Fluid handling – Systems – Multi-way valve unit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-12
2001-01-30
Rivell, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multi-way valve unit
C137S625150, C251S175000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179004
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vacuum cup carton handler for a carton loading machine which has a handling section that will bend a flap on a carton to be filled along its score line automatically before depositing the carton onto a conveyor for inserting product.
Rotary placers have long been used for handling cartons and carton loading machines. One such device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,570. It includes a vacuum holder for receiving cartons from a store or supply, and then moves the carton to a position where it will be deposited on a conveyor for subsequent loading of products into the carton. Vacuum cups are used for holding the carton while the rotary placer moves the carton to the conveyor, and then a control is used for releasing the vacuum so that the carton can be moved along the conveyor. However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,570 does not include any structure for positively moving or “breaking” a carton flap between two positions.
Carton formation systems of various kinds have been used for erecting cartons so that they can be appropriately packed, and for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,359 shows such a provision. The present invention fulfills a need for properly breaking or bending a carton flap along a score line for ease in subsequent handling and loading.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vacuum gripper used for handling cartons, and which is preferably mounted onto a rotary type placer that will pick a carton at a store station, and will move the carton to a station where it will be released onto a conveyor so that the carton can subsequently be packed. The carton is preferably erected at the time it is deposited on the conveyor, and normally this is done by “breaker bars” or other devices that will engage the carton and cause the carton to be folded from a flat position to an erected position. Cartons have to be closed after they are filled, and normally flaps are provided on at least some of the side panels of the carton along score lines which permit folding the flaps from a flat position to an “open” position where it does not cover the end of the carton.
The present handler includes an auxiliary set of vacuum cups that will engage a carton flap, and by actuation of a power actuator, in the form shown, a pneumatic cylinder operated under air pressure, will be moved through a linkage to bend a carton flap substantially 90° about its score line. The flap will then be in an open position when deposited on a conveyor and thereafter can be maintained in such position by guides on the conveyor.
The present placer includes the provision of both vacuum and air pressure to the rotary carton handler disclosed, so that the operation of the power actuator can be at any desired annular location in the rotation of the unit. As shown, a vacuum and air pressure slip ring assembly is mounted onto a mounting shaft of the rotary placer on which the carton handling device of the present invention is used, using interfacing surfaces, one stationary and one rotating, that will provide a vacuum and air pressure seal between a stationary member and a rotating member that rotates with the rotary placer. The provision of both vacuum and air pressure to control the handling of the carton provides an efficient way of having actuators mounted on a rotating element for carton manipulation. The manifold forms an important part of the invention.
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Davis Engineering LLC
Rivell John
Westman Champlin & Kelly P.A.
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