Single Layer Forming Patents (Class 53/448)
  • Patent number: 5904026
    Abstract: An adjustable height flight comprising a flight assembly and a cam mechanism. The flight assembly includes a flight base operationally connected to a rotational endless conveyance member, an adjustable flight bar slidably connected to the flight base, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting and setting said flight bar at a desired height. The cam mechanism includes a cam frame, an adjustable cam track connected to the frame and operationally contacting the flight adjustment mechanism, a cam track adjustment mechanism attached to the frame and operationally contacting the cam track, and an engagement mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging said cam mechanism from said flight assembly. The cam mechanism can be either engaged or disengaged from operational contact with the flight assembly. The cam track adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the cam track to force the adjustable flight bar to a desired vertical position. The flight bar normally travels in a vertically locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald O. Irvine
  • Patent number: 5893259
    Abstract: A product filler head system having an input conveyor with a first drive motor for delivering product items, an index pusher for receiving the product items from the input conveyor, accumulating the product items into groups of a selected size and releasing the groups onto a staging area, the index pusher including a second drive motor, an index lug chain for receiving selected numbers of the groups of product items from the index pusher and displacing the selected number of groups of product along the staging area, the index lug chain including a third drive motor, a ram for displacing the groups of product items from the staging area into a receptacle, the ram including a fourth drive motor, and a selectively programmable computer control for individually actuating the first, second, third and fourth motors such that speeds of the conveyor, index pusher and lug chain are synchronized with respect to each other and with sequencing of the ram, so that changes in the size of the groups of product items and cha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Planet Products Corporation
    Inventor: Joe F. Posge
  • Patent number: 5813196
    Abstract: A method and a machine for automatically bagging articles in a bag and in a sequential and uninterrupted manner. A plurality of articles are continuously fed to the machine and received in two or three compartments, herein three compartments. Once the third article is received in the third compartment, all three articles are discharged within a bag held under the machine. A control circuit, after a predetermined time delay actuates an article support element which is caused to enter into the third compartment or the first compartment depending on the sequence of loading the machine whereby to support a fourth article entering the third compartment due to the fact that the bottom end of all compartments is open. The feeding device is uninterrupted and continues to feed articles to the machine regardless if the bottom discharge gate is open and the sequence is automatically reversed, back and forth, between the first and third and third and first compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Glopak, Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Page, Guy Champagne, Dave Roberts, John Edwards
  • Patent number: 5809745
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously counting, stacking, and packaging relatively rigid and stackable articles, such as frozen meat patties, is provided. The apparatus includes a bottom stacker for stacking stackable articles in a column, a stack mover for moving the stack of articles to a packaging station, and a packager for packaging the stack of articles. The packager can provide an open plastic bag without injecting air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Excel Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Reinert
  • Patent number: 5794415
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for loading items, such as fruit, into a container such as a fruit bin with an open top face. The bin is transported on rollers to a tiltable cradle that grasps the cradle and tilts it to a loading orientation in which the bin face opens sideways. A wide endless belt conveyor positioned adjacent the cradle has a leading edge of the belt that shifts from a retracted position outside the container to an extended position projecting through the open face into the bin. The leading edge of the conveyor is retracted from the bin as the conveyor belt is running to deliver a horizontal layer of fruit from the conveyor surface into the bin. A height adjuster moves the cradle down (in the loading orientation) after the layer of items is delivered into the container, to provide clearance for delivering a subsequent layer of items from the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Howard Huff, Keith A. Kister
  • Patent number: 5787684
    Abstract: A multiple pack of individually packaged items comprises an array of individual packages in a desired configuration which array is held in the desired configuration by a planar sheet material adhered to each package of the array. The planar sheet material is preferably a sheet of corrugated cardboard. The invention also includes a method of forming the multiple pack and apparatus for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Mars UK Limited
    Inventor: Peter Arnold Compton
  • Patent number: 5768856
    Abstract: Packages arriving continuously one after the other at an input station are loaded into boxes by continuously displacing an endless pocket belt through the input station and loading the packages at the input station into respective pockets of the belt. At a transfer station offset along the belt from the input station groups of the packages in the pockets are displaced transversely of the belt out of the respective pockets while the packages are still being displaced parallel to and synchronously with the belt at least until the packages being displaced transversely are clear of the pocket belt. These groups of packages displaced out of the respective pockets of the belts are then loaded into respective boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Ostma Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz F. Odenthal
  • Patent number: 5761882
    Abstract: Partition elements are inserted between articles of a group to be packaged and can extend in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, by inserting the partitions from the bottom upwardly between longitudinal or transverse ranks of the articles by progressively spacing the ranks apart and bringing them together as the articles are transported along a transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Baumer S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Gambetti
  • Patent number: 5761883
    Abstract: A cookie tray loading machine (5) constructed and arranged to divert a single file lane of cookies (12) moved along an infeed conveyor belt (9) into a plurality of separate and generally parallel lanes (34) of cookies, which are formed as rows (44) of cookies on a plurality of alignment belt assemblies (36) and spaced apart from each preceding row of cookies, each row of cookies being placed onto a tray loading conveyor belt (46) and moved toward a tray loading station (60) for placement directly into a packaging tray (62), is disclosed. The loading machine includes a sweep arm diverter assembly (20) having a sweep arm diverter (21) directly driven by a sweep arm servomotor (23), a first lane alignment arm assembly (26) and a second and opposed lane alignment arm assembly (30) for aligning the cookies into the separate lanes of cookies, and an alignment belt assembly (36) for each lane of cookies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Food Machinery Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Pruett, Charles T. Haley, Timothy Philipp
  • Patent number: 5727365
    Abstract: A method for packaging flat or stacked article groups within a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton. The method comprises the steps of supplying a stream of packaging units, for example paperboard cartons, supplying at least one stream of articles, for example beverage cans; forming at least one article group, for example a group of from six to twenty-four cans, optionally placing a support base on a top surface of the article group, and loading the article group in the packaging unit. In a stacked packaging mode a second article group is formed and loaded into the packaging unit, on top of the support base on each first article group disposed in the packaging unit. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Lashyro, Kelly W. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5720156
    Abstract: An integrated and automated case packing device and method is disclosed. The device and method uses multiple stations to: separate a flattened case from a supply of such cases, detect whether the case in an A or B-type case, open the case according to the type of case, place a predetermined number of imbricated articles into a group standing on edge, move that group under the erected case, place the case over the stationary group, close the flaps to the case, and move the case downstream to a case invertor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Roberts Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy R. Bridges, Phillip S. LaChapelle, Claude E. Monsees
  • Patent number: 5706633
    Abstract: A continuous motion, end loading packaging machine forms article groups of a predetermined number and configuration using a flight type article selector. The packaging machine is flexible in its ability to package articles of different heights and diameters in various product configurations. The packaging machine includes adjustable guide rails to selectively change product infeed lane widths. The machine also includes phase adjusts the selector flights, and allows for easy selector flight replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Moncrief, Kelly W. Ziegler, Michael Hiney, Dennis Grimm
  • Patent number: 5704195
    Abstract: A method for packaging cans or tubes continuously delivered from a production installation to pick-up elements, which are moved in steps, of an intermediate station. A gripper device brings the cans or tubes in groups according to the desired number of pieces in a packaging layer to a delivery station. Each can or tube is deposited into a support element, after which the cans or tubes are pushed together out of the support elements into a loading station. The cans or tubes are placed at equal distances into the pick-up elements, wherein individual support elements are placed apart from each other at a predetermined distance. The cans or tubes are then deposited into the support elements at distances predetermined by the pick-up elements. The support elements are subsequently moved together until they touch each other, whereupon the cans or tubes are then pushed into the loading station. This method allows the use of the same apparatus for different can diameters with minimal changing effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Pamag AG
    Inventor: Gottlieb Benz
  • Patent number: 5701721
