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HURST CORPORATION PATENTS

Hurst Corporation holds a number of broad based pioneer patents in the U.S. and abroad. Internationally recognized for patented label removal technology, Hurst also holds patents in micro-filtration, envelope feeding, and tablet powdering technologies.

  1. Quick disassembly carts for sterile room usage

  2. Carts that transform into racks for vertical storage

United States Patents:

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING LABELS

United States Patent 8,479,797

Date of Issue: July 9th, 2013

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing labels from cylindrical containers comprising radially positioned slitter blades to make a series of vertical slits in a label, and a circular array of chisel blades to subsequently remove said label in separate strips.

METHOD TO REMOVE LABELS FROM SYRINGES AND CARTRIDGES

United States Patent 8,382,944
Date of Issue: February 26th, 2013
Abstract: 
A method for removing a pressure sensitive wrap-around overlapping label from a small diameter syringe comprising a method to slit the label and creating one lifted edge juxtapose one compressed edge. The lifted edge is utilized for purchase and subsequent full label and adhesive removal.

IMPROVED LABEL REMOVING MACHINE

United States Patent 8,322,395
Date of Issue: December 4th, 2012
Abstract:
 An improved semi-automatic Label Stripping Machine for detaching labels from  round containers with a plurality of independent Stripper Blades. A blade angle guide provides improved safety anda self cleaning feature.

PARTICLE REMOVER APPARATUS AND METHOD

United States Patent 8,070,883
Date of Issue: December 6th, 2011
Abstract: 
Method and apparatus for removing particles from vials includes the use of a one-sided pressure sensitive filiment tape to remove external particles from vials prior to high-speed particulate inspection. Aligned vials are automatically positioned juxtapose a supply of unused tape. Advancement of the tape causes the vial to rotate at least 360 degrees while advancing forward. Particles are imbedded in the adhesive on the tape.

BOARD GAME - ORNAMENTAL DESIGN FOR PYRAMID SOLITAIRE PUZZLE

United States Patent D638,073S
Date of Issue: May 17th, 2011
Abstract:
 A unique bio-pharma version of a traditional pyramid solitaire puzzle with a deep recess for 'jumped' vials and a shallow recessed area for a custom engraved advertising plaque.

PILLVERIZER IMPROVEMENT

United States Patent 7,793,875 B2
Date of Issue: September 14th, 2010
Abstract: 
The present invention relates to novel improvements to an apparatus for uniformly decomposing compressed tablets (pills) into a uniform size powder form collected in a snap-in place medication cup. The present invention includes a new rotor cap allowing it to be removed by hand and without the need for tools thereby allowing easy conversion from right hand to left hand operation, and quick dis-assembly for cleaning. The top lever of the apparatus is configured to present pre-defined information such as ownership and previous use.

MEDICAL TRAY AND COVER APPARATUS

United States Patent 7,766,164
Date of Issue: AUGUST 3rd, 2010
Abstract: 
Medical tray and cover apparatus includes a tray body having an open top and an open front; the cover is removable and covers the tray top and front. The tray body includes a plurality of oppositely disposed grooves that provide for the insertion of closure and divider panels. The tray grooves are configured to allow the tray to be loaded with ampoules or vials without being snagged by the grooves. The trays may be transparent so that its contents are visible without removing the cover. The trays are stackable with the cover in place. The trays are lockable such that the ability to stack the trays is not interfered with. The tray and cover eliminate particle generation from use and wear that can contaminate the contents of the tray. The tray and cover are capable of being autoclaved.

HIGH SPEED VIAL TRAYING MACHINE

Patent Number: US 7,565,783 B1
Date of Issue: July 28th, 2009
Abstract:
 Apparatus for loading trays with vials receives vials from an input channel and transmits the vials through a discharge channel to a tray for processing. e.g. autoclaving. The vials are conveyed by rotation of a pusher wheel having a series of radially resilient, biased fingers on the periphery thereof. An outer guide is located adjacent to the pusher wheel to form a channel for the vials being conveyed. The side edge of the pusher wheel and an opposed side edge of the guide are formed with a lateral protrusion at the upper portion thereof to prevent tipping of the vials.

TRAY UNLOADING MACHINE

Patent #6,651,802
Date of Patent: November 25th, 2003
Abstract: 
A method and apparatus are provided to manually discharge bottles from a tray of bottles onto a sloped surface at the bottom of which gravity fed individual bottles are captured at the top receiving edge of a parallel sloped multi-pocketed rotatable indexing wheel and sequentially: (a.) discharged tangentially at the bottom edge of said indexing wheel in a single row, (b.) corrected to a vertical axis, and (c.) exited onto adjoining equipment for further operations.

INCLINED TRAY BOTTLE TRAYING MACHINE

PATENT NUMBER: 6,089,001
DATE OF PATENT: JULY 18, 2000
Abstract: 
A method and apparatus are provided to sequentially capture the lead bottle from a row of bottles in a multi-pocketed bottle indexing wheel means, and sequentially rotate and push pocketed bottles from said index wheel means to an inclined tray means, automatically collecting said bottles in a gravity compressed hexagonal pattern within said inclined traying means. Inclined traying means includes a means for trayed bottle removal.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING THE PRINTED LAYER OF LABELS FROM SEMIRIGID CONTAINERS

Patent Number: 5,651,846
Date of Patent: Jul. 29, 1997
Abstract:
 An apparatus and method are provided for delaminating the top printed layer from a three layer paper label adhesively bonded to a semi-rigid plastic or metal container. An underlying pulp layer of the three layer paper is selectively removed leaving only a smooth adhesive layer of the paper label and thereby providing a smooth unprinted surface for relabeling. An apparatus and method are also provided for simultaneously delaminating both the top printed layer and the bottom adhesive layer of a two layer label bonded to a semi-rigid container.

METHOD FOR CLEAN REMOVING LABELS FROM CONTAINERS

Patent Number: 5,152,865
Date of Patent: Oct. 6, 1992
Abstract: 
An apparatus and a method is provided for removing an adhesive backed label from a cylindrical container and includes the steps of positioning a tilted blade at an attack angle which forces the blade behind the label between the adhesive and the cylindrical container and the speed of descent of the blade and the rotational speed of the container is adjusted so as to peel the label from the container with the adhesive side out as an integral unit.

APPARATUS FOR DECOMPOSING COMPRESSED TABLETS

Patent Number: 5,148,995
Date of Patent: Sep. 22, 1992
Abstract:
 Apparatus for decomposing hard compressed tablets into powder includes a housing having a hopper for receiving the tablets therein and a discharge chute in the housing for discharging the decomposed powdered tablets directly into a patient’s cup. The housing is further provided with a cylindrical aperture therethrough which is adapted to receive an imperforate rotor in the cylindrical aperture. The imperforate rotor is provided with helical blades which protrude from said imperforate rotor means for decomposing said hard compressed tablets by a slicing and cutting action which controls the size of the powder by the height of the slicing blades.

PICKER-STRIPPER FEEDER FOR ENVELOPE FEEDING APPARATUS

 

Patent Number: 4,884,793
Date of Patent: Dec. 5, 1989
Abstract: 
Apparatus for stripping a single envelope from a stack of envelopes without misfeeding or double feeding is provided. The apparatus includes a picker blade which is articulated by a drive to impart a plurality of motions to the leading edge of an envelope after the picker blade has been engaged under the flap of an envelope to be separated from a stack of envelopes in a magazine. The novel stripping action of the picker blade ensures that the leading edge only of the envelope to be fed from the magazine is first stripped and separated from the stack of envelopes and directed past a restrainer which prevents the stack of envelopes adjacent the envelope to be fed from being moved in a feed direction.

HIGH SPEED ENVELOPE FEEDING APPARATUS

 

Patent Number: 4,846,455
Date of Patent: Jul. 11, 1989
Abstract: 
A high speed envelope feeder is provided with a pair of pinch rollers for extracting an envelope from a stack of closed envelopes in a magazine. The flap of a closed envelope is opened by raising a cam surface under the flap to position the flap between a fixed pinch roll and a movable pinch roll. The movable pinch roll is articulated to grasp the flap between the pinch rolls. The flap is pulled to extract the envelope from the magazine and is subsequently pushed by the pinch rolls into the transport device.

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING BACTERIA FREE DRINKING WATER

 

Patent Number: 4,441,996
Date of Patent: Apr. 10, 1984
Abstract:
 An apparatus for producing drinking water from bacteria contaminated cold water is provided. The cold contaminated water is placed into a flexible collector having a sub-micron porous filter in the bottom. When the flexible collector is squeezed, the pressure forces the contaminated water through the filter and into a holding chamber. The drinkable filtered water is removed from the holding chamber through a sterile exit opening.

LABEL STRIPPING MACHINE

Patent Number: 4,122,734
Date of Patent: Oct. 31, 1978
Abstract: 
A semi-automatic Label Stripping Machine for detaching labels from round containers in which a labeled container is placed on a container receiver platform means, a spring loaded stabilizing top roller means is brought down overtop and abutting the container, the container is rotated on its central vertical axis by a rotary drive means operably connected to said container receiving platform means, and, while said container is rotated, a razor means, operably connected to a vertical drive means, moves down the outside circumferal labeled wall of the container, spirally cutting off the label from the container.

CAPPING MACHINE

Patent Number: 3,964,234
Date of Patent: June 22, 1976
Abstract: 
An electric capping machine for crimping the caps of containers, in which each cycle of operation takes place fully automatically, once initiated by the operator: in the course of each operation, a container-receiving member is automatically raised into engagement with a spring -loaded abutment roller of the crimping mechanism which, upon further upward movement, causes the crimping roller to be positively brought into engagement with the edge of the cap by the use of a quadrilateral linkage connection actuated by the cam follower. To increase the safety of the operating personnel, both hands must be placed in a predetermined position relative to the machine before the cycle of operation can be initiated. 

UK Patents:

APPARATUS FOR COMMINUTING COMPRESSED TABLETS

UK Patent Number: 2258169
Patent Date: Dec., 21, 1994

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEAN REMOVING LABELS FROM CONTAINERS

UK Patent Number: 2255496B
Date of Patent: March 22, 1995

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