High speed carton feeding/turning system
US5660262A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/042
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and related method for feeding/turning successive cartons along the flow path of a packaging line is provided. An intermediate conveyor section between in-line feed and take away conveyors defines the substantially horizontal flow path. A plurality of elongated O-ring belts feed and turn the cartons. A separate side running chain having a straight operative run carries a plurality of extensible fingers; one selected finger engaging and capturing a leading corner of each successive carton to assist in turning. The O-ring belts are driven at differential speed. The combined feeding and turning action of the carton, assisted by retarding engagement of the carton corner by the finger assures positive and efficient feeding/turning of the cartons. A microprocessor is provided to control the driving of stepper/servo motors for the various components. The O-ring belts are driven by the single servo motor with a plurality of increasing size pulleys on a common shaft to provide the progressive speeds. The belts are elastomeric to provide positive gripping action along multiple lines of contact and ride in laterally spaced grooves in a flat plate. A sensor upstream of the conveyo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.