Other

Johnston International Corp.

Luis C Contreras

Roger S Kincel

Jack L Hoffa

Dilip R Patel

An existing tying machine () is modified by the addition of components to produce a self contained laundry tie-out station (). The components for the modification include a linear slide support yoke frame (), attached on top of the tying machine's component mounting platform () with a pneumatic linear slide unit () mounted on top. A hanger slide rod assembly () is attached to the mounting face of the linear slide unit for retaining a selected group of hangers () containing laundered clothing ('). Conveyer feed lines are aligned with distal ends of the recessed hanger slide rod () when in an at rest position. A pneumatic system operates the slide unit and controls are integrated into the tying machines existing electrical system. The invention draws the group of hangers into the tying machine where it bunches the hangers together and electromechanically binds the group with a twist tie. The hangers are then returned to their original position after a timed interval and the hangers not requiring tying may continue to move along the conveyer.

Laundry tie-out station

A polymeric twist tieis taught that utilizes a thermoplastic monofilamenthaving an oriented characteristic produced by stretching a pre-heated monofilament through a heated, volume reducing die. The monofilamentis then coatedcircumferentially with an extrusion of thermoplastic enclosing the monofilament while simultaneously forming a pair of opposed wingsintegral with the coating. The wings extend outwardly from the coated monofilament allowing the tie to be twisted upon itself with the monofilament retaining its basic configuration and the wings stretching and bending to conform within a coupled twist. The oriented monofilament is fabricated using high density polyethylene and the covering extruded with low density polyethylene which are dissimilar in density, melt index and basic thermoplastic morphology.

Composite polymeric twist tie

A twist tie made of two dissimilar polymers forming a composite tying material that may be twisted upon itself forming a closure for a bag, container or bundle. A flat elongated ribbon like thermoplastic substrate ( ) has a thermoplastic monofilament ( ) disposed generally in the middle of one side and is bonded in place forming a homogeneous joint ( ). Another configuration of the monofilament utilizes a pre-formed irregular shape singly or in opposed pairs. A second embodiment utilizes a ribbon of paper ( ) laminated underneath the substrate.

The improvement to the tying apparatus consists of an intermittent rotatable pneumatic drive to operate the apparatus in place of the electric drive system. The pneumatic drive includes a rotary actuator (20) with a gear arrangement and one-way clutch (26) that provides the 360 degree rotation required to operate the apparatus. A control valve (36) with a single pilot control energizes the actuator clockwise for functional operation and counterclockwise to reset, ready for a subsequent operation. A roller actuated limit valve (42) is in communication with the apparatus program plate and, when mechanically triggered, energizes the pilot portion of the control valve, driving the program plate a full 360 degrees, completing a functional operation of encircling, gathering, twisting and cutting tie material around an article, such as a bag, sack, or other like-open mouth articles. A pneumatic valve (48) with a pushbutton (50) bypasses the manual trigger system of the apparatus in the event of malfunction or jam, allowing the device to reset itself into the ready to operate position.

Tying apparatus

A hand held portable twist tie apparatus which has a frame (20), a drive motor (44) and controls. A set of reduction drive gears (68) reduce the motor speed and drive a gear cluster with turntable (74). A twister (94) is rotated by a drive train (114) that intermeshes at the proper time with the gear cluster. A spring loaded shuttling carriage (126) slides along the twister and contains arms (130) that swing around the product and guide twist tie material (76) to enclose the product to be tied. A feed transport arm (142) advances the tie material and cuts it to the appropriate length for complete encircling, tightening and twisting by the above elements. A housing (208) and shield (210) cover the moving parts and a reel holder (194) mounted on top of the housing accepts a roll of tie material to supply the apparatus. A handle (218) provides a grip for one handed operation and power is supplied by a battery (48), or power converter (58).

Growing community of inventors

Placentia, CA, United States of America

Luis C Contreras