Systems and methods for orienting containers in a labeling system

US10081450B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Dale C. Merrill · Saint Johnsbury Center, US
• Francois Gagnon · Dorval, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 12, 2013
• Grant date: Sep 25, 2018
• Expiry date: Mar 27, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T156/1744
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method is disclosed of orienting a container in a labeling system. The method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of containers on a conveyor wherein the containers and the conveyor are moving at a constant velocity VC; receiving a captured container of the plurality of containers between a first belt that is moving at a dynamic velocity VA and a second belt that is moving at a dynamic velocity VB, the first and second belts capturing opposing sides of a captured container while the captured container remains on the conveyor, wherein at the time of capturing the container between the first and second belts, VA, VB and VC are substantially equal to each other; applying a label to the container using the first and second belts by adjusting the velocities VA and VB; adjusting the orientation of the captured container by further adjusting the velocities VA and VB; and releasing the captured container from the first and second belts at the velocity VC on the conveyor, wherein at the time of releasing the container from between the first and second belts, VA, VB and VC are substantially equal to each other.