U.S. patent application number 12/711878 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-26 for can processing machine with cantilever design.
This patent application is currently assigned to Belvac Production Machinery, Inc.. Invention is credited to Terry BABBITT, Harold James Marshall, Joseph Schill.
Application Number | 20100212393 12/711878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42167430 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100212393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BABBITT; Terry ; et
al. |
August 26, 2010 |
CAN PROCESSING MACHINE WITH CANTILEVER DESIGN
Abstract
A machine arrangement that operates on a plurality of articles
includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each
other in a manner to form a machine arrangement. Each machine
includes a modular base, a transfer star wheel, and a turret
mechanism configured to perform a working operation on an article.
The turret mechanism includes a turret star wheel. A central axis
of the transfer star wheel is approximately 45 degrees below
horizontal relative to a central axis of the turret star wheel. The
turret mechanism includes a cantilevered portion overhanging a
portion of the base.
Inventors: |
BABBITT; Terry; (Lynchburg,
VA) ; Marshall; Harold James; (Forest, VA) ;
Schill; Joseph; (Lynchburg, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER LLP;SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
Belvac Production Machinery,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
42167430 |
Appl. No.: |
12/711878 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61202427 |
Feb 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
72/426 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21D 21/00 20130101;
Y10T 403/7051 20150115; B21D 51/2615 20130101; B21D 37/18 20130101;
Y10T 29/5152 20150115; B21D 51/26 20130101; F16K 3/0218 20130101;
B23Q 3/061 20130101; B23Q 39/044 20130101; Y10T 403/7024 20150115;
Y10T 29/5165 20150115; Y10T 279/32 20150115; Y10T 29/519 20150115;
B23Q 7/02 20130101; B21D 51/2692 20130101; F16K 3/0236 20130101;
B23Q 39/028 20130101; Y10T 279/1041 20150115; B21D 51/2638
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
72/426 |
International
Class: |
B21D 45/00 20060101
B21D045/00 |
Claims
1. A machine module which operates on a plurality of articles,
comprises: a modular base with a foot portion and a leg portion
extending upward from the foot portion; and a cantilevered turret
mechanism, the turret mechanism including an article working end
portion that is a cantilevered portion overhanging the foot portion
of the base, the article working end portion including tooling to
perform a working operation on the plurality of articles.
2. The machine module of claim 1, further comprising a drive motor
and a gearbox configured to drive the machine module.
3. The machine module of claim 1, further comprising: a turret star
wheel on the cantilevered turret mechanism; and a transfer star
wheel.
4. The machine module of claim 3, wherein the turret star wheel
includes 12 support pockets for articles.
5. The machine module of claim 4, wherein the transfer star wheel
includes 20 transfer pockets for articles.
6. The machine module of claim 3, wherein a central axis of the
transfer star wheel is approximately 45 degrees below horizontal
relative to a central axis of the turret star wheel.
7. The machine module of claim 6, wherein the turret mechanism
includes a 270 degree working angle, such that articles placed in
the turret star wheel undergo a working operation along 270 degrees
around the central axis of the turret star wheel.
8. A machine arrangement which operates on a plurality of articles
comprises: a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each
other in a manner to form a machine arrangement, each machine in
the plurality of machines includes a modular base, a transfer star
wheel, and a turret mechanism configured to perform a working
operation on an article, the turret mechanism including a turret
star wheel, and wherein a central axis of the transfer star wheel
is approximately 45 degrees below horizontal relative to a central
axis of the turret star wheel.
9. The machine arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a drive
motor and a reducer configured to drive the plurality of machines,
and wherein any one of the machines in the plurality of machines
can be connected to the drive motor and reducer.
10. The machine arrangement of claim 9, wherein the drive motor is
coupled directly to the reducer.
11. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein each of the
machines in the plurality of machines is modular in design.
12. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein each machine in the
plurality of machines has a modular base with the same
configuration as the modular base of all other machines in the
plurality of machines.
13. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein the turret star
wheel includes 12 support pockets.
