Rotary filling machine

US12263976B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Joshua A. Schwartz · Mount Pleasant, US
• James R. Knudsen · Racine, US
• Ronald B. Brandt · Mount Pleasant, US
• James P. Navin · Racine, US
• Anthony D. Stefanelli · Belvidere, US
• Darren Beahler · West Allis, US
• Andrew Boles · Kenosha, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 10, 2022
• Grant date: Apr 1, 2025
• Expiry date: Oct 18, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B2039/009
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A rotary filling machine includes a rotatable fill plate with fill openings defined therein, a plurality of circumferentially spaced drop buckets mounted above the fill plate and configured to rotate with the fill plate, and a rotating mounting plate mounted on top of the fill plate and disposed below the drop buckets. Each drop bucket includes an inner radial wall, an outer radial wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall surrounding a volume bounded by top and bottom openings. A coupler for each drop bucket includes a first connector, such as a socket, extending from an outer surface of the inner radial wall and a mating connector, such as a post, extending upwardly from the mounting ring. A plurality of ridges or protrusions are formed on a side surface of at least one of the walls to reduce the planar surface area available for adhesion to materials being dispensed.