Banding Patents (Class 53/399)
  • Patent number: 8549819
    Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on a single spool and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed of rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A first roll of stretch film may be used with a second roll of stretch film, where the second roll of stretch film is narrowed into ropes and combined with a web from the first roll of stretch film. The combination of film from the first roll of stretch film and narrowed film from the second roll of stretch film may be pre-stretched prior to be applied to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Darrel Bison
  • Patent number: 8544241
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapping device for enveloping or packing in particular agricultural crop bales, including a wrapping floor for receiving and rotating the pressed crop bale and a guide frame for at least one wrapping material carrier for wrapping the bale on the wrapping floor with wrapping material in the form of webs, wherein the guide frame is height adjustable, in order to set the center of the wrapping material approximately at the location of the center of the crop bale to be wrapped. In order to be able to adapt wrapping devices having a guide frame to bales of different bale diameters, the guide frame should be pivotable about a horizontal axle which is situated parallel to the axis of rotation of the crop bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Willem Jacobus Reijersen-Van Buuren
  • Publication number: 20130247515
    Abstract: Bale strap assemblies for strapping a pressed bale are materials capable of being strapped are discussed herein. The bale strap assemblies account for jumping affects at the weld jaws due to reciprocating motions of the crank on the connecting rod and are adjusted by varying relative positions between the crank and the weld jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: H.W.J. DESIGNS FOR AGRIBUSINESS, INC.
    Inventor: Bradley P. Actis
  • Publication number: 20130244522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a geogrid, a non-woven or woven fabric and a strapping band, methods for their preparation and their use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: BAUMHUETER EXTRUSION GMBH
    Inventor: Ingo Knack
  • Patent number: 8534030
    Abstract: A method of retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct, the method includes removing at least one retaining strap from extending longitudinally about a flexible container retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct having a first end and a second end within the flexible container, the retaining strap extending about a first end and a second end of the flexible container. The method further includes securing a choker about a circumference transverse to the longitudinally compressed flexible duct and the flexible container to circumferentially compress a portion of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct at a position intermediate of the first end and the second end of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: William R. Gray
  • Patent number: 8516779
    Abstract: A bale wrapping attachment for a baler that forms round bales is mounted at a rear portion of the baler and includes a support for a supply of wrapping material that is formed as a web and rolled into a roll. The web is passed across a fixed, non-rotating feed bar. The wrapping attachment includes a guillotine type knife that cooperates with a cross frame member forming an anvil. The knife is slidable between a retracted position and a cutting position wherein a knife carried by the cutter engages the cross frame member to sever material underneath the knife. When the knife is in its retracted position, the non-rotating feed bar is moved to a position wherein wrapping material draped over the feed bar contacts exposed surfaces of bale forming belts from the baler, causing the wrapping material to be carried with the belts and into the bale chamber to wrap around the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Duratech Industries International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Bennett, Aaron J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8516780
    Abstract: A method and device for strapping one or more packets with a band, which device substantially comprises a frame, a lying conveyor belt supported by the frame for moving forward the packets, a pair of band clamping and guiding jaws movable toward and away from each other transversely of the conveyor belt, a supply reel associated with a jaw and guide members for the strapping band in addition to welding means co-acting with the jaws for welding together the band portions supplied by the pair of jaws, wherein means for arranging one or more label means at a time on the band are placed along the guide path of this band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Endra B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Johannes Maria Derks
  • Patent number: 8490368
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Duff Design Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Wood, Adrian James David Howson, Ian Dunckley, Cyrille Fuellemann, Alfred Wipf, Daniel Kummer
  • Publication number: 20130174517
    Abstract: A carpet recycling method is disclosed. In a toroidal flow pulper, carpet is disintegrated in a quantity of liquid to form a slurry of fibrous carpet materials and carpet ash. At least a portion of the fibrous carpet materials are separated from the slurry, and the separated fibrous carpet materials are dried. At least a portion of the carpet ash is isolated from the slurry, and the isolated carpet ash is dried. Thus, a first output comprising dried separated fibrous carpet materials is produced, and a second output comprising dried carpet ash is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Environmental Recycled Carpet Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Environmental Recycled Carpet Systems, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130167479
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for making a buckle joint at the ends of a flexible strap that is wrapped around a round, irregularly shaped, or small object. The method may include loading the end of the strap in a buckle, inserting a rigid insert between a pair of legs of the buckle that prevents one side of the buckle from collapsing, tensioning a strap by a tensioning device and removing the rigid insert after the required tension is achieved. In one embodiment of the method, the rigid insert being pivotably mounted on the lever, which is pivotally mounted in the front of the tensioning apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus may be constructed so that there is a zone on the frame for pressing the frame against the buckle, cutting mechanism for cutting strap after tensioning and the windlass actuated by a tension handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Pavlo Barlasov
  • Patent number: 8448412
    Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Aetna Group S.p.A
    Inventor: Mauro Cerè
  • Patent number: 8443579
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing an elongated article, such as a light string or the like. The apparatus includes a hollow tube and an elongated sock. The elongated sock is fed onto the hollow tube such that end of said sock is in proximity to the end of the tube. In use, one end of the elongated article is inserted through the hollow tube and is pulled through the tube along with the sock. As the length of the elongated article is pulled through the tube along with the sock, the length of the elongated article is disposed within the length of the sock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Brandyn B. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20130118120
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mandrel, a sleeving device and a method for sleeving containers. The mandrel is suspended in the sleeving device. The mandrel opens a foil to form sleeves. The foil is fed around the tubular outer surface of the mandrel. According to the invention the outer surface of the mandrel is formed by at least two separate mandrel bodies. At least one of the mandrel body is biased outwardly to increase the circumference of the outer surface. This circumference is automatically adapted to the current, instantaneous circumference of the foil fed around the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI SEAL EUROPE B.V.
    Inventor: FUJI SEAL EUROPE B.V.
  • Publication number: 20130118122
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a sleeving device and a mandrel for arranging sleeves around products such as containers. Foil is opened on the mandrel and fed over the outer surface of the mandrel. The foil is cut at a first position to form individual sleeves of predetermined length. Sleeves are discharged in axial direction from the mandrel over the product. The sleeves are discharged by engaging the sleeves at a second position. The circumference of the outer surface of the mandrel near the second position is smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the mandrel upstream from the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI SEAL EUROPE B.V.
    Inventor: FUJI SEAL EUROPE B.V.
  • Publication number: 20130118121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a sleeving device and a mandrel for arranging sleeves around products such as containers. Foil is opened on the mandrel and fed over the outer surface of the mandrel. The foil is cut to form individual sleeves of predetermined length. Sleeves are discharge in axial direction from the mandrel over the product. During discharge a rotational movement is imparted onto the sleeve. The sleeve is first fed a predetermined length beyond the cutting position before the sleeve is engaged for discharging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI SEAL EUROPE B.V.
    Inventor: FUJI SEAL EUROPE B.V.
  • Publication number: 20130118119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeving device, a set of a mandrel and collector and a method for arranging a sleeve around a product, such as a container, wherein static charges on the sleeve are reduced. Foil is fed over a mandrel, is cut into sleeves, and ejected over containers. According to the invention static charge is removed from the sleeve's inner surface by collecting static charge in a collector arranged on the mandrel. The collector includes electrical filaments positioned along an inner circumference of the sleeve. The charge is discharged afterwards, e.g. using a spark gap, via a discharger mounted on the frame and connected to the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI SEAL EUROPE B.V.
    Inventor: Fuji Seal Europe B.V.
  • Patent number: 8434287
    Abstract: A method of retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct, the method includes removing at least one retaining strap from extending longitudinally about a flexible container retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct having a first end and a second end within the flexible container, the retaining strap extending about a first end and a second end of the flexible container. The method further includes securing a choker about a circumference transverse to the longitudinally compressed flexible duct and the flexible container to circumferentially compress a portion of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct at a position intermediate of the first end and the second end of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: William R. Gray
  • Patent number: 8424271
    Abstract: The process for wrapping loads, in particular palletised loads, comprises the following phases: providing a rotating platform that is suitable for receiving a load to be wrapped and which has advancement means for advancing the load in an advancing direction, and a movement machine for moving a wrapping head along a substantially vertical direction for co-operating with the rotating platform to wrap the load with a covering sheet, the wrapping head having cutting means for cutting the covering sheet to form a cut end, and joining means for connecting the cut end to the load; placing the load to be wrapped on the rotating platform; wrapping the load on the rotating platform with the covering sheet to define a stabilizing wrap; turning the rotating platform so the advancing direction is towards the wrapping head; advancing the wrapped load on the rotating platform in the direction approaching the wrapping head until located in proximity to the head itself; and then cutting the covering sheet to form a cut en
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bema S.R.L.
    Inventor: Emilio Murarotto
  • Publication number: 20130086870
    Abstract: A method of producing steel bars that are cut to length in response to a customer order. The method includes producing a continuous length of steel bar from a rolling mill, cutting said continuous length of steel bar into lengths equal to the length of the bar of the customer order while maintaining the production of the continuous length of steel bar produced by the rolling mill, and bundling bars of the length of the customer order for discharge from the mill using one of two bundling stations arranged to receive and bundle cut bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: David Teng Pong
  • Patent number: 8397895
    Abstract: A banknote handling apparatus 1 of the present invention includes: a recognition unit 6 for recognizing a kind of banknote; a stacking unit 32 to 36 for stacking a banknote of a predetermined kind recognized by the recognition unit 6; and a bundling unit 51 for bundling the banknotes stacked by the stacking units 32 to 36. The bundling unit 51 includes a tape setting unit 80 for setting a plurality of reeled tapes 52 and 53; a bundling mechanism 54 for bundling the stacked banknotes by using tape T1 or T2 pulled out from any one of the reeled tape 52 or 53 set in the tape setting unit 80; and a tape switching unit 96 for switching the tape T1 or T1 to be fed from the tape setting unit 80 in correspondence to the kind of banknotes recognized by the recognition unit 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Yokota
  • Patent number: 8375685
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is used with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a bale handling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group of bales. The group of bales is then moved while the group of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the group of bales. The flexible strip is positioned relative to the group of bales by a positioning member which is connected with the bale handling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Kuhns
  • Patent number: 8365508
    Abstract: A spool of banding material orbits a product to be banded, with the banding material unwinding from the orbiting spool and about the product to form a band about the product As the spool unwinds banding material, the shaft or other structure supporting the spool continuously urges the spool in the rewinding direction, thereby enhancing the tension on the unwinding banding material When initiating a band, gripping fingers grasp an end of the unspooled banding material and hold it adjacent the object being banded as the spool orbits the object and wraps the object and the fingers The fingers then slip out from between the object and the forming band, preferably with the assistance of a blast of pressurized air, and grasp the unspooling banding material between the spool and the banded object The length of banding material extending to the object is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jason David Kenney
  • Publication number: 20130026129
    Abstract: A capsule for bottle necks (2) consisting of: an adhesive disc (1) arranged on the upper part of the bottle neck (2); a sleeve made of a heat-shrinkable material (3), having a cylindrical shape and an initial diameter larger than that of the bottle neck (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Oscar Lavaque
  • Patent number: 8356460
    Abstract: A wrapping paper for a roll having two opposed roll ends, the wrapping paper includes: a paper layer; and at least one exposed strip having adhesive properties. The at least one exposed strip is proximate to a side edge of the paper layer and covers at least a portion of one of the roll ends when wrapped around the roll. A method for wrapping a roll having a pair of spaced roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cascades Conversion Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Scott Bowden, Denis Aumais, Michel Labbe
  • Publication number: 20130008135
    Abstract: A method of packing a product. The method includes arranging a first product adjacent to a second product to define an arrangement, forming a band around the first product and the second product, and forming a protective wrapper, the protective wrapper at least partially enveloping the band, the first product, and the second product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Gregory D. Moore, Tracey L. Meckley, Michael S. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 8307613
    Abstract: A method of sleeving two or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The method can include feeding successive packages of smoking articles to a plurality of bundling pocket guides each configured to receive two or more packages. A first package can be placed into one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides. A second package can be placed into the one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides containing the first package such that the first and second packages are adjacent to one another within the bundling pocket guide to form a bundle of packages. Successive bundles of packages can be fed to a sleeve folding station. The bundle of packages can be moved against a blank of sleeve material into a folding pocket. The blank of sleeve material can be folded around the bundle of packages to form a sleeve around the bundle of packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Jerry Wayne Pipes
  • Publication number: 20120279173
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a feeding unit including a support surface inclined with respect to a vertical direction and a stacking surface substantially perpendicular to the support surface, a plurality of paper sheets being stacked on the stacking surface in such a manner that the paper sheets are inclined along the support surface, a pick up mechanism configured to pick up the paper sheets from a side of the stacking surface of the feeding unit, a conveying path configured to convey the picked up paper sheets, an inspection device configured to inspect the conveyed paper sheet, and an accumulation unit configured to accumulate the inspected paper sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sakoguchi, Kazuhiro Mukai, Hisashi Oosawa
  • Patent number: 8302267
    Abstract: There is provided a load fixing device capable of effectively preventing collapse of burdens stacked in multiple stages by wrapping with a sheet, providing excellent work efficiency, providing large binding force, and excellently stabilizing the fastened burdens. A load fixing device according to the present invention includes a belt-like sheet having a predetermined length to be wounded around an outer periphery of loads; a first fastening section provided at an upper part in a width direction of a first end of the belt-like sheet and having an engagement means; a first-fastening-section passing section provided at the upper part in the width direction of a second end of the belt-like sheet; a second fastening section provided at a lower part in the width direction of the second end of the belt-like sheet and having an engagement means; and a second-fastening-section passing section provided at the lower part in the width direction of the first end of the belt-like sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ecobiz Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kahoru Morikawa, Takahide Yusuki, Katsuaki Sawachi
  • Patent number: 8276347
    Abstract: A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by disposing an outer wrap around a bottom support and a portion of a vertically spaced slip frame former. One of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As bulk goods are added to the transportable container, the position of the slip frame former is radially adjusted to modify the shape of the transportable container. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container. Additional portions of outer wrap are disposed around a portion of the slip frame former to maintain the transportable container for receiving bulk goods as the previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Sharon Juntunen
  • Patent number: 8276346
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material to a load are disclosed. An amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed by a packaging material dispenser is determined based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed is determined, a ratio of relative rotational speed to packaging material dispenser speed can be set and mechanically controlled. In an alternative embodiment, the ratio is electronically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldrige, Willie M. Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph D. Norris
  • Publication number: 20120217185
    Abstract: A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by disposing an outer wrap around a bottom support and a portion of a vertically spaced slip frame former. One of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As bulk goods are added to the transportable container, the position of the slip frame former is radially adjusted to modify the shape of the transportable container. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container. Additional portions of outer wrap are disposed around a portion of the slip frame former to maintain the transportable container for receiving bulk goods as the previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Sharon Juntunen
  • Publication number: 20120212021
    Abstract: An easy-to-assemble sofa along with a method of packaging its components so as to consume the smallest possible space during shipping. The sofa includes arms and rails that may be assembled to form a frame. A seat deck and rear deck are installed to the arms and rails. Cushions are placed atop the seat deck, and foam cushions are placed in front of the rear deck to form the sofa's seating surfaces. To conserve space during shipping, the compressible seat cushions and rear cushions are placed between the rigid seat deck and rear deck. The entire assembly is banded with woven bands to maintain it in a compact compressed condition during shipping, which may all be in a single cardboard container. This method of packing allows the parts of the sofa to be packed in as compact a container as possible, saving money on shipping and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: HANDY BUTTON MACHINE CO.
    Inventors: Thomas Hunter, Thomas C. Erdman
  • Patent number: 8215086
    Abstract: A rewinder machine for the production of rolls of web material is described, comprising: a winder unit (3, 5, 7); a path for delivering the web material (N) to said winder unit; a system for continuously feeding said web material into said winder unit; a distributor (31) of a sheet material (F) for wrapping the rolls formed by said winder unit, installed and operated so as to deliver a length of sheet material to said winder unit on completion of the winding of each roll without stopping the forward feed of the web material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Romano Maddaleni, Mauro Gelli
  • Patent number: 8196372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pack, which includes at least two PET containers combined with each other, which are held together by a strip-like or ribbon-like strap, the strap being spun about an outer surface of the PET containers in a horizontal manner, wherein an inner surface of the strap, which lies at the outer surfaces of the PET containers, is fixed at least at one junction with one of the PET containers. The strap is fixed at the junction by a material integrated bond in the form of at least one welded joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Kurt Perl, Michael Hartl
  • Patent number: 8191341
    Abstract: A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by vertically spacing a slip frame former from a bottom support. An outer wrap is disposed around the bottom support and a portion of at least one former wall to initially form the transportable container prior to the addition of the bulk goods into the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container and lock together the bulk goods disposed in the transportable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Sharon Juntunen
  • Publication number: 20120102881
    Abstract: A clamp assembly may include a first jaw member which may have a selectively inflatable bladder. In addition, the clamp assembly may further include a second jaw member which may have a belt. The first jaw member and the second jaw member may be configured to clamp material between the selectively inflatable bladder and the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: LANTECH.COM, LLC
    Inventors: Philip R. Moore, Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Richard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8146334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for placing sleeves on traveling articles, said sleeves being cut from a continuous sheath passing over a sheath-opening shaper, first outer wheels serving to advance the sheath along the shaper, and second outer wheels being provided downstream from cutter means for the purpose of ejecting the cut-off sheath segment, said wheels being driven in rotation by associated electric motors controlled synchronously by a virtual-shaft common electronic programmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sleever International Compagny
    Inventor: Eric Fresnel
  • Patent number: 8141327
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick R. Lancaster, III
  • Patent number: 8141480
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically calibrating a bale size indicator by using inputs from existing bale wrapper material monitors to determine the linear amount of wrapping material necessary to encircle the bale one time. Balers with wrapping mechanisms may include a sensor for measuring the linear amount of wrapper dispensed as a means to alert the operator when the supply of wrapper material is low. Such balers may also have additional sensors for verifying that wrapping material completely encircles the bale prior to allowing the bale to be ejected from the baler. Using inputs from each of these sensors, a control system on the baler can determine the amount of wrapping material necessary to cover one revolution of the bale, also an indication of the bale circumference, and use the measurement to calibrate the display of bale diameter also generated from the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120023868
    Abstract: A method of sleeving two or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The method can include feeding successive packages of smoking articles to a plurality of bundling pocket guides each configured to receive two or more packages. A first package can be placed into one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides. A second package can be placed into the one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides containing the first package such that the first and second packages are adjacent to one another within the bundling pocket guide to form a bundle of packages. Successive bundles of packages can be fed to a sleeve folding station. The bundle of packages can be moved against a blank of sleeve material into a folding pocket. The blank of sleeve material can be folded around the bundle of packages to form a sleeve around the bundle of packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Jerry Wayne Pipes
  • Patent number: 8104520
    Abstract: A method of forming a transportable container of bulk goods begins by placing the distributing end of a hopper over the open top of a bunched bag. Bulk goods are dispensed from the distributing end of the hopper through the open top of the bag to establish a level of bulk goods in the bag. The hopper moves vertically relative to the closed base of the bag during the dispensing of bulk goods from the distributing end of the hopper to maintain vertical spacing between the distributing end of the hopper and the level of bulk goods in the bag. A hopper fill level is maintained in the hopper during the dispensing of bulk goods from the hopper. An outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag while filling the bag to form the transportable container. The outer wrap is maintained near the level of bulk goods in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Dave Ours, Sharon Juntunen, Stanley Davis, Clark Kreider
  • Patent number: 8099935
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for fixing the tail end of the film for wrapping palletized loads, supplied by a reel (B), envisages the following working steps: a) Positioning along the side of the load and parallel thereto a straight member (1) and transversely extending over it a section of a penultimate turn (S) of the wrapping film so as to form a vertically open pocket (Z) between this turn and the wrapped load; b) Moving an edge of the film portion of the said penultimate turn which touches the said straight member towards the other edge of the said turn so as to free space on the said straight member (1); c) Extending over the free space of said straight member (1) a section of a last turn (S1) of the wrapping film,—d) The part of the said last turn (S1) situated on the said straight member is moved away from the said penultimate turn (S), is made to pass over the said straight member (1) and is inserted and pulled into the said pocket (Z), remaining temporarily connected to the said distributor with the reel (B
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Atlanta Stretch S.p.A.
