    Inventor: Pascal Lecointe
  • Publication number: 20140352254
    Abstract: A beverage capsule machine for making single use capsules (1) for infusion beverages such as coffee, milk, chocolate, tea or combinations of these ingredients, comprises: a transport element (8) for transporting rigid containers (2) and being dosed in a loop around movement means (9), with a vertical axis (Z9), for continuously moving the transport element (8); the element (8) being configured to define a plurality of pockets (10) for receiving the rigid containers (2) and arranged in succession, each having a respective vertical axis (Z10); a plurality of stations which are positioned along a path (P) followed by the transport element (8) and which are configured for operating continuously in phase with the transport element (8) and comprising at least: a feeding station (11) for feeding the rigid containers (2) into the respective pockets (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12) for dosing the infusion product into the rigid container (2); a closing station (13) where the open aperture (4) o
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: IMA Industries S.R.L.
    Inventor: Dario Rea
  • Patent number: 8720163
    Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish adapted to receive a closure, a lower portion including a base, and a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion, the lower portion, and the sidewall define an interior volume for storing liquid contents. The plastic container further comprises a pressure panel located on the container and moveable between an initial position and an activated position. The pressure panel is located in the initial position prior to filling the container, and is moved to the activated position after filling and sealing the container. Moving the pressure panel from the initial position to the activated position reduces the internal volume of the container and creates a positive pressure inside the container. The positive pressure reinforces the sidewall. A method of processing a container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: CO2 Pac Limited
    Inventors: David Melrose, Paul Kelley, John Denner
  • Publication number: 20140069060
    Abstract: A system and method for coiling and sealing an elongate, flexible component includes a coiler and a sealer positioned beneath the coiler. The coiler includes a rotatable central core and a feeding tube for guiding and transferring a free end of the flexible component onto the central core to form a coil. The coil is then dropped in a generally vertical downward direction from the coiler into a partially-sealed and partially-opened container positioned beneath the coiler and disposed within the sealer. The sealer seals the remaining one or more open sides of the container and then drops the coil encased within the sealed container in a generally vertical downward direction onto a conveyor. The container may be made of a heat-shrinkable material and the conveyor may transport the sealed container into a heat-shrink oven to heat shrink the container around the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: WINDAK INC.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Shelander, Margus Niinepuu
  • Patent number: 8646248
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a collection unit and a conveyance unit. The collection unit is configured and arranged to overlay a plurality of packaged objects on adjacent packaged objects. The conveyance unit is configured and arranged to convey, as a group of packaged objects, the packaged objects which are overlaid on the adjacent packaged objects at the collection unit. The conveyance unit includes a position control component. At least one portion of the position control component is positioned below a conveyance plane of the conveyance unit and the other portion of the position control component is positioned above the conveyance plane of the conveyance unit before positions of the packaged objects are adjusted, the one portion and the other portion of the position control component is provided sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seisaku Iwasa, Motoki Takayama, Tatsuya Arimatsu, Yuji Yokota, Takashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 8646243
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for formulating and aseptically filling liquid products. A first liquid source includes at least one first liquid component; a second liquid source includes at least one second liquid component; and a container includes a body defining an empty, sterile storage chamber therein that is sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. The container is introduced into a sterile filling chamber. A first filling member coupled in fluid communication with the first liquid source is placed in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the container located in the sterile filling chamber, and the first liquid component is aseptically introduced through the first filling member and into the storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 8511045
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Steven Havlik, Richard O. Powell
  • Patent number: 8479475
    Abstract: The invention provides a transportable bottling plant integrated into a container. The container has a separation wall dividing the container into a bottling room and a technical room. A preform feeder, a bottle blowing unit, a filling and closing unit and first and second transferring devices are mounted in the bottling room. A power generator, an air compressor and an air conditioning unit are mounted in the technical room. The preform feeder comprises a recipient for receiving plastic bottle preforms and an ordering unit for ordering the preforms and feeding them towards the bottle blowing unit. The first transferring device is provided for transferring the preforms from the preform feeder to the bottle blowing unit. The bottle blowing unit comprises a heater for heating the preforms and a blow-molder for blow-molding the preforms into bottles. The second transferring device is provided for transferring the bottles from the bottle blowing unit to the filling and closing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Conteno
    Inventor: Christophe Armand Van Steen
  • Patent number: 8474226
    Abstract: A thermal seal packaging systems and methods thereof. In one implementation a thermal sealing packaging system has a container transfer unit for transferring a container which is to contain a package item, a measuring unit for measuring the weight of the item that is loaded in the container being transported before it is loaded into the container, a capping film supply unit for a capping film to cover the opening area of the container, an indication means for indicating the measurement data of the measurement unit on the capping film, and a sealing unit for heat-sealing an opening area of the container, into which the package item is loaded, with the capping film, the opening area of the container into which the item is loaded is covered by the capping film on which the corresponding measurement data is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Ulma Packaging Technological Center, S. Coop., Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eneko Izquierdo, Takashi Katayama
  • Patent number: 8413409
    Abstract: Apparatus for handling and filling flexible pouches in which a feeder mechanism 300 delivers a chain of interlinked flexible pouches 200 to a selector mechanism 600 comprising a linear actuator 602 and selector head 604 operable to detach the leading pouch 200 from the chain of pouches and move the selected pouch 200 to a station for removing a cap from the pouch 200, filling the pouch 200 with liquid, re-attaching the cap and releasing the pouch for dispense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: Richard John Nighy, Scott Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8381497
    Abstract: A method for producing a package using a traysealer is provided, wherein the package includes a container, at least two sealing films and a plurality of products, of which a first product is located in the container and a second product between two sealing films. The first product is moved into the container upstream of a sealing station, the second product is moved onto a first sealing film before the container, the sealing film and the products are supplied together with a second sealing film, which is located above the first sealing film, to the sealing station. The first sealing film moves above and spaced apart from the container and the first product until the sealing station is reached. In the sealing station the container, the first sealing film and the second sealing film are subsequently sealed to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Scheibel, Armin Beckel
  • Patent number: 8359818
    Abstract: A large transfusion filling and corking machine includes a frame unit, an electric control unit, a bottle-in unit, a following and filling unit, a nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and a bottle-out transfer wheel unit. The bottle-in unit, the following and filling unit, the nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and the bottle-out transfer wheel unit are mounted on the frame unit and connected by turns. The nitrogen-charging and corking unit is connected with a cork-delivering unit. A nitrogen-precharging unit is arranged between the bottle-in unit and the following and filling unit, which is connected with the bottle-in unit through a bottle-in transfer wheel unit, and connected with the following and filling unit through a transitional transfer wheel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Truking Technology Limited
    Inventors: Zhen Liu, Huanghui Long, Pengcheng Li, Yue Tang, Jiuzhou Su
  • Patent number: 8359815
    Abstract: In a machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products, the bottom of each capsule is moved forward along a path determined in phase with a dosing device, which transfers the pharmaceutical product from a tank to the bottom, and has a cylinder, a piston engaged in the cylinder, a spring interposed between the cylinder and the piston for normally maintaining the piston in contact with a stopping element, and a tappet carried by the cylinder, engaged in a cam, and adapted to move the cylinder and the piston with respective mutually identical laws of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: MG 2—S.R.L.
    Inventors: Angelo Ansaloni, Ernesto Gamberini
  • Patent number: 8307618
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a conveyance unit having first and second position control plates. The first position control plate is arranged to selectively move forward or backward so as to obstruct or pass the group of packaged objects conveyed on the conveyance unit. When positions of the packaged objects are adjusted, the second position control plate is arranged to move from a downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate, rotate in a direction toward the first position control plate. or move from the downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate and simultaneously rotate in the direction toward the first position control plate. A subsequent process step delivery unit is arranged to deliver the group of packaged objects after the positions thereof are adjusted by the first and second position control plates, to a subsequent process device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seisaku Iwasa, Motoki Takayama, Tatsuya Arimatsu, Yuji Yokota, Takashi Kondo
  • Publication number: 20120117925
    Abstract: A chip component packaging arrangement prevents occurrence of defective loading of chip components during a taping process that is carried out to the package chip components. This arrangement has a small size. A cover tape is prepared having a base tape and a plurality of cover film pieces sequentially attached to the base tape. Each cover film piece has an adhesive part. The cover tape extends in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of a carrier tape. The carrier tape has a plurality of component receiving parts sequentially formed in its longitudinal direction. The cover tape is pressed to the carrier tape so that one of the cover film pieces is adhered to the carrier tape to seal the corresponding component receiving part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: LAPIS Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki ITOU
  • 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: 8011166
    Abstract: A process for efficiently conveying containers along a table-top conveying system includes the steps of temporarily securing a transfer stabilizing support (1a, 1b) to a bottom end of a formed container (14) so that the container can freely move along a production line using the table-top conveying system where the transfer stabilizing support has a bottom surface (2a, 2b) with an opening (4a, 4b), a sidewall (6a, 6b) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a ridge area (10b) surrounding the opening and inside the sidewall of the support; and after the container has gone through operations of the production line, the transfer stabilizing support is removed so that aesthetic qualities of the formed container shape are revealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company L.P.
    Inventors: Philip Sheets, Paul Kelley, John Denner
  • Publication number: 20100263329
    Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a method of filling and sealing a beverage container, the method comprising the steps of: a) dispensing a predetermined amount of beverage, preferably wine, into an open-topped container having a circular rim, preferably a plastics wine glass, to leave a headspace above the beverage in the container; b) temporarily tacking a generally flat flexible film lid sized to fit over the open top to the rim of the container at at least one position around the rim while leaving the remainder of the rim free; c) engaging the tacked lid to cause flexure thereof to create a gap between the lid and the rim on one side; d) dispensing an inert gas, preferably nitrogen, through the gap so created and into the headspace to displace air therefrom; and e) bringing a heat sealer into engagement with the lid to heat seal the lid to the rim about its entire circumference, thereby trapping the inert gas within the headspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: James Nash
  • Patent number: 7749434
    Abstract: The invention refers to a device (1) and method for sterilizing partly formed packages (6) in a packaging machine. The device (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) and an outer chamber (3), the inner chamber (2) being provided with a sterilization unit (5). Further, it comprises a carrier unit (10), comprising a separating member (11) and a package carrying member (12), which is being adapted to rotate between a first position in which the package carrying member (12) is located in the outer chamber (3), and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3), and a second position in which the carrier unit (10) has rotated a package (6) into the inner chamber (2) and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Lars Ake Naslund, Goran Hermodsson, Lars Martensson, Arun Deivasigamani, Paul Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100154357
    Abstract: An automated filling system for introducing crushed polysilicon fragments into shipping bags without significant contamination positions a freely suspended energy absorber into a freely suspended bag of non-contaminating material prior to filling, and following filling, the energy absorber is removed, and the bag is sealed. The system can replace manual packaging which has been required for semiconductor applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WACKER CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Hanns Wochner, Bruno Lichtenegger, Reiner Pech
  • Patent number: 7739859
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotating conveying system for conveying along a curved path components of packaging units comprising containers and container closures, a filling device for filling with a product the containers on the rotating conveying system, a sterilizing device for sterilizing at least part of the components mounted along the path and comprising an irradiating device arranged to emit radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Sidel S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Colato, Angelo Silvestri
  • Publication number: 20100132310
    Abstract: The invention relates to the filling of a frozen dessert product in a container, by performing the steps of: arranging at least one container to be filled on a slat conveyor, moving the container on the slat conveyor towards a dispensing nozzle, vertically displacing at least one slat supporting the container, and horizontally displacing the slat supporting the container in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the slat conveyor, while dispensing the product from the dispensing nozzle into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Steffen Dose, Jean-Michel Christophe Marchon
  • Publication number: 20100115893
    Abstract: A method for producing a package with an inner volume of the package containing a headspace volume and a volume taken by the product, and a packaging machine. To allow the reduction of the size of such a package, the package is formed providing a product to be packaged inside the package; providing a tray with its height being smaller than the maximum height of the product; placing the product into the tray; replacing the atmosphere surrounding the product by a gas mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen; covering the tray containing the product by a formable sheet material; forming the formable sheet material and sealing tray together with the formable sheet material, so that the headspace volume containing the gas mixture makes at most half of the volume taken by the product inside the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Helmut Sparakowski, Jesus Sanchez, Tobias Thiele
  • Publication number: 20100101183
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a beverage, a container filling plant for filling bottles, cans, bags, or similar containers with a liquid, and a container filling machine for filling containers in a container filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Michael BEISEL
  • Publication number: 20100077703
    Abstract: A method of positioning containers in an installation for processing containers having mouth segments (103) of different cross-sections, the method comprising the step of moving the containers along a container movement line (1) in an installation while maintaining a reference point on each of the mouth segments on said movement line, the movement line being common to all mouth segment cross-sections, and the reference points on the mouth segments being the same regardless of the cross-sections of the mouth segments of the containers, wherein the reference point is situated on an outside side surface of the mouth segment in a manner such that the mouth segments are tangential to the movement line. A corresponding positioning device and an installation including such devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Xavier GOURLAOUEN
  • Patent number: 7621300
    Abstract: There is provided a method for metering a quantity of a particulate material onto the surface of a porous retainer comprising the steps of: exposing a first surface of a porous retainer to a pool of particulate material; applying a vacuum to a second surface of the porous retainer to meter material on the first surface; and adjusting the level of the vacuum to regulate the quantity of material metered on the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Stanley George Bonney, Howard Peter Duffield
  • Patent number: 7610735
    Abstract: A machine for packing tablets inside rigid tubes exhibits: a supply line for supplying empty tubes arranged with vertical axes and mouths facing upwards; an inlet station wherein deflector organs operate which tip the cylindrical containers on sides thereof, and first organs which pick up individual thus-tipped containers and release the containers to corresponding gripping organs provided by a multiple conveyor; a filling station in which a plurality of supply units release a predetermined quantity of tablets, stacked one on the other, into paused tubes, borne by the multiple conveyor; a closing station containing devices which insert caps into the mouths of the filled containers borne by the multiple conveyor; an outlet station containing devices which pick up paused individual closed containers borne by the multiple conveyor and release the containers onto transporter organs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Publication number: 20090260712
    Abstract: Beverage bottling or container filling plant having a beverage bottle or container labeling machine, and a beverage bottle or container labeling machine having a vacuum drum. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Lutz DECKERT
  • Publication number: 20090223175
    Abstract: A method and device for the manufacture of packaging units or disposable single-use kegs. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Alois Monzel
  • Publication number: 20090205748
    Abstract: On a continuous machine for filling containers with at least one product, each container is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device, which withdraws the product from a tank, feeds the withdrawn product into the container, and has a piston and a cylinder movable axially with respect to each other; and a lock device provides for selectively locking the pistons and relative cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Angelo ANSALONI
  • Patent number: 7574846
    Abstract: A process for efficiently conveying containers along a table-top conveying system includes the steps of temporarily securing a transfer stabilizing support (1a, 1b) to a bottom end of a formed container (14) so that the container can freely move along a production line using the table-top conveying system where the transfer stabilizing support has a bottom surface (2a, 2b) with an opening (4a, 4b), a sidewall (6a, 6b) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a ridge area (10b) surrounding the opening and inside the sidewall of the support; and after the container has gone through operations of the production line, the transfer stabilizing support is removed so that aesthetic qualities of the formed container shape are revealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Philip Sheets, Paul Kelley, John Denner