Can end sensor, separation and handling apparatus
AssigneeSencon (UK) Ltd.
InventorPaul Craddock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method is provided for detecting a junction between adjacent can ends which are arranged in a stack. The method enables a selected number of can ends in the stack to be counted. The method comprises the steps of illuminating the peripheral edge regions of can ends in the stack with a signal emitted by a emitter inclined at an oblique angle to a line normal to the central axis of the stack and detecting reflected signals from the ends of the peripheral edge regions of the can ends. Oblique illumination provides alternating regions of the stack reflecting a relatively high and relatively low light intensity. Detection of the light intensity across the length of the stack enables a junction between adjacent can ends to be determined.
Claims10
Apparatus for separating a stick comprising a predetermined number of can ends from a stack of can ends arranged side-by-side and moving along a predetermined axis, comprising:
- a first linear actuator having a first portion mounted adjacent said stack and a movable member adapted to be moved under power in the forward direction of movement of said stack;
- a sensor for counting the number of can ends as they pass a predetermined location;
- a second powered actuator having a first portion mounted to said movable member of said first linear actuator and a movable member arranged for motion in a plane transverse of said axis;
- and
- a separating blade mounted to said second movable member,
- whereby said sensor energizes said second actuator when a predetermined number of said can ends are counted, thereby to move said blade into the space between the last can end of said stick and the next succeeding can end, and thence actuating said first linear actuator to move said stick by means of said blade away from said stack.
For use in combination with a machine for separating a stick of a predetermined number of can ends, or like objects from a stack of such objects arranged side-by-side and moving in a given direction along an axis, the combination comprising:
- a unit having a cylinder adapted for mounting to said machine, and a piston rod movable under power relative to said cylinder along a path parallel to said axis;
- a head mounted to said piston rod and movable therewith;
- optical sensor circuit means mounted to said head for generating an electrical signal representative of each can passing a given location adjacent thereto;
- a first solenoid carried by said head and including a movable member arranged for movement in a plane transverse of said axis;
- and
- a blade mounted to said movable member of said first solenoid and adapted for insertion between adjacent can ends when said first solenoid is actuated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.