    Inventors: Angelo Forni, Gianluca Paci
  • Publication number: 20110314773
    Abstract: A banknote bundling device (3) includes a bundling-side stacking unit (21) in which bundling-object-banknotes are sorted and stacked, a bundling unit (22) that bundles one hundred bundling-object-banknotes with a bundling tape, and a pre-bundling transport unit (25) and a hold and transport unit (27) that transports the bundling-object-banknotes stacked in the bundling-side stacking unit (21) to the bundling unit (22) when the number of the bundling-object-banknotes stacked in the bundling-side stacking unit (21) reaches one hundred. The banknote bundling device (3) further includes a banknote-kind acquisition unit (172) that acquires a banknote-kind of the last banknote stacked in the bundling-side stacking unit (21) from among the one hundred bundling-object-banknotes, and a bundling-position setting unit (174) that sets, based on the banknote-kind of the last banknote, a bundling position of the bundling tape on the bundling-object-banknotes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Toshihiko Suzuki, Tomoyasu Sato
  • Patent number: 8079201
    Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Aetna Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cerè
  • Patent number: 8056305
    Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Amy Baker Folk, William Thomas Sanders, Daniel Christopher Bohen, Shane Anthony Johnson
  • Patent number: 8051881
    Abstract: A tool that installs a metal tie is disclosed. The tool includes a tension mechanism and a tension control system. The tension mechanism tensions the metal tie wrapped around a bundle. The tension control system measures the applied tie tension. The tension control system includes a load cell and a worm cushion that dampens the tension applied to the load cell. The tension mechanism includes a gear train with a worm gear and a worm that distribute the applied tension to the load cell. Once the desired tension has been achieved, the tension mechanism is de-energized and a ball set and cut-off mechanism is activated to set the ball in the metal tie head and to shear a portion of the tensioned metal tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Roger D Segroves
  • Publication number: 20110266177
    Abstract: A packaging system for a printer/copier or other large article that uses less material than conventional packaging systems. In one embodiment the system comprises a pair of elongated foam braces that slide over pairs of vertically oriented corner posts for holding and cushioning the packaged article. In another embodiment the system comprises four foam braces wedged between the four vertical edges of the article and vertical corner posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: James LOWRY, Ronald KROECKEL
  • Patent number: 8046978
    Abstract: A machine for sleeving one or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The machine can provide a blank from a roll of continuous material and fold the blank around packages. The machine includes a sleeve folding station that can orient the blank to be folded around the packages. The sleeve folding station is also configured to permit at least one fold in the blank when the package is moved against the blank and into a pocket. The machine may include a bundling unit adapted to arrange packages into a bundle. The machine can include an adhesive applicator to apply adhesive to the blank so that when folded the blank can be attached to itself to form a sleeved package. Preferably, the machine includes a transfer wheel having a pocket for receiving the blank and bundle together, where upon rotation of the wheel the blank is folded around the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Jerry Wayne Pipes
  • Patent number: 8046975
    Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on a single spool and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Allied Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Darrel Bison
  • Patent number: 8037660
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one drive down roller configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping mechanism. The at least one roping mechanism may be a cable rolling element configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include an assembly for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie Martin Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph Donald Norris