Container feed and in-line filler system

Details Container feed and in-line filler system Container feed and in-line filler system

1998-11-05

2001-08-21

Douglas, Steven O. (Department: 3751)

Fluent material handling, with receiver or receiver coacting mea

Plural filling means

C141S237000, C141S178000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06276409

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to packaging systems for filling containers with flowable materials. More particularly, the invention relates to container feed apparatus and container filling apparatus for use in a product packaging line.
2. Description of Related Art
In conventional packaging processes where bottles or other containers are filled with flowable materials there is usually provided a container feed apparatus which organizes containers for introduction onto the line. For example containers from reshippers are deposited onto a feed table adjacent a series of parallel rails which organize the containers into files. By another means, for example pushing the containers against a transverse rail, they are organized into rows. In one arrangement a conveyor moving in a direction transverse to the organizing rails transfers the containers out onto the line one row at a time. The next bottle of each file then moves onto the transverse conveyor and up against the transverse rail, ready for transfer out onto the line.
Elsewhere on the line a filler awaits the empty containers and fills them in turn. In order to speed production fillers are constructed so as to fill multiple containers in each filling cycle. As is well known, such parallel processing increases production speed. However, containers coming from the feeder conventionally have to wait before transferring into the filler, and there is a required time for the containers to transfer out of the filler. The containers then are transferred to capping and labeling apparatus, as required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been recognized that the time required for the empty containers to transfer in, and the filled containers to transfer out, of a filling station on a production line can be saved by combining the filling operation with the container feed operation. Since the containers are “stacked-up” in the feed operation in any case, so that they may be organized by row and/or file, it is possible to fill the containers at this location with appropriate configuration and control of the feed apparatus combined with fill apparatus placed over the feeder.
The invention accordingly provides a container feed and in-line container filler system comprising a support frame and a conveyor carried by the frame. The conveyor moves randomized containers in a first direction from a first side toward a second side, this can be in index motion. An organizer, supported by the frame and further comprising a set of guide rails which line up containers in files as the containers move in the first direction, is provided; and, a stop preventing further motion of the containers in the first direction cooperating with the guide rails and the conveyor to pack the containers into rows. A filling station is provided above the organizer, the filling station being adapted to fill a row of containers simultaneously. Also, a transverse conveyor intermediate the end rail and the second side of the conveyor, supported by the frame, is provided. Using this apparatus containers are organized into ranks and rows and filled in the organizer. The filled containers push the forwardmost containers onto the transverse conveyor as the conveyor is indexed.
The apparatus in a more detailed aspect can further comprise a feed table for receiving randomized containers adjacent the first end of the conveyor. At the second end a transverse conveyor and an end rail can be provided to receive the filled containers and transfer them to labeling and/or capping operations.
Further, gates can be provided which act as the stop to organize the containers into rows. The gates can be made to open and close in coordinated movement with the conveyor to insure the first and successive rows of containers are filled before transferring out onto the line. Alternatively an end rail adjacent the transverse conveyor can act as the stop, the containers stacking up against the end rail and thereby being organized into rows back through the organizer.
In a further detailed aspect many fillers can be arranged in line across the organizer which can be constructed so that many files of containers are created and organized into rows. The organizer can be made adjustable to accommodate different sized containers. The system can be provided with sufficient space between the fillers and the transverse conveyor that filled containers provide sufficient resistance to sliding with respect to the conveyor that they push the forwardmost row of containers onto the transverse conveyor.
In another detailed aspect the system can include redundant fluid filler feed pumps and manifolds so that one can be serviced while the other is in operation, facilitating rapid changeover from filling one product to another. Further, the location of the fillers and the stops can be made adjustable, which in combination with the adjustability of the organizer guide rails and end rail simplifies changeovers.
In a further more detailed aspect a microprocessor-based control system can be incorporated allowing presetting and storage for later use of parameters for filling of one or a number of different products and/or container types.
Further advantages obtained by the invention will be apparent with reference to the following detailed description, taken together with the appended drawings.


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