Patent · US Expired

Automatic packaging machine for inserting a few small items with desired orientation into a carton

US5918445A · kind A · utility

1Cited by
9References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 14, 1997
Grant dateJul 6, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 14, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65B5/08
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An automatic packaging machine includes a first conveyor which carries a batch of small items along a path extending in a first direction. A second conveyor carries boxes in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. A depositing structure in the form of a twisted funnel rotates the products from the first direction to the second direction before inserting them into a box. An oscillating plate carrying the funnel moves back and forth to fill the box while traveling in a first half of back and forth motion. Then, in the second half of that motion, returns to fill the next box. The oscillating plate may carry a plurality of funnels on each of its opposite sides. A memory of the type of small item carried by each funnel enables a single box to be loaded with different products.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.