Ken McLaughlin

Title: Ken McLaughlin: Innovator in Automatic Bag Handling Systems

Introduction

Ken McLaughlin, an inventive mind hailing from St. Thomas, CA, has made significant contributions to the field of packaging technology. With a total of two patents to his name, he is recognized for his innovative approaches in developing methods for securing handles to plastic bags, thereby streamlining the production processes in the packaging industry.

Latest Patents

Ken's latest patents focus on an automatic bag handling method and system designed for precisely securing a plastic handle to a preformed plastic bag. The first patent describes an automatic handle attaching method that efficiently aligns and secures handles to the edges of plastic bags. This system employs a delivery conveyor that transports groups of flat plastic bags while employing a bag handling mechanism capable of orienting itself to accurately engage with the topmost bag in each group. Once the handle is welded onto the bag, the system verifies its placement in relation to the bag’s other components.

The second patent presents an enhancement of this automatic bag handling system, incorporating multiple spaced-apart bag handling mechanisms, each controlled independently. This allows for improved efficiency and precision in the transfer of bags to a handle securing station, ensuring optimal positioning and securing of the handles. The completed bags are subsequently verified and collected for bundling and shipping, revolutionizing the way packaging companies operate.

Career Highlights

Ken McLaughlin currently contributes his expertise to Hood Packaging Corporation, a leader in the flexible packaging industry. His role involves not only the development of innovative solutions but also the improvement of existing production processes. Through his dedication and technical prowess, he has established himself as a vital asset to the company.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Ken has collaborated with talented coworkers such as Manuel Chiu and Robert Lauzon. Their collective efforts have driven advancements in the company's packaging technology, fostering an environment of innovation and creative problem-solving.

Conclusion

Ken McLaughlin's contributions to the industry through his patented innovations in automatic bag handling systems reflect his commitment to enhancing manufacturing efficiency. As he continues to work with his team at Hood Packaging Corporation, his inventive spirit promises to lead to even more breakthroughs in the field of packaging technology.