By Simultaneously Conveying And Compressing Patents (Class 53/439)
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Patent number: 10604355Abstract: Flight and indexing assemblies for automated packaging systems provide better product spacing for faster and more reliable automation. In an example, a plurality of flights may include a plate- or sheet-like body with a perpendicular flange extending from an upper portion of the flight. Two adjacent flanges contain a pouch or other product to be packaged in a case. A flange constrains an upper portion of each pouch to a confined and predetermined area, thereby aiding grippers of an end-of-arm tool to grasp the pouches. A flight and product indexing assembly is configured to control spacing between adjacent flights, and to position pouches constrained between adjacent flights, so that flights position product at predetermined locations for gripping by the end-of-arm tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Pearson Packaging SystemsInventors: Michael James Johnson, Steven Joseph Allard, David John Nelson
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Publication number: 20140260102Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for managing recyclable materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus is described, the apparatus comprising an inlet port for receiving the recyclable materials, a tube connected to the inlet port, an outlet port as part of the tube for expelling the recyclable materials, a screw blade mounted inside the tube and the inlet port along a tube longitudinal axis for moving the recyclable materials through the inlet port, the tube, and the outlet port, a motor coupled to the screw blade for rotating the screw blade, thereby moving the recyclable materials through the apparatus, and a receptacle installed onto the outlet port for receiving the recyclable materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Nick Ball, Terry Ward
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Publication number: 20140137515Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling (flat) articles (10), in particular hygiene products such as diapers, napkins or the like, wherein the articles (10) are supplied on a first feed conveyor (11) and are removed as a compressed group (12) of articles (10) on a removal conveyor (14). The invention is characterized in that the feed conveyor (11) and the removal conveyor (14) are continuously driven and a group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the continuously driven feed conveyor (11) to a continuously driven compressing device (16) in which the group (13) of articles (10) is compressed, and in that the compressed group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the compressing device (16) to the continuously driven removal conveyor (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. KG)Inventors: Björn Brandhorst, Andreas Prahm, Frank Sachs
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Patent number: 8720167Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for subdividing a fed tubular packaging sleeve into packaging units, having two displacer groups which are intended for constricting the tubular packaging sleeve, it being possible for the rear displacer group, as seen in respect of the movement of the tubular packaging sleeve, to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the tubular packaging sleeve, and the apparatus comprises a supporting element which is connected to the rear displacer group and is intended for supporting the tubular packaging sleeve. The supporting element allows the tubular packaging sleeve to be transported away reliably.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Tipper Tie Technopack GmbHInventor: Holger Kruse
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Patent number: 8567165Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignees: Frito-Lay North America, Inc., Douglas Machine, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Bierschenk, Frank M. Brenkus, Jerry M. Reaves, Amelinda Melanson, Leon J. Krause, Ronald M. Gust
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Patent number: 8272192Abstract: The present invention is directed to opening a spring roll pack in a controlled manner. A support surface is provided that is positioned to support the spring roll pack. A compression mechanism compresses the spring roll pack. As the spring roll pack is compressed, the spring roll pack is rotated while an accumulator winds wrapping material of the spring roll pack.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Stjepan Vadlja, Ben Cuthbert, Josip Maric, Stanislav Nemec, Matija Glozinic, Josip Gecic
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Patent number: 8256191Abstract: Methods of automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting include: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, David T. Wince, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown
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Patent number: 8074428Abstract: For the production and filling of (sheet-material) bags (10) with one tobacco portion (18) each, a plurality of bags (10) are preferably made available in the region of a filling station (20). The latter is located in the vicinity of a pressing station (19), which is supplied with the tobacco portions (18). In the region of the pressing station (19) or in a pressing chamber (35), each tobacco portion (18) is compressed in the vertical direction on a horizontal rest, namely on a platform (39), and in addition preferably compressed by a pressing crosspiece (42) in the horizontal direction. The tobacco portion (18) thus formed is introduced into the bag (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)Inventors: Reinhard Hoppe, Peter Krause
