US3679070A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Machine for package turnover and orientation
Assignee: Royal Packaging Equip Inc
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Filing: 1970-07-13
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Granted: 1972-07-25
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Expires: 1990-07-13
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to a machine for turning articles, packages or the like through approximately 180* to present the package in a desired position for subsequent processing. The machine preferably includes a plurality of pairs of chambers each of which receives a package formed from web material. Within each chamber is a platform which is progressively retracted after the packages have been severed from the web material whereupon the influence of gravity progressively tips each package during its discharge from its associated chamber. Cooperative movable and stationary guides assure the subsequent discharge of the packages to a take-away conveyor, while a vertical guide blade disposed generally in a plane between the packages maintains spacing therebetween during discharge and subsequent take-away. In addition to being tipped or turned over the packages are oriented to a desired position by providing the platforms with edges ranging from 0* to 60* relative to a plane normal to the direction of movement of the platforms.
Inventors
- 👤 Alexander Skiba Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 05:33
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/22; B65G47/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A machine for orienting articles comprising means defining a chamber through which articles are adapted to pass in a generally downward direction under the influence of gravity, platform means within said chamber for contacting an article incident to the passage thereof through said chamber, means for moving said chamber and platform to a discharge station, and means for retracting said platform means outwardly of said chamber whereby gravity imparts a tipping movement to each article as it is discharged outwardly of said chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
A machine for orienting articles comprising means defining a chamber through which articles are adapted to pass in a generally downward direction under the influence of gravity, platform means within said chamber for contacting an article incident to the passage thereof through said chamber, means for moving said chamber and platform to a discharge station, and means for retracting said platform means outwardly of said chamber whereby gravity imparts a tipping movement to each article as it is discharged outwardly of said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 1 including guide means beneath said platform means for guiding each article as the same is discharged from said chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 1 including guide means beneath said chamber and movable therewith for guiding each article as the same is discharged from said chamber at said discharge station.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 3 wherein said articles are packages formed from web material, and means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 3 wherein said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 3 wherein said articles are packages formed from web material, means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof, and said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 3 wherein said platform means is disposed in a generally horizontal plane, and means for selectively adjusting the inclination of said platform means relative to the horizontal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
66 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 1 including guide means beneath said chamber and movable therewith for guiding each article as the same is discharged from said chamber at said discharge station, and stationary guide means at said discharge station for receiving each article from said movable guide means for continuing the guidance of each article as the same leaves the movable guide means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said platform means is disposed in a generally horizontal plane, and means for selectively adjusting the inclination of said platform means relative to the horizontal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 9 wherein said articles are packages formed from web material, and means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 9 wherein said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
62 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 9 wherein said articles are packages formed from web material, means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof, and said platform means includes means for addiTionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said articles are packages formed from web material, and means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
62 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said articles are packages formed from web material, means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof, and said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
97 words
A machine for orienting articles comprising means defining a chamber through which articles are adapted to pass in a generally downward direction under the influence of gravity, platform means within said chamber for contacting an article incident to the passage thereof through said chamber, means for retracting said platform means outwardly of said chamber whereby gravity imparts a tipping movement to each article as it is discharged outwardly of said chamber, said articles are packages formed from web material, and means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
97 words
A machine for orienting articles comprising means defining a chamber through which articles are adapted to pass in a generally downward direction under the influence of gravity, platform means within said chamber for contacting an article incident to the passage thereof through said chamber, means for retracting said platform means outwardly of said chamber whereby gravity imparts a tipping movement to each article as it is discharged outwardly of said chamber, said articles are packages formed from web material, and means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 17 including means for advancing said package of web material to said severing means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 18 wherein said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 18 including means for moving said chamber and platform to a discharge station.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 17 including means for augmenting the gravity discharge of said articles during discharge thereof outwardly of said chamber.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 17 including guide means beneath said chamber and movable therewith for guiding each article as the same is discharged from said chamber at said discharge station.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
35 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 17 wherein said platform means is disposed in a generally horizontal plane, and means for selectively adjusting the inclination of said platform means relative to the horizontal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 17 wherein said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
98 words
A machine for orienting articles comprising means defining a chamber through which articles are adapted to pass in a generally downward direction under the influence of gravity, platform means within said chamber for contacting an article incident to the passage thereof through said chamber, means for retracting said platform means outwardly of said chamber whereby gravity imparts a tipping movement to each article as it is discharged outwardly of said chamber, and said platform means include means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
98 words
A machine for orienting articles comprising means defining a chamber through which articles are adapted to pass in a generally downward direction under the influence of gravity, platform means within said chamber for contacting an article incident to the passage thereof through said chamber, means for retracting said platform means outwardly of said chamber whereby gravity imparts a tipping movement to each article as it is discharged outwardly of said chamber, and said platform means include means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
44 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 25 wherein said rotation causing means is a terMinal edge of said platform means disposed at an angle ranging up to 60* relative to a plane normal to the direction of movement of said platform means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
56 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 25 wherein said platform means is a pair of platforms each having a terminal edge, and said rotation causing means is a terminal edge of each platform disposed at an angle ranging up to 60* relative to a plane normal to the direction of movement of said platforms.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 27 wherein said terminal edges are mirror images of each other.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
36 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 25 wherein said articles are packages formed from web material, and means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
62 words
The article orienting machine as defined in claim 25 wherein said articles are packages formed from web material, means for severing each article from the web material to initiate the downward gravity influenced movement thereof, and said platform means includes means for additionally causing the rotation of each article about an upright axis thereof upon the outward retraction of said platform means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-25 | 1976-01-24 | 1976-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-25 | 1980-01-24 | 1980-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-25 | 1984-01-24 | 1984-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |