Ralph E Thompson

US Patent:

54919614, Feb 20, 1996

Filed:

Jan 12, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/180443

Inventors:

Ralph F. Thompson - Cincinnati OH
Charles E. Frost - Cincinnati OH

Assignee:

Super Products Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

B65B 1318
B65B 2708

US Classification:

53590

Abstract:

A package banding machine for wrapping each of plural packages with a band. The machine includes a package conveyor for continuously moving successive packages in-line in a machine direction at a set line speed. A series of band transfer heads connected to a transfer head conveyor are provided for transferring separate package bands from a supply source into overlying proximity with each package's obverse face, the transfer head conveyor also moving at the set line speed. A band forming head is cooperatively associated with the band transfer head, the forming head functioning to deform each band around against opposed side faces of a package after the transfer head has positioned the band against the package's obverse face. The machine includes a first flap folder for folding one end of the package band against a reverse face of the package while the package is continuously moving in the machine direction, and also includes a second flap folder for folding the band's other end against the package's reverse face while the package is moving in the machine direction. Preferably the band is oriented generally parallel to the machine direction when the band is positioned against the package' s obverse face so that the first flap folder can fold the band's one end in a counter-machine direction, and so that the second flap folder can fold the band's other end in the machine direction.

US Patent:

49311310, Jun 5, 1990

Filed:

Jun 2, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/360993

Inventors:

Ralph F. Thompson - Milford OH

International Classification:

B65B 912
A21C 1500

US Classification:

156556

Abstract:

A package collator machine adapted to translate two successive in-line packages into face-to-face paired orientation, particularly where the faces of those packages present plural curved surfaces, e. g. , shrink wrapped sausages. The machine includes first and second package conveyors, one having a transfer section of a lesser length and the other having a transfer section of a greater length, that are juxtaposed to define common entry and exit points. The difference between the lesser and greater conveyor lengths is at least equal to the length of the trailing package of each package pair. A series of active package seats is preferably connected with one of the first and second conveyors, and a series of inactive package seats is connected with the other of those conveyors. The active package seats are connected with a vacuum system that holds packages in place while the packages are moved between entry and exit points when the active seat conveyor is oriented above the inactive seat conveyor during use of the machine. The first and second package conveyors preferably are operated at the same line speeds as packages move through their transverse sections between entry and exit points.

US Patent:

54525616, Sep 26, 1995

Filed:

Mar 2, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/024635

Inventors:

Ralph F. Thompson - Cincinnati OH
Charles E. Frost - Cincinnati OH

Assignee:

Super Products Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

B65R 1302

US Classification:

53399

Abstract:

A package banding machine for wrapping each of plural packages with a band. The machine includes a package conveyor for continuously moving successive packages in-line in a machine direction at a set line speed. A series of band transfer heads connected to a transfer head conveyor are provided for transferring separate package bands from a supply source into overlying proximity with each package's obverse face, the transfer head conveyor also moving at the set line speed. A band forming head is cooperatively associated with the band transfer head, the forming head functioning to deform each band around against opposed side faces of a package after the transfer head has positioned the band against the package's obverse face. The machine includes a first flap folder for folding one end of the package band against a reverse face of the package while the package is continuously moving in the machine direction, and also includes a second flap folder for folding the band's other end against the package's reverse face while the package is moving in the machine direction. Preferably the band is oriented generally parallel to the machine direction when the band is positioned against the package' s obverse face so that the first flap folder can fold the band's one end in a counter-machine direction, and so that the second flap folder can fold the band's other end in the machine direction.