Horizontally Loaded Box Or Carton Patents (Class 53/566)
  • Patent number: 11897222
    Abstract: In erecting a carton from a knock-down carton blank, the blank is placed on a base of a bed of a shuttle such that a bottom side panel of the blank abuts the base. The bottom side panel of the blank is then gripped with a gripper of the base and a top side panel of the blank is raised while advancing the shuttle in a horizontal direction so as to open said knock-down carton blank into a carton sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: H. J. Paul Langen
  • Patent number: 11794934
    Abstract: A cartoner infeed bucket includes a bottom wall, a first end wall extending upward from the bottom wall and a second end wall extending upward from the bottom wall and spaced apart from the first end wall to define an item carrying space, the second end wall running substantially parallel to the first end wall. The second end wall is mounted for adjustable movement along the bottom wall so as to vary a spacing between the first end wall and the second end wall and/or the first end wall is mounted for pivotable movement relative to the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: BARTELT PACKAGING LLC
    Inventor: Donald Scott Peebles
  • Patent number: 10843831
    Abstract: A gripper having jaws (11,12) is transported from a first position (FIG. 2) in which it grips a case blank (1) in a flat, folded condition to a second position (FIG. 4) in which the case (8) is erected. Gripping devices (13) on the jaws (11,12) are aligned with one another when the gripper is in its first position. The gripping devices (13) on the jaws (11,12) are oriented at right angles to one another when the gripper is in its second position. Mutual rotation is effected between the jaws (11,12) as the gripper is moved from its first to its second position, in order to unfold a case blank (1) gripped by the gripper jaws (11,12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Quin Systems Limited
    Inventor: Michael Webb
  • Patent number: 9260212
    Abstract: A unit for picking up and opening a tubular container has a first arm hinged to a frame at a first hinge axis, a second arm hinged at a second axis, and a third arm hinged to the first arm and to the second arm. The frame, first, second and third arms form a four-bar linkage. A fourth arm is hinged to the third arm and bears first aspirators. A fifth arm abuts the first sheet of the tubular container. In an initial pick-up configuration, the third arm is retracted and the fourth arm is in a retracted angular position so that the first aspirators intercept the first sheet. In a final release configuration, the third arm is in a second advanced position and the fourth arm is in a second advanced angular position such that the first aspirators can release the tubular container in a receiving station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MARCHESINI GROUP S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 9162779
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for securing a top for a cardboard carton where the carton has a bottom wall and integral sidewalls, an initially open interior and initially open top flaps with outwardly extending ears. The top flaps are folded to a carton closing position which closes off the initially open interior of the cardboard carton. The ears are also folded to a position in contact with the sidewalls of the carton. A set of punches are aligned with the folded ears of the carton and are actuated to force a first layer of cardboard from a respective top flap through an underlying region of the carton sidewall. A set of platens are located so as to underlie and reinforce the sidewalls of the carton as the punching operation takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Plains Dairy, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Dunivan, Ricky Jay Hudson, Colby Shane Butcher
  • Patent number: 9021773
    Abstract: A large container loading system and method for a packaging machine includes an infeed conveyor and a transfer flight. An array of pivotable cradle lugs is carried by the transfer flight in synchronized movement with cartons on an adjacent carton flight. Containers are moved into the cradle lugs in an upright orientation and the cradle lugs and containers are reoriented to a substantially horizontal or sideways orientation before being pushed into their cartons by an inserter assembly. A transfer block or a support conveyor may be positioned between each of the cradle lugs and an aligned open container to support a container as it moves between a cradle lug and a carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20140352261
    Abstract: A side loading packaging machine for packaging articles in containers comprising: a section for forming containers starting from die-cuttings, comprising at least one feeding device, a loading section, a closing section, substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the machine; further comprising a conveyor equipped with transportation members configured to carry at least one of said containers each, wherein said conveyor comprises motor means arranged to drive the advance of said transportation members or groups thereof in an independent manner, and the machine operates with: a continuous formation of boxes, said feeding member working with a continuous movement and with a constant rate over time, and said transportation members advancing with a continuous movement at said forming section; and a static loading, said transportation members being stationary during the loading of articles into the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: CAMA1 S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele BELLANTE
  • Patent number: 8689530
    Abstract: In order to insert packages, particularly bags (10) having fragile packaging goods into containers or cartons (14), the carton (14) is held ready in a packing station (16) such that the bags (10) can be inserted into the carton (14) by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher (56). In order to create different, ordered formations of the bags (10) within the carton (14), said carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton (14) at a predetermined feed plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Mimke Bohlen, Frank Sachs
  • Patent number: 8601774
    Abstract: A tissue product, which includes a carton and a stack of tissues, is provided with a flattened arched-shaped sheet that supports the stack of tissues. As the tissues are withdrawn from the carton and the weight of the tissue stack is reduced, the flattened arch-shaped sheet gradually assumes its normal arched shape, thereby raising the stack of tissues within the carton. Raising the stack substantially reduces or eliminates “fall-back”, which is a common dispensing problem, as the stack height is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Beuther
  • Patent number: 8602956
    Abstract: A device for opening out blanks supplied in a flattened tubular configuration comprises a store (100) for containing a stack (P) of flattened tubular blanks, a first hooking device (200) for hooking a first flap (1A) of two external flaps (1A, 1B) of a base blank of the stack, and a drum (300) set in constant rotation, peripherally exhibiting angularly-equidistanced work stations (20). Each work station has a retaining apparatus (22) for receiving, from the first hooking device (200), the first external flap (1A), so as to position a score line (2A), connecting the two external flaps (1A, 1B) along an axis C parallel to the rotation axis (11) of the drum. A folding device (29) oscillates in a direction (R) which is opposite the rotation direction (F) of the drum, about the axis (C) so as to intercept the second external flap (1B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 8387349
    Abstract: A machine for cartoning products incorporates a cardboard box forming section, at least one box conveyor, and one robotic loading section. The machine includes a section for closing boxes, for example by folding and gluing the respective flaps. The closing section is fed directly by the box conveyor. During the closing operation, a servo-train of the conveyor is operated with a forward motion synchronized with the work cycle of a closing device of the closing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: CAMA1, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Bellante
  • Patent number: 8307615
    Abstract: A quick-change tooling system includes a plurality of pickers each configured to pick specific items, and a plurality of magazines each configured to hold a stack of the items. A pick and place machine includes a carriage for moving the pickers between a picking location adjacent the magazine and a placing location. The carriage includes a quick-release clamp assembly that allows pickers for different items to be changed quickly and without the use of tools. The magazines and product support plates upon which items are also configured to be changed without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sunstar Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Leoncio Angel Gonzalez, Mitar Vojcic
  • Patent number: 8015782
    Abstract: Cigarette cartons are boxed by a case packer comprising a frame mounted on a base, a feed unit supplying collapsed box blanks, a station at which the boxes are packed, a feed unit by which the cartons are directed along a path running perpendicular to a feed path followed by the blanks, also first and second folding and closing assemblies by which the top end face and the bottom end face of the erected box are formed. The machine base affords a plurality of mounting points arranged symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane, passing longitudinally through the base, so that the position of the feed unit can be reversed in mirror image relative to the median plane, as also can the positions of the first folding and closing assembly and the second folding and closing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Borderi, Stefano Chergia, Valerio Soli
  • Patent number: 7681381
    Abstract: A substantially tubular end-loadable carton (200) comprising a top wall (212), an inwardly-extending structure (X2) foldably adjoining said top wall (212) stowable in a substantially flat-face position with an underside of said top wall (212), and a top end flap (X1) connected to said inwardly-extending structure is translated in a direction (F) and a flap deflector (310) is disposed to engage and deflect the end flap (X1a) downwardly and thereby cause the inwardly-extending structure (X2a) to pivot upwardly inside the carton (200) into substantially flat-face position with the underside of the top wall (212) of the carton (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
    Inventor: Peter Pathak
  • Patent number: 7673436
    Abstract: A loading assembly for a packaging system includes a carriage coupled and reciprocally moveable relative to a support structure. The carriage is moveable relative to the support structure along a longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite said first direction. A continuous loop configured with a plurality of spaced apart receptacles is moveably supported by the carriage. The loop includes a first portion that is moved at a continuous speed relative to the support structure, and a second portion that is alternatively moved and stopped relative to the support structure. Various methods of loading a receptacle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Triangle Package Machinery Company
    Inventors: Boris Bershadsky, Vadim A. Lubezny
  • Patent number: 7631472
    Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated barrel loader/confiner apparatus useful in a cartoning system for shaping and inserting a product into a carton. The integrated barrel loader/confiner includes an endless confiner cam track and an endless pusher cam track. A confiner element is endlessly driven and cammed by the confiner cam track to align the confiner element with a product to shape the product in a manner suitable for insertion into a carton. A pusher element is endlessly driven and cammed by the pusher cam track to align the pusher element with the thus shaped product and a carton to drive the shaped product into the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Frederick Lidington
  • Patent number: 7621109
    Abstract: A system and method of loading a product into a carton includes loading the product into a carrier and then extending the carrier into the carton. The product is then restrained within the carton as the carrier is removed from the carton. The carrier may include a static carrier having a fixed volume or a dynamic carrier having moveable sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Zoran Momich
  • Publication number: 20090255220
    Abstract: A packaging machine for packs of containers including a horizontal conveying means for the containers grouped as packs, a means for supplying flat paperboard sheets at the bottom side of the containers, wherein the containers are transported in a standing manner on the paperboard sheet, a means for folding upward front and back, in the transport direction, edge portions of the paperboard sheet, each of which extends beyond the footprint of the pack, at least two opposing lateral guide elements for folding upward lateral edges of the paperboard sheet extending laterally beyond the footprint of the grouped containers, wherein at least portions of the guide elements exert a defined pressing force on the upward-folded edges of the paperboard sheet and the side faces of the pack, and an adhesive is provided with edge portions of the lateral edges overlapping with front and/or back edges of the paperboard sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Herbert SPINDLER
  • Publication number: 20090223180
    Abstract: A transporting system in a packaging machine automatically merges and accumulates, usually as a shingled stream, generally flat articles having substantially continuous and discontinuous opposite sides, and includes a portion, of one of two main conveyor mechanisms, that is constructed to invert the articles, from side-to-side about endwise axes so that all of the cartons face upwardly, even though the articles of alternating groups have been inverted, during transport by that main conveyor mechanism, about their lateral axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Carmen V. Martocchio, John R. Rice
  • Publication number: 20090217624
    Abstract: A film roping assembly comprises a roping pulley which is disposed upon the wrapping film dispensing carriage assembly. The roping pulley is vertically reciprocable so as to be movable transversely, across the width of the wrapping film, with respect to the direction in which the wrapping film is being dispensed. The roping pulley is initially disposed at its uppermost position and engages the upper edge portion of the film. As the roping pulley is moved vertically downwardly, the film is condensed or gathered so as to form a roped section of the wrapping film. The process may be repeated throughout a single wrapping operation so as to provide the wrapped film with both roped and non-roped sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen G. Forrest
  • Patent number: 7559186
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for wrapping a carton around a packaged product comprises a box mandrel conveyor including a plurality of mandrels which support the packaged product thereon. Packages are precisely fed to the mandrels of the box mandrel conveyor by a conditioning conveyor. Carton blanks are delivered to a conveying system from a carton magazine and are conveyed in vertical confronting relation to a mandrel. Each mandrel moves the carton blank against a plow device thereby causing the carton blank to be folded around a mandrel containing a package. Folding and compression devices are provided for folding and compressing an end panel against a manufacturer's flap. Suitable flap closing means close the end flaps and upper and lower flaps after the mandrel is withdrawn from the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Brenton L Smith
  • Patent number: 7549277
    Abstract: In a boxing machine, a conveying and erecting device withdraws one box in an initial flattened configuration. The boxes are arranged with two overlapped layers. The conveying and erecting device gives to the withdrawn box a final erected configuration, in which the box has a parallelogram section. Subsequently, the device transfers the box, at a transferring station, into a pocket of a pocket conveyor. When in use, the pocket has a variable geometry, controlled selectively in the transferring station, to allow the box to be introduced into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renato Brintazzoli
  • Publication number: 20090084076
    Abstract: The invention is related to a device and to a method for packaging flat articles (10) conveyed in a conveying stream, in particular printed products, with a packaging material. The device includes a conveying device (24) for conveying the flat articles in a conveying direction (F), as well as a processing means (16) for producing an at least partially closed envelope (20) out of packaging material. Apart from this, an onward conveying device (26) for conveying onwards articles (10) enveloped with envelopes (20) out of packaging material is present. Because as a result of errors in feeding-in, in particular gaps in the incoming conveying stream, it is possible that empty envelopes are produced, in accordance with the invention a transfer device (28) is arranged downstream of the processing means (16). This is capable of removing from the conveying stream empty envelopes (22) produced without the inclusion of an article (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Thomas Luginbuehl
  • Patent number: 7510517
    Abstract: A case erector is provided which is easily adaptable to different sizes and shaped of R.S.C. cases and the like. The case erector includes a case erector system including a pair of vacuum heads, the range and motion of each being actuated by linear servos. A first vacuum head travels in a longitudinal direction relative to the flow of cases through the case erector. A second vacuum head travels in a direction transverse to the flow of cases through the case erector. The action of the pair of vacuum heads and the motion thereof erects or expands the cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Prototype Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20090071105
    Abstract: This invention relates to a product cartoning system having dynamic carton carriers that may restrain or not restrain the package during different steps of the cartoning process. Certain steps such as vibrating may benefit from open carton carriers while other steps such as closing a side of the carton may benefit from closed carton carriers. This invention also relates to a product cartoning system having adjustable carton carriers driven by more than one carton chain to allow varying a width between two of the carton carrier sidewalls to accommodate different size or shape cartons. This invention also relates to methods of use for the product cartoning systems of this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Zoran Momich
  • Patent number: 7434376
    Abstract: In a machine for packaging articles into box-like containers, obtained from tubular blanks in flat folded configuration, tubular blanks are conveyed from a feeding station to an erecting station, by an erection unit, moving between the erecting station and a station for vertical introduction of articles into the erected blanks. A folding element cooperates with the unit to fold a second lower flap of the blank by ninety degrees. A horizontal plane supports the blank and articles contained in the blank. The blank is transferred and guided on the horizontal plane while blank flaps are folded. At closing stations a bottom and a cover of the so obtained pack are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Publication number: 20080209867
    Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated barrel loader/confiner apparatus useful in a cartoning system for shaping and inserting a product into a carton. The integrated barrel loader/confiner includes an endless confiner cam track and an endless pusher cam track. A confiner element is endlessly driven and cammed by the confiner cam track to align the confiner element with a product to shape the product in a manner suitable for insertion into a carton. A pusher element is endlessly driven and cammed by the pusher cam track to align the pusher element with the thus shaped product and a carton to drive the shaped product into the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick Lidington
  • Patent number: 7398629
    Abstract: By loading both upright and flat tissue clips into their respective cartons by pushing on one end of the clip along the clip's longitudinal axis, a simple flexible carton loading apparatus is possible. To load flat tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip while sliding the clip from the bucket into the carton. To load upright tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip, while the opposing end of the clip is moved either up or down such that the leading half of the clip is folded backwards about a transverse fold axis by a folding plate attached to the pusher head as the clip is advanced through the bucket towards the carton. Upon entering the carton, the clip is folded in a backwards C-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Thomas Long, Emory Emil Luebke
  • Publication number: 20080141632
    Abstract: In a machine for packaging articles into box-like containers, obtained from tubular blanks in flat folded configuration, tubular blanks are conveyed from a feeding station to an erecting station, by an erection unit, moving between the erecting station and a station for vertical introduction of articles into the erected blanks. A folding element cooperates with the unit to fold a second lower flap of the blank by ninety degrees. A horizontal plane supports the blank and articles contained in the blank. The blank is transferred and guided on the horizontal plane while blank flaps are folded. At closing stations a bottom and a cover of the so obtained pack are closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: MARCHESINI GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
  • Publication number: 20080127618
    Abstract: In a method for packaging articles, a tubular blank is conveyed in flat folded configuration to an erecting station to be engaged and rotated by suction cups. The raised blank assumes a parallelepiped shape with a vertical axis, while a striker hit a lateral wall of the blank, so that the blank is erected in a box. While the box is being moved, first and second lower flaps are then folded before the blank is set resting on a support plane and moved, by driving and guiding conveyors, to a filling station for insertion of articles, supplied along a vertical direction, into the box. Lastly, the box with the articles therein is moved by the driving and guiding conveyors to subsequent stations for folding lower lateral flaps and upper flaps to close bottom and cover of the so obtained box. A machine is provided for carrying out the method, with an erecting station and a filling station joined by a horizontal support plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: MARCHESINI GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7310925
    Abstract: In a station of a boxing machine, for withdrawing and erecting flat folded tubular blanks into boxes, a blank withdrawing rocker arm strips out a flat folded blank from a magazine and places it onto a operating member situated below and associated to an auxiliary conveying line. The auxiliary conveying line extends along a close loop path. Gripping suction cups associated to the operating member engage the lower side of the blank. An erecting arm with a shaped flap makes edge-resting sides of the blank rotate synchronously, about respective articulation lines adjoining to a lower side, until a corresponding box is erected. A shaped guide engages with the carriage and moves the box laterally with respect to the auxiliary conveying line, to insert the box into a corresponding seat on a box conveying line situated beside the auxiliary conveying line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7100346
    Abstract: A machine for winding and boxing wound coils of filamentary material having a payout hole extending from the outer to the inner coil winding wherein a turret mechanism mounting two oppositely disposed end forms and corresponding collapsible mandrels and operative between first and second stations, wherein the first station enables filamentary material to be wound on one of the mandrels and associated end form and a second station wherein the mandrel and end form containing the wound coil is rotated to confront a boxing station; a boxing station including a platform having a movable back panel, a base panel and an inclined ramp facing the second station and being movable towards and away from the second station for receiving the wound coil from the collapsible mandrel; the boxing station receiving an unfolded box deposited on the base panel with a back panel folded against said back panel and including means for folding two opposite side panels of the box to enable reception of the wound coil in the partially
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Windings, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Kotzur, David B. Franklin, Brian P. Moore, Gregory A. Kotzur
  • Patent number: 7073310
    Abstract: By loading both upright and flat tissue clips into their respective cartons by pushing on one end of the clip along the clip's longitudinal axis, a simple flexible carton loading apparatus is possible. To load flat tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip while sliding the clip from the bucket into the carton. To load upright tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip, while the opposing end of the clip is moved either up or down such that the leading half of the clip is folded backwards about a transverse fold axis by a folding plate attached to the pusher head as the clip is advanced through the bucket towards the carton. Upon entering the carton, the clip is folded in a backwards C-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Thomas Long, Emory Emil Luebke
  • Patent number: 7024838
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming packages of pre-cooked meals. The package comprises a tray enclosed at least partially by a card sleeve having top and bottom faces and two opposing side walls. The forming apparatus includes a series of forming tools mounted for movement at spaced intervals and each forming tool is provided for the reception of a sleeve in a blank flattened form. As the sleeve is introduced into the forming tool the sleeve is moved to the erected condition, the tray is inserted in the erected sleeve and the formed package removed from the forming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: T. Freemantle Ltd
    Inventor: Tony Freemantle
  • Patent number: 6955032
    Abstract: A shuttle packaging machine includes a support structure having a servomotor driven shuttle device mounted thereon. A transfer arm having suction cups clamps, removes and holds a shipping blank on the shuttle device during all of the packaging functions. The major and minor flaps of the shipping container are held open during the loading of the container. Tucking or folding plows and pneumatic cylinders fold and hold the major and minor flaps. The “shuttle action” of the shuttle device during loading and flap folding allows for a compact arrangement as well as minimizing the number of parts required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Brenton L Smith
  • Patent number: 6915622
    Abstract: A method and machine for packing a group of cartons of cigarettes using a flat tubular package, whereby a top wall of the flat tubular package is engaged by suction by a gripping head, which is then moved to feed the flat tubular package to a seat which engages a bottom wall of the flat tubular package by suction; a relative rotation movement is then produced between the seat and the gripping head to convert the tubular package from the flat configuration to an open configuration; the group of cartons of cigarettes is pushed inside the open tubular package; the gripping head releases the top wall of the open tubular package; and the seat is moved to feed the tubular package to a closing station where the tubular package is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: G. D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Publication number: 20040226270
    Abstract: A shuttle packaging machine includes a support structure having a servomotor driven shuttle device mounted thereon. A transfer arm having suction cups clamps, removes and holds a shipping blank on the shuttle device during all of the packaging functions. The major and minor flaps of the shipping container are held open during the loading of the container. Tucking or folding plows and pneumatic cylinders fold and hold the major and minor flaps. The “shuttle action” of the shuttle device during loading and flap folding allows for a compact arrangement as well as minimizing the number of parts required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Brenton L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040168408
    Abstract: A method and machine for packing a group of cartons of cigarettes using a flat tubular package, whereby a top wall of the flat tubular package is engaged by suction by a gripping head, which is then moved to feed the flat tubular package to a seat which engages a bottom wall of the flat tubular package by suction; a relative rotation movement is then produced between the seat and the gripping head to convert the tubular package from the flat configuration to an open configuration; the group of cartons of cigarettes is pushed inside the open tubular package; the gripping head releases the top wall of the open tubular package; and the seat is moved to feed the tubular package to a closing station where the tubular package is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: G.D SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 6766627
    Abstract: A machine for winding and boxing wound coils of filamentary material having a payout hole extending from the outer to the inner coil winding, a turret mechanism mounting two oppositely disposed end forms and corresponding collapsible mandrels and operative between first and second stations, wherein the first station enables filamentary material to be wound on one of the mandrels and associated end form and a second station wherein the mandrel and end form containing the wound coil is rotated to confront a boxing station; a boxing station including a platform having a movable back panel, a base panel and an inclined ramp facing the second station and being movable towards and away from second station for receiving the wound coil from the collapsible mandrel; the boxing station receiving an unfolded box deposited on the base panel with a box back panel folded against the back panel and including means for folding two opposite side panels of the box to enable reception of the wound coil in the partially assemble
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Windings, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Kotzur, David B. Franklin, Brian P. Moore, Gregory A. Kotzur
  • Patent number: 6732486
    Abstract: A machine for conveying and moving into position tubes (124), the machine including a chute (42) with a vertical feed station for said tubes, conveyor belts (12) and a motor (31) for moving said conveyor belts, characterized in that said conveyor belts have two areas, namely an area (121) for loading said tubes and an area (122) for positioning said tubes, and a longitudinal recess co-operating with pressing means (44) for inserting said tubes into said positioning area during longitudinal movement of said belts under said chute (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: IMV Technologies
    Inventors: Jean-Gérard Saint-Ramon, Christian Beau, Jean-Yves Chenu, Claude Toujas
  • Patent number: 6725629
    Abstract: A cartoner assembly comprises a loader and an indexer. The loader comprises at least one horizontally extending drive belt, an input end and an output end. The drive belt is adapted to support one or more packages as they are moved from the input end to the output end. The indexer is positioned adjacent the output end of the loader and comprises a plurality of moveable support members defining in part a plurality of loading stations. The support members are adapted to support a carton at each of the loading stations and are moveable such that the plurality of loading stations are successively aligned with the drive belt of the loader at the output end of said loader. Preferably, the support members are vertically, intermittently moveable. In one preferred embodiment, the indexer includes an output end positioned adjacent a continuously moving conveyor. A method of inserting a package into a carton is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Triangle Package Machinery Company
    Inventors: Larry N. Pearce, Vadim A. Lubezny
  • Patent number: 6688075
    Abstract: An automatic machine for packaging products, in particular cosmetic or pharmaceutical products, inside containers (11), comprising a series of stations (15-21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 23-28), in each of which the operations required to insert the products and their leaflets into containers or cartons (11), and to close the cartons (11) definitively are performed; with the machine the format of the container (11) can be changed in extremely short times and automatically, by using a keyboard to key in the parameters relevant to the dimensions of the sides (A, B, C) of the carton (11) utilised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: I.A.C.E. di Cristina Adriano
    Inventor: Adriano Cristina
  • Publication number: 20030230057
    Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of packages of the type used typically for pre-cooked meals. The package comprises a tray enclosed at least partially by a card sleeve having top and bottom faces and two opposing side walls. The forming apparatus includes a series of forming tools mounted for movement at spaced intervals and each provided for the reception of a sleeve in a blank flattened form. As the sleeve is introduced into the forming tool the sleeve is moved to the erected condition, the tray is inserted in the erected sleeve and the formed package removed from the forming tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: T FREEMANTLE LTD.
    Inventor: Tony Freemantle
  • Patent number: 6598380
    Abstract: A method and the relative device for packaging ordered groups of products in a carton comprises the following stages: feeding one carton at a time, in the form of a flat pre-folded blank, to a loading table and simultaneous opening of the blank, by means, to form a tubular carton body with two opposite openings one on either side, two first pairs of smaller flaps and two second pairs of larger flaps or lids; folding of the two pairs of smaller flaps, by first means, during carton feed in a preset direction, so as to form a first partial closure of the openings; and closing of the carton body, by second means, by simultaneous folding of the pair of lids towards the two openings so as to obtain a closed package. FIGS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Cristian Sgubbi
  • Patent number: 6574943
    Abstract: Conveyor assembly for packagings, comprising a substantially horizontally conveying conveyor. Situated near the delivery end of the conveyor is a bearing plate, which when the pack moves onto it moves further substantially at the same speed as the conveyor into an accommodation in which the pack has to be placed. When the pack is entirely clear of the conveyor, the bearing plate is moved back so fast that the pack, through its inertia and through its speed of displacement, does not move back and comes to a standstill, so that it is subsequently received in the accommodation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Blue Print Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Aaldert Christiaan Van Dam
  • Patent number: 6571539
    Abstract: A carton manipulating device for rotating a carton in a packaging machine, which apparatus comprises carton pick up means adapted to engage at least one carton from the infeed stream and to convey the carton through a working reach of the apparatus and wherein the pick up means is rotatable intermittently along the working reach to cause the carton to be rotated during continuous forward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Gendre, Pascal Martini, Pierre Genty
  • Patent number: 6490843
    Abstract: A carton feeder for a continuous motion packaging machine utilizes a speed compensation mechanism implemented through a rotating valve assembly and actuation system. The rotating valve assembly provides a vacuum and compression to vacuum cups, for facilitating the transfer and release, respectively, of cartons within the carton feeder. The valve assembly includes a base plate and a rotating port plate. A circumferential position adjustment of the base plate advances or retards timing of the vacuum/compression to the vacuum cups within the carton feeder. A pneumatic cylinder assembly adjusts the circumferential position of the base plate. A speed sensor senses machine speed and sends a machine speed signal to a controller. The controller signals a solenoid responsive to machine speed to extend or retract the pneumatic cylinder assembly, thereby circumferentially adjusting the valve base to advance or retard vacuum timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin May
  • Patent number: 6467241
    Abstract: Flat box blanks are set up into boxes by feeding a succession of the blanks one at a time to a setup station and gripping the blanks and pulling them one after another by grippers in a direction without stopping through the station. A plurality of setup tools are moved through the station in the direction synchronously with the grippers and the blanks and are engaged with the continuously moving setup tools transversely with the blanks in the setup station to shape the blanks into boxes while the blanks are held out of contact in the station with any structure other than the synchronously moving tools and grippers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Nor-Reg AS
    Inventors: Heinz F. Odenthal, Bruno Baumeister
  • Patent number: 6453649
    Abstract: A carrier (4) with articles (2) provided thereon is moved quickly toward a package (3) and is slowed down at the package (3) such that by utilizing the articles (2) kinetic energy, they slide off the carrier (4) and move into the package (3). The carrier (4) can thus be returned to an article receiving position during the feed-in process for the articles (2) in order to receive new articles (2), which can be, for example filled tubular bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Roman Kammler, Franz Kandl, Erhard Lutz, Walter Baur
  • Patent number: 6449928
    Abstract: In a stretch film wrapping system for wrapping stretch film around a load disposed at a wrapping station, a single motor drive system is provided for controlling both the rotation of a rotational or orbiting boom member with respect to a static boom member and for controlling the elevation of a stretch film roll carriage assembly movably mounted upon a wrapping mast fixedly connected to the rotational or orbiting boom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gale W. Huson