14. The machine arrangement of claim 13, wherein the transfer star
wheel includes 20 transfer pockets.
15. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein the turret
mechanism includes a 270 degree working angle, such that articles
placed in the turret star wheel undergo a working operation along
270 degrees around the central axis of the turret star wheel.
16. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein the plurality of
articles in the turret star wheel moves continuously in a machine
processing direction.
17. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein each turret of each
of the machines includes two cams, and wherein the turret mechanism
includes a ram assembly with cam followers and tooling configured
to follow the two cams and move the tooling toward and away from an
article of the plurality of articles that is positioned in a
corresponding pocket in the turret star wheel.
18. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein the modular base
includes openings configured to receive fork lift prongs.
19. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein each machine
includes a shaft with a pinion gear capable of being manually
turned to rotate the turret and transfer star wheel.
20. The machine arrangement of claim 8, wherein articles in the
machine arrangement follow a staggered, nonlinear path.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is an application claiming the benefit
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/202,427 filed Feb. 26, 2009, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
machine arrangements for processing articles, such as cans and
metal bottles. More specifically, the invention relates to a
machine arrangement that includes a cantilevered turret
mechanism.
[0003] Conventional machine arrangements include a module base that
supports a turret mechanism on both ends. Such an arrangement can
utilize a great amount of floor space in a factory or working
environment. Conventional machine arrangements are also arranged so
that the drive mechanism may only attach to a single turret
mechanism in the machine line.
SUMMARY
[0004] One exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a
machine module which operates on a plurality of articles. The
machine module comprises: a modular base with a foot portion and a
leg portion extending upward from the foot portion; and a
cantilevered turret mechanism. The turret mechanism includes an
article working end portion that is a cantilevered portion
overhanging the foot portion of the base. The article working end
portion includes tooling to perform a working operation on the
plurality of articles.
[0005] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a
machine arrangement which operates on a plurality of articles. The
machine arrangement comprises a plurality of machines arranged to
cooperate with each other in a manner to form a machine
arrangement. Each machine in the plurality of machines includes a
modular base, a transfer star wheel, and a turret mechanism
configured to perform a working operation on an article. The turret
mechanism includes a turret star wheel. A central axis of the
transfer star wheel is approximately 45 degrees below horizontal
relative to a central axis of the turret star wheel.
[0006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary
embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described
below.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a machine line according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of turret and transfer star
wheels illustrating a staggered path in the machine line.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a machine line
illustrating user workstations and guard covers.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a module base showing
an air manifold and an air supply mechanism for the module.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of a module base showing a motor and
reducer attached thereto, and components of a transfer star
wheel.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a module base
illustrating forklift openings and a turret gear.
[0014] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of two adjoining module
bases in which the motor and reducer are shown, and only components
of one transfer star wheel are shown.
[0015] FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of two adjoining module
bases of FIG. 7B in which a hand wheel is shown attached to a
shaft.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the two adjoining module bases
according to FIG. 7A.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a module illustrating
a turret and transfer star wheel.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a detail side view of the turret and module of
FIG. 9.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a flanger turret.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the flanger turret
taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a transfer star wheel
illustrating a central transfer star wheel shaft and support
bracket.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a can after a first necking
operation according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a module in which a
hand wheel is shown attached to a turret according to an embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] One embodiment of the invention relates to a machine
arrangement which operates on a plurality of articles. The machine
arrangement comprises a plurality of machine modules arranged to
cooperate with each other in a manner to form a machine
arrangement. At least one of the machine modules, and preferably
all of the modules, comprise a turret mechanism configured to
modify articles by performing a working operation on the articles
as the articles pass from an article infeed, through the machine
arrangement or machine line, and to an article discharge of the
machine arrangement. The articles move along a path in the machine
arrangement having a predetermined configuration.
