Lining machine and load assembly therefor

Abstract

A load assembly includes a supply mechanism configured to supply a plurality of container closures and a transport assembly including a starwheel including a number of load pockets configured to receive a container closure and move the container closure from the supply mechanism to a processing assembly. The starwheel has an outer periphery. Each load pocket is configured to receive a respective one of the container closures inside the outer periphery of the starwheel.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 140,330, filed January 4, 2021, entitled “Liner and Loading Assembly Thereof”. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed concepts generally relate to machinery for container closures and more particularly to lining machines for applying coating material to container closures (e.g., can ends). The disclosed concepts also relate to load assemblies for the lining machine. Background Technology

[0004] It is known to apply a sealing material, commonly referred to as a compound, to the underside of a container closure, for example, to facilitate the subsequent sealing attachment (e.g., but not limited to seams) of the closure to the container (e.g., beer / beverage cans and food cans).

[0005] For example, a rotary lining machine is used in relatively high-volume applications to line (i.e., apply sealant or compound) container closures, commonly referred to as can lids, shells, or can ends, at relatively high speeds. A rotary lining machine typically includes a base with a chuck assembly. A pivotable upper turret assembly is positioned above the chuck assembly and includes an electric storage tank assembly, a rotary compound storage tank assembly, and a number of circumferentially arranged fluid dispensing devices (e.g., sealant or compound guns). A lower turret assembly rotates the chuck. A downward stacker transfers the can end to a star wheel, which in turn cooperates with a corresponding chuck member of the chuck assembly to support the can end and rotate it relative to the fluid dispensing devices.

[0006] Specifically, the star wheel rotates the can end onto the chuck assembly, which is raised by a cam to receive the can end. The chuck assembly then begins to rotate the can end; this is often referred to as "pre-rotation." Once the can end reaches the desired rotational speed, a sealant is applied to (e.g., but not limited to, sprayed onto) the can end by a fluid dispensing device. This is often referred to as the "spraying time." After the sealant is applied, the can end continues to rotate for a short period to allow the sealant to smooth out. This is often referred to as the "post-rotation time." Finally, the cam lowers the chuck assembly and the can end, and each can end is removed and discharged from the rotary lining machine via an unloading guide.

[0007] Among other limitations, conventional rotary liner applicator machines are limited in speed to avoid damage to the container closures being processed. For example, and without limitation, one known eight (8) head rotary liner applicator machine is limited at the turret to about 262.5 revolutions per minute (rpm). Thus, using a 202 diameter can end as an example, the liner applicator machine is capable of a maximum throughput of 2100 can ends per minute (epm). It is desirable to increase the speed of the liner applicator machine in order to be able to increase the total amount of can ends. However, known load assembly components, such as, for example, and without limitation, existing star wheels and downstackers, have been found to cause damage to the can ends if the speed is increased beyond the above-mentioned speed, such as, for example, and without limitation, greater than about 262.5 rpm at the turret.

[0008] Thus, there is room for improvement in liner applicator machines and load assemblies for liner applicator machines. SUMMARY

[0009] These and other needs are met by embodiments of the disclosed concepts, which are directed to a liner applicator machine and a load assembly therefor. Among other advantages, the load assembly reduces the force applied to the can ends, thereby allowing the liner applicator machine to operate at a faster speed and increased production.

[0010] As one aspect of the disclosed concepts, a load assembly includes a supply mechanism configured to supply a plurality of container closures and a transport assembly including a star wheel, the star wheel including a number of load pockets configured to receive a respective one of the container closures and move the container closures from the supply mechanism to a processing assembly. The star wheel has an outer periphery, and each load pocket is configured to receive a respective one of the container closures inside the outer periphery of the star wheel.

[0011] The star wheel rotates at a first tangential speed at the outer periphery. The load pockets can extend radially inward from the outer periphery and include a center point, where the star wheel rotates at a second tangential speed at the center point, and the second tangential speed can be less than the first tangential speed. Each load pocket can be configured to fully receive a respective one of the container closures such that the entire container closure is disposed inside the outer periphery of the star wheel.

[0012] The supply mechanism can include a downstacker configured to hold the container closures in a vertical stack. The transport assembly can further include a cam assembly, a guide member, and a pair of feed screws. The pair of feed screws can be configured to remove the container closures from a bottom of the vertical stack at a first height, and the cam assembly and the guide member can be configured to guide the container closures through a radial path as the container closures move from the first height to a second height corresponding to a loading position within the load pockets of the star wheel.

[0013] A lining machine using the load assembly is also disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a lining machine and load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0016] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 , with certain components of the lining machine removed to better show hidden features of the load assembly;

[0017] Figure 3 is a top view of the lining machine and load assembly of Figure 2 ;

[0018] Figure 4 is a top view of a prior art lining machine and load assembly provided for comparison with the lining machine and load assembly of Figure 3 ;

[0019] Figure 5 is a top view of a portion of the load assembly of Figure 3 ;

[0020] Figure 6 is a top view of a portion of a prior art load assembly provided for comparison with the load assembly of Figure 5 ;

[0021] Figure 7 is a top view of a cam track design for a prior art load assembly;

[0022] Figure 8 is a top view of a cam track design for a load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0023] Figure 9 is a top view of a star wheel for a prior art load assembly;

[0024] Figure 10 is a top view of a star wheel for a load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0025] Figure 11 is a top view of a cam assembly for a load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0026] Figure 12 is a top view of a portion of a guide for a prior art load assembly;

[0027] Figure 13 is a top view of a portion of a guide for a load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0028] Figure 14 is another isometric view of the portion of the prior art guide of Figure 12; and

[0029] Figure 15 is Figure 13 another isometric view of the portion of the guide of Figure 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] It will be appreciated that, although the load assembly according to the disclosed concept is shown and described herein as being used in relation to a rotary linner for applying a sealant or compound to container closures, it can alternatively be used in other applications for transporting container closures with various other types of equipment and machines (not shown).

[0031] Directional phrases used herein, such as up, down, clockwise, counterclockwise, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless specifically recited therein as being critical.

[0032] The specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Thus, the specific dimensions, orientations, and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "container closure", "can end", "shell", and / or "lid" are generally synonymous and are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable closure member that is applied (e.g., but not limited to, seamed) to the open end of a container (e.g., but not limited to, a beer / beverage can; a food can) to seal the contents of the container therein.

[0034] As used herein, the terms "sealant" and / or "compound" are generally synonymous and are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable coating that is applied (e.g., but not limited to, sprayed) to the surface of a container closure.

[0035] As used herein, the term "throughput" refers to the output of the linner and is preferably measured in container closures per minute, more commonly referred to in the industry as "ends per minute" (epm).

[0036] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts are "coupled" together means that the parts are either directly connected together or connected through one or more intermediate parts.

[0037] As used herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

[0038] The linner machine 2, for example, such as but not limited toFigure 1 and 2 The rotary lining machine 2 shown is used for lining the end 50 of a tank (i.e., applying a sealant (not shown) or a compound (not shown)). The lining machine 2, generally referred to simply as a "lining machine," uses a load assembly 100 (ideally in...) according to embodiments of the disclosed concept. Figure 2 (as shown in the image).

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the lining machine 2 typically includes a base 4 with a processing assembly 5. This processing assembly includes a chuck assembly 6 with a number of rotatable chucks 8 and a pivotable upper turret assembly 10 disposed above the chuck assembly 6. The pivotable upper turret assembly 10 includes an electrical storage tank assembly 12, a rotary compound storage tank assembly 14, and a number of circumferentially arranged fluid dispensing devices 20 (e.g., sealant or compound guns). Figure 2 The lower turret assembly 22, best shown in the cross-sectional view, is disposed within the base 4 and configured to rotate the chuck 8. An exemplary lining machine 2 includes eight (8) guns 20, each gun 20 associated with a corresponding rotatable chuck 8 of the chuck assembly 6. However, it will be understood that any suitable alternative number and configuration (not shown) of chucks 8 and guns 20 or other fluid dispensing devices (not shown) may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0040] The load assembly 100 includes a supply mechanism 102, which, in the example shown, is a downward stacker 104. The downward stacker 104 is configured to hold and supply multiple container closures 50. More specifically, as in... Figure 2 As shown in a simplified form and dashed diagram, the downward stacker 104 is preferably configured to hold a plurality of container closures 50 arranged in a vertical stack 52. The load assembly 100 also includes a conveying assembly 120, which includes a star wheel 122.

[0041] Best as Figure 3 , 5 As shown in Figure 10, the star wheel 122 includes a number of load bags 124 configured to receive container closures 50 and move the container closures 50 from the downward stacker 104 to the aforementioned processing assembly 5. The star wheel 122 has an outer periphery 126. Each load bag 124 is configured to receive a corresponding container closure 50 inside the outer periphery 126 of the star wheel 122, for example, as shown in Figure 10. Figure 5 and 10 As shown. Each load bag 124 of the star wheel 122 has a center point 128 ( Figure 10). It will be appreciated that the starwheel 122 rotates at a first tangential velocity at the outer periphery 126 and at a second tangential velocity at the center point 128 of the load pocket 124, which is less than the first tangential velocity at the outer periphery 126. Thus, by moving the load pocket 124 inwardly from the outer periphery 126 of the starwheel 122, the tangential velocity at the inwardly located point (i.e., the center point 128) is reduced, and in turn, the force imparted onto the container closure 50 is also reduced. In other words, the starwheel 122 has a center point 138, a first radial dimension 300 measured from the center point 138 of the starwheel 122 to the outer periphery 126 of the starwheel 122, and a second, smaller radial dimension 302 measured from the center point 138 of the starwheel 122 to the center point 128 of the load pocket 124 of the starwheel.

[0042] Thus, in contrast to the known prior art starwheels (Figs. 6 and 9), the disclosed starwheel 122 has a significantly different design in which the loading location of the container closures 50 has been moved inwardly from the outer periphery 126 of the starwheel 122 by a relatively significant distance, thereby reducing the associated forces and stresses on the container closures 50. More specifically, as used herein, "inwardly from the outer periphery 126" means that, unlike the known prior art starwheel designs (such as the starwheel shown in Fig. 9), at least a majority (i.e., more than half) of the container closures 50 are disposed inwardly of (i.e., inside relative to) the outer periphery 126. Thus, it will be appreciated that, although the disclosed starwheel 122 is shown with the load pocket 124 being configured to receive the container closures 50 entirely, alternative embodiments in which the container closures 50 are disposed inwardly from the outer periphery 126 by a lesser amount are also expressly within the scope of the disclosed concept. Figure 5 and 9 include a load pocket 124 configured to receive the container closures 50 entirely, such that the entire container closures 50 are disposed inwardly of the outer periphery 126 of the starwheel 122 when they are fully loaded in the load pocket, alternative embodiments in which the container closures 50 are disposed inwardly from the outer periphery 126 by a lesser amount are also expressly within the scope of the disclosed concept. Figure 5 and 10 In contrast to the disclosed starwheel 122 shown in Figs. 6 and 9, it will be appreciated that the design of the load pocket 124 of the disclosed starwheel 122 is significantly different from conventional starwheel designs, which have shallow load pockets such that the container closures are disposed at the outer periphery of the starwheel even when loaded, as shown in the prior art Figs. 6 and 9, and thus rotate at a faster tangential velocity in association with this outwardly located position.

[0043] Among other advantages, because the force acting on the container closure 50 is smaller at the inner position of the load bag 124 of the star wheel, the speed of the star wheel 122 can be increased, thereby allowing the lining machine 2 to operate at a faster processing speed and increasing production. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, if the lining machine is an eight (8)-head rotary lining machine 2 configured to line standard 202 diameter container closures, the turret speed can be increased to up to about 400 revolutions per minute (rpm) or higher. This is a significant increase compared to conventional lining machines where the turret speed is limited to about 262 rpm, where, as mentioned above, excessive force would otherwise cause damage to the container closure 50. Therefore, for example, but not limited to, if the disclosed lining machine 2 operates at a turret speed of about 375 rpm, the production capacity of the lining machine 2 will increase to about 3,000 tank ends per minute (epm) compared to the production capacity of about 2,100 epm of a conventional rotary lining machine (Figures 4, 6, 9, 12 and 14) operating at a conventional maximum turret speed of about 262 rpm.

[0044] In addition to the aforementioned improvements to the star wheel 122, the disclosed lining machine 2 also includes a number of additional unique features that enable the container closure 50 to be loaded into the star wheel 122 “smoothly” or “gently” in both the radial and vertical directions (i.e., with reduced force compared to the prior art). These features, individually and in combination, allow the lining machine 2 to operate at a relatively high rate without damaging the container closure 50, thereby further improving productivity compared to prior art lining machines.

[0045] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the load assembly 100 preferably also includes a cam assembly 140, a guide member 160, and a pair of feed screws 180, 182. The pair of feed screws 180, 182 are configured to move from the vertical stacking 52 of the container closures 50 in the downward stacker 124 (in... Figure 2 The bottom of the container closure 50 is removed (e.g., peeled off). This occurs at a first height 130. The cam assembly 140 and guide member 160 are configured to guide the container closure 50 through a radial path as it moves from the first height 130 to a lower second height 132, the second height corresponding to the loading position within the corresponding load bag 124 of the star wheel 122. That is, at least one of the cam assembly 140 and guide member 160 is configured to fully guide and control the movement of the container closure 50 as it moves radially a distance 150 from the first height 130 to the lower second height 132. Figure 3It will be appreciated in comparison with the prior art of FIG. 4 that this radial distance 150 or lead-in radius is significantly increased over prior art lining machines. For example, but not by way of limitation, in one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, the lead-in radius 150 is at least 5 degrees, and preferably about 45 degrees.

[0046] With continued reference to Figure 2 Also with reference to Figure 13 And 15 It will be appreciated that the exemplary guide member 160 includes a first end 162, a second end 164, and an arcuate body portion 166 extending therebetween. The arcuate body portion 166 includes a first opposing edge 168 and a second opposing edge 170. The guide member 160 is configured to guide the container closure 50 between the first edge 168 and the second edge 170, as shown in simplified form and in phantom in Figure 13 The arcuate body portion 166 of the exemplary guide member 160 includes a first section 172 having a first radius of curvature 176 and a second section 174 having a second radius of curvature 178 that is different than the first radius of curvature 176. That is, the first radius of curvature 176 is sharper or steeper than the second radius of curvature 178. This unique structure serves to effect the transition described above of moving the container closure 50 radially inwardly from the initial feed point 146 Figure 1 and 2 ) at the downward stacker 124 Figure 2 and 5 ) to the inward position of the load pocket 124 of the starwheel. At the same time, the unique structure of the guide member 160 also serves to completely control and guide the container closure and thus minimize the forces acting on the container closure and protect the container closure as the container closure 50 also transitions vertically from a first height 130 at the feed point 146 Figure 2 and 5 ) at the bottom of the downward stacker 124 Figure 1 and 2 ) to a lower second height 132 at the load pocket 124 of the starwheel. The above-described lead-in radius 150, measured from the center point 138 of the starwheel 122, is also shown in Figure 13 and 15 It will thus be appreciated that the guide member 160 of the disclosed load assembly 100 is significantly different from the prior art (FIGS. 12 and 14).

[0047] The above-described cam assembly 140 also serves to control and guide the movement of the container closure 50 in a beneficial and unique manner. In particular, the cam assembly 140 of the disclosed load assembly 100 preferably includes an inner cam 142 (partially shown in Figure 3 and 5 It will thus be appreciated that the guide member 160 of the disclosed load assembly 100 is significantly different from the prior art (FIGS. 12 and 14).(as shown in the diagram) and an outer cam 144 spaced apart from the inner cam 142 to define a space between them, preferably as Figure 11 As shown. Therefore, when the cam assembly 140 is... Figure 5 When the movement of the container closure 50 is guided and controlled in the manner shown, the container closure 50 (one container closure 50 in) Figure 11 (Simplified form and dashed diagram shown) is received in the space between the inner cam 142 and the outer cam 144. More specifically, as the star wheel 122 rotates, the cam assembly 140 guides the container closure 50 from the aforementioned downward stacker 104 ( Figure 1 and 2 The supply point 146 at point 5 moves to the conveying point 148 at processing assembly 5, and in particular to the chuck member 8 of chuck assembly 6, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 It will be understood that the supply point 146 is located at a first radius 304 measured from the center point 138 of the star wheel 122, and the delivery point 148 is located at a larger second radius 306, also measured from the center point 138 of the star wheel 122. Therefore, it will be understood that the cam assembly 140 is configured to... Figure 5 During the load path shown, the container closure 50 is guided to move radially outward from the first radius 304 to the second radius 306.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 , 3 And 8, the delivery assembly 120 of the disclosed load assembly 100 also includes a discharge guide 200 ( Figure 2 and 3 The turret assembly 22 is configured to discharge the container closure 50 from the processing assembly 5 at discharge point 190. In addition to the aforementioned turret assembly 22, the processing assembly 5 also includes a substantially circular cam track 30. The substantially circular cam track 30 ( Figure 2 and 8 The cam track 30 is positioned below the chuck member 8 of the chuck assembly 6 and generally corresponds to the chuck member of the chuck assembly. In operation, the substantially circular cam track 30 defines the radial processing path 40. Figure 8 The process assembly 5 extends from the conveying point 148 to the discharge point 190, where the container closure 50 is conveyed from the star wheel 122 to the corresponding chuck member 8 of the processing assembly 5, and where the container closure 50 is discharged via the discharge guide 200. Figure 3 As shown. In Figure 8 In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown, the processing path 40 extends over a radial angle 42 of more than 180 degrees (e.g., Figure 8The angle 42 and the additional length of the associated processing path 40 is necessary to ensure that the required amount of processing time is provided at the increased speed of the disclosed lining machine 2, for example, as compared to the prior art cam track shown in FIG. 7.

[0050] Thus, among other advantages, it will be appreciated that the disclosed load assembly 100 provides a number of unique features that, individually and in combination, serve to reduce or "soften" the load applied to the container closure 50, thereby enabling an increase in the operating speed of the lining machine 2, which advantageously increases production volume.

[0051] While specific embodiments of the application have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the concepts disclosed, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims, and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A load assembly comprising: a supply mechanism configured to supply a plurality of container closures; and a transfer assembly comprising a starwheel comprising a number of load pockets configured to receive a container closure and move a container closure from the supply mechanism to a processing assembly, wherein the starwheel has an outer periphery, wherein each of the load pockets is configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of container closures inside the outer periphery of the starwheel, wherein the supply mechanism comprises a downstacker configured to hold the plurality of container closures in a vertical stack, and wherein the transfer assembly further comprises a cam assembly, a guide member, and a pair of feed screws; wherein the pair of feed screws are configured to remove a container closure from a bottom of the vertical stack at a first height; and wherein the cam assembly and the guide member are configured to guide a container closure through a radial path as the container closure moves from the first height to a second height corresponding to a loading position within a load pocket of the starwheel.

2. The load assembly of claim 1, wherein, the starwheel rotates at a first tangential velocity at the outer periphery; wherein the load pockets each extend radially inward from the outer periphery and comprise a center point; wherein the starwheel rotates at a second tangential velocity at the center point; and wherein the second tangential velocity is less than the first tangential velocity.

3. The load assembly of claim 1, wherein, each of the load pockets is configured to fully receive a respective one of the plurality of container closures such that the entire container closure is disposed inside the outer periphery of the starwheel.

4. The load assembly of claim 1, wherein, at least one of the guide member and the cam assembly is configured to fully guide and control movement of a container closure through a radial distance from the first height to the second height.

5. The load assembly of claim 4, wherein, the radial distance comprises an introduction radius; and wherein the introduction radius corresponds to at least 5 degrees of rotation of the starwheel.

6. The load assembly of claim 4, wherein, the guide member comprises a first end, a second end, and an arcuate body portion extending between the first end and the second end; wherein the arcuate body portion comprises a first edge and a second edge disposed opposite the first edge; and wherein the guide member is configured to guide a container closure between the first edge and the second edge.

7. The load assembly of claim 6, wherein, the arcuate body portion comprises a first section and a second section; wherein the first section has a first radius of curvature; and wherein the second section has a second radius of curvature different than the first radius of curvature.

8. The load assembly of claim 1, wherein, the cam assembly comprises an inner cam and an outer cam spaced apart from the inner cam to define a space between the inner cam and the outer cam; and wherein the cam assembly is configured to guide and control movement of a container closure.

9. The load assembly of claim 8, wherein, the cam assembly is configured to move a container closure from a feed point at the downstacker to a delivery point at the processing assembly; wherein the feed point is disposed at a first radius; wherein the delivery point is disposed at a second radius; and wherein the second radius of the delivery point is greater than the first radius of the feed point.

10. The load assembly of claim 9, wherein, The transport assembly further includes an ejection guide configured to eject a container closure from the processing assembly at an ejection point; wherein the processing assembly includes a turret assembly and a substantially circular cam track; wherein the substantially circular cam track defines a radial processing path extending from the transport point to the ejection point; and wherein the radial processing path extends more than 180 degrees.

11. A lining machine comprising: a base; a processing assembly operably coupled to the base; and a load assembly, the load assembly comprising: a supply mechanism configured to supply a plurality of container closures; and a transport assembly comprising a starwheel, the starwheel comprising a number of load pockets configured to receive a container closure and move a container closure from the supply mechanism to the processing assembly, wherein the starwheel has an outer periphery, wherein each of the load pockets is configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of container closures inside the outer periphery of the starwheel, wherein the supply mechanism comprises a downstacker configured to hold the plurality of container closures in a vertical stack; wherein the transport assembly further comprises a cam assembly, a guide member, and a pair of feed screws; wherein the pair of feed screws are configured to remove a container closure from a bottom of the vertical stack at a first height; and wherein the cam assembly and the guide member are configured to guide a container closure through a radial path as the container closure moves from the first height to a second height corresponding to a loading position within a load pocket of the starwheel.

12. The lining machine of claim 11, wherein, the starwheel rotates at a first tangential velocity at the outer periphery; wherein the load pockets each extend radially inward from the outer periphery and include a center point; wherein the starwheel rotates at a second tangential velocity at the center point; and wherein the second tangential velocity is less than the first tangential velocity.

13. The lining machine of claim 11, wherein, each of the load pockets is configured to fully receive a respective one of the plurality of container closures such that the entire container closure is disposed inside the outer periphery of the starwheel.

14. The lining machine of claim 11, wherein, at least one of the guide member and the cam assembly is configured to fully guide and control movement of the container closure through a radial distance from the first height to the second height; wherein the radial distance includes an introduction radius; and wherein the introduction radius corresponds to at least 5 degrees of rotation of the starwheel.

15. The lining machine of claim 11, wherein, the guide member includes a first end, a second end, and an arcuate body portion extending between the first end and the second end; wherein the arcuate body portion includes a first edge, a second edge disposed opposite the first edge, a first section, and a second section; wherein the first section has a first radius of curvature; wherein the second section has a second radius of curvature different than the first radius of curvature; and wherein the guide member is configured to guide a container closure between the first edge and the second edge.

16. The lining machine of claim 11, wherein, The cam assembly includes an inner cam and an outer cam spaced apart from the inner cam to define a space between the inner cam and the outer cam; wherein the cam assembly is configured to guide and control movement of the container closures; wherein the cam assembly is configured to move the container closures from a feed point at the downward stacker to a delivery point at the processing assembly; wherein the feed point is disposed at a first radius; wherein the delivery point is disposed at a second radius; and wherein the second radius of the delivery point is greater than the first radius of the feed point.

17. The lining machine of claim 16, wherein, The delivery assembly further includes an ejection guide configured to eject the container closures from the processing assembly at an ejection point; wherein the processing assembly includes a processing turret and a substantially circular cam track; wherein the substantially circular cam track defines a radial processing path extending from the delivery point to the ejection point; and wherein the radial processing path extends more than 180 degrees.

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