Classifying – separating – and assorting solids – Sorting special items – and certain methods and apparatus for... – Sorting bottles – ampoules – jars – drinking vessels – or like...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-30
2001-04-10
Nguyen, Tuan N. (Department: 3653)
Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
Sorting special items, and certain methods and apparatus for...
Sorting bottles, ampoules, jars, drinking vessels, or like...
C209S634000, C209S905000, C209S919000, C198S450000, C198S459200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213309
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This present invention is directed towards process machines for handling articles and transferring articles between a plurality of process lines. Most particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for sorting and distributing lines of moving vessels from one process row to another process row.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the commercial processing of many different types of articles, such as bottles in a labeling plant, it is desirable to process numerous columns of articles at the same time. The word “article” is used herein as a generic term for any type of vessel, container, bottle, or other items processed by the invention. Ordinarily, articles (such as bottles) are processed on single conveyor lines through a single set of process stations resulting in a completed product. Such a system is shown in FIG.
1
. An input station
20
feeds unprocessed articles
10
onto a single conveyor system
21
into a work station
30
(for example, a bottle labeling machine). The articles are processed
10
′ and conveyed out of the work station
30
on a conveyor system
21
to an output station
38
for further processing. A complete set of process stations (
20
,
30
,
38
) are needed to process a single lines of articles. This form of processing is slow, takes up a great deal of space, and in the event of a component or station malfunction, all processing ceases.
The present invention overcomes these difficulties by running many process lines through fewer process stations and using a single sorting mechanism to more efficiently distribute the articles under process to the various stations. This reduces total space needed and effectively increases process efficiency by requiring fewer operators, fewer machines, and easier use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, there is provided a machine for the efficient processing of articles using a plurality of work stations. The machine of the present invention makes possible the simultaneous high speed use of two or more work stations. This reduces the number of operators necessary to operate the machine. Additionally, due to the compactness of the machine of the present invention more articles may be processed per unit of floor space, thereby increasing productivity. Moreover, due to a sorting feature, the machine is less susceptible to “down time” caused by malfunctioning work stations.
The machine of the present invention uses an input station which provides columns of articles to a conveyor system. The input station arranges the articles in first feed and stand-by columns which are provided to a first conveyor system. The articles of the first feed columns are fed directly into a first set of work stations for processing. After processing, a first outflow conveyor directs the processed articles to a turret sorting mechanism. Simultaneously, the first conveyor system conducts the articles of the stand-by columns directly to the turret sorting mechanism.
The turret sorting mechanism engages the stand-by and first outflow column articles and secures them using a releasable gripping means. The turret rotates the articles in a carousel-like manner and in concert with sensors and control means releases the articles onto a second conveyor system. The articles are released from the turret sorting mechanism in second feed columns of unprocessed articles and exit columns of processed articles. The second conveyor system feeds the unprocessed articles of the second feed column into a second set of work stations for processing. After processing, the articles of the second set of work stations are directed by a second outflow system to an output station where they are collected for further processing. Simultaneously, the already processed articles of the exit column are conveyed by the second conveyor directly to the output station for further processing.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, there is provided a novel and improved article processing machine which is smaller than previous machines, reduces operation costs, has high process speeds, requires fewer operators, and is more flexible in use than previous machines.
Other features of the present invention are disclosed or apparent in the section entitled: “DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.”
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patent: 4073372 (1978-02-01), List
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B & H Manufacturing Company Inc.
LaRiviere Grubman & Payne, LLP
Nguyen Tuan N.
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