[0025] Machines or machine modules may be used to form, process or
otherwise perform a working action on an article. In a machine
line, an article is first fed into a first machine by an infeed
mechanism to fill pockets in a star wheel, such as an infeed star
wheel or a turret star wheel. The articles are then passed to a
transfer star wheel adjacent the turret. The articles are then
passed from the transfer star wheel to a turret star wheel. While
each article is in a pocket of the turret star wheel, a
corresponding ram assembly moves tooling toward and away from the
article to perform a working operation, such as necking.
[0026] The article is then passed from the turret star wheel to a
transfer star wheel, which transfers the article to another machine
in the machine line that will perform another stage of the working
operation on the article. When all processing/necking stages are
complete, the article is discharged from the machine line. The
machine line may be a recirculated machine line, a linear line, or
any other type of machine line.
[0027] Each star wheel may have any number of pockets to hold
articles for processing or transfer. For example, a turret star
wheel may have six, eight, ten, twelve, or more stations to hold
six, eight, ten, twelve, or more articles, respectively.
[0028] Each transfer star wheel has any number of pockets to hold
articles for processing or transfer. For example, the transfer star
wheel may have twenty pockets, or any other suitable amount. It
will be recognized that a star wheel is capable of having one
station up to any suitable number of stations. The transfer star
wheel may have the same amount of pockets as the turret star
wheels. Alternatively, the transfer star wheels may have more
pockets then the turret star wheels.
[0029] The articles, in an embodiment, remain stationary in an
axial direction while the dual ram assembly moves toward and away
from the article to perform the working operation.
[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now described with
reference to the figures.
[0031] FIGS. 1-15 illustrate a machine arrangement 10 and modules
20 and turret mechanisms 60 for the machine arrangement 10. The
machine arrangement 10 is configured to perform a working operation
on an article 5. The working operation may comprise, for example,
necking, flanging, reprofiling, reforming, light testing, or any
other suitable working operation. The machine arrangement 10 may be
configured to operate a single working operation, or any suitable
combination of working operations.
[0032] The article 5 may be a can, any suitable food or beverage
container, jar, bottle or any other suitable article. The article 5
has an open end 6, opposite closed end 7, and a sidewall 8
extending from the closed end 7, such as shown in FIG. 14.
Alternatively, the article 5 may be open at both ends. A top, lid,
or other closure may be added to the article 5 during an operation
in the machine arrangement 10, or at a later stage.
[0033] For exemplary purposes only, the below description will
describe the mechanisms and methods for use on a can 5. It will be
recognized that any other type of article (such as that described
above) may be used.
[0034] Embodiments of the invention relate to mechanisms to use in
can making machinery. More specifically, can die necking machines
or flanging machines. In the can necking process, the open end 6 of
the can 5 is reduced in diameter. In most cases, many reductions
are required for the can necking process. In the flanging process,
a flange is added to the open end 6 of the can 5. Sliding dual ram
assemblies 100 (FIGS. 9-10) are used to guide and control the
interaction of the forming tooling 105 and the can 5. The can 5 is
pressurized with air to strengthen the body of the can 5 and resist
the forces of necking, flanging, or any other working operation, in
order to stabilize and hold the can 5 in the proper position during
the working/forming process.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a machine arrangement or
line 10. In the machine line 10, cans 5 are fed into the infeed
mechanism 30. The cans 5 are then passed to pockets 21A in the
infeed transfer star wheel 21, which then passes the cans to
corresponding pockets 22A in a transfer star wheel 22.
Alternatively, the infeed mechanism 30 may pass the cans 5 directly
into a transfer star wheel 22 or turret star wheel 24 in a module
20. The cans 5 continue through the machine line 10 by passing
through corresponding pockets 22A, 24A in the alternating transfer
star wheels 22 and turret star wheels 24. At the end of the machine
line 10, the cans 5 exit the machine line 10 via a discharge
mechanism or path 40. The turret star wheel 24 and transfer star
wheel and, thus, the cans 5 continuously rotate throughout the
machine arrangement 10 as the cans 5 pass from one module 20 to the
next module 20. From the transfer star wheel 22, the cans 5 are
passed to pockets 24A in a turret star wheel 24 on a turret 60. In
the pockets 24A of the turret star wheel 24, the can 5 undergoes a
working operation (e.g., necking operation) by the tooling 105
(FIG. 10) on the appropriate dual ram assembly 100 that corresponds
to the pocket 24A on the turret star wheel 24.
[0036] While the invention is not so limited, embodiments of the
invention may comprise forming/necking turrets 60 or flanging
turrets 60', with one or more dual ram assemblies 100, constructed
as modules 20. The use of modules 20 allows for the machine line or
arrangement 10 to be assembled and changed to provide as many
forming stages as is required and to allow for adding additional
stages such as flanging, necking, trimming, curling, threading,
and/or base reforming/reprofiling stages, which may added and/or
removed as desired.
[0037] As can be best seen in FIG. 2, the machine line 10 includes
a staggered, non-linear (or serpentine) path for the cans 5. The
transfer star wheels 22 are positioned below the turret star wheels
24 so that a central axis 74 of each transfer star wheel 22 is
positioned at an angle at approximately 45 degrees below horizontal
relative to a central axis 64 of the turret star wheel 24. The
turret star wheel 22 is thus able to have more pockets 22A then the
turret star wheel 24. For example, the transfer star wheel 22 has
twenty pockets 22A, whereas the turret star wheel has twelve
pockets 24A. The cans 5 are thus able to pass around a working
angle 62 of the turret mechanism 60 that is approximately 270
degrees. In other words, the cans 5 undergo at least a portion of a
working operation in a turret 60 for approximately 270 degrees
around the turret 60. As can be seen in FIG. 2, at least ten out of
the twelve pockets 24A in the turret star wheel 24 may be occupied
by cans 5 at any one time. Furthermore, at least sixteen out of
twenty pockets 22A in the transfer star wheel 22 may be occupied by
cans 5 at any one time.
[0038] In the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the turret
60 can operate on a can 5 faster, while utilizing a longer cam
angle of 270 degrees, such as shown by the working angle 62 in FIG.
2. For exemplary purposes only, the turrets 60 can rotate at
approximately 300 rpm while working on the cans 5 in the machine
line 10.
[0039] FIG. 3 also illustrates an embodiment of a machine line 10
in which the module guard covers (sometimes referred to as
coverings or enclosures) 26 are shown closed over each module 20.
The machine line 10 may include workstations or monitors 28 that
enable an operator to control and monitor the machine line 10. The
workstations 28 and guard covers 26 shown are illustrative examples
only.
[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the machine arrangement
10 comprises an infeed track or mechanism 30 to feed the cans 5
into the machine arrangement 10 and an intake star wheel 21. The
intake star wheel 21, in an embodiment, includes half as many
pockets 21A as the transfer star wheels 22. The intake star wheel
21 may have, for example, ten pockets 21 A such that the
corresponding transfer star wheels 22 have, for example, twenty
pockets 22A, respectively. Of course, any other suitable number of
pockets 21A, 22A may be utilized.
[0041] Each module 20 includes a modular and interchangeable base
50. Each base 50 is configured to support a cantilevered turret 60
with turret star wheel 24 and a cantilevered transfer star wheel
22, such as seen in FIG. 9. In FIG. 4, a base 50 is illustrated
without the turret 60 or transfer star wheel 24. The base 50
includes a leg portion 58 and a foot portion 56. The base 50 is
configured to support the cantilevered turret 60 by, for example,
the foot portion 56 and gusset 56A (see FIG. 7A). The foot portion
56 and gusset 56A support the weight and arrangement of the turret
60 and transfer star wheel 22. The gusset 56A extends upward from
the foot portion 56 toward the leg portion, according to one
embodiment, is similarly shaped to a fin.
[0042] The base 50 and, thus, each module 20 has a minimal
footprint configured to save space in a factory or building in
which the module 20 is used. Numerous modules 20 may be required
for a single machine arrangement 10, and the smaller footprint of
the base 50 permits a machine arrangement 10 to fit in a smaller
space. Each base 50, such as shown in FIGS. 4-9, includes openings
57 arranged and sized to accommodate forklift prongs. Each base 50
includes, for example, two forklift openings 57 arranged to permit
forklift prongs to be inserted into the openings 57 from a rear
portion of the base 50 to pick up the base 50. As can be seen, for
example, in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the forklift openings 57 extend
through the foot portion 56 of the base 50 to the front of the base
50. The size, shape, amount, and placement of the forklift openings
57 are shown for exemplary purposes only and may be changed as
appropriate for a specific use or need.
[0043] As seen in FIG. 7A, the base 50 also includes a center
opening 51 at the front of the base 50. Vibration isolator pads are
mounted to the base 50 via the opening 51. Access for mounting of
the vibration isolator pads is provided by the opening 51. As shown
in FIGS. 6 and 8, the base 50 further includes a center opening 53
at the rear of the base 50. A blower vacuum enters the module 20
for the transfer star wheel 22 through the opening 53.
[0044] Each base 50 further includes a transfer star wheel opening
52 and a turret opening 54, such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7A. The
transfer star wheel 22 connects to a transfer gear 80 via a central
shaft 76 that extends through the opening 52 in the base 50. A
portion of the turret 60 extends through the turret opening 54 in
the base 50 and connects to a turret gear 66 via a turret shaft 190
(See FIG. 11).
[0045] Since each base 50 and, thus, module 20 are modular or
interchangeable in configuration, the drive arrangement for the
machine arrangement 10 may connect to any of the modules 20 in the
machine arrangement 10 to drive the machine arrangement 10. The
drive arrangement, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7A, includes a
motor 90 and a reducer 94 (sometimes referred to as a gearbox). The
motor 90 and reducer 94 are coupled in line to one module 20. For
example, reducer coupling shaft 94A (sometimes referred to as an
input shaft) of the reducer 94 connects to the transfer gear 80,
such as shown in FIG. 5.
[0046] As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7A, the motor 90 and reducer 94
are directly connected to each other by a motor shaft 92 being
directly coupled to a reducer shaft 96. As a result of the direct
coupling of the motor 90 to the reducer 94, in an embodiment, the
driver arrangement does not require additional belts or pulleys for
the coupling.
[0047] FIGS. 5 and 7B illustrate a transfer star wheel support
shaft 72 that is utilized in addition to a transfer star wheel
central shaft and housing 76, although not shown in FIG. 13. The
support shaft 72 is connected to the transfer star wheel 2 via a
bracket 78 and bracket rods 79. In order for an operator to adjust
or manipulate the machine arrangement 10 or a module 20, such as
for maintenance purposes, a hand wheel 150 can be coupled to the
end of the transfer star wheel support shaft 72 (FIG. 7B). Manual
turning of the hand wheel 150 will turn over the machine
arrangement 10 as much or as little as desired so that the operator
can view or adjust a desired portion of the machine module 20. The
hand wheel 150 may be moved manually or by another suitable
mechanism. Alternatively, another type of rotation device, such as
a ratchet wrench or crank) may be utilized in place of or in
addition to the hand wheel 150. The hand wheel 150 may be removably
attached to the support shaft 72.
[0048] As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the turret 60 is a
cantilevered turret 60. Thus, the turret 60 is supported at a base
end portion 172 in the leg portion 58 of the base 50. The turret
star wheel 24 is attached to a working end portion 170 of the
turret 60. The cantilevered working end portion 170 overhangs the
foot portion 56 of the base 50. The turret 60 includes a turret
shaft 190 and a turret star wheel shaft 110, which is at the
working end portion 170 of the turret 60. The turret shaft 190
connects to the turret gear 66 at the base end portion 172. The
turret 60 further includes a bearing 115, dual ram assemblies 100,
dual cams 92, and an air manifold 82, such as shown in FIG. 10.
[0049] The dual ram assemblies 100 are positioned around the
circumferential surface of the turret 60. Each dual ram assembly
100, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, includes cam followers 102 that are
configured to follow the path or surface of cams 92 positioned on a
bearing 115 (FIG. 10) of the turret 60. Each ram assembly 100
includes tooling 105 to perform a necking or other working
operation on the can 5. The tooling 105, for example, includes an
inner knockout tool and an outer die tool (not shown). An open end
6 of the can 5 is positioned in the pocket 24A so that the tooling
105 is positioned appropriately to be inserted into and/or around
the open end 6 of the can 5 so that the tooling 105 performs the
necking or other suitable working operation.
[0050] As the cam followers 102 follow their respective cam
surfaces 92, the tooling 105 slides toward or away from a can 5 to
be worked on in a corresponding pocket 24A in the turret star wheel
24. When the tooling 105 reaches the can 5, the tooling 105
performs a necking operation on the can 5, and then withdraws as
the cam followers 102 continue following the path of their
respective cam surface 92. As can be seen in FIG. 10, each dual ram
assembly 100 includes two sets of cam followers 102 that each
follow a different cam 92 on the turret 60. The cams 92 are
arranged so that the cans 5 follow a 270 degree path 62 around the
turret 60 (FIG. 2).
[0051] The transfer star wheel 22, the turret 60, tooling 105, and
the corresponding turret star wheel 24 are arranged so that the
cans 5 do not move in an axial direction toward and away from the
tooling 105 or turret 60. Rather, the cans merely rotate around the
turret 60, while the dual ram assemblies 100 and corresponding
tooling 105 move in an axial direction toward and away from the
cans 5.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiments, the turret may be a flanging
turret 60', as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The flanging turret 60' is
similar to the turret 60 described above except that the flanging
turret 60' is provided with tooling 105 to perform a flanging
operation on a can 5. FIG. 11 illustrates the position of the can 5
in the flanging turret 60' (which is similar to the position of a
can 5 in turret 60). FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of
the flanging turret 60' that illustrates a working end of the dual
ram assemblies 100 and tooling 105, as well as the turret star
wheel shaft 110.
[0053] In one embodiment, the cans 5 are held in position on a
transfer star wheel 22 using a pneumatic pressure differential or
"suction". The transfer star wheels 22 may have a vacuum port 132
(FIG. 13), formed in a channel portion, fluidly communicating with
a source of vacuum (negative pneumatic pressure) via a suitable
manifold (not shown). The vacuum delivered to the vacuum ports 132
and the surface area of the cans 5, which are exposed to the
suction, is increased to a degree that the cans 5 are stably held
in position in each pocket 22A of the transfer star wheel 22.
[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the transfer star wheel
22. The transfer star wheel 22 is attached to the module base 50
through a transfer star wheel base opening 52 (FIG. 4). The
transfer star wheel 22 is attached via a transfer star wheel
central shaft and housing 76, through which the vacuum source
fluidly communicates with the vacuum ports 132.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 15, the turret 60 can further include a
crank or hand wheel 151. The hand wheel 151 may be removably
attached to the turret 60. Turning of the hand wheel 151 will
adjust the distance between the star wheel 24 and tooling 105 so
that the turret 60 can accommodate cans 5 of different heights
(lengths). The hand wheel 151 may be removed once the adjustment
has been made. The hand wheel 151 may be turned manually or by any
other suitable mechanism. Alternatively, another type of rotation
device, such as a ratchet wrench or crank, may be utilized in place
of or in addition to the hand wheel 151.
[0056] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about,"
"substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad
meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of
ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this
disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in
the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to
allow a description of certain features described and claimed
without restricting the scope of these features to the precise
numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be
interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential
modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and
claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as
recited in the appended claims.
[0057] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein
to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such
embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or
illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not
intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily
extraordinary or superlative examples).
[0058] The terms "coupled," "connected," "attached," and the like
as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g.,
permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such
joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and
any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a
single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the
two members and any additional intermediate members being attached
to one another.
[0059] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top,"
"bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are merely used to describe the
orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted
that the orientation of various elements may differ according to
other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended
to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0060] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the machine module and/or machine arrangement as
shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.
Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in
this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example,
elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple
parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or
otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or
positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any
process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to
alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating
conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *