US3889445A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wagon wheel package loader
Assignee: General Mills Inc
•
Filing: 1974-06-03
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Granted: 1975-06-17
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Expires: 1994-06-03
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus is provided which moves a column of nested, uniformly shaped chips into a loop array and inserts the loop array into a package.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas J Brash
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 20:04
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B5/00; B65B5/06; B65B5/064; B65B23/00; B65B23/10; B65B43/00; B65B43/42; B65B43/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
Apparatus for packaging of chip-type snacks in a loop array, said apparatus comprising: means for moving a straight column of nested chips into a loop array; means for separating the loop array into a plurality of column segments; and means for sequentially inserting said segments into a container to form a loop array in said package.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus for packaging of chip-type snacks in a loop array, said apparatus comprising: means for moving a straight column of nested chips into a loop array; means for separating the loop array into a plurality of column segments; and means for sequentially inserting said segments into a container to form a loop array in said package.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for moving a straight column of nested chips into a loop array comprises an arc-forming guideway.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said arc-forming guideway includes means for moving one side edge of said column forward more rapidly than the other side edge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for moving comprises a belt system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said separating means comprises reciprocating blade means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said separating means comprises a plurality of reciprocating blade means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inserting means comprises a gate means for supporting said segments in position over said container And means for removing said gate means thereby permitting said segment to move into said container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said inserting means further includes push means for pushing the segment into said container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said belt system includes means for driving said system and means for interrupting the driving of said system, said interruption being timed to provide looseness in said nested chips as said blade means separates said loop array into segments.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for packaging chip-type snacks in a loop array package, said method comprising: nesting uniformly shaped chips to form a column of chips; moving said column of chips into a loop array; sequentially separating the loop array into a plurality of loop array segments; and sequentially inserting said segments into a container to form a loop array in said package.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for packaging chip-type snacks in a loop array package, said method comprising: nesting uniformly shaped chips to form a column of chips; moving said column of chips into a loop array; sequentially separating the loop array into a plurality of loop array segments; and sequentially inserting said segments into a container to form a loop array in said package.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1279562A
Cited
US3609939A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-16 | 1978-12-16 | 1979-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-16 | 1982-12-16 | 1983-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-16 | 1986-12-16 | 1987-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |