With Suction Or Blast Patents (Class 53/292)
  • Patent number: 11299382
    Abstract: A method of applying a tamper evident band involves: moving a container in a feed direction below and past a mandrel assembly that includes a lower end with a band guide structure; utilizing the mandrel assembly to form a tamper evident band; ejecting the tamper evident band downward from the mandrel assembly toward the container before the container is completely under the mandrel assembly causing a leading side of the tamper evident band to move over a leading side of a cap and neck section of the container while a trailing side of the tamper evident band is above a trailing side of the cap and neck section of the container; and as the container continues to move past the mandrel assembly, the band guide structure pushes the trailing side of the tamper evident band over the trailing side of the cap and neck section of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: AXON LLC
    Inventor: Adam W. Duncan
  • Patent number: 10640253
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tubular band from a supply of flat tubular material to a container includes a flat film feed path and a cutter positioned for cutting tubular material traveling along the feed path. A former is positioned downstream of the cutter for opening the tubular material and includes a film passage with an inlet side and an outlet side. The flat film feed path enters the film passage and a cut segment of tubular material is opened within the film passage to create an opened tubular band. A pusher pushes the opened tubular band out of the outlet side of the former for container application. The pusher includes a film engaging portion that is aligned with and movable into and out of the film passage. The film engaging portion is offset from the flat film feed path to prevent interference with flat tubular film entering the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: AXON LLC
    Inventor: Adam W. Duncan
  • Patent number: 9359098
    Abstract: An opener mechanism in which a label folded in a sheet shape is opened and fitted to a target body is provided with first suction rods which suck one side of a label, second suction rods which are arranged to oppose the first suction rods and suck the other side of the label, and a drive mechanism which induces movement of the first and second suction rods toward or away from each other. Suction hole arrays in which a plurality of suction holes which suck the label are aligned in a line are formed on the surfaces facing one another of the first suction rods and the second suction rods. The suction holes are arranged in such a manner that the suction hole arrays of the first suction rods and the suction hole arrays formed in the second suction rods opposing the first suction rods are at least partially nonparallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI SEAL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ushidate
  • Patent number: 9096338
    Abstract: A film fitting system which fits a tubular film on a fitting target including a fitting device which fits, at a predefined fitting position, the tubular film on the fitting target which is transported; and a transporting device which receives the fitting target at a predefined supplying position, wherein the transporting device includes a mount which is moved in a state where the fitting target is placed thereon; a positioning member which is moved in a linked manner with the mount and which positions the fitting target with respect to the mount by contacting a part of the fitting target; and a moving device which moves the positioning member to a reference position, and a retracted position where the positioning member is separated from the fitting target at least at the fitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI SEAL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ushidate
  • Patent number: 8746438
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically modulating vacuum applied to a vacuum cup are described herein. More particularly an automated labeling apparatus and method for applying labels onto containers using a vacuum based transport mechanism is described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: NuLabel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Peckham, Benjamin David Lux
  • Patent number: 7765842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a can body (2) which is characterized in that a film piece (3c) is cut from a film web (3b), said film piece (3c) is wound up on a winding spindle (7) from its front edge to its rear edge and is maintained on the winding spindle (7) so that it somewhat overlaps. The film piece (3c) is transferred from the winding spindle (7) to a concave inner surface (11a) and the film areas of the front edge and the rear edge resting against each other are sealed with each other on the concave inner surface (11a) in the area of overlapping (14). According to the invention, a closed film piece (3d) can be transferred without complication onto a can body (2), thereby conferring on the can body (2) the function of the stable structure and on the film piece (3d) the function of the décor or the inner barrier in such a manner that both functions can be optimized in a substantially independent manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Crebocan AG
    Inventor: Werner Boltshauser
  • Patent number: 7347034
    Abstract: Sleeving equipment for egg packages includes a sleeve dispenser that cuts and dispenses a sleeve one by one, a sleeve control jig that controls a sleeve that is dispensed by the sleeve dispenser, a first egg package conveying device that conveys egg packages before the sleeve is positioned around the egg package, an egg package inserter that inserts the egg package into the sleeve, a second egg package conveying device that conveys the egg package and the sleeve placed around the egg package and a heat tunnel that heat shrinks the sleeve whereby the sleeve is fixed to the egg package. The sleeve dispenser cuts and dispenses the sleeve in vertical direction, and the sleeve control jig rotates the sleeve into horizontal direction before the egg package inserter insert the egg package into the sleeve. The egg package inserter inserts the egg package into the sleeve horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Dongheum Kwon
  • Patent number: 7204908
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a sleeve from a flat tube and applying the sleeve to a container. A length of flat tube is advanced from a supply to a position between a pair of movable grippers. The grippers are extended to contact and hold the tube, and a cutter severs the length of flat tube from the supply. A vacuum is applied to the grippers, and the grippers are retracted to open the cut flat tube into a round configuration. A second length of flat tube is advanced, pushing the open cut length tube onto a container that is being moved therebeneath on a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Axon Corporation
    Inventor: Sainguen Houatchanthara
  • Patent number: 7156140
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a sleeve from a flat tube and applying the sleeve to a container. A length of flat tube is advanced from a supply to a position between a pair of movable grippers. The grippers are extended to contact and hold the tube, and a cutter severs the length of flat tube from the supply. A vacuum is applied to the grippers, and the grippers are retracted to open the cut flat tube into a round configuration. A second length of flat tube is advanced, pushing the open cut length tube onto a container that is being moved therebeneath on a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Axon Corporation
    Inventor: Sainguen Houatchanthara
  • Patent number: 6966164
    Abstract: The tubular banding applicator converts a flat tubular material into a cut length expanded tubular sleeve and mounts the sleeve circumferentially on a container. A driver moves a selected length of flat tubular material from a supply station, around a spreader, and into a hollow former having a retaining gate at an exit thereof. A cutter severs the selected length of tubular material from the supply station and a flow of air directed at a side of the flat tubular length assists in opening the sleeve. A conveyor carries a series of containers along a path to position each container in turn in alignment with the opened tubular sleeve. The driver moves a second selected length of flat tubular material from the supply into the former, thereby ejecting the first open sleeve from the former onto a container aligned below. The sleeve is subsequently caused to shrink to securely enwrap the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Axon Corporation
    Inventors: Jaime Navarro, Kuo-Raid Grant Chen, Adam Whitaker Duncan
  • Patent number: 6755012
    Abstract: Device for fitting a sleeve onto a container uch as a bottle or a similar object, means being provided for pulling a plastic tube from a supply roller from which a sleeve is cut-off. The device comprises a number of double-walled bushes, each being provided with a guiding member and consisting of a perforated inner wall and an outer wall extending around said inner wall so that an annular space is formed in which underpressure can be generated through a vacuum line. There is a positioning means for the bushes, so that a sleeve can be slid into it and can engage the inner wall of the bush, whereupon the bush is slid across a container and the connection to the vacuum line is disconnected. Then the bush is brought upwards and the container can be removed from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Seal Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Wilhelmus Maria Frankefort
  • Patent number: 6016641
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tubular member over an article includes means for feeding a continuous web of a flattened tubular material, means for cutting an individual tubular member from the web, a first belt conveyor unit for conveying the tubular member fed from the cutting means, a second belt conveyor unit for conveying the tubular member in such a manner as to open up at least a leading end of the tubular member as the tubular member is continuously conveyed, a mandrel for receiving the tubular member from the opened up leading end of the tubular member, and a means for sliding the tubular member along a peripheral surface of the mandrel so that the tubular member is entirely opened up. A distance between a point where the cutting means cuts the tubular member from the web of the tubular material and a point where the first belt conveyor unit starts to convey the tubular member is greater than the length of the individual tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Seal, Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5715651
    Abstract: A process for fitting stretchable labeling sleeves on bottles or the like, according to which at least one pair of stretchers is introduced into the sleeve, the stretchers are moved apart in order to stretch the sleeve, and the bottle and the stretchers are displaced relative to one another in order to postion the stretched sleeve on the bottle, which process is characterised in that, during relative displacement of the attached sleeve and the bottle, suction is effected in the area of contact between the sleeve and the stretchers in order to maintain the sleeve on the stretchers while it is being fitted on the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Protection Decoration Conditionment
    Inventor: Philippe Thebault
  • Patent number: 5711135
    Abstract: A band application machine for transferring to containers heat-shrinkable bands. The band application machine includes a band feed system for feeding band supply material to a cutting system which cuts a band from the band supply. A transfer system transfers cut bands to containers conveyed past a banding point, and includes a band gripping mechanism and a plunger. Band gripping mechanism includes opposed suction cups that are movably mounted for gripping and positioning a cut band. The suction cups are laterally moveable from a position where a closed band is gripped on opposing sides by the suction cups to a position where the band is open and aligned with the stroke of the plunger. The plunger is positioned over the opened band at an angle with respect to the band. The plunger presses and drives the band onto a container as the gripper apparatus releases the open band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Victor V. Menayan
  • Patent number: 5515665
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for closing a container such that a container which has a sealed closure with a tab extending from it travels along a conveyor past a vacuum source which releasably secures the tab. As the container continues to move along the conveyor, the tab is pulled taut by the vacuum force. When the container reaches a predetermined position, it is raised off the conveyor with a yoke, the tab still being pulled taut by the vacuum force, and the top of the container, the sealed closure and the tab are pinched against a stop. At this position the tab is aligned, taut and clamped in place over the container opening so that a lid may be placed on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Paul M. Wegman
  • Patent number: 5495704
    Abstract: A band application machine for transferring to containers heat-shrinkable bands. The band application machine includes a band feed system for feeding band supply material to a cutting system which cuts a band from the band supply. A transfer system transfers cut bands to containers conveyed past a banding point, and includes a band gripping mechanism and a plunger. Band gripping mechanism includes opposed suction cups that are movably mounted for gripping and positioning a cut band. The suction cups are laterally movable from a position where a closed band is gripped on opposing sides by the suction cups to a position where the band is open and aligned with the stroke of the plunger. The plunger is positioned over the opened band at an angle with respect to the band. The plunger presses and drives the band onto a container as the gripper apparatus releases the open band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Victor V. Menayan
  • Patent number: 5483783
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing sleeves on bottles and other objects is disclosed. In particular, a high speed method and apparatus having a plurality of sleeving stations for placing sleeves on bottles is disclosed. Each sleeving station includes a circularly arranged set of relatively movable parallel pins which are operable to contract or expand. A label transporter deposits a sleeve on the pins when they are contracted. The pins expand to stretch the sleeve. A bottle and the pins are then moved relative to one another to place the bottle inside the stretched sleeve. A gas flow is provided between the bottle and the sleeve to reduce friction. The sleeved bottle is then stripped from the pins. The method occurs without starts and stops by the bottle or the sleeve and is thus capable of very high production rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Automated Label Systems Company
    Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
  • Patent number: 5448876
    Abstract: The present invention entails a band application machine for applying tamper-evident bands and other bands about the circumference of a container. The band application machine directs a supply strip of banding material to a curing mechanism which cuts the supply strip into a series of cut bands. A band transfer system transfers the cut band to a container being conveyed adjacent to the band application machine on a conveyor assembly. The band transfer system includes a gripping mechanism having a pair of opposing gripper arms with attached suction cups. The gripper arms and attached suction cups engage opposite sides of a closed band and then move apart to open the band. An actuator laterally positions the gripper mechanism to a position where the grippers extend over the conveyor assembly. A tilting actuator rotates the gripper mechanism from a generally horizontal position to a tilted position where a lower section of the gripped band extends into the pathway of the passing containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Victor V. Menayan
  • Patent number: 5433057
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing sleeves on bottles and other objects is disclosed. In particular, a high speed method and apparatus having a plurality of sleeving stations for placing sleeves on bottles is disclosed. Each sleeving station includes a circularly arranged set of relatively movable parallel pins which are operable to contract or expand. A label transporter deposits a sleeve on the pins when they are contracted. The pins expand to stretch the sleeve. A bottle and the pins are then moved relative to one another to place the bottle inside the stretched sleeve. A gas flow is provided between the bottle and the sleeve to reduce friction. The sleeved bottle is then stripped from the pins. The method occurs without starts and stops by the bottle or the sleeve and is thus capable of very high production rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Automated Label Systems Company
    Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
  • Patent number: 5398395
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying a sleeve of heat-shrink material (a "band") to a container comprises a rotary drum having a plurality of upstanding heads. A web of banding material is intermittently advanced and lengths cut off, each cut length being held by fingers in the path of a gripper head mounted on the rotary drum. Each head has forward-facing vacuum port through which air is drawn on a timed basis, so that a band 30 will be picked-up and held by one side face as the gripper head passes the fingers. The resilience of the banding material allows the band partially to open out as it is transferred by the gripper head. The rotation of the drum is synchronized to advancement of the containers, so that a held band is rolled on to the top of a container, the container serving to assist in the opening-out of the band, whereat the band is released by the gripper head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Graham Labelling Systems Limited
    Inventor: Peter J. Woolls
  • Patent number: 5305578
    Abstract: A band application machine for transferring to containers heat-shrinkable bands. The band application machine includes a band feed system for feeding band supply material to a cutting system which cuts a band from the band supply. A transfer system transfers cut bands to containers conveyed past a banding point, and includes a band gripping mechanism and a plunger. Band gripping mechanism includes opposed suction cups that are movably mounted for gripping and positioning a cut band. The suction cups are laterally movable from a position where a closed band is gripped on opposing sides by the suction cups to a position where the band is open and aligned with the stroke of the plunger. The plunger is positioned over the opened band at an angle with respect to the band. The plunger presses and drives the band onto a container as the gripper apparatus releases the open band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Axon Corporation
    Inventor: Victor V. Menayan
  • Patent number: 5184996
    Abstract: A carton assembly machine for assembling a cover on a base is disclosed. The machine includes a frame and a first conveyor for transporting a plurality of bases. A second conveyor transports a plurality of folded covers. At an unfolding station, suction cups grasp the folded cover and are pivoted to open the cover. The cover is then moved to an assembly station where it is positioned over a carton base. A plurality of hand assemblies are moved vertically downwardly to grasp the cover and move it into overlying relationship with the base. The hand assemblies are then removed and the assembled carton moved to a tape station where tape heads apply a strip of tape to the assembled cover and base. After taping, the assembled carton is removed from the carton assembly machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Gasdorf Tool & Machine Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Rode, Steve Reigle
  • Patent number: 5165215
    Abstract: The present invention entails a method and apparatus for applying tamper evident bands to a container. In particular, the apparatus of the present invention directs a supply strip of banding material to a cutter which cuts the supply strip into a series of cut bands. From the cutter, the respective cut bands are, one at a time, transferred to a suction source and held. A form is passed adjacent the suction source and strips the cut band from the suction source. While the cut band is held within the form, a container is passed thereunder, and because of the spacing of the form and the position of the container, the container top or lid engages a portion of the cut band held within the form and strips the cut band from the form. Thereafter, the container and cut form are passed underneath a vibrating plate, causing the plate to engage the cut band and to properly position the same about the container for subsequent heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Victor V. Menayan
  • Patent number: 5101613
    Abstract: A system for properly opening, shaping, orienting and positioning of bands in high speed banders. A number of jet nozzles are attached to moveable arms, which hold the bands during placement, and compressed gas is blown through these nozzles to open and shape the bands. A second set of nozzles are located on a guiding member which helps position and shape the band, and these nozzles guide bursts of compressed gas toward the inner back region of the band just prior to placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas K. Wilhelm, Albert R. Rodriguez, David S. Estock
  • Patent number: 5086682
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting tubular banding material in a banding machine includes as guide assembly for guiding tubular banding material in a flattened condition along a guide path from an inlet end to a cutting station, and a single cutting blade mounted for movement in a transverse cutting path across the flattened material at the cutting station. A pinch mechanism is provided for pinching opposite sides of the flattened material together immediately adjacent the cutting station to hold the material securely against bunching up while it is being cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventors: Eric W. Strub, Kenneth M. Strub
  • Patent number: 5070680
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening flatly folded tubes of synthetic resin or the like material and fitting same on containers or the like objects. Operation of fitting opened tubes on the objects can be performed without requiring any complicated movement of the objects. Each opened tube and each object are transported in same direction and, in the course of this transport, either the tube or the object is moved gradually toward the other so that the one is fitted on or inserted into the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Fuji Seal Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Nagano
  • Patent number: 4914893
    Abstract: A banding apparatus for automatically forming bands from flattened tubular banding material and applying them to large sized containers. A set of inner crease rollers disposed on a floating wedge inside the tubing interact with outer crease rollers to press out sidewall creases during formation of cylindrically shaped bands. The wedge comprises a pair of parabolic or variable width separation plates joined at right angles along a common axis and using a mounting block to support the inner crease rollers. A feed assembly in the form of a reciprocating slide assembly releasably engages the banding material using a contact lever and advances predetermined lengths of the banding material to a cut-off assembly above the containers where they are cut into separate bands. A support head positioned adjacent to the cut-off assembly engages and holds a portion of each band in a fixed vertical position above the containers which suspends them in an open configuration for engagement by individual containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventors: Eric W. Strub, Kenneth M. Strub
  • Patent number: 4878486
    Abstract: A disposable cover is provided for laryngoscopes and the like of the type having an elongate blade with a contoured, channel-shaped guide surface on which an associated light source is mounted to facilitate inserting an endotracheal tube into the air passageway of a patient. The disposable cover comprises a sheath having a sterile exterior surface, and a closed interior surface defining a hollow cavity shaped to receive therein and envelope the laryngoscope blade. The sheath has an open end through which the laryngoscope blade is inserted into the cavity of the sheath. The sheath is readily flexible so that an associated portion of the same can be conformed to the contoured guide surface of the laryngoscope blade. Being constructed from a light-transmitting material, the sheath permits light waves emitted from the light source to pass through the sheath, and illuminate the air passageway of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: William M. Slater
  • Patent number: 4562684
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tubular member over an article includes a supply of individual tubular members. A pair of opposed gripping members that are movable towards and away from each other are disposed on a rotatable pick-up and deposit wheel. As the wheel rotates, the gripping members come together to mechanically grip a tubular member from the supply. A vacuum is connected to the gripping members after they have mechanically gripped the tubular member, and the gripping members are moved apart as the wheel rotates them towards the application station so as to open the tubular member. The article is conveyed to the application station at a speed greater than that of the tubular member such that at the application station, the article meets the tubular member, is threaded therein, and pulls it fully open and around the article by a camming action. The vacuum is then disconnected so that the tubular member rests loosely around the container for further processing such as heat shrinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Culbro Corporation
    Inventor: Hans C. Dreher
  • Patent number: 4562688
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continuously applying heat-shrinkable members to containers, such as for formation of tamper-evident seals, protective sleeves, labels, or the like. The apparatus includes a conveyor for carrying and moving the containers, and further includes an inclined gravity feed magazine for holding a quantity of the annular-shaped heat-shrinkable members. The apparatus includes a transfer mechanism which uniquely functions to apply a suction to each of the heat-shrinkable members received from the feed magazine so that each member is releasably retained at an acute angle with respect to the direction of movement of the containers on the conveyor. In this way, each container engages its respective one of the heat-shrinkable members to move it from the transfer mechanism into association with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Osgood Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Mueller
  • Patent number: 4519186
    Abstract: A device for slipping segments of film, such as originally flattened but tubular segments of plastic film, on vessels such as bottles. A rotor rotates about a horizontal axis. Sucker devices mounted on swivel arms and expanding mandrels are arranged alternately about the circumference of the rotor. The flat sleeve segments are fed toward the rotor and are attracted by a sucker device. As the rotor rotates from the position in which a sleeve is gripped by a sucker device the sucker parts spread to open the tubular sleeve and the arm carrying the sucker is caused to swing and turn the sleeve segment 90.degree. whereupon the sleeve is passed over the presently unexpanded mandrel which is circumferentially adjacent the designated arm and its suckers. The mandrel is caused to expand for holding the sleeve and the sucker is timely released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Krones Aktiengesellschaft Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Horst Winter, Erich Eder
  • Patent number: 4481064
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a means for conveying a container or bottle from a first to a second location wherein a plastic tube feeding mechanism feeds a tubular flat folded heat-shrinkable strip above the conveying means and cuts the same into labels through a knife action where the labels are retrieved by a plurality of vacuum heads secured to a pair of transversely rotating wheels for depositing the labels over the container or bottle. The vacuum applied to the plurality of vacuum heads is controlled by a pair of manifolds secured to the wheels which are driven in synchronism with the means for conveying the containers or bottles. Two sources of vacuum are supplied to feed the pair of manifolds and, thus, supply a vacuum in alternate fashion to the two wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventors: Gerald D. Westlund, Gerald A. Westlund
  • Patent number: 4388797
    Abstract: A banding machine for continuously forming and applying the bands on articles comprises means for arranging rows of the articles, means for receiving the articles at the front end of the arranging means and transferring the articles to a band receiving position, means for supplying at least one tubular member to be fabricated into a band, and fabricating and positioning means to continuously fabricate bands from the respective tubular member and secure the bands around the articles retained at the band receiving position by the receiving and transferring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Inventor: Walter A. Shields
  • Patent number: 4357788
    Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus for producing a composite container having a body label or tubular sleeve mounted temporarily thereon adapted to be shrunken into final surface covering position. The tubular sleeve is preformed of thin flexible plastic material and flat-folded until ready for use when it is fully opened and arcuately conveyed in axial registry with a container therebeneath. The sleeve preform of heat-shrinkable plastic material is telescopically assembled onto the container while the latter is conveyed through a coincidental arcuate path. The container preferably consists of a one or two-component lightweight hollow plastic container with the tubular preform made slightly larger in diameter to surround a body portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Amberg
  • Patent number: 4293364
    Abstract: A cylindrical film tube is to be fitted over an object. Initially the tube is in a flattened state with its opposite sides touching one another. First two vacuum suckers are contacted to the collapsed tube, one on each of its sides, so as to oppose one another. Vacuum is supplied to these suckers so that they suck and grip the tube. Then they are moved relative to one another in a direction parallel to the surfaces of the tube which they are gripping, so as to shear these surfaces relative to one another and break their contact with one another, in case they are adhering together. Then the suckers are moved apart from one another in the direction perpendicular to the film surfaces which they grip, so as to open up the tube. Lastly, the opened-up tube is fitted over the object. In a preferred embodiment, the shear direction is perpendicular to the generators of the flattened tube. A machine is also disclosed for performing this process repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Fuji Seal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 4287700
    Abstract: A machine for fitting a sleeve seal of a flat form over a container, wherein a pair of half-mandrels are mounted on a rotating member so as to be movable apart and together. A pair of suction cups grip the sleeve seal and move apart so as to somewhat open it; then the suction cups move, together, towards the axis of the rotating member so as to put the sleeve seal over the half-mandrels, which are together; then the rotating member rotates and the half-mandrels move apart to open up the sleeve seal; and then the half-mandrels are aligned over the container, and a pushing means pushes off the sleeve seal from the half-mandrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Fuji Seal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 4286421
    Abstract: A method and machine for fitting a sleeve seal of a collapsed form over a container, wherein the sleeve seal supplied is opened halfway by suction cups disposed to a base plate, and then are opened fully by separating the distance between opening members inserted therein, which are mounted movably up and down to the base plate, until the sleeve seal is somewhat tensioned, wherein the sleeve seal is formed in the cylindrical form just above a container to be fitted by closing the distance between the opening members while the sleeve seal is held by the suction cups, wherein the container is inserted into the sleeve seal opened by a lift supporting the container, wherein the opening members are pulled out of the sleeve seal, and wherein the container fitted in the sleeve seal is transferred to a next step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: Fuji Seal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 4184309
    Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus for producing a composite container having a neck label or tubular sleeve mounted temporarily thereon adapted to be shrunken into final surface covering position. The tubular sleeve is preformed of relatively-stiff material and flat-folded until ready for use when it is partially opened and conveyed into axial registry with a container therebeneath. The sleeve preform of heat-shrinkable plastic material is telescopically assembled onto the container while the latter is firmly retained at an upper region. The retention device for the container serves to both fully open the sleeve preform and align the preform and container into axial arrangement. A reciprocatable head contacts the preform while so retained and telescopes the preform at least partially over the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Amberg
  • Patent number: 4162601
    Abstract: A molded capsule or the like serving as a secondary closure for a wine bottle or the like which may already be closed by a cork or the like is securely applied to the neck of the bottle by advancing the open end of the capsule against the already closed neck of the bottle, which may be oversized with respect to the capsule diameter, to form an initial air seal between the capsule and the bottle. Air is then injected into the capsule so as to provide an air column within the capsule which supports the capsule walls against collapse and lubricates the advance of the capsule longitudinally onto the neck of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1979
    Assignee: Buckeye Molding Company
    Inventor: David O. Allen
  • Patent number: 4149357
    Abstract: A device on a skein winding machine for applying bands onto band flaps arranged on a movable carrier, in which a band lifter provided with a suction nozzle is arranged to remove a band from a magazine under the effect of suction at the suction nozzle and place the band on the band flaps, the band lifter being connected to a slide which presses the lifted band onto the band flaps during continued movement of the band lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Assignee: Croon & Lucke Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Florian Lucke
  • Patent number: 4118916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for automatic, rhythmic wrapping of heat-shrinkable sleeves around containers, from a hopper where the sleeves are stacked flat to a device for continuous shrinking of these sleeves.The machine comprises in particular: means for extracting the sleeves one by one from the hopper, causing them to open very slightly; means for opening each sleeve substantially into a semicircle, then conveying it to a vertical plane above a conveyor for the containers to be wrapped; means enabling the sleeve to receive its final circular form, then to be placed gradually around the container to be wrapped.Application to wrapping sections of preprinted or decorated shrinkable plastic sections of sheathing and bracelets around various containers such as bottles, food and aerosol cans, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Sleever
    Inventor: Jacques Fresnel
  • Patent number: 4055934
    Abstract: A device on a skein winding machine for the application of bands to banding flaps arranged on a movable carrier, which includes a band feeder for withdrawing a band from a magazine band applying the bnd to the banding flaps in an initial setting of the carrier, for subsequent transfer of the applied bands by the motion of the carrier to a completely wound skein, subsequently depositing the banded skein on a deposit location and finally returning to the initial setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1977
    Assignee: Croon & Lucke Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Roland Leveugle
  • Patent number: 4035985
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping goods in a sheet of a stretchable film material comprises a resiliently deformable pad above a wrapping station, a gripping device for holding fast edge portions of the sheet so that the sheet extends horizontally beneath the pad, a mechanism for upwardly stretching a central portion of the sheet to form a bubble until the top of the bubble reaches the pad, a mechanism for lifting goods to be wrapped into the bubble until the top of the goods is urged against the inner surface of the top of the bubble and two pairs of tucking plates disposed to form a rectangle around the lower part of the bubble and movable inwardly to tuck the marginal portions of the bubbled sheet against the bottom of the goods. The goods are not brought into frictional engagement with the sheet during the stretching whereby the sheet is stretched uniformly throughout the bubbled central portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Assignee: Asahi-Dow Limited
    Inventors: Kozo Aoyama, Hiroshi Iijima, Shizuo Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 4016704
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating a container with a tubular wrapping member. The tubular wrapping member is dilated by a suction unit and fed onto one end of a guide member which is aligned with the container to be encapsulated and which is held at a lifted position by chucks. After disengaging the chucks from the guide member, an engaging means is caused to engage with the guide member and move along the axis of the guide member from one end toward another end thereof for thereby transferring the tubular wrapping member onto the container to be encapsulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Inventor: Masaaki Fujio