US 4,892,184 AGranted

Infeed system for container decorating apparatus

AssigneeVan Dam Machine Corporation

InventorsPieter S. vander Griendt, Robert W. Tielrooy, Edward J. Russell

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Abstract

An infeed transfer system for a continuously operated container decorating apparatus comprises a mandrel wheel assembly having a rotating mandrel wheel, a plurality of regularly spaced mandrel assemblies pivotally mounted thereon, and a box cam spaced-apart from the mandrel wheel and communicating with one end of the mandrel assemblies, to guide the path of movement of the mandrel assemblies during the rotation of the mandrel wheel. A pocket wheel is rotatably mounted and is axially displaced from the mandrel wheel. The pocket wheel has a diameter smaller than that of the mandrel wheel and the box cam defines an undulating path that causes each of the mandrel assemblies to follow the circumferential periphery of the pocket wheel, in alignment with consecutive cradles defined by the pocket wheel, and such alignment continues through an arc of rotation. The box cam defines a box cam track having an undulating path that corresponds in curvature to an arcuate portion of the outer circumference of the pocket wheel. The reduction in size of the pocket wheel facilitates access for maintenance and operation of the mandrel assembly, and makes it easier for the mandrels to discharge misfed containers.

Claims7

Dependent claims

An infeed transfer system for a continuously operated container decorating apparatus comprising:

A. a mandrel wheel assembly comprising:
a rotatable mandrel wheel,
a plurality of regularly spaced mandrel assemblies pivotally mounted on said mandrel wheel, and
a box cam guide means communicating with said mandrel assemblies at one end thereof, for guiding the path of movement of said mandrel assemblies during the rotation of said mandrel wheel;
and
B. a pocket wheel defining a plurality of cradles for the reception and support of said containers, eccentrically mounted adjacent said mandrel wheel, wherein said pocket wheel has a diameter smaller than that of said mandrel wheel, and said cradles are fewer in number than said mandrel assemblies;
C. said box cam guide means defines a path causing each of said mandrel assemblies to follow the circumferential periphery of said pocket wheel in alignment therewith through an arc of rotation to facilitate the transfer of containers carried by said pocket wheel, to said mandrel assemblies;
D. wherein said smaller diameter pocket wheel simplifies the inspection and maintenance of said mandrel wheel assembly, by offering greater accessibility to said mandrel wheel and said mandrel assemblies, to effect repairs thereof and to remove misfed containers therefrom.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.