Apparatus and method for substantially reducing can spacing and speed to match chain pins
US5231926A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41F17/22
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A continuous motion cylindrical can decorator is provided with mandrels that receive undecorated cans and a deco chain that carries decorated cans through a curing oven. The mandrels are mounted along the periphery of a continuously rotating carrier. Chain speed is much slower than linear mandrel speed and spacing between pins on the chain is much less than spacing between mandrels. Interposed between the chain and the mandrel carrier is a continuously rotating transfer carrier having a plurality of suction holding devices thereto. As the holding devices move through a transfer region they are in single file and receive cans that are blown from the mandrels. In the transfer region mandrel linear speed is substantially greater than linear speed of the holding devices, and spacing between the latter is much less than spacing between mandrels As the loaded suction holding devices move downstream through a pickup region cans thereon are loaded on two rows of pins carried by the deco chain. Linear speed of the holding devices while moving through the transfer region exceeds chain speed, and in this region the holding devices are spaced apart by a distance that exceeds pin spacing. By th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.