Container Patents (Class 83/946)
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Patent number: 8479373Abstract: An apparatus for the production of caps comprises a first operating turntable device associated with a first operating arrangement and a further operating turntable device associated with a further operating arrangement, between said first operating turntable device and said further operating turntable device a transferring turntable device being interposed such as to transfer said caps between said first operating turntable device and said further operating to turntable device; a device for positioning a tool in relation to an object to be processed comprises a toolholder element suitable for bearing said tool, an adjustable member operationally associatable with said toolholder element and an abutting member suitable for pressing said toolholder element against said adjustable member.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' CooperativaInventor: Ivan Bonzi
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Patent number: 8308023Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container having multiple walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including a pre-formed flex line, and a dispenser including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the frame including a stop positioned proximate the rear end and a support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, and an opening tool positioned to open the container as the container is moved along the support deck into engagement with the stop, wherein the engagement between the stop and the container effects a flexing of the container along the pre-formed flex line.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: MeadWestvaco CorporationInventors: John Gelardi, Laurel Thomas, Ryan Bailey, Steve Simmons
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Patent number: 8302809Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the container including a weakening feature, the opening and the weakening feature defining an access panel, and a dispenser including a frame having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, and including a support deck and a product display area, the support deck extending at least partially between the first and second ends, the product display area being positioned below the support deck, and a catch element connected to the frame proximate the first end, the catch element protruding away from the second end such that the catch element engages the opening in the container and at least partially separates the access panel from the container as the container longitudinally moves along the support deck from the first end toward the second end.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: MeadWestvaco CorporationInventors: William J. Bogdziewicz, III, John Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas
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Patent number: 7987568Abstract: An apparatus for the production of caps comprises a first operating turntable device associated with a first operating arrangement and a further operating turntable device associated with a further operating arrangement, between said first operating turntable device and said further operating turntable device a transferring turntable device being interposed such as to transfer said caps between said first operating turntable device and said further operating turntable device; a device for positioning a tool in relation to an object to be processed comprises a toolholder element suitable for bearing said tool, an adjustable member operationally associatable with said toolholder element and an abutting member suitable for pressing said toolholder element against said adjustable member.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' CooperativaInventor: Ivan Bonzi
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Patent number: 7950259Abstract: A trimming turret including a first trimmer head including a first pilot. The turret is configured to receive a stress induced plastically deformed container having earing about a respective opening in the container, and at least one of (i) direct the container to the first trimmer head so that the pilot becomes located inside the opening, and (ii) direct the first trimmer head to the container so that the pilot becomes located inside the opening. The turret is configured to trim off the earing from the container with the first trimmer head.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Belvac Production Machinery, Inc.Inventor: Harold James Marshall
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Patent number: 7922437Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for dispensing products provided initially in a package. The system includes a frame and an opening tool. The frame has longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections and includes an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool is associated with the frame and is arranged to open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool thereby allowing the products to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: MeadWestvaco CorporationInventors: Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas, Derek King, John Gelardi
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Patent number: 7841484Abstract: There is provided a capped container in which the angle of rotation of a screw cap required for unsealing the same can be rendered small and in which a cut piece can be prevented from being completely cut away from a container body. The capped container includes a container body (11) including a wall portion and a rupture portion (36) formed at a predetermined position of the wall portion; a tubular base portion attached to the wall portion and surrounding the rupture portion (36); a movable tube (16) disposed in the base portion and thread-engaged with the base portion; and a screw cap (17) disposed outside the base portion, thread-engaged with the base portion, engaged with the movable tube (16), and adapted to rotate the movable tube (16) while being rotated. A cutting member (38) including a plurality of blades (t1 to t6) and adapted to cut the rupture portion (36) as the screw cap (17) is rotated is formed at a lower end of the movable tube (16).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Masamichi Kaneko, Hiroyuki Serizawa
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Patent number: 7818987Abstract: A trimming turret including a first trimmer head including a first pilot. The turret is configured to receive a stress induced plastically deformed container having earing about a respective opening in the container, and at least one of (i) direct the container to the first trimmer head so that the pilot becomes located inside the opening, and (ii) direct the first trimmer head to the container so that the pilot becomes located inside the opening. The turret is configured to trim off the earing from the container with the first trimmer head.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Belvac Production Machinery, Inc.Inventor: Harold James Marshall
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Patent number: 7726223Abstract: Apparatus and methods of accessing a packaged medicament include placing a blister-type package containing the medicament onto a receiving area of a holder with a blister portion of the package extending into an opening in the holder. The blister-type package is held in place while a severing device is moved relative to the opening to separate at least a part of the blister portion from the blister-type package in order to access the medicament.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: CB Products, Inc.Inventors: Charles B. Kendall, David J. Van den Branden
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Patent number: 7673543Abstract: An apparatus for making a fracture cut between the cup and the safety ring in plastic caps, which comprises rotary elements provided with at least one mandrel that can be arranged inside the cup and is suitable to produce the rolling, about its own axis of symmetry, of the side wall of the cup along the cutting edge of a blade for making the cut, the blade being associated with an inlet path portion adapted to axially offset the cup with respect to the rotation axis of the mandrel by clamping the side wall against the mandrel; the apparatus also comprises elements for recentering the cup with respect to the rotation axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola S.C.R.L.Inventor: Danilo Albonetti
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Patent number: 7562611Abstract: The planetary tubing cutter of the invention provides a gearing assembly having a pair of ring gears and a number of pinions with a blade affixed to each pinion. The ring gears are parallel to one another and are individually driven. The pinions are rotatably mounted to a side surface of one ring gear and engage a sun gear assembled to the other ring gear. When the ring gears rotate at the same speed, the pinions and blades do not revolve around their respective axes, and when one ring gear rotates at a speed different from the other ring gear, the pinions and blades revolve about their respective axes, intercepting and cutting a tube passing through an axial passage through the ring gears.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Axon LLCInventor: Kuo-Raid Grant Chen
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Patent number: 7455084Abstract: The invention described herein provides a seal opening device structured as a component of an automated system that ruptures seals from sealed containers. The invention is particularly useful within the context of a repackaging process where automated opening of laminated and/or foil seals is needed, such as repackaging pharmaceutical or nutritional supplement products and combining their contents into larger containers or bottles. The seal opening device comprises a generally elongated and substantially planar blade wherein the distal portion of the blade forms a generally chevron configuration. The distal end of the blade further comprises an arcuate bend initiating at a position proximal to the apex tip and continuing to the tip. The invention further provides an automated seal opening apparatus structured to rupture seals from container openings comprising the seal opening device. The invention further includes an automated method of opening a seal of a sealed container utilizing the seal opening device.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Inventors: Benjamin J. Ahn, Patrick J. Moore, II
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Patent number: 7377203Abstract: A lid for a storage device having a storage film is provided. The lid has a lid body and a cutting member having a cutting surface. The cutting member is movable between a first position in which the cutting surface is remote from the storage film and a second position in which the cutting surface is in contact with the storage film.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.Inventor: Richard S Chomik
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Patent number: 7343842Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting film tubing in a machine for applying tubular labels to each of a series of containers that are transported on a conveyor. The film tubing is advanced incrementally through a ring gear and a bore in a platform on which the ring gear is rotatably mounted. A number of pinions with attached cutting blades are rotatably mounted to the platform in positions to mesh with the ring gear. One of the pinions is driven to rotate a single revolution when the film tubing has been advanced. The driven pinion causes the additional pinions to rotate through rotation of the ring gear, causing the blades to cut the film tubing.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Axon LLCInventor: Kuo-Raid Grant Chen
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Patent number: 7275469Abstract: The planetary tubing cutter of the invention provides a gearing assembly having a pair of ring gears and a number of pinions with a blade affixed to each pinion. The ring gears are parallel to one another and are individually driven. The pinions are rotatably mounted to a side surface of one ring gear and engage a sun gear assembled to the other ring gear. When the ring gears rotate at the same speed, the pinions and blades do not revolve around their respective axes, and when one ring gear rotates at a speed different from the other ring gear, the pinions and blades revolve about their respective axes, intercepting and cutting a tube passing through an axial passage through the ring gears.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Axon LLCInventor: Kuo-Raid Grant Chen
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Patent number: 7059232Abstract: A tamper indicating closure comprising a base wall and a peripheral skirt having an internal thread adapted to engage the threads of a container wherein a tamper indicating band is provided on the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bridges. The band includes portions adapted to engage an annular bead on the container. The bridges are formed by using a primary knife having an interrupted cutting edge to produce a circumferential score in the side wall of the closure leaving spaced connectors or bridges followed by using a secondary knife having a continuous cutting edge to provide a continuous external score line and an accurately dimensional radial thickness of the bridges. In a preferred method and apparatus, the closures engage the successive primary and secondary knives and are moved such that the closures roll relative to the knives.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Timothy B. Kowal
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Patent number: 7000512Abstract: A blow molded container (10) having a trimmed nonround opening (12) is blow molded from a preform (36) and then positioned by a positioner (50) of a nonround trimmer (16) that includes a rotary driven arm assembly (56) having a knife holder (60). A guide (66) guides the knife holder (60) in a nonround path to perform the trimming.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Dunlap, Edward L. Sanford, Richard C. Darr
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Patent number: 6886437Abstract: A device for opening blown plastic bottles that are hermetically closed by a dome and mounted in a duct by cutting the dome using a cutting knife mounted in a cutting head that can move relative to the dome along the periphery thereof. The opening device includes holding members having at least two centering fingers, which can move radially relative to the dome to engage with the part of the dome that is to be cut off.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventor: Manfred Waldstädt
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Patent number: 6829971Abstract: An improved cutting fixture for heat-shrink film sleeve labeling machines comprised of a mounting frame disposed around the outer periphery of the center guide post in a sleeve labeling machine that secures a plurality of blade assemblies at equal intervals apart. Each blade assembly is positioned on a drive plate by means of an inserted eccentric shaft to maintain synchronous operation. The eccentric shafts of the blade assembly are driven into reciprocal rotation by a power structure, each eccentric shaft causing the blades at their lower extents to alternately project and retract for cutting heat-shrink film at a required travel and time to effectively shorten the period involved and thereby increase production efficiency. Each cutter shaft is restrained by a check plate and anchoring screws to prevent 360 -degree free rotation, which not only results in safer blade replacement, but at the same time also prolongs the service life of the transmission and structural components.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventors: Chien-Tsai Huang, Chun-Hsiang Huang
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Patent number: 6826994Abstract: A breaking-line cutting machine for the twist-off bottle cap includes a main mechanism having an input tray, an output tray, a cutting set and a plurality of rotary components to pick up the unfinished bottle caps from the input tray to the cutting set for cutting the dashed breaking-line at there and delivering the finished bottle caps to the output tray, a semi-finished product feeding system to feed the unfinished bottle caps into the input tray and finished product container receives the finished bottle caps from the output tray via a conveyer. It is characterized in the introrsely curved inner edge of the cutting set by which the contact area between cutting set and the bottle cap is enlarged in order to make a precise and neat dashed breaking-line in the cap.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Inventor: Chi-Ti Liao
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Patent number: 6817276Abstract: A tamper indicating closure comprising a base wall and a peripheral skirt having an internal thread adapted to engage the threads of a container wherein a tamper indicating band is provided on the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bridges. The band includes portions adapted to engage an annular bead on the container. The bridges are formed by using a primary knife having an interrupted cutting edge to produce a circumferential score in the side wall of the closure leaving spaced connectors or bridges followed by using a secondary knife having a continuous cutting edge to provide a continuous external score line and an accurately dimensional radial thickness of the bridges. In a preferred method and apparatus, the closures engage the successive primary and secondary knives and are moved such that the closures roll relative to the knives.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Timothy B. Kowal
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Patent number: 6763752Abstract: The present invention includes a trim station for trimming the flange of a container, an apparatus for trimming the flange of a container and a method of trimming the flange of a container. The trim station includes a rotating primary knife and a secondary knife mounted on a movable member, wherein the secondary knife is moved into a cutting position by advancing the movable member in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the container. The present invention also includes a spindle assembly and a container by process of trimming the flange of the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Harold James Marshall, Mohamed Hachem Saadi El Hachem, William Storrs Reynolds
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Patent number: 6715389Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for opening condiment packets, having a base and a support that define an opening to receive a condiment packet. A cutter subassembly connected to the support is used to cut the packet received in the opening. The cutter subassembly includes an upper body portion that releasably connects to the support, a lower body portion, a rod that extends through the upper and lower body portions, a handle connected to a top end of the rod, a cutter connected to a lower end of the rod, and a spring system that controls movement of the cutter and lower body portion relative to the upper body portion. The spring system causes the lower body portion to contact a received packet before the cutter cuts the packet, so that the contents of the packet can be urged away from the area to be cut before the cutting. In one example, the spring system includes springs having different spring constants to cause the lower body portion strikes the packet first.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Richard W. Hay
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Publication number: 20040055438Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting open a case of product having a top and a bottom is provided. The case is placed on a conveyor and moved to a cutting apparatus. The top is cut open at the cutting apparatus. The case is moved to a lift apparatus. The top of the case is opened and the product is lifted from the bottom of the case. The case is then cut thereby separating the bottom of the case from the top of the case.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: David C. Ours, Randall Scherer, James E. Mabe
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Publication number: 20040011169Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for trimming the dome of a container comprising at least one trimming station having a plurality of guide rollers and a knife, and a rotation guide. The apparatus is adapted so that the container is in contact with the rotation guide and at least two of the guide rollers during trimming.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.Inventors: Harold James Marshall, William Storrs Reynolds
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Patent number: 6675680Abstract: Apparatus for, and method of, conveying tandem thermoplastic containers from a molding machine to a tail removal station, the tandem containers being positioned with their axes extending horizontally but possibly out of parallel with one another and with their ends possibly out of alignment with one another. The apparatus includes a spaced pair of synchronously driven endless conveyors that convey tandem containers to a downwardly inclined ramp, the ramp having a wedge on its tandem supporting surface that engages outwardly projecting beads on each of the containers of the tandem to orient the tandems with their ends parallel, the downwardly inclined ramp also serving to orient the tandems with their axes parallel.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Seitz, James E. Gerdeman
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Publication number: 20030084763Abstract: A method and apparatus for punching a guide notch in a polymeric zipper having a male and female track with respective fins. The method includes sliding the zipper into position in a punch housing and punching a guide notch into the zipper. The guide notch is defined by a plurality of edges in said zipper, which are guided out of the punch housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventor: Aaron L. Strand
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Publication number: 20020152865Abstract: In a device for cutting single blister packs from a blister band, a cutting member acts in a longitudinal direction with respect to the blister band, along the longitudinal edges thereof, so as to cut side extending strips of the blister band which extend beyond the length of the blister pack being produced. Cut out elements operate in alignment with a cutting line of the cutting member to cut shaped pieces of the blister band, so as to define corner zones of the blister packs. Shearing means operate crosswise to the blister band, in alignment with the corner zones defined by the cut out means, to separate single blister packs. The position of the cutting means and cut out means and/or the shearing means can be adjusted to produce blister packs having different sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Claudio Betti
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Publication number: 20020113109Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method are disclosed for dispensing sheet material from at least one roll of the sheet material. Dispensing is transferred from a stub roll to a reserve roll automatically in response to sensing a predetermined quantity of the stub roll. An isolating element is provided to lift the reserve roll out of contact with dispensing rollers during dispensing of sheet material from the stub roll, and a nipping element is provided to nip sheet material of the reserve roll when dispensing is transferred from the stub roll to the reserve roll. A cam controls movement of both the isolating element and the nipping element. Structure is also provided for sensing the diameter of the reserve roll of sheet material and providing an indication when the reserve roll is a predetermined diameter. The dispenser is quiet and capacity efficient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: Fort James CorporationInventors: Dale T. Gracyalny, David Carpenter, Kamala Grasso, Douglas W. Johnson, Peter D. Johnson, John E. Longan, John R. Moody, Hugh L. Smith, Ronald J. Vish
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Patent number: 6401587Abstract: A device for producing a scoring line in the cylindrical wall of a plastic cup, comprising: a mandrel, provided with elements for positioning and retaining a cup applied thereon; a plurality of jaws, an end whereof is articulated to the mandrel so as to oscillate on radial planes; respective circular arc-shaped blades being applied to the opposite end of the jaws and being arranged on a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel; actuation elements for the jaws being further provided, as well as elements for actuating the mandrel with respect to the actuation means so as to actuate the arc-shaped blades radially from a position which is external to the cup to a position for engaging the wall of the cup at which the blades form a scoring line in the wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola S.c.r.l.Inventor: Dario Beltrandi
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Publication number: 20020040632Abstract: A device for producing a scoring line in the cylindrical wall of a plastic cup, comprising: a mandrel, provided with elements for positioning and retaining a cup applied thereon; a plurality of jaws, an end whereof is articulated to the mandrel so as to oscillate on radial planes; respective circular arc-shaped blades being applied to the opposite end of the jaws and being arranged on a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel; actuation elements for the jaws being further provided, as well as elements for actuating the mandrel with respect to the actuation means so as to actuate the arc-shaped blades radially from a position which is external to the cup to a position for engaging the wall of the cup at which the blades form a scoring line in the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2000Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventor: Dario Beltrandi
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Patent number: 6318049Abstract: A slitter machine of the type where tab lock cases of varying height, width, and length are advanced therethrough in a product flow direction on a machine bed by a main drive motor, is presented. The slitter machine includes a frame, a centerline, a leading flap lifter and a trailing flap lifter. The leading flap lifter and trailing flap lifter are mounted are mounted to the frame on opposite sides of the centerline, and extend at an incline relative to the machine bed. Each flap lifter includes a tear drop assembly attached to a drive chain and actuated by a pair of cams to rotate the leading flap and the trailing flap toward a closed position. A chain track is disposed in each of the flap lifting assemblies, with the drive chains disposed therein. Each chain track has a first section having a first distance between the drive chains and a second section having a second distance between the drive chains. The second distance is greater than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Standard Knapp Inc.Inventors: John L. Raudat, Emilio N. CoFrancesco, Jeffrey Reilly
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Patent number: 6311593Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the neck of a blow molded plastic bottle in which a reverse punch is mounted on an end of a shaft. A knife is also mounted to the shaft adjacent to the reverse punch and includes a cutting edge recessed from the cutting edge of the reverse punch. A stripper arm is mounted on the shaft and axially moves with the shaft. The stripper arm's distal end is adjacent to the reverse punch and recessed from the cutting edge of the reverse punch. An actuator causes the distal end of the stripper arm to move to a position located radially outward from the cutting surface when a trimmer ring from the neck of a bottle is to be removed from the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Uniloy Milacron, Inc.Inventors: A. Dale Maddox, James E. Thompson, Thomas A. Shapler
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Patent number: 6199466Abstract: An apparatus for processing a palletized container (411), the palletized container (411) including a container (413) affixed to a pallet (415). The apparatus includes a receptacle (412) arranged and configured for receiving the palletized container (411). A shearing mechanism is incorporated within the receptacle (412). The shearing mechanism is constructed and arranged for generating relative movement between the container (413) and the pallet (415) such that the container (413) is sheared from the pallet (415). The shearing mechanism includes support structure (428) for supporting the palletized container (411) within the receptacle (412) by engaging the pallet (415) of the palletized container (411). The shearing mechanism also includes a shearing member (440) having an edge (456) spaced a predetermined distance (D1) from the support structure (428).Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignees: Solid Waste Management Systems, Inc., Nelson Technical Services, Inc.Inventors: John R. Crawford, Michael L. Nelson
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Patent number: 6199615Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for removing circular labels or shrinkwrap from bottles or similar items. In order to achieve a simple and compact embodiment of such a machine, the cutting agents are set up in the intake section of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Heinrich Klarl
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Patent number: 6158319Abstract: A system and a method are provided for detecting a bag that has been subjected to a process, such as illumination, wherein the contents of the bag require processing before subsequent use. The system (1) has a drawer (10) on which one or more bags may be placed and properly oriented. Punches (22) are provided for punching slugs from the bag indicative of a status of the processing of the bag. The punches (22) are aligned with die apertures (26) of a die (24) and corresponding punch apertures (20) through the drawer (10). The bag may include polarizing materials (50) such that the status of the processing of the bag (52) may be sensed. To this end, a rotating polarizing piece (70) is provided as well as a light source (34) and a sensor (38). The polarities between the polarizing piece (50) of the bag and the rotating polarizing piece (70) is monitored by the sensor (38) to indicate a condition or status of the processing of the bag and/or to further indicate tampering taking place in the process.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Edmund D. D'Silva
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Patent number: 6158317Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the neck of a blow molded plastic bottle in which a reverse punch is mounted on an end of a shaft. A knife is also mounted to the shaft adjacent to the reverse punch and includes a cutting edge recessed from the cutting edge of the reverse punch. A stripper arm is mounted on the shaft and axially moves with the shaft. The stripper arm's distal end is adjacent to the reverse punch and recessed from the cutting edge of the reverse punch. An actuator causes the distal end of the stripper arm to move to a position located radially outward from the cutting surface when a trimmer ring from the neck of a bottle is to be removed from the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Uniloy Milacron Inc.Inventors: A. Dale Maddox, James E. Thompson, Thomas A. Shapler
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Patent number: 6128890Abstract: The Invention provides a waste storage device comprising a main body and a lid, the main body including a waste aperture inlet arranged to receive a storage bag, the lid comprising storage bag severing means movably mounted thereon and a formation arranged to hold the storage bag against movement relative to the lid when the lid is in a closed position, for operation of the severing means, in which the lid is movably fastened to the main body between said closed position and an open position.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Sangenic International LimitedInventor: Robert Firth
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Patent number: 6119572Abstract: A device for the mechanical separation of work pieces having plastic material in the area of separation, in particular, packages for flowable media joined together in pairs in the top wall is provided with feed and discharge means with guide rails and drivers and with separating blades arranged on a conveyor belt, with a first linear cutter with cutters arranged in pairs symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, each with straight cutting blades followed by a round cutter with rotatable circular cutters arranged in pairs symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry, the cutters with the straight cutting blade being located in the cutting plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, and the straight cutting blades being disposed at an angle to the plane of symmetry such that the straight cutting blades get closer together in the conveying direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Bernhard Korus, Heiko Bub, Gottfried Pusch, Wilhelm Reil
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Patent number: 6099777Abstract: A method for cutting openings in a sheet of thermoformed containers. The sheet of containers is indexed into a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a shear plate having a plurality of openings formed therethrough, and having an upper surface which defines a cutting plane. A locating means including a plurality of anvils is raised so that the anvils enter the containers and raise the sheet toward the shear plate. The end portions of the containers are located within the openings of the shear plate, and a portion of the containers is positioned in the cutting plane. The cutting assembly includes a blade mounted on piston/cylinder assembly for sliding movement along the upper surface of the shear plate. The cylinder is actuated to move the blade along the cutting plane. The blade cuts off the portion of the containers and creates an opening in the containers.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Craig A. Marshall
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Patent number: 6070507Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Lori J. Mihalov, Lewis H. Sita, Todd A. Stevens, David C. Ulstad, W. George Zeitler
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Patent number: 6053362Abstract: A can-breaker including a first and a second clamping members pivotally connected with each other by a pivot member. The second clamping member is disposed with a thrusting section having a first fixing seat and a thrusting sting. An outer cover is fitted on outer side of the thrusting section. The outer cover is pivotally connected with the second clamping member. One end of the outer cover is disposed with a second fixing seat. A resilient member is connected between the first and second fixing seats. The thrusting sting is prevented from be bent or deformed. So, it can prolong the using life of the can-breaker.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: Hsi Chung Lin
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Patent number: 6038952Abstract: A pipelined system for removing the contents of sealed coin-collection boxes, wherein each box requires a set of different operations to be performed in seriatim to remove the box contents. The operations include removing a seal, opening a box lid, removing the box contents, resetting the lid and resealing the box. The pipelined system comprises a rotary surface for supporting a plurality of the boxes at spaced locations. Stationary surfaces mount a plurality of box-processing units, including pneumatic actuators and processing tools, at spaced stations to form a pipeline. The processing units each perform a different one of the processing operations during each processing cycle. A motor assembly pivots the rotary surface for stepwise positioning the boxes at different ones of the stations. A control system, including computer and pneumatic systems, causes the box-processing units to perform the different processing operations simultaneously on all boxes in the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Nynex Science and Technology Inc.Inventors: Howard M. Citron, David K. Asano, Henry R. Baietto, Sullivan S. Chen, Alexis W. De Frondeville, Jeffrey H. Hahn, Thomas J. Probst, Jr., John E. Massucci, Dinu Costin, Ralph E. Peragine
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Patent number: 6026726Abstract: A kit to sort out pills, tablets or capsules, which comprises a recessed support, a container-defining sheet designed to fit into the support, and a sealing sheet made of self-adhesive paper as having substantially the same dimension as the container-defining sheet, so as to close the same. Positioning elements are provided on the sealing sheet and on the support and/or the container-defining sheet in order to facilitate proper fixation of the sealing sheet on top of the container-defining sheet. A pill-sorting device made of two sliding panels with hollow bottomed recesses can be used to insert the pills into the containers of the container-defining sheet.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Dispill Inc.Inventor: Michel Bouthiette
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Patent number: 5974924Abstract: An internally expanding cutting device is used for severing large cylindraceous objects in two. The device comprises a spider mechanism in which a series of radially extending arms are attached to a central hub. The spider is arranged to be mounted on a base member so that the spider mechanism is free to rotate. A series of self propelled cutting wheels are mounted on the arms of the spider to allow the cutter wheels to contact the interior wall of the cylinder to be cut. The cutting wheels are arranged to drive the spider in a rotational manner while the cutter wheels are progressively pushed outwardly to deepen the cut. Each wheel follows in the track of the previous cutter wheel until the cylinder is severed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: General Electric Canada IncInventors: Edward J. Schartinger, deceased, Terry Hunter
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Patent number: 5967010Abstract: A process for cutting hollow molded plastic parts uses two knife cuttings in sequence. A first knife blade (42) is pressed on an uncut hollow molded plastic part for cutting therethrough with a guillotine blade action to form an access hole (46, 48) in the plastic part (10). The plastic part (10) may be secured onto a clamp (34, 36) for the first guillotine blade action. An outer support clamp (50, 52) is then secured about the plastic part with an outer side of the support clamp being positioned in proximity to the finished cut edge (65) of a finished plastic part. A mandrel (54) is inserted into the access hole (46, 48) of the part. The inner end of the mandrel is axially spaced from the outer side of the support clamp to allow a thin knife blade therebetween. A thin knife blade (62, 64) then cuts off the rough edge (47) to provide a finished cut edge (65) in the plastic part axially interposed between the outer side of the support clamp and the inner mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Cambridge Industries, Inc.Inventor: Dick van Manen
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Patent number: 5967012Abstract: The invention features implementation of a flat triangular blade which has wo cutting edges and a sharp point. The blade is caused to move pointwise across a cylindrical can's diameter, with the plane of the blade perpendicular to the can's axis, so that the point pierces the can, the two cutting edges slice through the can in both directions around the can's circumference, and the point again, diametrically oppositely, pierces the can. The inventive removal of the residual contents and propellants from a spent aerosol can is optimally effective, because the invention divides the can into two separate parts, concomitantly subdividing the can's internal components.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1996Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: David L. Dummer, Jack L. McCrea, Roy Jay Maloney
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Patent number: 5964139Abstract: An apparatus for producing a container cap. The cap is formed of plastic and includes a flat top, a casing emanating from the flat top, and a guarantee area provided in an edge zone of the casing. The guarantee area includes at least one holding section on a surface thereof and at least one vertical incision extending over a height of the guarantee area. The apparatus includes a centering device which rotates and securely holds the cap in a fixed position based on the at least one holding section, and a cutting device which cuts the at least one vertical incision into a wall of the guarantee area at a predetermined distance from the at least one holding section while the centering device rotates and securely holds the cap in the fixed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Alcoa Deutschland GmbHInventors: Gunter Spatz, Wolfhard Schwarz
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Patent number: 5937726Abstract: A method for cutting a vertical incision in a plastic cap for containers. The plastic cap includes a flat top, a casing emanating from the flat top, and a guarantee area provided in an edge zone of the casing. The guarantee area has at least one holding section on a surface of the guarantee area.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Alcoa Deutschland GmbHInventors: Gunter Spatz, Wolfhard Schwarz
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Patent number: 5865014Abstract: A pipelined system for removing the contents of sealed coin-collection boxes, wherein each box requires a set of different operations to be performed in seriatim to remove the box contents. The operations include removing a seal, opening a box lid, removing the box contents, resetting the lid and resealing the box. The pipelined system comprises a rotary surface for supporting a plurality of the boxes at spaced locations. Stationary surfaces mount a plurality of box-processing units, including pneumatic actuators and processing tools, at spaced stations to form a pipeline. The processing units each perform a different one of the processing operations during each processing cycle. A motor assembly pivots the rotary surface for stepwise positioning the boxes at different ones of the stations. A control system, including computer and pneumatic systems, causes the box-processing units to perform the different processing operations simultaneously on all boxes in the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Nynex Science and Technology, Inc.Inventors: Howard M. Citron, David K. Asano, Henry R. Baietto, Sullivan S. Chen, Alexis W. De Frondeville, Jeffrey H. Hahn, Thomas J. Probst, Jr., John E. Massucci, Dinu Costin, Ralph E. Peragine