US 9,149,919 B1Granted

Magnetic fastening system and method for change parts

AssigneePneumatic Scale Corporation

InventorsPaul Celli, Jr., John Toth, Robin Thompson, Patrick Reeves

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A fastening system and method to removably attach change part components to a capping or filling machine in order to adapt a general purpose machine for use with a specific size or shape container. The fastening system and method uses magnetic forces to pull component parts into alignment and to interlock portions of interchangeable components. In addition, a blocking component is interposed between two other interchangeable component parts or within mushroom slots, securing the components in place, aided by biasing magnets. This system and method relies on a combination of mechanical and magnetic forces by using mechanical forces to reinforce or supplement biasing magnetic forces, and vice versa, creating a durable connection that will withstand the rigors of the filling and capping process, yet which is simple to assemble and disassemble without tools. The less intricate component parts are less prone to damage during assembly, use, or disassembly.

Claims20

Dependent claims

Apparatus comprising:

a machine, wherein the machine is configured to at least one of fill and close material holding containers,
wherein the machine includes a generally planar surface, wherein the planar surface is configured to operatively support movable containers in the machine,
at least one surface magnet, wherein the planar surface includes the at least one surface magnet,
at least one pin, wherein each pin extends upward relative to the planar surface and includes a stem portion and an enlarged head portion, wherein the head portion is disposed above the stem portion
a generally planar guide component, wherein the guide component includes
a generally smooth continuous edge surface, wherein the edge surface is configured to guide containers moving in engagement therewith,
an elongated slot, wherein the elongated slot includes an enlarged end configured to enable the head portion to pass perpendicularly therethrough, and a closed end configured to enable the stem portion to extend therein but not allow the head portion to pass perpendicularly therethrough,
at least one guide magnet in operative connection with the guide component
wherein the guide component is configured to enable the head portion of an engaged pin to be extended through the enlarged end of the elongated slot and thereafter to be moved relative to the engaged pin to an operative position wherein the stem extends in the closed end, wherein in the operative position the at least one guide magnet is generally in attractive alignment with the at least one surface magnet,
a removable lock member, wherein the lock member is configured to be operatively engaged with and disengaged from the guide component through movement of the lock member generally perpendicular of the planar surface,
and wherein in the operative position of the guide component and in a locked condition of the lock member, the lock member is operative to limit movement of the engaged pin relative to the slot so as to prevent the head from moving to the enlarged end,
at least one lock member magnet, wherein the at least one lock member magnet is configured to hold the lock member in the locked condition, and wherein the at least one lock member magnet enables the lock member to be manually removed from operative engagement with the guide component.

9 more elements

Apparatus comprising:

a generally planar guide, wherein the guide is configured to be releasibly engaged with a generally planar surface of a machine that is operable to at least one of fill and cap material holding containers,
wherein the guide includes
a generally smooth continuous guide edge configured to guide movable containers in engagement therewith,
at least one elongated slot, wherein each slot includes an enlarged end configured to enable a head of a mounting pin that extends upward relative to the planar surface to pass therethrough, and a closed end, wherein the closed end of the slot is configured to enable a stem of the pin which extends intermediate of the head and the planar surface, to extend therein but to prevent the head from passing perpendicularly therethrough, and wherein the guide is configured to be moved relative to the pin generally parallel of the planar surface in a first direction as the pin moves in the slot from the enlarged end to the closed end thereof,
at least one guide magnet, wherein the at least one guide magnet is in operative connection with the guide, wherein the at least one guide magnet is configured such that in an operative position of the guide the at least one guide magnet is in generally attractive alignment with at least one surface magnet, wherein the planar surface includes the at least one surface magnet,
at least one lock member guide recess, wherein the at least one lock member guide recess is configured to engage at least one projecting portion of a manually releasible lock member, wherein engagement of the recess and the at least one projecting portion of the lock member is operative to prevent movement of the guide in the second direction opposed of the first direction, and wherein the at least one recess is configured to enable disengagement of the at least one projecting portion through manual movement of the lock member in a direction generally perpendicular of the planar surface.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/459,266Filed 30 Apr 2012 · us provisional application
Priority: 28 Apr 2011
Granted: 6 Oct 2015
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification15 codes

B65B 59/04
Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages…
B23P 19/04
Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some…
B25B 27/14
Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise…: for…
B67C 3/22
Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus: details