Device utilizing fluid for effecting nested alignment of articles and particularly undecorated cans
US5501553A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0244
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device is disclosed that utilizes a fluid (normally air) to effect nested alignment of articles such as cans to be used to package beverages and the like. A conveying section provides articles in a mass flow to an aligning section having spaced guides therein forming guideways through which articles are fluid driven downstream toward a staging section. The guides have a first portion extending parallel to the direction of intended article flow through the device and all guides except center guides have a second portion that extends downstream from the first portion at an angle with respect to the first portion to effect alignment of the articles in nested relationship at the staging section. Different groups of guides of the first portion extend upstream different distances to facilitate passage of articles into the guideways, and an embodiment is disclosed that is particularly useful in aligning undecorated cans. A plurality of readily removable top cover units preclude upward movement of the articles, and nested and aligned articles discharged from the staging area are provided to a palletizer or like apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.