Curwood, Inc.

Kenneth Eugene Nowak

David Lawrence Zuleger

Mark Anthony Stackley

Wayne Thomas Nankervis

Paul Edward Wegner

Steven John Schult

Steve John Schult

A article-handling device includes a means of rotation, a vacuum conduit, and a first vacuum manifold, each rotatably mounted onto a stationary support shaft. The device further includes a second vacuum manifold affixed to the first vacuum manifold and a non-rotatable control valve which is operational synchronized with the rotation means to provide both vacuum pressure and atmospheric pressure independently to each of the first and second vacuum manifolds. Each of the vacuum manifolds comprises one or more tubular suction shafts each having a suction cup affixed thereto. The suction shafts of each vacuum manifold are spatially arranged such that at least a first suction shaft of the first vacuum manifold is substantially parallel to a first suction shaft of the second vacuum manifold thereby enabling the suction shafts to function as a paired unit. In this way, at least the first suction shaft of said first vacuum manifold and the first suction shaft of said second vacuum manifold are each independently adapted to attract and hold said article when the first and second vacuum manifolds are operationally connected with said vacuum pressure and release said article when the first and second vacuum manifolds are operationally connected with said atmosphere pressure.

Package pick-off and delivery device

Packaging apparatus and method for inserting food articles into a bag of comparable size. The apparatus has a conveyor that orients the product along a longitudinal axis and delivers the food article to a tray disposed below the conveyor so the product drops from the conveyor and onto the tray. The tray and conveyor move at speeds selected so the product maintains its longitudinal orientation as it drops from the conveyor into the product tray. A bag scoop holds the bag mouth open while the tray carrying the product advances into the bag. A product stripper moves into a position behind the bagged product after passage of the tray so that when the tray returns to its start position, the stripper butts against the end of the product and holds the product while the tray slides out of the bag.

Food article packaging apparatus and method

A taped bag feeder having a housing with a bag guide positioned thereon, a drive mechanism, a first reel and second reel for supplying an assembly of imbricated taped bags to a packaging operation. The assembly of imbricated taped bags having a pair of tape strands connected to the first and second reels which are rotated by the drive mechanism thereby advancing the assembly. The first and second reels being disposed on a face of the bag feeder parallel to and spaced from a longitudinal axis defined by an upstream end and downstream end of the bag guide.

Growing community of inventors

Green Bay, WI, United States of America

Kenneth Eugene Nowak