High rate transfer wheel for orienting unscrambled containers
US5421447A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/042
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A synchronized rotary transfer wheel for orienting containers that have been unscrambled with a pocketed disc sorter type machine. The transfer wheel utilizes momentary air pressure and an adaptive vacuum pick up assembly to grasp, rotate, and release containers that may have a relatively wide variance in width and taper; without requiring change-over parts. The vacuum cups that are used to grasp the individual containers are moved forward and backward by a constant pressure momentary activator along radials on the wheel, to automatically adjust to accumulative radial variances of the machine and the containers. The coaxial parts that are incorporated in the vacuum pickup assembly are light enough in weight to grasp and rotate containers at high rates with relatively small electromechanical rotating devices; which are incorporated into radial modules on the transfer wheel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.