Binding String Patents (Class 53/414)
  • Publication number: 20140345232
    Abstract: An apparatus may manufacture a package that includes edible substances. The apparatus may include a first provider for providing a first edible substance into a first space and include a second provider for providing a second edible substance into a second space, at least one of the two edible substances including ready-to-eat cereal. The apparatus further includes a partition mechanism for implement a partition for separating the two edible substances. The apparatus further includes a sealing mechanism for sealing a container that encloses the first space and/or the second space. The apparatus further includes a tube-handling mechanism for combining a tube with the container for forming a combination, an internal width of the tube being larger than an average unit width of units of the ready-to-eat cereal, wherein the package comprises the combination. The apparatus further includes a controller for controlling at least one of the above-mentioned members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: YI-MING TSENG
  • Patent number: 8550093
    Abstract: A package for tobacco material includes a portion of tobacco material, a wrapper enclosing the portion of tobacco material, a rigid base portion and at least one resealable adhesive label sealing the wrapper around the portion of tobacco material. The wrapper is formed of a flexible sheet material. The package may include an opening strip defined by one or more lines of weakness in the wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sandrine Saint-Girons, Dan Brady, Steve Sayers
  • Patent number: 8500617
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an extraction bag sheet including: (1) a step of placing and holding tags on a rotary supporting body at predetermined intervals; (2) threading a string into a continuous pattern on the circumferential surface of the rotary supporting body; (3) bonding the string to the tags; (4) supplying a water-permeable filter sheet onto the tags and the string; (5) bonding the water-permeable filter sheet to the string; and (6) bonding the water-permeable filter sheet to the tags. In the bonding steps of (3), (5), and (6), bonding heads are used which are moved reciprocally and oscillatingly about the center axis of the rotary supporting body and moved vertically relative to the circumferential surface of the rotary supporting body by an oscillation servo motor and a vertical movement servo motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Tsubakimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd., Fabrica Toyama Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Tsuji, Masahiro Sunada, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8474227
    Abstract: A bag accumulating device is provided with a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism. The first drive mechanism is configured to advance an open-mouth portion of a bag at a first speed. The second drive mechanism is provided adjacent and downstream of the first drive mechanism. The second drive mechanism is configured to advance the open-mouth portion of the bag at a second speed that is less than the first speed so as to accumulate and foreshorten the open-mouth portion of the bag. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Jere F. Irwin
  • 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: 20120311968
    Abstract: The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase that can incorporate the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides encoding the novel sythetases molecules, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing containing the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine and translation systems. The invention further provides methods for producing modified proteins (e.g., lapidated proteins) through targeted modification of the phenylselenocysteine residue in a protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Sudhir K. Jaiswal
  • Publication number: 20110056174
    Abstract: A method for making packs of in each case at least two coupled articles which are held together by a strap wherein said strap is stretched in a horizontally manner about the outer surfaces of the articles. Said strap is laid about the articles during a continuous conveying process and fixed afterwards. A device for handling, conveying, packing and/or palletizing articles, wherein said device includes at least a horizontal conveying means for continuously conveying articles, a device for making packs of in each case at least two grouped and coupled articles as well as a subsequent grouping device for arranging the packs opposite to other packs and for the subsequent making of pallet layers and/or for the preparation of a palletizing afterwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Krones AG
    Inventor: Kurt PERL
  • Publication number: 20090279813
    Abstract: A flexible package having a reclosable fastener with opposing front and back panels joined together to form a cavity. The reclosable fastener including opposing cohesive layers supplied from a solvent dispersion of a thermoplastic elastomer and diluent disposed on each of the front and back panels effective to form a reclosable fastener having a cohesive peel strength less than the bond strength to the front and back panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Pokusa, Paul Zerfas
  • Patent number: 7607278
    Abstract: A device for bundling newspapers for recycling, the device having a cylindrical handle member having two spaced apart apertures perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, the cylinder further having two axial slits formed in the ends thereof, the handle member cooperative with a length of cordage passing through one of the apertures in the handle member such that the cordage is of equal length from both sides of the aperture of the handle member, the cordage lengths arranged in an X configuration such that a bundle of newspapers is angularly positioned on the cordage so positioned, the handle member then drawn up over one corner of the bundle to approximately the center of the top of the bundle of newspapers, the opposing two ends of the cordage are then inserted through the second aperture in the handle member, drawn taut, and then wrapped about the opposing slits formed in the end of the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Witkowski
  • Patent number: 7013616
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly is provided for a package. The package provides storage for a variety of items. A sleeve at least partially surrounds the package and connects to the package through a connection point. The sleeve includes a reinforced adhesive material which provides reinforcement to the connection point and prevents both tearing of the sleeve and displacement of the sleeve from the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Powers, John T. Holladay
  • Patent number: 6877298
    Abstract: A newspaper storage and bundler device having a box shaped container, two pairs of opposing tie studs, each tie stud extending vertically in a stud inset, the stud inset being recessed from the top of a side panel or an end panel with an opposing tie stud extending vertically in a stud inset recessed from the top of the opposing side panel or end panel, each tie stud being anchored to the respective side panel or end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Ray W. Lamoreaux
  • Patent number: 6874297
    Abstract: The instant invention comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a load under tension with a web of stretch wrap flexible material and then binding the wrapping material to the load by compressing the end of the flexible material into a rope-like configuration. The rope formed is wound around the load at least one turn. A second turn of the rope around the load is then bound to the first rope with a mechanical twisting tie around the two ropes to prevent unwrapping of the load during transit and storage. A hot wire cutting mechanism cuts the rope and the bound two ropes snap back into position against the wrapped load from the force of the stretch wrap tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Arpac, L.P.
    Inventors: Alfonso Solis, Jimmy Bennett
  • Patent number: 6725628
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the continuous production of beverage filter bags, especially tea bags with a hanging strip made from a carrier sheet material and with at least one pocket which consists of a filter material and is closed on all sides, contains at least one portion of a beverage substance, and is connected to the hanging strip; whereby individual beverage-substance portions are deposited in a row on a continuous web of filter paper, a sleeve is formed, at least one string of consecutive, contiguous pockets, each containing one portion of the substance, is produced by individually sealing them off with a transverse seam, said transverse seam including both the trailing seam of one pocket and the leading seam of the following pocket, with perforations between the two seams along which neighboring pockets can be separated in the course of the process; the individual pocket is separated from the string of pockets; the pocket separated from the string of pockets is connected to a hanging-st
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Teepack Spezialmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Lohrey, Stefan Lambertz, Wolfgang Groth, Rolf Maier
  • Patent number: 6668521
    Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6619014
    Abstract: For sequentially strapping stacks of printed products (3) with a strapping tape (27), stacks are conveyed to a strapping position pressed together between two presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) and are there strapped in a pressed-together condition. A loop of the strapping tape (27) positioned around the stack (3) is tightened, locked and cut-off from a supply roll. In doing so, the tape loop is applied in a zone of the stack face sides outside the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) and aligned with slot-shaped apertures (19.1, 19.2) in the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) such that the strapping tape (27), when it is being tightened, is moved through the apertures (19.1, 19.2) and comes to lie directly on the face sides of the stack. The strapping is advantageous to strap stacks (3), which have either been previously, or are being simultaneously, enveloped with an enveloping material (25), whereby the envelope is applied around the stack (3) and the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Erwin Muller
  • Publication number: 20030089080
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Publication number: 20030070393
    Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6513304
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6490847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cartons and materials for cartons that may be used to prepare party favors to form a small, attractive, package with small gifts within. The physical process of making a party favor is facilitated by an easy-to-assemble carton for preparing party favors. In one embodiment, blank walls of material for preparing the cartons may be employed to prepare the party favor as well as a pushing element facilitating wrapping of a gift. The carton may, in one embodiment, have multiple polygonal wall portions formed from blank wall material such as for example, plastic or cardboard with possible openings through wall surfaces to define a carton cavity for assembling a gift. The carton cavity may have an optional pushing element to insert into wrapping to help fill a wrapper, carton openings, or be formed from a sheet of blank wall material to form the party favor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Blumental Lansing Company
    Inventors: Charles I. Serenita, Carolle Desroches Ramey
  • Patent number: 6481181
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The apparatus includes a platform having at least one opening sized to allow passage therethrough of an article, a conveyable cover forming assembly having contacting portions for contacting the sheet of material, and a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of a covered article for fastening a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6397560
    Abstract: A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6370840
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 6345488
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6269611
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6112500
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 6101788
    Abstract: A method for forming a sheet of material about an article and for automatically fastening the sheet of material about the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the sheet of material formed about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5867969
    Abstract: A method for wrapping coiled material which includes the selection of a tear-resistant bag having openings at either end and drawstrings near each opening. A roll of steel is lifted, e.g., by a forklift, and the bag is slipped over the roll of steel. The excess material of the bag is then folded over so that the bag tightly fits the steel roll. The strings are then drawn tightly, pulling the bag radially over the steel roll such that the ends of the bag overlaps the aperture of the core of the roll. The overlapping portions of the bag are folded inside of the core of the coiled material and inner diameter protectors are placed in the core to secure the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Victor Manuel Quinones
  • Patent number: 5839256
    Abstract: A method for forming a cover about an article from a sheet of material and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The sheet od material is formed into a cover about the article and a fastener is automatically positioned about a portion of the cover for fastening the cover about the article wherein the article having the cover formed about at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the article is moved to a fastening station of the fastening device. A labeling device may also be provided for automatically applying a label to the covered article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5740656
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 5709064
    Abstract: A method and device for attaching a covering sheet material on top of a row of crop bales positioned in end to end relationship on a raised earthen mound. An elongated needle is used to insert strands of tie material under the bales and then the tie material is pulled up over the top surface of a cover sheet on the top of the bales. The strands of tie material are then tied in position to encircle the bales and the cover sheet to hold it is position on at least the top half of the bale with the lower portion of the bale being left uncovered for air circulation. The cover sheet is also tied to extend over the top portion of the ends of the bale row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Denny M. Swartz
  • Patent number: 5661952
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The apparatus is provided with a platform having at least one opening sized to allow passage therethrough of an article. A conveyable cover forming assembly having contacting portions for contacting a sheet of material is supported on a conveying assembly beneath the opening in the platform. The article can be pushed into the cover forming assembly, causing the sheet to be formed into a cover about the article. The apparatus also provides for automatically applying a band or fastener about the covered article for fastening the cover about the article wherein the cover forming assembly is conveyed via the rail to the banding or fastening device. The apparatus may also include a labeling device for automatically applying a label to the covered article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5657613
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a roll of steel or other coiled material which includes the selection of a tear-resistant sheet of proportions to accommodate a steel roll. The sheet is folded along lines parallel to its width, and holes are punched through the folded sheet at the upper and lower ends of the sheet, forming a plurality of upper holes and a plurality of lower holes. The sheet is unfolded and ropes or strings are threaded through each set of holes. A roll of steel is placed on the sheet and the sheet is wrapped circumferentially around the roll and secured with adhesive tape. The strings are then drawn tightly, pulling the sheet radially over the roll of steel such that the sheet overlaps the aperture of the core of the roll. The overlapping portions of the sheet are bent inside of the core, and inner diameter protectors are placed in the core to secure the sheet. A system for wrapping a roll of steel is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Victor Manuel Quinones
  • Patent number: 5609009
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 5600937
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying items in two orthogonal planes on a display card. The items are preferably extensibly secured to the display card by an elastic strand secured to opposed lateral portions of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventors: Peter G. Erickson, Richard J. Shube
  • Patent number: 5561894
    Abstract: Method for providing a decorative cover by providing a flower pot, positioning a sleeve about the floral grouping with a portion of the sleeve extending along a portion of the flower pot, disposing a sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot; and positioning a collar about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot with a portion of the sleeve and the sheet of material being disposed between the collar and the flower pot whereby the collar secures the sleeve and the sheet of material to the flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Franklin J. Craig, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5481850
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The apparatus comprises a rotatable platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. At least portions of a sheet of material are supported in a position generally over the opening. A cover forming assembly having contacting portions for contacting the sheet of material is disposed in the opening in the support surface. The apparatus also comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article when the platform is rotated into a fastening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Highland Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz, James G. Carmody, M. James Leider
  • Patent number: 5473858
    Abstract: The apparatus has a frame having a top portion with an opening. The frame frictionally supports the middle portion of the string in an initial position behind the opening. A movable funnel is adapted to force a sheet from an initial position above the opening to an intermediate position in which the sheet is located partially through the opening, around the funnel, and in front of the middle portion of the string. A selected quantity of bulk product is poured into the funnel and a knot is tied in the string in front of the sheet. As the knot is tightened, the string forces the funnel upward and the string tightens around the sheet thus forming an enclosed volume with the sheet in a final position around the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Rosemary C. Hayes
  • Patent number: 5456062
    Abstract: A decorative gift wrap for wrapping a package comprising an elongated enclosure formed of a length of stretchable hosiery netting with a closure on each end of the netting enclosure so that the netting enclosure can be stretched to allow a package to be inserted therein and both ends of the netting enclosure closed to create a formfitting decorative wrap for the package, the closure on at least one end being selectively openable to remove the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Lana Wechsler
  • Patent number: 5452560
    Abstract: A decorative covering for a flower pot where a sheet of material is extended about an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and a band is secured about a portion of the sheet of material to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material for cooperating to hold the sheet of material in the position extending about the flower pot to provide the decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Highland Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Michael J. King
  • Patent number: 5450707
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The apparatus includes a platform and a conveyable cover forming assembly. A sheet of material can be supported in a position generally over the opening. The article can be pushed into the cover forming assembly, causing the sheet to be formed into a cover about the article. The apparatus also comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Highland Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5451282
    Abstract: A method for protecting luggage in transit. A strip is made of a material which adheres to itself but not to the luggage or to a lock for the luggage. The strip is wrapped around the luggage and the lock, and the ends of the strip are pressed together, causing them to stick to one another and seal the luggage and the lock. If further protection is desired, a strand of wire, rope, cord, string, or the like is tied over the strip used to seal the luggage and lock, and a second strip of the same material wrapped over and around the strand, the first strip, the luggage, and the lock, and used to further seal the luggage and the lock by pressing the ends of the second strip against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: John C. Fore
  • Patent number: 5339601
    Abstract: A decorative covering for a flower pot where a sheet of material is extended about an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and a band is secured about a portion of the sheet of material to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material for cooperating to hold the sheet of material in the position extending about the flower pot to provide the decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Highland Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Michael J. King
  • Patent number: 4987723
    Abstract: A method for producing bundles of tags from a stack of die cut sheets and an apparatus for stripping bundles of tags from a stack of die cut sheets and tying the bundles. The disclosed method includes clamping portions of a stack of die cut sheets on opposite sides of a common cut line adjacent the cut line and rotating the portions about the common cut line with respect to each other about an axis parallel to the cut line. The method causes the portions to separate sequentially for individual sheets in order to substantially reduce the stripping force required. The method may further include imparting a force in a direction transverse the sheets during the rotating to further enhance the sequential separation of the sheet portions. An apparatus is disclosed including gravity feed means for feeding stacks of sheets into a dual stripping assembly having alternatingly-actuated stripping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: The John Henry Company
    Inventor: Gordon J. Diemer
  • Patent number: 4627220
    Abstract: A conveyor has a pivotable upper support which slideably houses two rake assemblies. Stringed tags are collected on the conveyor, then gathered into a bundle by the rake tines. The bundle is presented to a tying appratus, then dropped as the rakes part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Dennison Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Steve J. Lynch
  • Patent number: 4490960
    Abstract: A machine automatically applies a tin tie strip across the top of bags in a predetermined series of steps wherein the bag top is closed downwardly twice in a double fold after the tin tie strip is affixed to one of the bag side walls. Glue applied to the exposed, outside surface of the first fold holds the bag top closed in the double fold condition. Bendable lengths of the tin tie strip projecting from the leading and trailing edges of the bag side wall are sequentially bent around the bag top through full 180.degree. turns into snug engagement with the other bag side wall as bags are moved through the machine by conveyor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Doboy Packaging Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Klemesrud
  • Patent number: 4410382
    Abstract: A telltale structure which includes an elongate base tape with a pressure sensitive adhesive coating on the inner surface to engage the surface of an object to be studied.Bonded to the outer surface of the base tape is an elongate overlay tape which contains a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures.Captured between the juxtaposed portion of the tapes are the inner end portions of thin, flexible streamers which have the free outer portions thereof within the confines of the apertures, whereby said outer portions can be acted upon by a fluid medium flowing over the surface of the object to be studied.In producing the telltale structure, a continuous length of streamer material is laminated between the two tapes to provide streamer portions which are exposed in the apertures in the overlay tape, and one end of each exposed portion is then severed to provide the aforesaid free outer portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Inventor: Robert Varela
  • Patent number: 4347694
    Abstract: In order to facilitate the handling or manipulation of products, especially printed products, typically newspapers and magazines or the like, the same are grouped together into a band worm-like, foldable composite formation. As a result, the printed products have imparted thereto, also in their dimensions, a defined identity which can be gainfully employed after a possible intermediate storage during each further processing thereof. At the same time there is facilitated the storage (stacking, palletizing and so forth) and the removal from a storage area as well as the transport thereof, especially since the access to the composite formation renders seizable, in a defined manner, each product which is engaged therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist