Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Steven Allen Hellmann

Richard J Ogle

Thomas Raymond Holston

Ronald E Kelbert

A distinctive method and apparatus () for accumulating different types of individual articles () can include a delivery device () which provides an initial-plurality () of an initial-type of individual articles. At least a first-accumulator mechanism () can be automated to provide a first-plurality () of a first-type of individual articles. The first-type of articles differ from the initial-type of articles, and at least a first-transport device () can move the first-plurality of articles to a first-packing location. Additionally, an automated assembly mechanism () can be configured to operatively combine the first-plurality () of articles with the initial-plurality () of articles.

Multi-product accumulating and packing system

A method and apparatus () for accumulating articles () can include a dispensing of the articles with a rotating, metering drum () for movement to a first conveyor (). The metering drum () has an entry end () and an exit end (), and in a particular aspect, the metering drum () can be configured such that a rotation of the metering drum overcomes a static friction which would inhibit a movement of the articles () downstream through the metering drum. In another aspect the metering drum () can include at least one lug member () which is positioned and attached inside the metering drum at the exit end () of the metering drum. In further aspects, a ramp member () can be configured to extend an operative distance into the volume of the metering drum, and can be spaced away from an inside wall surface of the metering drum by a selected offset distance.

Metering drum for an automatic accumulation system

A method and apparatus for selectively orienting an article () can include a selective indexing of a movable carriage () between a first carriage position and at least a second carriage position, thereby providing a selected face-alignment of a datum surface () of the article. In particular aspects, the first carriage position can be configured to provide for a first, twist displacement of the article, and the second carriage position can be configured to provide for a second, twist displacement of the article with the second twist displacement directionally opposite to the first twist displacement. In another aspect, the movable carriage can include an indexing wheel (). In a further aspect, at least one set of twist-belts () can be connected to the carriage ().

Orientation detection and control system

A method and apparatus for accumulating articles () includes inputting a plurality of individual articles to deliver the articles from an article supply source () onto an inclined slide () having a guide surface. In particular aspects, the articles are regulated with a guide member (), and directed to a first conveyor ().

Positioning system for an automatic accumulation system

A distinctive method and apparatus for accumulating selected articles can include an inputting of a plurality of individual articles () from an article supply source (). Each article can have at least a first major facing surface (), a first article dimension () extending along a first article direction, a second article dimension () extending along a second article direction which differs from the first article direction, and an article edge region (). Each article can be directed to a first conveyor (), and in a particular aspect, the first article dimension of each article can be aligned along a selected machine-direction (). Another aspect can include an identifying of an article-set () which contains a selected, predetermined number of the articles. Further aspects can include a forming of at least one article-set which contains the selected number articles arranged in a stack or other arrangement suitable for packaging; and a moving of the article-set into a package. In additional aspects, the inputting of the articles can include a metering of the articles, and the inputting of the articles can include a dispensing of the articles () with a rotating, metering drum (). In still further aspects, the inputting of the articles can include a delivering of the articles onto a guide surface, and the delivering of the articles can include a laying of the articles onto a directing slide (), which may be inclined.

Automatic repacking and accumulation system

A method and apparatus for accumulating articles ( ) include conveying a plurality of individual articles with a stacking conveyor ( ) In particular aspects, the vacuum conveyor ( ) can be arranged with an elbow configuration to substantially avoid an undesired encircling or surrounding of a substantially fixed portion of cooperating downstream equipment, and the stacking conveyor ( ) can have a plurality of holding members ( ) that project away from an article-side surface of the stacking conveyor. In another aspect, the method and apparatus can include a turning mechanism which forms the desired elbow configuration. A further aspect can include a transfer system ( ) which can cooperate with a vacuum system ( ) to load the articles ( ) into downstream packaging equipment. Still another aspect can include a storage buffer mechanism ( ) which provides an area upon which to stage at least one article-set ( ).

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Oshkosh, WI, United States of America

Steven Allen Hellmann