Patent · US Expired

Vacuum conveyor for cans

US5284238A · kind A · utility

2Cited by
14References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 22, 1992
Grant dateFeb 8, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 22, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65G2201/0244
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A rolling can conveyor includes an endless belt path and a flexible belt defining a plurality of openings therein for fluid communication therethrough. The flexible belt is operatively associated with the endless belt path such that the flexible belt is vertically oriented for at least a portion of the belt path. The bottom of the can body is held in contact with the flexible belt during transport by negative pressure. A guide rail extends along the vertically disposed flexible belt so as to support the can body. A plenum is operatively associated with the endless path proximate the guide rail. A vacuum is coupled to the plenum for applying a negative pressure sufficient to rotatably retain the can body in contact with the flexible belt and the guide rail, which imparts rotational motion to the can body about its longitudinal axis during transport.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.