    Abstract: A shipping carton including a box assembly and a plurality of pots containing floral groupings. A bonding material is applied to the base of the box assembly and the pots containing floral groupings are disposed in the retaining space of the box so that the bonding material engages and connects each of the pots containing floral groupings. Retaining inserts may be disposed in the retaining space of the box to retain the growing medium contained in the pots within the pots during movement or shipment of the box assembly. The retaining inserts may be secured to the inner surface of the side walls of the box through a securing means such as a clip to prevent displacement of the retaining inserts during movement or shipment of the box assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Sue Corbett
  • Patent number: 5699651
    Abstract: A selector assembly for dividing a continuous line of products moving along a processing path is positioned between a product infeed line and packaging machine line. As the line of products enters the selector assembly, the products are engaged by a rotating starwheel which meters the further flow of the products into a product grouping area of the selector assembly. Thereafter, the lugs of upper and lower selector belts selectively engage the line of products to divide the line of products into groups of products for packaging. The selector lugs engage the groups of products at the product infeed speed and thereafter are progressively accelerated to accelerate the groups of products up to the speed of the packaging machine line for transfer of the groups of products to the packaging machine line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Derek Miller, Thomas Edward Weitkamp, Steve Brown
  • Patent number: 5699652
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Craig, Joseph G. Straeter, Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5697201
    Abstract: A method for halting the function of a high speed packaging machine of the type having a conveyor based article infeed line conveying articles to a flight bar based selection line. The method is useful for performing a clean out procedure used during maintenance, and product or packaging change over. The method comprises the steps of terminating the operation of the infeed line conveyor at a predetermined position; placing an article follower behind a terminal article in each input lane; activating the operation of the infeed line conveyor whereby the articles in each input lane are conveyed to the selection line; and halting the conveyance of the article follower in the input lane prior to the selection line. An article follower and follower system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce D. Domino, Richard E. Balder
  • Patent number: 5680745
    Abstract: Twin packets of cigarettes, each consisting of two half packets with respective foil wrappings and arranged side by side inside an outer wrapping, are formed on a wrapping line by feeding a single succession of half packets along the input portion of the wrapping line, and successively transferring the half packets to the output portion of the wrapping line by grouping the half packets into twos to form, at the output portion, a single succession of groups, each consisting of two side by side half packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Brizzi, Antonio Gamberini
  • Patent number: 5680746
    Abstract: The present invention has at least a continuous belt or chain, a sliding bar, at least two drivers--one for moving and driving the belt--, and a plurality of constraining rollers for guiding the belt around all the other components such that the portion of the belt between the rollers and the extreme ends of the sliding bar is substantially parallel thereto. Suction cups or grippers disposed at regular intervals along the belt and having distance which is greater or equal to that of the tray pitch and frame pitch picks up outputs from a packaging system and places such outputs into carrier trays. The sliding bar accommodates automaticaly troy change without interrupting the operating of the packaging system. By matching the flow of outputs from packaging system with that of the offloading trays, space economy is achieved without requiring modification to existing packaging systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Advanced Systems Automation Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Frank Hornisch
  • Patent number: 5680744
    Abstract: Briefly described, the present invention includes a product display and delivery system using uniquely tailored, modular, disposable cartridges. In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, disposable cartridges having unique features are created from opposed, interlocking sleeves. Also, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, disposable cartridges are releasably joined in modular fashion to allow easy stacking, arrangement, and replacement of the cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventors: Armand J. Kramedjian, Terrance Francis O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5673540
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for putting small, slender, cylindrical cells in a box in an aligned row. By using the force of a magnet, multiple cells are suspended from the lower side of a conveyor belt, and are aligned and held in this position. By releasing the magnetic force, the cells drop, so that large numbers of cells, in a suspended and aligned state, can be simultaneously put into a cell container waiting below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Sanukiya, Minoru Kouda, Ichiro Murata
  • Patent number: 5666786
