Elevation change system for a rotary device

Abstract

An elevation change mechanism is disclosed for adjusting the elevation of a rotatable element of a rotary device in a direction parallel to the axis about which the rotatable element rotates. The rotary device can be: a filler, capper, labeler, a star wheel conveyor, or other rotary device. In some cases, the same motor that rotates the rotary device about the axis is used to move the elevation change mechanism in a direction parallel to the axis.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an adjustable rotary device for an automated article handling line, and more particularly is directed to adjustment systems and methods for adjusting the rotary device to accommodate different articles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Various types of rotary devices are used for handling articles on automated handling lines. On an automated handling line that involves filling bottles with liquids, for example, such rotary devices may include fillers, cappers, labelers, and star wheel conveyors. Often such rotary devices will be provided with their own drive motor, such as a servo motor, for rotating the rotary device.[0003]It may be necessary for automated handling lines to process articles such as containers of varying shapes and sizes. This has, however, created challenges for such rotary devices. For example, in the case of many current star wheels, each star wheel can only handle containers of a specific shape and size...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a system for adjusting the position of rotating elements in a rotary device, such as fillers, cappers, labelers, and star wheel conveyors. The system uses a low-cost rotational adjustment mechanism that can be easily integrated into existing devices. The adjustment mechanism includes an engageable element that can be moved to adjust the rotational position and the dimensions of pockets for the articles being conveyed. The system can also use the existing main drive motor to adjust the position and elevation of the rotating elements, which provides an economic advantage and automatic adjustment at a very low cost.

Problems solved by technology

This has, however, created challenges for such rotary devices.

For example, in the case of many current star wheels, each star wheel can only handle containers of a specific shape and size, so this requires changing the star wheel plates or disks each time a different container is introduced onto the handling line.

This is undesirable as it is both time consuming and necessitates having to keep a stock of different-sized star wheel plates.

Not all rotary devices are adjustable in height.

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