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Patent number: 8065859Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a moving hopper wall and mechanism for moving the wall at an input end of hopper. The wall moving mechanism and the moving wall of the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. A safety enclosure isolates the wall moving mechanism from contaminants and prevents exposure to the wall moving mechanism. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of a tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above a primary compression mechanism. A tunnel-adjustment mechanism varies a cross-section area of the tunnel exit in order to control the amount of compaction on the feed as it leaves the tunnel and enters the bag. In some embodiments, dual counter-rotating toothed compression mechanism force feed between the rotors and into the tunnel at a rate and pressure greater than what is possible with only one multiple-toothed compressor rotor.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventor: Paul R. Wingert
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Publication number: 20110167767Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: Steven Cullen
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Patent number: 7958699Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a loose material that includes a compression chamber. Movement of a first ram discharges the loose material in a compressed state through an outlet port in the compression chamber. A packaging receptacle is positioned proximate the outlet port to receive the compressed material. The packaging receptacle is then moved to a second position where the movement of a second ram ejects the compressed material from the inner volume of the packaging receptacle. The second ram may be alternatively extended into and retracted from the packaging receptacle during ejection of the compressed material. The refilling of the compression chamber for the next cycle may begin prior to the retraction of the second ram from the packaging receptacle. A packaging jacket may be positioned about the packaging receptacle such that the ejection of the compressed material injects the compressed material into the packaging jacket.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Rethceif Enterprises, LLCInventor: Chris Allen Honegger
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Patent number: 7827766Abstract: A bulk material is compacted from its bulk state into a rectangular parallelepiped so that it can readily be wrapped with stretch film. To this end, a stretch film is wrapped spirally around a cylindrical skirt section having an open end while the stretch film is being moved towards the open end of the skirt section, thereby forming a cylinder of such stretch film. While the cylinder of wrapped film is being moved further, a pressed load material is pushed out of the skirt section to push the pressed load material into the cylinder of wrapped film fed past the open end of the skirt section. The wrapped cylindrical film is severed at positions spaced from opposite ends of the load material covered therewith or is sealed at these opposite ends.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Matsumoto System Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryozo Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7770361Abstract: Powder, e.g. of a medicament, is compacted and enrobed to produce compacted powder slugs by preferably mechanically compacting a powder and forming a film of material, preferably hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, by vacuum or pressure differential, about the surface of the powder thus compacted.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Bioprogress Technology International, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Ronald Kessel, Jason Teckoe
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Publication number: 20100146908Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a loose material that includes a compression chamber. Movement of a first ram discharges the loose material in a compressed state through an outlet port in the compression chamber. A packaging receptacle is positioned proximate the outlet port to receive the compressed material. The packaging receptacle is then moved to a second position where the movement of a second ram ejects the compressed material from the inner volume of the packaging receptacle. The second ram may be alternatively extended into and retracted from the packaging receptacle during ejection of the compressed material. The refilling of the compression chamber for the next cycle may begin prior to the retraction of the second ram from the packaging receptacle. A packaging jacket may be positioned about the packaging receptacle such that the ejection of the compressed material injects the compressed material into the packaging jacket.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventor: Chris Allen Honegger
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Patent number: 7735303Abstract: A tuna fish canning apparatus is provided wherein each can has a premium cake appearance. The machine has first and second turrets adjacent each other which rotate around a common axis. Fish slugs loaded into a shared pocket by the adjacent turrets are severed along a plane between the turrets to produce first and second cakes with each cake having a cut surface and each cake adapted to be transferred into a can. The present invention provides first and second knock-out plungers for ejecting the first and second cakes into cans, wherein the first and second knock-out plungers are positioned on opposite sides of the plane between the first and second turrets so that each cake has its freshly cut surface at the top of the can to provide a premium appearance. A method for achieving the same result is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Atlas Pacific Engineering CompanyInventor: Michael Allen Hoffman
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Patent number: 7690174Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article through a hot air chamber of a shrink packaging machine comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor. Each conveyor includes a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the plurality are interconnected together to form an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for advancing the endless conveyor belt in a first direction, and a track member having a surface disposed in engagement with particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt. Each of the particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt rolls over the surface of the track member when advanced through the shrink packaging machine. The first conveyor is located over the second conveyor in opposing facing relation therewith such that a compressible item to be shrink wrapped may be compressed and conveyed through the shrink packaging machine between and by the first and second conveyors.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: KPC-Master's Craft International, Inc.Inventors: Richard Anderson, Jeff Bockus, Timothy Wilkinson
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Patent number: 7640713Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, David T. Wince, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown
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Patent number: 7549271Abstract: An airbag module for use in a motor vehicle is manufactured by first to third steps. In the first step, the airbag is folded into a predetermined configuration, and in the second step, an entire external surface of the airbag, in an initially folded condition obtained in the first step, is wrapped in a bag-shaped film forming member. The bag-shaped film forming member includes a plurality of resin layers formed in a layer-stack manner with regard to a film cross-sectional direction. In the third step, the initially folded airbag is housed in the airbag-housing member in a condition wherein the airbag has an airbag volume reduced to less than the airbag volume at a time of being initially folded, by a compression force applied to the bag-shaped film forming member.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Kazuya Miwa, Akira Kokeguchi, Wataru Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7409813Abstract: An apparatus stacks, compresses and packages compressible batts. The batts, once at least partially compressed, remain under compression during the stacking, compressing and packaging.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital LLCInventors: Weigang Qi, Charles R. Weir
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Patent number: 7398630Abstract: An infeed assembly for spacing a continuous line of product into units to be wrapped in a continuous wrapping system is disclosed. At least one set of registration belts is orientated downstream of a set of spaced infeed belts in communication with a continuous line of product. The registration belts are programmed to move at the same velocity as the infeed belts to receive a product and then at a velocity greater than the infeed belt in order to separate and register one or more products into units to be wrapped and before returning to the velocity of the infeed belts.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Inventor: Lloyd Kovacs
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Patent number: 7380653Abstract: A method for accommodating a greater height variance of articles in a shrink packaging machine includes: transporting on a conveyor into a hot air chamber an article covered in shrink film and engaging the article being transported on the conveyor with a first roller and a subsequent second roller. The article is engaged with the first roller at a first initial vertical height from the conveyor that is less than the initial vertical height of an axis of rotation of the first roller from the conveyor. The article is engaged with the second roller at a second initial vertical height from the conveyor that is less than the initial vertical height of an axis of rotation of the second roller from the conveyor, which in turn is less than the initial vertical height of the axis of rotation of the first roller from the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: KPC-Master's Craft International, Inc.Inventors: Richard Anderson, Jeff Bockus
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Publication number: 20080104932Abstract: A method for packaging a product comprises compressing a product in a first direction and a second direction, and transferring the product into a package having an opening, wherein the product is oriented in the package such that neither the first direction nor the second direction are aligned with the opening is disclosed. A packaging apparatus comprises a first plate oriented in a first direction, a second plate oriented in a second direction that intersects the first direction, a third plate oriented in a third direction that intersects the second direction but does not intersect the first direction, and a chute aligned with the third direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANYInventors: Robert D. Heilman, Linda Pumphrey, Jeffrey R. Kumm
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Patent number: 7334383Abstract: A package including an endless belt; a first cylindrical body contacting an inner surface of the endless belt at a first pressure; a second cylindrical body contacting another inner surface of the endless belt at a second pressure; and a third cylindrical body contacting an outer surface of the endless belt at a third pressure, wherein the endless belt is wound around the first, second and third cylindrical bodies while the first, second and third cylindrical bodies are arranged so as to be parallel to each other and substantially located in one plane, and wherein a surface of each of the first, second and third cylindrical bodies contacting the endless belt has a maximum height of from 0.8 to 150 ?m when measured by a method based on JIS B 0601.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Ricoh Co LtdInventors: Junichi Yamazaki, Tetsuya Kusano, Mizuho Imaruoka, Satoshi Hasegawa, Kiyoshi Taniguchi, Takato Kiyohara, Naoki Nakatake
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Patent number: 7328786Abstract: An apparatus for use in a shrink packaging machine for accommodating a greater height variance of articles includes: rollers, each roller including a shaft and a cylinder on the shaft for rotation about an axis of the shaft; and a frame including a pair of parallel side members generally extending in a first, horizontal direction and defining slots receiving opposite ends of the shafts for mounting of the rollers there between. Each of the slots has a slot length that extends in horizontal and vertical directions, and the rollers each generally extends in a third direction orthogonal both to the horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, each of the rollers is received within a pair of the slots and is vertically and horizontally displaceable and, when each roller is disposed at its respective lowermost position, the axes of the rollers do not all lie within a horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: KPC-Master's Craft International, Inc.Inventors: Richard Anderson, Jeff Bockus
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Patent number: 7322168Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article with a strap-forming mechanism is capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around an opening in which the article is received. When the strapper is operating in the first mode, the pre-formed strap holding area receives the pre-formed strap and maintains it in spaced-apart relation from the article before dispensing it from the holding area onto the article to be strapped.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Cranston Diversified Industries, Inc.Inventors: Albert E. Cranston, III, Montgomery Scott Cranston
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Patent number: 7310922Abstract: A method for processing envelopes including the steps of providing a plurality of generally aligned envelopes and compressing the plurality of envelopes together. The method further includes the step of placing a band around the compressed envelopes such that the band retains the plurality of envelopes in a state of compression.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: MeadWestvaco CorporationInventors: David J. Carrigan, Witold Misiaszek
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Patent number: 7284360Abstract: A method for filling a flexible container with a flowable material is provided, including the steps of filling the flexible container, suspending the flexible container, transferring the weight of the flexible container from being suspended to being supported by a support surface, and applying a hoop force to the flexible container to substantially maintain a configuration of the flexible container. The flexible container can be a bag-type container for containing flowable material such as chemicals, food products, agricultural products, and plastic pellets. As the container is lowered from the suspended position to a bottom-supported position, the hoop force is applied around the perimeter as the perimeter changes during transfer of the flexible container from being suspend to being bottom-supported. The hoop force can be applied by stretch wrap. Alternatively, the first flexible container can be lowered into a second flexible container.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Kellogg CompanyInventors: Randall L. Cary, David C. Ours, Michael Bauman
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Patent number: 7266936Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a moving hopper wall and+ mechanism for moving the wall at an input end of hopper. The wall moving mechanism and the moving wall of the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. A safety enclosure isolates the wall moving mechanism from contaminants and prevents exposure to the wall moving mechanism. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of a tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above a primary compression mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Inventor: Paul R. Wingert
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Patent number: 7210280Abstract: A machining system and unit, especially a welding cell, is provided for use for the machining of workpieces (2), especially body parts of vehicles. The machining system has one or more machining stations (15, 16) with robots (18, 19, 20) and at least one rotation or turning station (5), which has at least two work stations (6, 7) for carrying out different operations simultaneously. The turning station (5) has at least two multiaxially movable turning units (8, 9) arranged next to one another with said gripping tools (11, 12, 13). The working areas (10) intersect each other at the work stations (6, 7).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: KUKA InnoTec GmbHInventors: Norbert Cottone, Florian Simons
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Patent number: 7104031Abstract: A packaging process line that compacts rolled products as they are packaged is disclosed. A firmness measuring device is used to measure the firmness of the rolls as the rolls, for instance, enter the process line. The roll firmness device is placed in communication with a controller, such as a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive information from the roll firmness device and control one or more elements within the process line that apply a compressive force to the rolls. In particular, the controller is configured to adjust any packaging equipment that applies a compressive force to the rolls so that a substantially uniform amount of force is applied to the rolls throughout the system. In this manner, the system is capable of automatically making adjustments based upon any variation in the product. Misfeeds, miscounts and the like are minimized for improving process efficiency and minimizing process downtime.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James Leo Baggot, Michael Earl Daniels
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Patent number: 6935089Abstract: Methods of making roofing products. One such method includes (a) creating a mixture having a filler and a polymer; (b) forming a sheet from the mixture; (c) cooling the sheet; (d) embossing the sheet; (e) forming multiple roofing products from the sheet; and (f) bundling at least some of the roofing products. Steps (a)-(f) are performed using an automated procedure. Another of the methods involves (a) creating composite roofing products using mold cavities; (b) using a robot to transfer some of the roofing products from some of the mold cavities to a conveying system; and (c) stacking together at least two of the roofing products that have different colors or different surface configurations.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: EPOCH Composite Products, Inc.Inventors: Randal J. Jolitz, Dennis Dean Carlson, Charles Doyle Ziulkowski
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Patent number: 6810643Abstract: A method of roll packing a variety of compressible materials is provided which prevents the rotatable mandrel about which the materials are rolled from radially collapsing. The method further provides for easy removal of the roll packed material without tearing or telescoping of the material. One embodiment of the present invention provides for wrapping a corrugated material around the rotatable mandrel prior to the compressible material being wrapped around the mandrel. In another embodiment, roll-packing material is laminated prior to being wound upon the mandrel before the compressible material is wrapped around the mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Josip Gecic, Niels S. Mossbeck, Thomas J. Wells
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Patent number: 6732492Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Potlatch CorporationInventors: Celeste Osborne, Mike Ellis, Mike Ruark
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Patent number: 6708465Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wrapping a plurality of soft elements, comprising the steps of stacking the elements, compressing the stack in a direction of stacking, and thus forming a package, inserting in a feeding direction the package into a film, preferably a plastic film, which at least partly consists of a thermoplastic material and which in an at least partly overlapping manner surrounds the package, sealing the film in the feeding direction, and cutting and optionally sealing the film transversely of the feeding direction. The method is characterised in that the step of sealing the film in the feeding direction is carried out by supplying from a nozzle towards the film a pressurised heated gas towards the portions of the film that overlap each other, so that they change into an at least partly molten state and are joined. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Glenn Gustafsson
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Patent number: 6658819Abstract: According to a method for packaging one stack of multiply articles made of paper, a presser receives and compacts the stack of articles to be packaged and a pusher moves longitudinally the stack so as to make the stack hit a wrapping foil, previously placed vertically. The stack, partially wrapped within the wrapping foil, is introduced between a pair of belt conveyors. The presser and the pusher are carried by a slide moving longitudinally between a backward position with respect to the wrapping foil, where the stack is received and compacted, and a forward position, in which the presser hit the wrapping foil and move close to the belt conveyors, so as to transfer and introduce the stack between the belt conveyors.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Techmatic S.r.l.Inventor: Gianluigi Gamberini
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Patent number: 6499275Abstract: A string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is formed by inserting compressed springs between upper and lower plies of a folded, preferably thermally weldable fabric (16). The springs are maintained in a compressed configuration while a longitudinal seam (54) joins the free edges of the thermally welded fabric (16) together. Subsequently, the compressed springs (14) are allowed to relax into an expanded configuration after which a transverse seam (80) is formed in the fabric (16) between the adjacent springs (14) thereby encapsulating each spring (14) within a fabric pocket (86). The string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is advantageously formed without the need for reorienting the springs (14) after being inserted between the plies (24, 26) of the fabric (16) and thereby avoiding the disadvantages and complications associated with turning or reorienting the pocketed coil spring (14).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Spuhl AG St. GallenInventors: Roland Graf, Niels S. Mossbeck, Thomas J. Wells
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Patent number: 6467240Abstract: An exemplary pocket spring assembly comprises a plurality of elongate fabric tubes disposed adjacent each other. Each fabric tube has a plurality of pockets, with at least some of the pockets of adjacent fabric tubes being welded together at midpoints on the adjacent pocket. Further, a spring is disposed in each of the pockets.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Furniture Row Technologies, LLCInventor: Milton Zysman
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Patent number: 6457297Abstract: A pouch-like container with faces made of materials having different consistencies and/or characteristics, particularly for solid, granular or fluid products. Conveniently, one of the two faces is produced from a scarcely flexible sheet, while the other face is produced from a much lighter and preferably transparent sheet in order to show the contained product. The low-flexibility face has ribs to preset a deformability and set the final shape that the container will assume. The container is manufactured by coupling, along longitudinal lines (lateral borders) and transverse lines, two sheets which are unwound continuously from two rolls. The tougher sheet is pre-ribbed along lines which force a controlled deformation, forming the container when it is filled with the product.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: BP Europak, S.p.A.Inventors: Giorgio Trani, Marion Sterner
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Patent number: 6427585Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Marathon Equipment CompanyInventors: Ronald L. Brown, Steven G. Seagraves
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Patent number: 6381925Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for compressing a plurality of objects into a compressed grouping and transferring said compressed grouping to a transfer conveyor. The apparatus includes a rotatable cylinder having a plurality of receiving areas positioned around the circumference of the cylinder for receiving a plurality of objects in expanded arrangement from an infeed conveyor at a receiving position. The apparatus also includes first and second compression members, one positioned on each end of said cylinder adjacent the receiving areas and covering a circumferential-portion of a side of said cylinder. The compression members include inclined portion which force the end objects toward the longitudinal center of the cylinder. In addition, a transfer conveyor running longitudinally through the cylinder for capturing a compressed grouping at the transfer position.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Dennis Rejcek, Terry Brinkerhuff, Ron Rieger, Dennis Lenart, Mike McGee, Johnny Black
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Patent number: 6308617Abstract: Device for binding roasts, sausages and the like, comprising a vertical rod having a clamp and a threaded rod with a control knob for fixing the vertical rod to the table, wherein: a concave element, suitable for containing the “roasts” to be bound by the elastic rings, is fixed on the top of the vertical rod; below being provided a parallel rod iron having an invitation bending; below said element and relative rod iron being provided a device carrying the elastic rings, i.e. three rod irons forming together a bracket, arranged two in the upper part and one in the lower, between said rod irons being provided a fourth rod iron, as an independent spring, for maintaining tidy said elastic rings.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventor: Giuseppe Mignone
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Patent number: 6305151Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for shaping and portioning a soft, pasty product within a tubular casing made of foil material, the encased product being supplied to a shaping and portioning station. The product leaves said shaping and portioning station divided into portions. The invention further comprises a metering station arranged directly upstream of the shaping and portioning station. The metering station meters the quantity of the product supplied to shaping and portioning station per unit of time.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Natec, Reich, Summer GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Schoenegg, Roland Zeuschner
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Patent number: 6223500Abstract: The apparatus for wrapping compressible box-like articles (10) such as a stock of newspapers or magazines, with a web-like wrapping material (12). The apparatus has three serially arranged belt conveyors (16, 18, 20), and the second belt conveyor (18) is in the form of a bearing table (24) which can be rotated about a vertical axis (26). The bearing table mounts two pressure-exerting members (30, 32). The article (10′) which is to be wrapped is introduced in a compressed state, by the first belt conveyor (16), into a wrap-around channel (42) which is formed by the table (24) and one of the pressure-exerting members (30), and the wrapping material (70) is positioned around the article in the form of a U. At the same time, the article (10), which has been previously wrapped in this way, is transferred to the third belt conveyor (20).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Ferag AGInventor: Jan Kramps
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Patent number: 6152145Abstract: For the continuous production of the cigarette rod (10), the strip-like outer wrapper (12) and a tobacco strand (11) are provided on a forming belt (15) and conveyed, with the latter, through a rod-forming unit (13). Located within the latter is a forming bed (19) which, during transportation, deforms the forming belt (15) along with the outer wrapper (12) and the tobacco rod (11) so as to produce a cigarette rod (10). A compensating belt (21) is provided in order to avoid or reduce the friction of the forming belt on the forming bed (19), and said compensating belt circulates at reduced speed between the forming belt (15) and forming bed (19) The compensating belt (21) reduces the friction and dissipates (frictional) heat.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)Inventor: Heinz Focke
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Patent number: 6138557Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Marathon Equipment CompanyInventors: Ronald L. Brown, Steven G. Seagraves
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Patent number: 6135120Abstract: A device (1) for packaging finely divided, moistened tobacco material in individual portion packages, comprising a means (2) for feeding the material into pockets (4) formed in a rotary portioning wheel (3) for portioning the material into portions. The device further comprises at least one compression means (10, 11, 12) for compressing these portions, a unit (23, 27) for advancing a packaging material (17) in synchrony with the compressed portions, at least one means (14, 15, 16) for discharging the portions from the pockets and advancing them the packaging material, and a unit (28, 29, 30, 31, 33) for forming individual portion packages from the discharged portions and the packaging material. At the intended point of discharge of the portions to the packaging material, said material has the form of a tape (17), the compression means (10, 11, 12) being arranged to compress the portions in a direction which differs from the discharging and the feeding directions.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Swedish Match Sverige ABInventors: Lars Olof Lofman, Kenth Gamhed, Kenneth Ek
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Patent number: 6112501Abstract: A system for forming and packaging a bulk of loose particulate material. The system utilizes a compression tower for initial deposit of the loose particulate material therein with the bottom floor of said tower being presented by a belt of a conveyor system. A ram within the tower compresses the loose material into a bulk form atop the conveyor belt. Subsequent to compression, the conveyor system is vertically displaced so that the formed material bulk can be conveyed to a horizontally adjacent conveyor for downstream conveyance to a packaging station having upper and lower conveyor assemblies. The material bulk is then recompressed and conveyed to a space formed between upper and lower assemblies. A sheet of packaging material spans portions of upper and lower conveyor assemblies such that the material bulk is directed through the sheet and enveloped thereby for transfer to downstream upper and lower conveyor assemblies to maintain compression thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Inventor: John Pollock
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Patent number: 6070395Abstract: Bags containing a particle, powder or granule product are packed inside a wrapper formed from an elongated laminar wrapping of thermo-bonding plastic. The wrapping is sealed along longitudinal seams to form a sleeve. The bags of product are advanced on a transporter and pressed to a compact and even shape. A first bag is placed on a temporary support and the wrapping formed into a sleeve about the bag. The first bag is allowed to fall into the sleeve. The sleeve and bag are caused to ascend at the same time, and the sleeve is closed with seams during its descent. The process is then repeated for successive bags until the sleeve contains a set number of bags. The sleeve is then closed into a welded wrapping about the bags.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Mainar, S.A.Inventor: Ferruccio Carmelo Calvano
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Patent number: 5979145Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing and packaging compressible materials. The compression is carried out continuously between parallel plates which come closer to each other as they advance. As the plates advance, the materials are accompanied by a lower packaging film and an upper packaging film which are joined at the sides of the compressed materials at the end of compression.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Isover Saint-GobainInventors: Bernard Louis, Bernard Bichot
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Patent number: 5879500Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Inventors: Robert M. Herrin, John M. Tharpe