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for introducing compressible packs, especially bundles (10) or bundle groups (16, 17) comprised of small packs (11) of paper tissues into a carton (15). Articles or packs or pack groups of cellulose products are difficult to handle from the point of view of packaging technology. For the introduction into a carton (15) open at the top, bundle groups (16, 17) consisting of a multitude of small packs (11) of paper tissues are mechanically compressed, especially into a V-shaped form, then grasped on the top side by a lifting head (23) with suction holders (24 to 27) and held by suction. The lifting head (23) conveys a complete layer of bundle groups (16, 17) into the carton (15) from above, the compressed, reduced formation of the bundles (10) being maintained until they are deposited in the carton (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Harald Freudenberg
  • Patent number: 5660026
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically providing a display case for a plurality of packages includes an assembly station at which the packages are initially assembled into an array. The array is then moved to a covering station. At the same time, a shroud is formed which shroud covers a top and two opposed first sides of the array while leaving two opposed second sides of the array uncovered. Forming of the shroud includes initially bending a blank so that a partially-formed shroud is produced having a top panel and two opposed side panels formed in a plane, and finally bending and locating the partially formed shroud relative to the array at the covering station such that a fully covered array is provided with the top panel and side panels covering a majority of the respective top and first sides of the array. Finally, the covered array is placed in a tray at a finishing station to provide the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Steve R. Wisnasky, William A. McGovern, John J. McGovern
  • Patent number: 5657615
    Abstract: There is provided a spacing conveyor mechanism 10 having a pair of spaced, identical drive chains 13, 14. A number of conveyors 20 are attached to the chains, each conveyor having a leading carriage 21 pivotally attached to one chain 13 and a trailing carriage 22 pivotally attached to the other chain 14. Connecting the each pair of leading/trailing carriages is a pair of rod 23 extending rearwardly from the leading carriage through corresponding holes in the trailing carriage. The carriages remain parallel throughout their path and the position of the carriages relative to each other are easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf Muller
  • Patent number: 5642604
    Abstract: A spacing conveyor mechanism (10) for conveying cans (11) along an article feed path (12) in a packaging machine for forming the cans into groups of cans is disclosed. The spacing conveyor mechanism has a pair of spaced drive sprockets (15) positioned along the article feed path, and over which an endless drive chain (14) is passed. A spaced series of carriages (17) are pivotally attached to the drive chain. Each of the carriages includes a conveyor (18), the conveyor having a plurality of recessed pockets (19) sized and shaped to engage one each of the cans therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf Muller
  • Patent number: 5640830
    Abstract: A packaging tape applicator for automatically applying packaging tape to groups of juxtaposed containers travelling along a conveyor comprises a gate mechanism movable between a holding position and a delivery position, for apportioning a continuous supply of individual containers into consecutive groups. Indexing means move along the conveyor in synchronized relation to the gate mechanism such that the indexing means are disposed in separating relation one between each consecutive pair of groups of juxtaposed containers. First and second packaging tape applicator mechanisms are positioned on opposite sides of the packaging tape applicator to apply first and second lengths of packaging tape to the groups of juxtaposed containers. First and second cutting mechanisms move in synchronized relation to the indexing means to cut the packaging tape, thereby separating the taped groups of juxtaposed containers one from another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: David J. E. Jabalee, Colin K. Weston
  • Patent number: 5638659
    Abstract: A packaging machine (5) for moving a spaced series of groups of containers along a path of travel in a packaging machine line is disclosed. The packaging machine includes a variable pitch lugged conveyor belt assembly (12) having a pair of conveyor chains (61, 62) equally spaced from a longitudinal axis extending along the path of travel, and a pair of generally parallel side guides (17) mounted one each on a pair of accessory rails (14) movably supported on the framework (7) of the packaging machine, and extending along opposite sides of the path of travel. The conveyor chains are constructed to be moved laterally toward and away from each other, and the side guides are constructed to be simultaneously moved laterally toward and away from the conveyors with the accessory rails, respectively, as the conveyor chains are moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Frank N. Moncrief, Herman J. Steinbuchel, IV, Steven Brown
  • Patent number: 5615536
    Abstract: A goods accommodation method and apparatus in which a container is set such that its opening is directed horizontally, and box-shaped goods are stacked on a slide such that their surfaces facing the opening of the container are aligned with each other. The goods are transferred into the container while they are held in the stacked state by inserting the slide together with the goods stacked thereon into the container and then quickly pulling the slide out of the container at a speed higher than the speed of insertion such that the stacked goods remain in the container. The container is then turned up such that its opening is directed upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5586425
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular system and method for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Craig, Joseph G. Straeter, Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5575134
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for loading a bin with articles such as fruit. The apparatus has a filling conveyor pivotable between a position within the bin to be filled and the top of the bin. The discharge end of the filling conveyor is maintained at an offset distance from the contents of the bin. The filling conveyor carries a plurality of resilient flaps pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the filling conveyor for movement therewith. The flaps successively carry rows of the articles along an upper run from a take-up end to a discharge end, at which end the articles are dropped off of the flap. A second flap, moving along a lower run in a direction opposite to the upper run, gently catches the dropped articles, and deposits the articles in the bin. Subsequent flaps moving along the lower run then sweep the deposited articles away from the drop location and toward to other end of the bin, allowing the articles to pile up at that end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Scott C. Main
  • Patent number: 5570566
    Abstract: A technique for loading disposable plastic pipette tips in an array of apertures of a tip holder comprises agitating a large volume of tips in a confined space above at least one field of openings having a pattern corresponding to the array to cause tips to lodge in the openings, clearing excess tips from the field, and then transferring lodged tips as a group from the field to the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: William W. Newcomb
  • Patent number: 5557909
    Abstract: Apparatus for packaging articles is provided comprising a plate member 10 having a plurality of apertures (12a, 12b, 12c) therein. Each aperture has at least two openings and receives an article or group of articles through a first opening. Each aperture has non-return stop means (20) to releasably retain an article or group of articles therein. Plate member 10 has means to register (32, 34) one or more packages (26) there against so that rotation of plate (10) and package (26) or packages while in registration allows articles (14, 22, 24) in the apertures (12a, 12b, 12c) to move into positions in package (26) pre-determined by the position of the apertures. The invention also provides a process of packaging articles using such a plate member (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Gradual Pty, Ltd.
    Inventor: Laurence A. Boyhan
  • Patent number: 5553442
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the mix of articles in a plurality of containers. A first set of containers is conveyed to a mixing station, each container of the first set of containers containing a plurality of articles having physical characteristics differing from the physical characteristics of the plurality of articles in the other containers of the first set of containers. A second set of containers is transported to the mixing station, each of the containers of the second set of containers defining a space for accommodating a layer of articles. At the mixing station, articles are removed from each of the containers of the first set of containers, consolidated, and inserted into the containers of the second set of containers at the mixing station to at least partially form a layer of articles therein comprised of a mix of articles from all the containers of the first set of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: James River Paper Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Saadat Fadaie
  • Patent number: 5502949
    Abstract: A dry fruit bin filler for rapidly filling fruit bins, including a continuous fruit infeed belt and a fruit distribution belt mounted below the infeed belt which reciprocates under the infeed belt to receive and distribute the fruit layer-by-layer in the bin. The distribution belt is coupled to a sensor which controls intermittent activity of the belt based on the position of a discharge end of the belt relative to the bottom of the bin. The distribution belt is activated when the discharge end reaches the bottom of the bin, and lays down a layer of fruit as the belt retracts from the bin. To facilitate the layer-by-layer loading, the bin is held in a rotatable bin holder. The bin holder incrementally rotates during loading, so that the bin is lowered incrementally by a distance corresponding to a height of the layer of fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventors: Tim B. Main, Scott C. Main
  • Patent number: 5502950
    Abstract: A packaging machine adapted to meter and load various size groups of articles into receptacles to form a package. Star wheels are used to meter the articles into groups, each star wheel functioning as a single unit in conjunction with an infeed conveyor and a conveyor that feeds the metered groups downstream to a packaging station. Star wheels carrying different numbers of lugs are interchangeable in order to create different size packages on the same machine. The lugs which move the groups of articles and the article receptacles may be relocated as necessary to accommodate different size packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Moncrief, Charles McNamara
  • Patent number: 5485713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting partitions into a group of articles is disclosed. The method includes combining articles, such as beverage containers, to form an article group of predetermined configuration, including longitudinal rows of articles. The article group is conveyed toward a divider deposed in the path of travel. The divider, which includes an angled end portion that acts as a cam, separates the article subgroup into article subgroups. Once the article subgroups are transversely separated to a predetermined extent, a partition inserter places a partition between the article subgroups. The two subgroups are then recombined to affix the partition between adjacent articles. The recombined article group, including a partition, is then moved through the packaging machine to the next process step or simultaneously inserted into cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Moncrief
  • Patent number: 5477663
    Abstract: In a system for transferring groups of containers from one location to another, a loading station including a transfer mechanism for continuously delivering rows of containers from the transfer station to a tray loading station. A device at the tray loading station is included for cycling the tray in a predetermined controlled sequence to receive rows of containers delivered by the transfer mechanism and to position them in a compact array in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: The West Company
    Inventors: Bruce D. Smith, William J. Covert, Edward F. Vander Bush, Roy B. Melton, Paul W. Sirgenson, Frank C. Tammaro, Bernard F. Sykes, Eric Shoup, J. Donald Birtwell, Thomas A. Stalnaker
  • Patent number: 5457933
    Abstract: An improved actuating system for a plurality of tucker plates used to compress and tuck arrays of fruit placed by an automated fruit handler into shipping cartons is described. The timing and motive force used for operation of the tucker plate is derived from motion of the fruit handler. Contact of the fruit and the fruit handler with an inclined tucker plate on each of four side is sufficient to cause tucker plates to rotate about a hinge assembly which couples the tucker plate to the packer table through which the fruit handler disposes the layers of fruit into the shipping cartons positioned on a conveyor underneath the packer table. Each tucker plate is provided with an upper finger which contacts the fruit handler as the fruit handler move upwardly thereby causing a torque to be applied to the tucker plate to reorient the tucker plate from the vertical packing position to an open tilted receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Sunkist Growers, Inc.
    Inventors: Everett LaVars, Henry A. Affeldt
  • Patent number: 5454211
    Abstract: A method to package stacked article groups utilizing packaging sleeves having a divider or base member mounted therein. At least one open end of each packaging sleeve is exposed during travel on a conveyor whereby a stream of articles within reach of the moving packaging sleeves are directed below and above the divider members of the open ended sleeves before closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly W. Ziegler, Allen L. Olson
  • Patent number: 5454210
    Abstract: A machine automatically carries out operations for ampul boxing, because it includes, coordinately operating with one another, a framework, a conveyor device for conveying the ampuls, a box transporting and positioning unit, an ampul transfer device and either a pneumatic or a mechanical device for transient ampul clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Advanced Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Aldo Piazza
  • Patent number: 5433062
    Abstract: In order to protect the pack content of a packaging container during transport and storage, there is arranged in the region of the open side (20) of the packaging container (10) a cover cap (21). This consists of a covering wall (22) and of longitudinal insertion tabs (23) and transverse insertion tabs (24). The latter are fixed in a gap (25) between the pack content and the side walls (12 to 15). In the production of the packaging container (10), the cover cap (21) and a group of small packs (11) are pushed into the packaging container (10) jointly by way of the open bottom side of the latter. At the same time, an automatic folding of the insertion tabs (23, 24) of the cover cap (21) into the position appropriate to the pack takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventor: Heinz Focke
  • Patent number: 5335482
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously loading containers into cartons in oriented two row arrays is provided. A supply delivers the containers individually to a depositing device for individually receiving respective containers. The depositing device is then moved to individually deposit the containers delivered thereto in a first collection device for collecting the containers in rows and columns corresponding to the array. The first collection device includes a matrix of dedicated channels similar to the array into which channels the depositing device deposits the containers in a sequential manner whereby the matrix is repeatedly filled with the containers row by row. Individually and alternately after each associated row of the matrix is filled, each row of containers in the first collection device is next delivered to a second collection device for collecting the containers in separated rows. The second collection device includes a respective bay for each respective row of the array of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Kraft General Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, William A. McGovern, John J. McGovern
  • Patent number: 5303531
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method for packaging objects in such a way as to ensure that the article will not be damaged. Objects to be packaged are gripped by a plurality of pairs of vertically oriented gripping fingers each having inflatable bladders therein. The inflated bladders engage the objects with a predetermined low pressure sufficient to grasp and secure the objects. The plurality of fingers with objects gripped therein therebetween are then moved to place the objects in packaging containers. A vacuum is drawn on the inflated bladders, releasing the objects into the packaging container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Doboy Packaging Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Gane Senaratne
  • Patent number: 5295623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a blank, and a box enabling packaging to be obtained that is fitted to the load to be packaged. According to the invention, a blank made of cut-out panels is wrapped around and is pressed against the load while the load is standing on one of the panels of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Otor
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Bacques, Guy Coalier
  • Patent number: 5218812
    Abstract: An arm and cradle apparatus is disclosed for receiving empty trays from an upper conveyor having empty lettuce holding and transporting trays, lowering the received empty tray to an angular disposition in which it can most conveniently be packed, and finally off loading the packed full tray to a lower conveyor having full lettuce holding trays thereon for plunging to cartons. The arm and cradle apparatus is mechanically passive in that all movements of the trays to and from the arm and cradle apparatus are either worker assisted or occur under the natural gravity biased movement of the arm and cradle apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Bud of California
    Inventors: Leon P. Ventura, Javier Diaz-Infante, Edward Wynn, Peter deGroot, Anna M. Boeh
  • Patent number: 5216870
    Abstract: A method and device for producing partable cartons for packets of cigarettes, each carton being defined by two separate boxes formed from two substantially similar blanks, each divided by bend lines into a first and second panel on either side of an intermediate connecting portion, and at least one of which panels presents a lid tab; the carton being produced by feeding the two blanks, one upside down in relation to the other, along respective paths; folding the two second panels perpendicularly arranging the two second panels one on top of the other; feeding respective rows of packets on to the two second panels; and folding the remaining portions of the two blanks about the respective rows of packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: G.D. Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Alessandro Minarelli
  • Patent number: 5207311
    Abstract: Articles aligned on a belt conveyor are transferred, without being clamped, to predetermined article delivery positions at the packaging machine. To this end, articles 1 are transferred onto a positioning conveyor 21 having comb-like interteeth clearances. Articles 1 are caused to dwell at a predetermined position on the positioning conveyor 21, and the conveyor 21 is stopped and then lowered to allow the upper surface 61a of holding bars 61 of a slide conveyor 22 to be exposed through the comb-like interteeth clearances, whereupon articles 1 transfer onto the upper surface 61a of the holding bars 61. The slide conveyor 22 is advanced to move the holding bars 61 to a location below pivot shutters 79 of an elevating frame 66 which is on standby at its most elevated position. The elevating frame 66 is then lowered to allow the articles 1 on the holding bars 61 to transfer onto the pivot shutters 79.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Ryowa Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Terai
  • Patent number: 5205403
    Abstract: A multiple unit carton composed of a plurality of individual cartons joined by carrier means. Each carton holds at least one pair of cigarette packs aligned with their long walls abutting, and their short walls coplanar. The multiple unit carton is preferably dimensioned to resemble a ten-pack cigarette carton so that the multiple unit carton may be passed through commercially available tax-stamping machinery, which is commonly designed to process ten-pack cigarette cartons. The individual cartons are joined with adhesive bearing carrier means such that the cartons remain securely connected when being passed through tax-stamping machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. DeBlasio
  • Patent number: 5201413
    Abstract: A dual cigarette carton formed from two substantially identical single cigarette cartons. A label bearing indicia encoded for the automatic pricing of the dual carton is placed across adjacent coplanar walls of the two single cartons. The indicia are positioned such that they are rendered unreadable by automatic equipment when the two single cartons are separated for individual sale. Each single carton further includes indicia encoded for the automatic pricing of a single carton, the indicia being positioned such that they are not readily visible when the single cartons are connected to form a dual carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: James A. DeBlasio, Susan J. A. Douglas, Johnny L. Miller, Xuan M. Pham, Robert E. Talley
  • Patent number: 5180055
    Abstract: A method of attaching two containers wherein a releasable attachment insert is placed during assembly between the side walls and side flaps at each end of two containers faced toward each other, and the dual container structure formed thereby. The insert acts to securely attach the two containers such that they may easily be separated for later sale as independent units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher N. Chance, James A. DeBlasio, Donald H. Evers, William C. Harris, Jr., Michael A. Kirby, Sr., Reginald W. Newsome, Robert E. Talley