US4011155A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wrapped package inspection and rejection apparatus
Assignee: Pemco Inc
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Filing: 1975-03-31
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Granted: 1977-03-08
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Expires: 1995-03-31
Abstract
Abstract A package labeling and inspecting apparatus is disclosed which includes a first conveyor table having an apparatus mounted adjacent to the conveyor for applying labels to wrapped packages as they move along the first conveyor table. Provision is made for generating a control signal when a label fails to be applied to a package or is improperly applied. In response to the control signal, a reject conveyor is actuated to remove the defectively labeled package from the conveyor apparatus. Apparatus is also provided for inspecting the condition of the wrapping on the package to determine whether the package has been properly wrapped and, if necessary, to reject any defective packages from the conveying apparatus. The device according to the invention operates automatically to convey, label, inspect and assort wrapped packages.
Inventors
- 👤 Ludwig J. Feurstein
- 👤 Otis E. Meives
- 👤 Roger E. Schelk
- 👤 Larry L. Verhyen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:11
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B57/00; B65B57/02; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/34; B07C5/3412; B65C; B65C9/00; B65C9/40; B65C9/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for essentially retangular wrapped packages of the type wherein the wrapping covers all surfaces of the wrapped product, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path without reorienting said packages during inspection; means for monitoring a plurality of different package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether one or more of a plurality of predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded on one or more of said plurality of different, separate surfaces of said packages; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for essentially retangular wrapped packages of the type wherein the wrapping covers all surfaces of the wrapped product, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path without reorienting said packages during inspection; means for monitoring a plurality of different package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether one or more of a plurality of predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded on one or more of said plurality of different, separate surfaces of said packages; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The appartus according to claim 1, further comprising means for conveying and storing said rejected packages.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring means includes means for signalling the presence of loose end flap or end labels of said package wraps.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said means for signalling the presence of loose end flaps or end labels comprises at least one photo switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent at least one of the ends of said wrapped package, at at least one station along said path.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for aligning said continuously moving packages on said conveying means as said packages approach said monitoring means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
87 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, said monitoring means including means for signalling the presence of pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap of said package wrap; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
87 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, said monitoring means including means for signalling the presence of pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap of said package wrap; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said means for signalling the presence of pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap comprises at least one photo switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent each side edges of said wrapped package, at at least one station along said path.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said photo switch pair is oriented to project its light beam approximately over the center of the corner edges of said wrapped package.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
84 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path, means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, and said monitoring means including means for signalling the presence of loose girth seam of said package wrap; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
84 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path, means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, and said monitoring means including means for signalling the presence of loose girth seam of said package wrap; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
119 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, said monitoring means comprising a plurality of photo-switch pairs arranged adjacent said path in position relative to said package to signal the presence of loose end flaps or end labels; pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap; and loose girth seam of said package wrap as said package moves continuously along said path; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped package from said conveying means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
119 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, said monitoring means comprising a plurality of photo-switch pairs arranged adjacent said path in position relative to said package to signal the presence of loose end flaps or end labels; pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap; and loose girth seam of said package wrap as said package moves continuously along said path; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped package from said conveying means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
138 words
An improved inspection and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, said monitoring means comprising at least one first photo-switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent at least one of the ends of said wrapped package for signalling the presence of loose end flaps or labels; and at least one second photo-switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent each side edge of said wrapped package for signalling the presence of pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap, said second photo-switch pair being oriented to project its light beam approximately over the center of the corner edges of said wrapped package.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
138 words
An improved inspection and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for continuously conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters of a continuously moving package without contacting said package, to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, said monitoring means comprising at least one first photo-switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent at least one of the ends of said wrapped package for signalling the presence of loose end flaps or labels; and at least one second photo-switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent each side edge of said wrapped package for signalling the presence of pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap, said second photo-switch pair being oriented to project its light beam approximately over the center of the corner edges of said wrapped package.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
106 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, said monitoring means comprising means for directing an air blast at the girth seam of said package and a photo-switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent the surface of said wrapped package in which said girth seam is located, whereby the presence of a loose girth seam may be detected; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
106 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded, said monitoring means comprising means for directing an air blast at the girth seam of said package and a photo-switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent the surface of said wrapped package in which said girth seam is located, whereby the presence of a loose girth seam may be detected; and means responsive to said parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
96 words
The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said monitoring means further comprises at least one first photo-switch pair oriented in plane adjacent at least one of the ends of said wrapped package for signalling the presence of loose end flaps or labels; and at least one second photo-switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent each side edge of said wrapped package for signalling the presence of pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap, said second photo-switch pair being oriented to project its light beam approximately over the center of the corner edges of said wrapped package.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
