Applied By Rotation Of Band Patents (Class 53/588)
  • Patent number: 11377240
    Abstract: A self-propelled wrapping machine movable around a load to wrap the load with a film of plastic material, comprises a wrapping apparatus, which includes a supporting base, a column fixed thereto and an unwinding unit slidably supported by the column and suitable to supply the film unwound from a reel; and an automatic guided vehicle movable and arranged to be reversibly and automatically coupled to the supporting base in an assembled condition of the self-propelled wrapping machine to support and move the wrapping apparatus around the load and enable to wrap the load with the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ROBOPAC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Federico Spallino, Paolo Pecchenini
  • Patent number: 11338947
    Abstract: A modular packaging facility has independent packaging units configured to receive one or more product loaded supports. The upper tool and the lower tool of each unit are relatively movable the one with respect to the other between at least a first position, allowing placement of the supports in the respective seats of the lower tool, and a second position, allowing coupling of a film portion of said film to said one or more product loaded supports received by the lower tool. Each unit has a vacuum arrangement and/or a controlled atmosphere arrangement and is configured to execute a packaging cycle wherein gas is removed and/or injected via holes in the supports and/or via nozzles placed between the support and the respective film portion. The process and the infrastructure may be used to contemporaneously process and pack supports of different types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Cryovac, LLC
    Inventor: Riccardo Palumbo
  • Patent number: 10703518
    Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping groups of products with an extensible plastic film to form bundles includes a conveyor for supporting and moving a group of products along an advancing direction inside the wrapping machine, a supporting device for supporting the group of products received from the conveyor, a wrapping unit for wrapping a portion of film around the group of products, supported by the supporting device, in order to form a bundle, and a supplying unit to supply the wrapping unit with the film portion separated from the film. The supporting device includes a gripping device that holds an initial flap of the film portion during the wrapping of the group of products, a containment device to abut against the group of products to guide the products when moved along the advancing direction through the wrapping unit and/or to support and restrain the group of products during wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: AETNA GROUP S.P.A., ROBOPAC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Ceré
  • Patent number: 9016033
    Abstract: A film clamping and cutting device of a film wrapping machine is revealed. A connecting plate of a film clamping and cutting unit is located by a braking part. Moreover, by moment of a rotating machinery before stopping, a film clamping and cutting unit main body assembled on the rotating machinery is driven to continue moving. Under the movement of the unit main body, a pulling force is generated by a pull cord arranged between the connecting plate and a vertical-wheel of the unit main body. The pulling force rotates the vertical-wheel so that both a film clamping and cutting rod assembled with the vertical-wheel and a clamp fall toward a blade block to clamp and cut off a film. The film is also pulled and cut by an elastic recovery force of the film clamping and cutting rod. Therefore automatic film clamping and cutting is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Tien Heng Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Tian Ciou
  • Patent number: 8938939
    Abstract: A trolley apparatus for dispensing plastic stretch wrap film from a roll suitable for wrapping a pallet of stacked loose goods, characterized by a transportable frame structure having wheels or castors to provide support and mobility, the frame having a means of adjusting the height of the roll, the frame is provided with a guide roller positioned for use as a fulcrum point for generating tension in the stretch wrap film, and, a cutter for detaching the stretch wrap film at the completion of the operation, the end of the stretch wrap film being retained for next use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Glenn Roche
  • Publication number: 20140298760
    Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a vertical mounting plate and a horizontal mounting plate fixed at an upper part of the vertical mounting plate. The horizontal mounting plate comprises a fixed frame that encloses an article binding workstation from left, right and above. The vertical mounting plate and the fixed frame are mounted on a packaging machine frame. The packaging machine also comprises a tape spool. A packaging machine core and a belt pre-feeding device are mounted on the horizontal mounting plate. The packaging machine core comprises a belt feeding and retreating and belt tensioning device. The belt feeding and retreating and belt tensioning device comprises a belt feeding and retreating mechanism and a belt tensioning mechanism. The packaging machine provides improvement in packaging quality, overall packaging efficiency and operation reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Hangzhou Youngsun Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bangyi Luo
  • Publication number: 20140250833
    Abstract: A machine for composite packages has an entry first carrier which is oriented in a first carrying direction and carries a composite package including a pallet, having a plurality of parallel and coplanar upper grooves and an overhanging load. A travelling-lifting device located at an exit of the first carrier has a first translator for translating the pallet and the load, and a lifter to move vertically the first translator, the pallet and the load between a lowered first state, and a lifted state where the pallet grooves are at a certain predetermined height. A drive has rods parallel and coplanar to the pallet grooves in the lifted state. The rods move between a complete disengagement state and an engagement state where the rods enter the grooves. A winder for packaging materials winds at least the sides of the load supported by the rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: TOPPY S.R.L.
    Inventor: Daniele Piani
  • Patent number: 8783318
    Abstract: A wrapper assembly is disclosed that can be used, for example, to wrap a label around a wire. In the wrapper assembly, a pair of supports are spaced apart from one another and a plurality of rollers are disposed there between. The wrapper assembly further includes at least one yoke. Both the pair of supports and the yoke have positioning slots formed therein that support the rollers. By moving the yoke or yokes relative to the supports, the positioning slots in the yoke or yokes shifts relative to the positioning slots in the supports and thereby adjusting the positions of rollers relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Witkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8695312
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping packaging material may include a packaging material holder. The packaging material holder may include a first jaw, a second jaw, opposing the first jaw, and a jaw opening between the first and second jaws. The jaw opening may be configured to receive a portion of packaging material. The packaging material holder may include an inflatable structure configured to fill at least a portion of the opening. The apparatus also may include a packaging material insertion tool configured to insert the portion of packaging material into the jaw opening for clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Johnson, David E. Eldridge, Jeremy McCray
  • Patent number: 8650845
    Abstract: An Idler is provided for a web wrap device. The idler has a deflector acting on web moved over the idler. The deflector has areas of different deflection intensity over its area of contact with the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Pascal Gresset, Michel Menetrier, Emmanuel Chapon
  • Patent number: 8596031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrap dispensing station and a method for wrapping food products for storage. A selected size roll of material used to wrap food products is mounted in a housing. The leading edge of the roll of material is fed through a slot in the housing. At least one roll of labels is staged in a storage area in the housing. The leading edge of the labels is fed through a label feeding system. At least one writing implement is preferably staged in the storage area in the housing. The leading edge of the roll of material is pulled to a selected length to be used to wrap a food product. A cutting apparatus is used to cut the selected length of material. The food product is wrapped with the selected length of material. A label is removed from the roll of labels, marked with the staged writing implement and placed on the wrapped food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: San Jamar, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayson Pearl, Tom Wozny, Paul A. Omdoll, Norm Faiola
  • Patent number: 8549819
    Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on a single spool and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed of rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A first roll of stretch film may be used with a second roll of stretch film, where the second roll of stretch film is narrowed into ropes and combined with a web from the first roll of stretch film. The combination of film from the first roll of stretch film and narrowed film from the second roll of stretch film may be pre-stretched prior to be applied to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Darrel Bison
  • Patent number: 8522513
    Abstract: An agricultural system for wrapping bales includes a baling device to form a cylindrical bale in a baling chamber, and a wrapping device to wrap the bale in wrapping material. The wrapping device includes a wrapping table to support the bale during wrapping, as well as a wrapping mechanism, and a transfer device to transfer a bale ejected from the baling chamber to the wrapping table. The transfer device includes a pivotable support to support a bale. The pivotable support is at least pivotable between a receive position to receive a bale from the baling chamber, and a release position, wherein the bale is released on the wrapping table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Willem Jacobus Reijersen Van Buuren
  • Patent number: 8474222
    Abstract: A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: wRapidRover, LLC
    Inventors: John Shoemaker, David T. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 8453423
    Abstract: This is a machine to allow a single individual to manually wrap round hay bales with any type of film or net wrap. It allows the operator to position a round bale suspended on a bale spear and centered within the bale wrap ring to turn the ring which contains the wrap material clockwise or counterclockwise about the bale as the wrap covers the bale about its circumference. The ring can also be moved left and right to ensure full coverage of the bale in spite of widths and the ring is large enough to accommodate bales of any diameter up to six foot and can be easily adapted to bales of even larger diameter if round balers are produced in excess of six foot in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Paul Bauer
  • Patent number: 8448412
    Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Aetna Group S.p.A
    Inventor: Mauro Cerè
  • Publication number: 20130014653
    Abstract: A feeding and reversing mechanism for a strapping machine includes a forward-reverse wheel assembly and a tension wheel assembly which are mounted on a base and arranged in such a way to provide larger contact areas between a strapping band and the two wheel assemblies. The feeding and reversing mechanism further includes first and second spring units. The first spring unit helps to keep a suitable gap between an active wheel and a passive wheel of the tension wheel assembly for the strapping band to pass through. The second spring unit helps to move the passive wheel toward the active wheel of the tension wheel assembly, so that the strapping band can be clamped between the passive wheel and the active wheel tightly to facilitate reversing and tightening of the strapping band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Lai
  • Patent number: 8322119
    Abstract: The agricultural system includes a baling device having a bale forming mechanism to form a bale including a pivotable rear flap to open a baling chamber in which the bale can be formed, and a wrapping device to wrap the bale in wrapping material, the wrapping device including a wrapping table to support the bale during wrapping and wrapping mechanism. The wrapping mechanism has one or more movable parts that can be rotated during wrapping along a trajectory around the bale supported on the wrapping table. The wrapping device is partially located below the baling device, wherein the trajectory of the one or more moving parts of the wrapping device and a trajectory of the pivotable rear flap of the baling device are non-overlapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Willem Jacobus Reijersen Van Buuren
  • Publication number: 20120255265
    Abstract: A device for producing a root rope includes a transport path for suspending a carrier line thereabove, root material being deposited on the carrier line. A winding apparatus receives the carrier line and also receives at least one wrapping material. The winding apparatus uses a winding motion to wrap the wrapping material around the root material and carrier line, securing the root material to the carrier line and creating the “root rope.” A reel receives the root rope from the winding apparatus, the reel using a rotating motion to wrap the root rope around the reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew James Andros, Garett John Stapp, Thomas Klippenstein
  • Patent number: 8276346
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material to a load are disclosed. An amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed by a packaging material dispenser is determined based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed is determined, a ratio of relative rotational speed to packaging material dispenser speed can be set and mechanically controlled. In an alternative embodiment, the ratio is electronically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldrige, Willie M. Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph D. Norris
  • Patent number: 8276354
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one drive down roller configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping mechanism. The at least one roping mechanism may be a cable rolling element configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include an assembly for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie M. Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph D. Norris
  • Patent number: 8261512
    Abstract: A baler with a bale pressing chamber for agricultural stalk materials is connected with a wrapping device comprising a wrapping table for the enveloping of a bale with foil via at least one support frame carried by a chassis, between the baler and the wrapping device at least one actively driven bale transfer device for the transfer of the finished bale from the bale pressing chamber to the wrapping table of the wrapping device is present, and as a function of the inclination of the baler and/or the wrapping device to the perpendicular the operational sequence of the transfer of the bale from the bale pressing chamber to the wrapping device is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Usines Claas France SAS
    Inventors: Christoph Gette, Lionel Hasse, Olivier Plenert
  • Patent number: 8250838
    Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aetna Group SpA
    Inventor: Mauro Cerè
  • Patent number: 8220230
    Abstract: A cable bundling device includes a cable positioning and a wrapping mechanism. The cable positioning mechanism includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, which are set in a working zone. The first and second clamping members function to respectively clamp ends of a cable. One of the wrapping mechanism and the cable positioning mechanism is selectively rotatable to have the bundling material loaded in the wrapping mechanism wrapped around the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Flexible Circuits Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Fu Su, Gwun-Jin Lin, Chih-Heng Chuo
  • Publication number: 20120167532
    Abstract: A feed head for a strapping machine includes a frame, a feed wheel, a tension wheel, and a feed and take-up motor mounted to the frame and operably connected to the feed wheel. The feed and take-up motor operates in forward and reverse directions to feed strapping material through the strapping machine, and to take up strapping material from the strapping machine. A tension motor is operably connected to the tension wheel and operates in a reverse direction to tension the strapping material around the load. The tension wheel is movable toward and away from the feed wheel and engages the feed wheel during strap tension and disengages from the feed wheel during strap feed. A pivot assembly operably mounts the tension motor and tension wheel to the frame to move the tension wheel toward and into engagement with, and out of engagement with the feed wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: James A. Haberstroh, Timothy B. Pearson, Jeffrey D. Termanas
  • Patent number: 8196372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pack, which includes at least two PET containers combined with each other, which are held together by a strip-like or ribbon-like strap, the strap being spun about an outer surface of the PET containers in a horizontal manner, wherein an inner surface of the strap, which lies at the outer surfaces of the PET containers, is fixed at least at one junction with one of the PET containers. The strap is fixed at the junction by a material integrated bond in the form of at least one welded joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Kurt Perl, Michael Hartl
  • Patent number: 8141327
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick R. Lancaster, III
  • Patent number: 8099935
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for fixing the tail end of the film for wrapping palletized loads, supplied by a reel (B), envisages the following working steps: a) Positioning along the side of the load and parallel thereto a straight member (1) and transversely extending over it a section of a penultimate turn (S) of the wrapping film so as to form a vertically open pocket (Z) between this turn and the wrapped load; b) Moving an edge of the film portion of the said penultimate turn which touches the said straight member towards the other edge of the said turn so as to free space on the said straight member (1); c) Extending over the free space of said straight member (1) a section of a last turn (S1) of the wrapping film,—d) The part of the said last turn (S1) situated on the said straight member is moved away from the said penultimate turn (S), is made to pass over the said straight member (1) and is inserted and pulled into the said pocket (Z), remaining temporarily connected to the said distributor with the reel (B
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Atlanta Stretch S.p.A.
    Inventors: Angelo Forni, Gianluca Paci
  • Patent number: 8091326
    Abstract: A combined baler/bale wrapper (1) comprises a chassis (5) on which a baler (10) and a bale wrapper (11) are mounted. The baler (10) comprises a stationary segment (18), a lower segment (19) and an upper segment (20) all of which carry bale forming rollers (25) which define a bale forming chamber (15) within which a round bale (2) is formed. The lower segment (19) and the upper segment (20) are pivotal about first and second pivot axes (35,40), respectively from a bale forming position (FIG. 5) to a discharge position (FIG. 1) for transferring a bale upwardly rearwardly from of the bale forming chamber (15) directly onto first and second bale supporting rollers (50) of the bale wrapper (11). The bale supporting rollers (50) rotate the bale (2) about a first wrapping axis (53) while a carrier ring (55) simultaneously revolves a pair of wrapping material dispensers (54) about a second horizontal wrapping axis (56) for dispensing wrapping material onto the bale (2) for wrapping thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Welmount Limited
    Inventors: Padraic Christopher McHale, Martin William McHale, James John Heaney, Gerard Patrick Sheridan, Patrick Thomas O'Connor, John Patrick Biggins
  • Patent number: 8079201
    Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Aetna Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cerè
  • Patent number: 8037661
    Abstract: A shuttle change system for use in a wrapping apparatus for wrapping an associated item is disclosed. The wrapping apparatus includes a shuttle that moves along the inner periphery of a track dispensing a wrapping material. The shuttle change system includes a carrier and a pair of track sections mounted to the carrier. The track sections are spaced from one another and parallel to one another, each adapted to support a shuttle. The carrier is moveable vertically, longitudinally and laterally to align either of the pair of tracks with the cantilevered base portion of the track. One of the tracks is adapted to receive a shuttle to be replaced and the other of the tracks is adapted to store a replacement shuttle for movement onto the track. The carrier is movable away from the track to permit the openable track portion to open and close without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid M. Albert, Jeffrey G. Kellermann
  • Patent number: 8037660
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one drive down roller configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping mechanism. The at least one roping mechanism may be a cable rolling element configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include an assembly for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie Martin Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph Donald Norris
  • Patent number: 8001745
    Abstract: Material usage tracking systems for monitoring and optimizing usage of stretch film on a stretch wrapping machine is provided. A system includes a rotary encoder collar securable to a pre-stretch roller of a stretch wrapping machine and a proximity sensor securable proximate to the rotary encoder collar. Upon installation, the proximity sensor measures the revolutions of the pre-stretch roller when the stretch wrapping machine is wrapping a product or pallet. The system also includes a controller in communication with the proximity sensor. The controller converts the revolutions of the pre-stretch roller to measurements of the amount of stretch film pulled off a film roll in the stretch wrapping machine based on data received from the proximity sensor. Different uses for the data collected by the material usage tracking system and different ways of presentation of the data are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Atlantic Corporation
    Inventors: Russell M. Carter, Bruce E. Laughter, Robert J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20110197553
    Abstract: A cable bundling device includes a cable positioning and a wrapping mechanism. The cable positioning mechanism includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, which are set in a working zone. The first and second clamping members function to respectively clamp ends of a cable. One of the wrapping mechanism and the cable positioning mechanism is selectively rotatable to have the bundling material loaded in the wrapping mechanism wrapped around the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KUO-FU SU, GWUN-JIN LIN, CHIH-HENG CHUO
  • Publication number: 20110041459
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing wrapped bales. Bales (3) is in a first wrappingstage moved past wrapping means (6) while said wrapping means (6) provided with dispenser means (4) are rotated around said bale (3) along a circular path in a first plane of rotation. In a further optional second stage of wrapping said bale (3) is rotated by rotating means in a second plane of rotation substantially normal to said first plane of rotation. Between said stages the surface of the wrapping material web is turned about 90° such that said surface of said web is always substantially normal to said planes of rotation in both stages. The first wrapping stage includes using of a tunnel means (9), which makes it possible to produce both unbound wrapped bales and bound wrapped bales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: CROSS WRAP OY
    Inventor: Kalle Kivelä
  • Patent number: 7854105
    Abstract: A film wrapping machine comprises a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies which are used to individually and sequentially dispense their wrapping films. Accordingly, if depletion or breakage occurs within the wrapping film being dispensed by a first one of the pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, the second film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly can effectively be activated so as to dispense its wrapping film whereby the film wrapping operation can continue with a minimum amount of stoppage or downtime. The switch-over or change-over between the first and second film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies can be achieved in accordance with automatic and semi-automatic modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Zitella, Faruk Turfan
  • Patent number: 7837140
    Abstract: A new and improved film wrapping machine includes a new and improved film changer, operatively associated with the film wrapping machine, for automatically exchanging rolls of wrapping film, wherein a depleted roll of wrapping film, or a roll of wrapping film that has experienced a breakage in the wrapping film, can be automatically removed from the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly, and wherein further, a fresh roll of wrapping film can be positionally exchanged for the depleted roll of wrapping film, or for the roll of wrapping film that has experienced the breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Zitella, Faruk Turfan
  • Patent number: 7836670
    Abstract: The invention is directed to means for providing a film having perforating lines wherein the perforation lines establish a length of film needed to wrap said article, means for sensing where the perforation line is located or where to make the perforation and means for separating the film at the perforation line, and means for film wrapping an article with the perforated film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Patent number: 7779607
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David E. Eldridge, Willie Martin Hall, Richard L. Johnson, Curtis W. Martin, Philip R. Moore, Joseph Donald Norris
  • Publication number: 20100180555
    Abstract: A machine for packaging a product (2) in a wrapper forms the wrapper by wrapping with a film (8) of packaging material, supplied in the form of a continuous web from an apparatus (4) for supplying film (8) which can move relative to the product (2) in such a way that it revolves around the product (2) and translates longitudinally relative to the product (2). The machine (1) comprises mechanical means (10, 5, 14) for synchronising the speed at which the film (8) is supplied with the speed at which the apparatus (4) revolves around the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: MECWRAP S.r.l.
    Inventors: Claudio Naldi, Valerio Forlivesi, Raniero Lombardi
  • Patent number: 7712291
    Abstract: A film wrapping machine comprises a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, mounted upon a rotary ring member, for simultaneously dispensing wrapping film. A vertically movable frame member, upon which the rotary ring member is rotatably mounted, is effectively moved at a speed of ascent or descent that is approximately twice the speed as that of a vertically movable frame member incorporated within a conventional film wrapping machine so as to permit the dual film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies to dispense the wrapping or packaging film within a time frame that is approximately twice as fast as that of the conventional film wrapping machine and yet in a slightly overlapped mode as desired for packaging purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Zitella, Faruk Turfan
  • Patent number: 7707801
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set. Thus, for each revolution of the rotating ring and dispenser, a predetermined fixed amount of film is dispensed and wrapped around the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick R. Lancaster, III
  • Patent number: 7661244
    Abstract: Packaging apparatus for helically wrapping articles with a stretchable flexible film of wrapping material. A first conveyor (11) transports unwrapped articles towards a wrapping material applicator (13) and a second conveyor (12) transports helically wrapped articles. The first and second conveyors are spaced apart and the wrapping material applicator (13) is disposed between the first and second conveyors. The wrapping material is applied between the first and second conveyors to wrap an article disposed in space between the conveyors. The applicator has a rotary ring (14) supported in rotation by a fixed guide ring. Wrapping film reels are mounted on the rotary ring and unwound around tensioning rollers. Relative motion of the guide and rotary rings is converted into rotation of the tensioning rollers by a gear train so the wrapping material is stretched prior to application to the articles. The packaging apparatus may be used to wrap any material around any sort of article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Oakbridge Investments Limited
    Inventor: Graham Paul Downhill
  • Publication number: 20090293426
    Abstract: Waste-processing and transportation systems and methods are described. An exemplary waste processing and transportation system (10) comprises a receiving area (20) where loose waste (28) is delivered, a baler (22) for processing the loose waste (28) into waste bales (34), and a loading area (26) where the waste bales (34) are loaded onto a transport vehicle (e.g., a barge 36). A loader (32a) may operate in the receiving area (20) to load the loose waste (28) into the baler (22). At least one material handler (42a) may be configured to move the waste bales (34) onto the transport vehicle (36) for transport to a waste transfer facility (14). The waste bales (34) are configured such that the waste bales are unloaded from the transport vehicle (36) at the waste transfer facility (14) and loaded onto other transport vehicles (e.g., railcars 38) without further processing of the waste bales (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Ritchie G. Studer, Rick R. Redle, Irfan A. Toor, F. Scott Crawford, Thomas J. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7621107
    Abstract: To palletize packages, a wrapping vehicle includes a vertically mounted drive screw having a plurality of ball nuts mounted at wrapping-effective distances from each other on the vertically mounted drive screw. Each ball-nut has a corresponding cantilever mounted to the ball nut to support a roll of wrapping material. A tension adjustment mechanism is mounted to adjust the resistance to motion of each roll of wrapping material and thus the tension on the wrapping material. The ball nuts are each connected to side support guide plates positioned to slide against the sides of mast housing the drive screw wherein said ball nuts are supported against tilting movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick J. Vanderheiden, Michael A. Herman
  • Publication number: 20090249746
    Abstract: A bale wrapper is provided that comprises a rotating arm holding a film dispenser. The arm rotates around an axis thereby wrapping the film from the film dispenser around the bale. Rotation of the arm is stopped when a sensing arrangement mounted ahead of the arm senses an obstacle. The arm is driven with a first speed sufficiently slow to prevent any risk of injury and the arm and the film dispenser from being damaged by hitting an obstacle detected by the sensing arrangement when an obstacle sensor observing a sensitive range in the environment of the bale wrapper detects an obstacle. The arm rotates at a second speed faster than the first speed when the obstacle sensor detects no obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Jean Viaud
  • Patent number: 7568327
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one guide rollers configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping element. The at least one roping element may be a cable rolling roper configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include means for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Donnie Norris, David Eldridge
  • Patent number: 7543426
    Abstract: A tool used for wrapping boxes or shipments with plastic or other wrap in an ergonomic manner, as in warehouses or shipping departments. The tool is elongated and allows the user to rotate about the object to be wrapped. A tensioner makes it possible for the user to ensure that the wrapping is taught. A stopper allows the tool to come into contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Nelson Phero
  • Patent number: 7536844
    Abstract: A facility for the packaging of tires includes a pre-packaging station where a given number of tires constituting a unitary batch are arranged within an overall size in horizontal layers, a compression station at which the batch is compressed vertically in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the layers, and a packing unit at which there are laid around the batch, under tension, straps of given width by wrapping a first strap about a first horizontal axis, and by helical winding a second strap about a second horizontal axis oriented perpendicular to the first axis. During the winding of straps, the batch is kept vertically compressed between two packing conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Rudy Aubin, Dorian Berthelot, Daniel Moulier, René Plaisance, Bernard Sergere
  • Patent number: 7533515
    Abstract: A film delivery device comprising a first assembly which can be connected to a wrapping machine and a second assembly (5) which is pivoted to turn, relative to the first assembly (4), about a horizontal hinge axis (6) between a closed position (I) and an open position (II). A first prestretch roller (7) is in the first assembly (4). A second prestretch roller (8) is in the second assembly (5). The film can be threaded by S-threading between the prestretch rollers (7,8). The second assembly (5) is hinged at the lower end to the lower end of the first assembly (4) to turn about the horizontal hinge axis (6). The second assembly (5) comprises a pivoted and spring-loaded first deflecting roller (22) which is arranged downstream relative to the first prestretch roller (7). In the open position (II) of the second assembly (5), that part of the first deflecting roller (22) which is close to the lower end thereof is resting against the surface of the first prestretch roller (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Janne Koskela