Rotary conveyor comprising a gripper mechanism
US8590277B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67B3/206
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The components of a rotary conveyor (1) for a carousel type capping machine (2) include a center shaft aligned on a main axis (X) coinciding with the main axis of the machine (2), a carrier element (4) coupled to the shaft so that the two rotate as one about the main axis (X), and a set of gripper mechanisms (5) associated operationally with the carrier element (4), distributed circumferentially about the supporting shaft. Each gripper mechanism (5) is switchable between a first configuration, establishing a recess (6) in which to accommodate a respective container (3), a second configuration in which the container (3) is retained within the recess (6) by a predetermined gripping force, and a third configuration in which the container (3) is restrained by a gripping force greater than the force exerted in the second configuration, so as to counteract any unwanted rotation of the container (3) about its longitudinal axis (Y) that might be induced during the course of capping operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.