Other

Johnston International Corp.

Roger S Kincel

Luis C Contreras

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.

Composite polymeric twist tie

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).

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Carlsbad, CA, United States of America

Roger S Kincel