Michael J Christensen

US Patent:

7371298, May 13, 2008

Filed:

Oct 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/688271

Inventors:

Ronald Michalski - Glendale Heights IL, US
Michael J. Christensen - Parkers Prairie MN, US
David A. Lindquist - Alexandria MN, US
Kyle R. Gugisberg - Glenwood MN, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B29C 65/02
B32B 37/26
B32B 43/00

US Classification:

156 64, 156230, 156240, 156289, 1563082

Abstract:

A method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, having different height dimensions, comprises the provision of a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and the height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The programmable logic controller (PLC) automatically adjusts mechanisms located at the various stations in accordance with the height dimension data characteristic of each cigarette carton.

US Patent:

7533710, May 19, 2009

Filed:

Dec 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/037386

Inventors:

Ronald Michalski - Glendale Heights IL, US
Michael J. Christensen - Parkers Prairie MN, US
David A. Lindquist - Alexandria MN, US
Kyle R. Gugisberg - Glenwood MN, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B29C 65/48
B32B 41/00
B65B 19/28
B65B 57/00

US Classification:

156556, 156566, 156DIG 3, 156DIG 4, 156DIG 27, 156DIG 37, 53 52, 533821, 533831

Abstract:

Apparatus for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, having different height dimensions, comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and the height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The programmable logic controller (PLC) automatically adjusts mechanisms located at the various stations in accordance with the height dimension data characteristic of each cigarette carton.

US Patent:

8033005, Oct 11, 2011

Filed:

Nov 30, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/627692

Inventors:

Isaac H. Heskel - Highland Park IL, US
Lawrence S. Shelton - Morton Grove IL, US
Donald E. Bergstrom - Lindenhurst IL, US
Michael J. Christensen - Parkers Prairie MN, US
Algis P. Suopys - Lindenhurst IL, US
Eldrige J. Presnell - Round Lake Beach IL, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23P 25/00

US Classification:

29458

Abstract:

A method for making a collated fastener assembly includes the steps of arranging a plurality of fasteners each having a head and a tip, in a row parallel to one another, the fasteners being arranged in a plane. The plurality of fasteners are preheated to elevate the temperature of the fasteners and a molten polymer material is applied onto the preheated plurality of fasteners. The fasteners, maintained in the plane, are conveyed with the molten polymer thereon between a pair of forming wheels. The molten polymer material is molded onto the preheated fasteners and between adjacent fasteners to form a plastic molding having a collar encircling a shank of each fastener and a connecting portion between adjacent fasteners. A cooling vapor is sprayed onto the fasteners and the plastic molding as the fasteners and the plastic molding exit from between the molding wheels. A gaseous cooling stream is forced over the fasteners and the plastic molding to cool the strip to form the fastener assembly.

US Patent:

8251686, Aug 28, 2012

Filed:

Nov 30, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/627866

Inventors:

Isaac H. Heskel - Highland Park IL, US
Lawrence S. Shelton - Morton Grove IL, US
Donald E. Bergstrom - Lindenhurst IL, US
Michael J. Christensen - Parkers Prairie MN, US
Algis P. Suopys - Lindenhurst IL, US
Eldrige J. Presnell - Round Lake Beach IL, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B29C 70/84

US Classification:

425100, 425116, 4251261, 425170, 425446

Abstract:

An apparatus for forming a plastic molded collated fastener assembly includes a conveyor for carrying a plurality of fasteners in a horizontal plane defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a preheater for preheating the plurality of nails and a plastic collation molding station. The molding station includes injection nozzles for applying molten plastic to the upper surface of the fasteners and to the lower surface of the fasteners. The station further includes forming wheels including a holding section to, in cooperation with the conveyor, secure the fasteners. The wheels include a forming section to mold the molten plastic to the fasteners to form a collation having a collar encircling the fasteners' shanks and a connecting portion extending between the collars. The apparatus includes at least one cooling spray nozzle to spray a cooling vapor onto the fasteners and collations and at least one cooling spray nozzle to spray a cooling vapor onto the forming wheels. An air chiller further cools the collations.

US Patent:

20120079702, Apr 5, 2012

Filed:

Oct 11, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/270824

Inventors:

Isaac H. Heskel - Highland Park IL, US
Lawrence S. Shelton - Morton Grove IL, US
Donald E. Bergstrom - Lindenhurst IL, US
Michael J. Christensen - Parkers Prairie MN, US
Algis P. Suopys - Lindenhurst IL, US
Eldrige J. Presnell - Round Lake Beach IL, US

Assignee:

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23P 17/04
F16B 15/08

US Classification:

29458, 411442

Abstract:

A method for making a collated fastener assembly includes arranging a plurality of fasteners in a row parallel to one another, in a plane, and spaced from one another, preheating the fasteners, applying a molten polymer material onto the fasteners and conveying the fasteners with the polymer into a mold cavity. The fasteners are maintained in the plane. The polymer is molded onto the fasteners and between adjacent fasteners to form a molding having a collar encircling a shank of each fastener and a connecting portion between adjacent fasteners. The molding maintains the space between the fasteners. A cooling stream is introduced onto the fasteners and the molding as the fasteners and the molding exit from the mold cavity.