Daniel Robert Alameda

US Patent:

48818682, Nov 21, 1989

Filed:

Sep 19, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/245625

Inventors:

Daniel Alameda - Pacific Grove CA
Scott Cooper - Salinas CA

Assignee:

Rubber Band Technology - Yakima WA

International Classification:

B25J 1800

US Classification:

414773

Abstract:

An apparatus (21) and method for rapid transport of elastic bands (34) from a band loading station (22) to a band unloading station (23). The apparatus (21) includes a movable arm assembly (24) having a finger (26) thereon dimensioned to loosely receive an elastic band (34) therearound. A drive assembly (36) is coupled to move the arm assembly (24) from the loading (22) to the unloading station (23). The arm assembly (24) is further movable by the drive assembly (36) from a first orientation of the finger (26) to a second orientation of the finger (26) to enable gravity assisted mounting of the band (34) on the finger (26) at the loading station (22) and gravity assisted demounting of the band (34) at the unloading station (23). During the transport of the band (34) between the loading (22) and unloading stations (23), the finger (26) is reoriented along a path maintaining the band (34) on the finger (26) against dynamic forces acting on the band (34) during transport of the arm assembly (24). The apparatus (21) includes a gear train (43, 44, 53, 62) which simultaneously pivots the arm assembly (24) between the loading (22) and unloading station (23) while it rotates the arm (24) in a direction opposed to the pivoting to maintain the band (34) on the finger (26) during pivoting of the arm (24).

US Patent:

51428466, Sep 1, 1992

Filed:

May 9, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/697608

Inventors:

Daniel Alameda - Pacific Grove CA

Assignee:

Gabilan Manufacturing, Inc. - Salinas CA

International Classification:

B65B 5702

US Classification:

53506

Abstract:

A bag detection apparatus (50) for sensing the position and seam integrity of a deformable bag (24) and bag transfer apparatus (53) for gripping and maintaining positive control of the edges (25) of the bag (24) during transfer from a bag filling station to a bag closure station. The bag positioning and seam integrity detecting apparatus (50) includes pneumatic conduits (60-67) mounted on the bag distending assembly (23) of a bag filling apparatus (20) and coupled to pressure switches (68). A controller (101), monitoring increases in pressure at each pressure switch (68), determines the position and condition of the mounted bag (24). The transfer apparatus (52) includes a pair of elongated arms (80) having hook-shaped gripping fingers (82) formed to engage and cooperate with clamping members (83) to grip the bag proximate the upper edge (25). A bag detection method also is provided.