Conveyors: power-driven – Conveyor system for moving a specific load as a separate unit – System includes a rotating or endless carrier with a load...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-20
2001-04-10
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 3652)
Conveyors: power-driven
Conveyor system for moving a specific load as a separate unit
System includes a rotating or endless carrier with a load...
C271S011000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213286
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to continuous-motion cartoning machines and, more particularly, relates to a carton feeder for such a machine wherein the feeder can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of cartons.
Continuous-motion cartoning machines are useful for packaging multiple articles such as beverage cans in cartons or other packaging components. An example of a continuous-motion cartoning machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,806 to Ziegler et al.
Carton feeders are generally mechanisms in cartoning machines which engage a carton at a first location of the machine and place the carton at a second location of the machine. Usually the first location is a carton hopper from which the feeder removes the carton. The second location is usually downstream of the first location. An example of a feeder mechanism is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,385 to Calvert, which is owned by the same owner of the present invention, namely, The Mead Corporation.
A cartoning machine is more useful if it is able to package more than one size and style of carton. Thus, it can be appreciated that it would be useful to have a carton feeder that can be adjusted to accommodate more than one size and style of carton.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a carton feeder has a plurality of suction-cup stations for engaging cartons. A valve mechanism which includes a rotating valve, a stationary valve and a change-over valve selectively applies vacuums to different ones of the plurality of suction-cup stations such that particular combinations of suction-cup stations can be activated or deactivated to engage particular sizes and styles of cartons. Changeover of the application of vacuum is accomplished by changing the alignment of vacuum apertures in the changeover valve and vacuum apertures in the stationary valve with respect to another whereby a first alignment provides vacuum to a first combination of suction-cup stations and a second alignment provides vacuum to a second combination of suction-cup stations.
Other advantages and objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4121819 (1978-10-01), DiFrancesco et al.
patent: 4582201 (1986-04-01), Taniguchi et al.
patent: 4840266 (1989-06-01), Gherardi
patent: 5102385 (1992-04-01), Calvert
patent: 5241816 (1993-09-01), Ziegler et al.
Culpepper Will L.
Hunter Johnny J.
Drew Michael V.
Jaketic Bryan
Olszewski Robert P.
The Mead Corporation
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