TRANSPORTING AND PACKAGING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

• US 20090277756A1
• Filed: 11/12/2008
• Published: 11/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Inventors: COFFELT, David J., Varney, Barton
• Granted Patent: US 8,278,581 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 198/803.800
• CPC Class Codes: B07C 3/00 Sorting according to destination collating the pages of a book B42C1/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 209/90 Sorting flat-type mail

Abstract

A system and method designed to transport and package sequenced product. The system includes a first transport system for receiving and transporting, in a closed position, holders each of which contain product. A second transport system transports, in the closed position, the holders until each of the holders are aligned within a respective release position, at which operational stage the second transport system is capable of opening the holders to discharge the product in a sequenced order. A packager receives the discharged product and packages the product in the sequenced order.

Claims

1. A holder adapted for use in a transporting device, comprising a first section hinged mounted to a second section, and a spring biasing the first section away from the second section such that, in a first state, the first section is remotely positioned from the second section.

2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the spring is a coil spring or leave spring provided between the first section and the second section.

3. The holder of claim 1, further comprising an engaging mechanism provided on outer surfaces of each of the first section and the second section.

4. The holder of claim 3, wherein the engaging mechanism is one of a detent, groove, and bracket having an upper member extending outward from the outer surfaces.

5. The holder of claim 1, wherein, in a second state, the first section and the second section engage with one another forming receptacle therein for holding product.

6. A holder, comprising:

a first section;

a second section connected to the first section by a hinge;

a spring provided between the first section and the second section;

an engaging mechanism provided on outer surfaces of each of the sections.

7. The holder of claim 6, wherein the spring is one of a coil and leave spring.

8. The holder of claim 7, wherein the engaging mechanism is one of a boss, platform, C-shaped bracket, detent and groove.

9. The holder of claim 8, wherein the spring has a spring force which is configured to bias the first section away from the second section.