112 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded; and means responsive to said parameters monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means, said rejecting means comprising: stop gate means for restraining defectively wrapped packages on said conveying means in response to said parameter monitoring means; means for monitoring the presence of a defectively wrapped package near said stop gate means; and reject conveyor means responsive to said presence monitoring means for conveying defectively wrapped packages from said conveyor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
112 words
An improved inspecting and sorting apparatus for wrapped packages, comprising: means for conveying said packages along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded; and means responsive to said parameters monitoring means for rejecting defectively wrapped packages from said conveying means, said rejecting means comprising: stop gate means for restraining defectively wrapped packages on said conveying means in response to said parameter monitoring means; means for monitoring the presence of a defectively wrapped package near said stop gate means; and reject conveyor means responsive to said presence monitoring means for conveying defectively wrapped packages from said conveyor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a package labelling machine of the type comprising a first conveyor for packages to be labelled, a label magazine and a label applying head for removing labels from said magazine and applying them to said packages, the improvement comprising: means for detecting, for each individul package while it is conveyed past said label applying head, a failure to remove a label from said magazine or a loss of a removed label from said applying head, said detecting occurring prior to the time at which said each individual package normally would receive a label from said applying head, and means responsive to said failure detecting means for rejecting defectively labelled packages from said conveyor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a package labelling machine of the type comprising a first conveyor for packages to be labelled, a label magazine and a label applying head for removing labels from said magazine and applying them to said packages, the improvement comprising: means for detecting, for each individul package while it is conveyed past said label applying head, a failure to remove a label from said magazine or a loss of a removed label from said applying head, said detecting occurring prior to the time at which said each individual package normally would receive a label from said applying head, and means responsive to said failure detecting means for rejecting defectively labelled packages from said conveyor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said labels are removed by a vacuum acting at said label applying head and said detecting means comprises a vacuum switch connected in pneumatic circuit with said label applying head.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said rejecting means comprises stop gate means for restraining defectively labeled packages on said conveyor in response to said control signal; means for monitoring the presence of a defectively labeled package near said stop gate means and reject conveyor means responsive to said monitoring means for conveying defectively wrapped packages from said conveyor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said rejecting means comprises a second conveyor oriented to receive packages from said first conveyor, said second conveyor being pivotably mounted at its infeed end for lowering its outfeed end below the level of said first conveyor; means for detecting the presence of a defectively labeled package on said second conveyor; and means responsive to said presence detecting means for lowering said second conveyor to reject said defectively labeled package.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising means for conveying and storing said rejected packages.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising, means for detecting the passage of a defectively labeled package leaving said second conveyor and means responsive to said passage detecting means for raising said second conveyor back to the level of said first conveyor to receive subsequent packages.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said reject conveyor comprises an infeed roller driven from the outfeed end of said first conveyor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second conveyor comprises an infeed roller driven from the outfeed end of said first conveyor.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
123 words
In combination, a package machine having a first conveyor for packages to be labeled, a label magazine and a label applying head for removing labels from said magazine and applying them to said packages; means for detecting the failure to remove a label from said magazine or loss of a removed label from said applying head prior to application to said packages; means for conveying wrapped, labeled packages from said first conveyor along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded; and means responsive to either or both of said failure detecting means and parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively labeled and/or wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
123 words
In combination, a package machine having a first conveyor for packages to be labeled, a label magazine and a label applying head for removing labels from said magazine and applying them to said packages; means for detecting the failure to remove a label from said magazine or loss of a removed label from said applying head prior to application to said packages; means for conveying wrapped, labeled packages from said first conveyor along a path; means for monitoring a plurality of package wrap parameters to determine whether predetermined standards for the package wrap have been exceeded; and means responsive to either or both of said failure detecting means and parameter monitoring means for rejecting defectively labeled and/or wrapped packages from said conveying means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising means for conveying and storing said rejected packages.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said monitoring means includes means for signalling the presence of loose end flaps or end labels of said package wrap.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said monitoring means includes means for signalling the presence of pulled out end tucks or loose girth wrap of said package wrap.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said monitoring means includes means for signalling the presence of a loose girth seam of said package wrap.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said means for signalling the presence of loose end flaps or end labels comprises at least one photo switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent at least one of the ends of said wrapped package, at at least one station along said path.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said means for signalling the presence of pulled out tucks or loose girth wrap comprises at least one photo switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent each side edge of said wrapped package, at at least one station along said path.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said photo switch pair is oriented to project its light beam approximately over the center of the corner edges of said wrapped package.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said means for signalling the presence of a loose girth seam comprises means for directing an air blast at said girth seam and a photo switch pair oriented in a plane adjacent the surface of said wrapped package in which said girth seam is located.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
70 words
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said rejecting means comprises stop gate means for restraining defectively wrapped packages on said conveying means in response to either or both of said failure detecting and parameter monitoring means; means for monitoring the presence of a defectively wrapped package near said stop gate means; and reject conveyor means responsive to said presence monitoring means for conveying defectively wrapped packages from said conveyor.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said labels are removed by a vacuum acting at said label applying head and said detecting means comprises a vacuum switch connected in pneumatic circuit with said label applying head.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said means for rejecting defectively labeled and/or wrapped packages comprises memory means responsive to said failure detecting means for synchronizing operation of said rejecting means to account for separation along said conveyor between said labeling machine and said monitoring 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) | 1980-03-07 | 1980-09-06 | 1981-03-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-07 | 1984-09-06 | 1985-03-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-07 | 1988-09-06 | 1989-03-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |