Variable pitch starwheel for container carrier applicating machine
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsBrian K. JOHANSEN, Robert C. BEESLEY, Christopher J. SAMARAS
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes an orienter for placing containers into a correct rotational position and a transfer device for transferring the oriented containers in a fixed rotational position to a jaw drum for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided.
Claims17
An applicating machine for applying a carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed, the applicating machine comprising:
- an orienter for adjusting a rotational position of each container of the plurality of containers;
- a transfer device for moving oriented containers from a pickup location at the orienter from a first pitch and a first centerline to a dropoff location at an applicator to a second pitch and a second centerline;
- and
- the applicator positioned with respect to the infeed to accept the plurality of containers, the applicator applying the flexible carrier to the plurality of containers.
A method for packaging container carriers and containers into individual multipacks, the method comprising:
- providing container carriers and containers to a transfer device at a first pitch and a first centerline;
- moving a plurality of can grippers in an angular and radial direction;
- transferring the containers in a fixed angular position to a second pitch and a second centerline;
- and
- applying the container carrier to the containers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.