Methods and apparatus for applying a threaded cap using a linear rotary actuator
AssigneeSystems, Machines, Automation Components Corporation
InventorsEdward A. Neff, Michael A. Ferris, Steve Curtiss, Stavros Haidos
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Abstract
A system and method for precisely applying threaded caps using a linear rotary actuator is provided. The method includes aligning the threaded cap with the threaded top of a container, soft landing the threaded cap in contact with the threaded top, aligning the ends of the threads, soft landing the threaded cap in contact with the threaded top, and snugging the threaded cap. The system includes a linear rotary actuator and a tool for driving and coupling to the threaded cap.
Claims13
A method for applying a threaded cap onto a threaded top of a container using an actuator configured with a tool, the method comprising:
- coupling the threaded cap to the tool, the threaded cap having a clockwise thread about a threaded cap axis;
- aligning the threaded cap axis with a threaded top axis of the threaded top;
- linearly actuating the actuator to move the threaded cap along the threaded top axis into contact with the threaded top so as to establish a contact location;
- rotatively actuating the actuator in a counter-clockwise direction to align a thread end of the threaded cap with a thread end of the threaded top;
- rotatively actuating the actuator in a clockwise direction to drive the threaded cap onto the threaded tops;
- measuring a vertical displacement of the threaded cap from the contact location during rotation of the threaded cap in the counter-clockwise direction while in contact with the threaded top;
- and
- initiating the rotatively actuating the actuator in the clockwise direction based upon a measurement of the vertical displacement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.