The Procter Gamble Company

Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.

Roberts Systems, Inc.

Roberts Polypro, Inc.

Ronald O Simpson

Larry J Mattson

John T Roberts

Claude E Monsees

Ralph S Goldstein

Ronald H Wanless

Marshall B Hampton

A flight lug is provided for releasable attachment to a conveyor belt. The lug comprises a base and first and second side walls mounted to opposite edge surfaces of the base such that the base extends between and interconnects the side walls intermediate upper and lower ends of the side walls. Flanges extend inwardly from adjacent the lower ends of the side walls. Each flange defines a slot between the flange and the lower surface of the base for receiving an edge of the belt. The first side wall is pivotally attached to the base for movement relative to the base between a first position where the flange on the lower end of the first side wall is spaced a first distance from the flange on the lower end of the second side wall for allowing the belt to fit between the flanges, and a second position where the flanges on the side walls are spaced apart a second distance which is less than the width of the belt for capturing the belt in the slots between the side walls.

Flight lug

An apparatus for assembling fiber optic strands into sign components comprising a dispenser in continuous communication with a supply of fiber optic strand; a first positioner for moving the dispenser to a dispensing position adapted to be opposite a receiving aperture of a housing; engaging means in communication with the fiber optic strand for inserting a first end of the fiber optic strand through the dispenser and into one of the preselected housing apertures; a cutting apparatus for cutting the fiber optic strand at a predetermined location, thereby providing a first calculated length of a cut strand having a first end insertable into one of said housing apertures and a second cut end; a manipulator for grasping the second cut end of the cut strand; a second positioner for moving the manipulator to a predetermined position opposite a signage display panel; and an inserter, carried by the manipulator, for directing the second cut end of the cut strand a prescribed depth into the signage display panel.

Fiber optic stitching process and apparatus

A method of compacting a bill from a flat state into a pleated and wound state for position the bill in a cavity of an associated closure includes providing a bill in a substantially flat state and pleating the bill in a first direction to provide a series of substantially similar pleats. The pleated bill is compacted to set the pleats therein and at least partially wound into a generally circular configuration. The wound bill is positioned within the cavity of the associated closure. An apparatus for compacting and winding the bill and positioning the bill in the closure cavity includes a pleating station for pleating the bill in a predetermined configuration and a compacting station for compacting the pleated bill into a compacted state. The apparatus further includes a winding station having a winding member adapted to engage the compacted bill and to wind the bill into a generally circular orientation. A discharge region is adapted to move the wound bill from the winding station and to position the bill in the closure cavity.

Method and apparatus for compacting and winding flat stock

An apparatus and process for the attachment of a bayonet handle having a barb head defining each end thereof to a carton blank. The apparatus comprises releasable clamping means for horizontally gripping the handles. Below the clamping means are support means for flatly maintaining carton blanks. A pair of blades, situated juxtaposed opposite sides of the clamping means, are retractable between an upward retracted position and a downward extended position near the support means. The clamping means are movable between an upper handle receiving position and a lower position near the support means by descending means. The process comprises first providing a bayonet handle. The handle is next bent in two places so that the barb heads are perpendicular to an interior section of the handle and are projecting toward respective apertures in the carton blank. Then, the handle is moved such that the barb heads are inserted into the respective apertures. Thus, barbs on the barb heads are engaged and the handle is attached to the blank.

Intermitten motion bayonet handle attachment apparatus and process

An apparatus and process for the assembly of a bayonet handle package are provided. The apparatus comprises at least one handle gripping and insertion wheel mounted on a horizontal rotatable shaft and further comprises means for driving the shaft. The wheel carries a plurality of evenly-spaced, circumferentially mounted handle clamping and insertion assemblages. The assemblages operate cyclically--that is, depending upon the assemblage position in the 360 degree rotational cycle of the wheel--to grip, bend and release the handles. The process of the invention contemplates first providing an apparatus as described. Second, the wheel begins continuous rotation to effectuate the cyclical operation of the gripping and bending assemblages. A handle is then positioned at a first location near the wheel where it is gripped by one of the rotating assemblages. The further rotation of the wheel operates the rotating assemblage to bend the handle such that the barb heads are inserted into handle insertion apertures formed in an appropriately placed carton blank. Attachment of the handle to the carton blank is thereby accomplished, facilitating package assembly.

Growing community of inventors

Charlotte, NC, United States of America

Ronald O Simpson