Indexing system for multi-station processing equipment

Abstract

An indexing system for a multi-head sealer apparatus for sealing the top of a container comprises: a multi-position indexing platform having a plurality of stations arranged along an arcuate path about an axis (62), the stations comprising: a receiving station (44) for receiving a container to be sealed by a lid; and a diametrically positioned discharge station (46) from which the sealed capped container is removed from the platform (20). At least two sealing stations (48, 50) are provided at which the lid is sealed to the container. The first sealing station (48) is positioned on an arcuate path extending clockwise from the receiving station (44) to the discharge station (46), and the second sealing station (50) is positioned on an arcuate path extending counterclockwise from the receiving station (44) to the discharge station (46). The pivot arm assembly (60) is rotatable about a pivot axis (62) to move the container from the receiving station (44) in a clockwise direction to the first sealing station (48) and in a counter-clockwise direction to the second sealing station (50).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 366,959, filed on June 24, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an indexing system for locating or distributing work products that arrive at multiple workstations in a single-file stream. An example of this situation is distributing filled containers or cans to two side-by-side closure stations. The closure station can be in the form of two sealing heads that seal the lid to the top of the container. Current technology for achieving this function includes pneumatic cylinders that push containers along different tracks and on different trajectories, with one pneumatic cylinder for each workstation. However, since the cylinder needs to be retracted when preparing to push the next container forward, pneumatic cylinder inoperability or time loss may occur.

[0004] The present disclosure is intended to provide a solution to the need for providing work product to a workstation, wherein:

[0005] The feed mechanism uses a minimum of components and therefore provides a cost-effective solution.

[0006] There is no lost time / downtime; the only non-functional movement of the mechanism is established after the previous tank is in place and can be performed very quickly.

[0007] • The spacing between arriving work products (e.g., containers) is not critical.

[0008] • The feed mechanism is flexible: when only one workstation is operating, the indexing mechanism can be replaced by a turret with a pocket for the work product, which simply rotates to feed the single workstation. Summary of the invention

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-station indexing system for processing work products is provided. The indexing system includes: a multi-position indexing platform, the multi-position indexing platform having a plurality of stations arranged along an arc path around an axis, the stations including: a receiving station for receiving work products for processing; at least two processing stations, processing work products at the processing stations, the first processing station being positioned on an arc path extending clockwise from the receiving station to the unloading station; the second processing station being positioned on an arc path extending counterclockwise from the receiving station to the unloading station; and an unloading station, removing the processed work products from the platform from the unloading station, the unloading station being positioned on the arc path downstream of the processing station; and a pivot arm assembly, the pivot arm assembly being capable of rotating around the axis to move the work product from the receiving station in a clockwise direction to the first processing station and in a counterclockwise direction to the second processing station.

[0011] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein when the pivot arm assembly rotates about the axis to move the work product from the receiving station to the processing station, the processed work product is also moved from the processing station to the unloading station.

[0012] In any of the embodiments described herein, the pivot arm assembly includes a first pivot arm that is capable of rotating in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the axis to move the work product from the receiving station to the processing station and from the processing station to the unloading station.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first pivot arm is capable of rotating in a clockwise direction about a central axis to push the work product from the receiving station to the first processing station, and is capable of rotating in a counterclockwise direction about the central axis to push the work product from the receiving station to the second processing station.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described herein, when the first pivot arm rotates in a clockwise direction about the axis to move the work product from the receiving station to the first processing station, the first pivot arm is in position without further movement to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about the central axis to move the work product from the receiving station to the second processing station.

[0015] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first pivot arm has a portion defining a contact surface for bearing against the work product when the work product is pushed from the receiving station to the first and second processing stations.

[0016] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the contact surface is shaped to correspond to a shape of the workpiece product.

[0017] In any of the embodiments described herein, the pivot arm assembly includes a second pivot arm extending laterally from the first pivot arm and capable of rotating in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the axis to hold the work product against the first pivot arm as the work product moves from the receiving station to the first processing station and the second processing station.

[0018] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the second pivot arm moves the work product from the first and second processing stations to the unloading station while the first pivot arm moves the work product from the receiving station to the first and second processing stations.

[0019] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the second pivot arm is extendable relative to the first pivot arm to be disposed in a rotationally leading position relative to the first pivot arm when the first pivot arm is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0020] In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance that the second pivot arm extends relative to the first pivot arm is adjustable to correspond to a rotational direction of the first pivot arm.

[0021] In any of the embodiments described herein, the path along which the plurality of stations are arranged is a circular path about the axis.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for providing a work product to be processed to a multi-station processing device and removing the processed work product from the processing device is provided. The method includes: receiving the work product to be processed from a flow of work products to be processed at a receiving station; moving the work product to be processed from the receiving station along an arc path in a clockwise direction to a first processing station and in a counterclockwise direction to a second processing station; and moving the work product from the first processing station to the unloading station and from the second processing station to the unloading station along the arc path after the work product is processed.

[0023] In any of the embodiments described herein, the arcuate path along which the work product to be processed is moved from the receiving station to the first and second processing stations and from the first and second processing stations to a discharge station is a circular path.

[0024] In any of the embodiments described herein, the receiving station and the unloading station are positioned at diametrically opposed positions on the circular path.

[0025] In any of the embodiments described herein, the work product is moved along the arcuate path from the receiving station to the first processing station and the second processing station by a swing arm assembly that is rotatable about an axis.

[0026] In any of the embodiments described herein, the swing arm assembly rotates about the axis in a first direction to move work product from the receiving station to the first processing station and rotates about the axis in a second direction to move work product from the receiving station to the second processing station.

[0027] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein, when the swing arm assembly has been rotated about the axis in a first direction to move the work product from the receiving station to the first processing station, the swing arm is not required to be further rotated about the axis to be in position to rotate about the axis in a second direction to move the work product from the receiving station to the second processing station.

[0028] In any of the embodiments described herein, the further comprising: holding the work product to the swing arm assembly as the swing arm assembly moves the work product from the receiving station to the first processing station and the second processing station.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an indexing system for a multi-head sealer apparatus for sealing the top of a container with a lid. The indexing system comprises: a multi-position indexing platform having a plurality of stations arranged along an arc path around an axis, the stations comprising: a receiving station for receiving a container to which a lid is sealed; and a discharge station from which a container with a lid sealed thereto is removed from the platform, the receiving station and the discharge station being located diametrically opposite to each other on the arc path relative to the axis; and at least two sealing stations at which a lid is sealed to the container, a first sealing station being positioned on the arc path extending clockwise from the receiving station to the discharge station, and a second sealing station being positioned on the arc path extending counterclockwise from the receiving station to the discharge station; and a pivot arm assembly capable of being rotatably switched about a pivot axis to move the container from the receiving station to the first sealing station in a clockwise direction and to the second sealing station in a counterclockwise direction.

[0030] In any of the embodiments described herein, when the pivot arm assembly rotates about the pivot axis to move the container from the receiving station to a sealing station, the pivot arm assembly also moves the sealed container from the sealing station to the discharge station.

[0031] In any of the embodiments described herein, the pivot arm assembly includes a first pivot arm that is capable of rotating in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the axis to move containers from the receiving station to the processing station and from the processing station to the unloading station.

[0032] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first pivot arm is capable of rotating in a clockwise direction about the axis to move a container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, and is capable of rotating in a counterclockwise direction about a central axis to move a container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

[0033] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first pivot arm is rotated clockwise about the axis to move a container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, and then the first pivot arm is positioned without further movement to rotate in a counterclockwise direction to move a container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

[0034] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first pivot arm is capable of rotating in a clockwise direction about the central axis to push a container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, and is capable of rotating in a counterclockwise direction about the central axis to push a container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

[0035] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first pivot arm has a portion defining a contact surface for bearing against the container when the container is pushed from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations.

[0036] In any of the embodiments described herein, the contact surface is arc-shaped to correspond to the curvature of the container.

[0037] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first pivot arm has a portion defining a contact surface for bearing against the container when moving the container from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations.

[0038] In any of the embodiments described herein, the contact surface is arc-shaped to correspond to the curvature of the container.

[0039] In any of the embodiments described herein, the pivot arm assembly includes a second pivot arm extending laterally from the first pivot arm and capable of rotating in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the central axis to hold the container against the first pivot arm as the container moves from the receiving station to the first sealing station and the second sealing station.

[0040] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein when the first pivot arm moves the container from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations, the second pivot arm moves the container from the first and second sealing stations to the discharge station.

[0041] In any of the embodiments described herein, the second pivot arm is extendable relative to the first pivot arm to place the first pivot arm in a rotationally leading position relative to the first pivot arm when the first pivot arm is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0042] In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance that the second pivot arm extends relative to the first pivot arm is adjustable to correspond to the rotational direction of the first pivot arm.

[0043] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the plurality of stations are arranged in a circular path around the axis.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for providing containers to be closed to a multi-head container sealing device and removing closed containers from the multi-head container sealing device is provided, comprising: receiving a container to be closed from a flow of containers to be closed at a receiving station; moving the container to be closed from the receiving station along an arc path in a clockwise direction to a first sealing station and in a counterclockwise direction to a second sealing station; and after the container is sealed, moving the container along the arc path from the first sealing station to the unloading station and from the second sealing station to the unloading station.

[0045] In any of the embodiments described herein, the arcuate path along which the containers to be sealed are moved from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations and from the first and second sealing stations to the discharge station is a circular path.

[0046] In any of the embodiments described herein, the receiving station and the unloading station are positioned at diametrically opposed positions on the circular path.

[0047] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the container is moved along the arcuate path from the receiving station of the first and second processing stations by a swing arm assembly that is rotatable about an axis.

[0048] In any of the embodiments described herein, the swing arm assembly rotates about the axis in a first direction to move the container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, and rotates about the axis in a second direction to move the container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

[0049] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein, when the swing arm assembly has been rotated about the axis in a first direction to move a container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, the swing arm is not required to be further rotated about the axis to be in position to rotate about the axis in a second direction to move a container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

[0050] In any of the embodiments described herein, the further aspect includes retaining the container to the swing arm assembly as the swing arm assembly moves the container from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The foregoing aspects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of a multi-station processing apparatus with an indexing system according to the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top isometric view of the indexing system;

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of

[0055] 4A to 4H yes Figure 1-Figure 3 Schematic view of the location of the indexing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (wherein the same numerals refer to the same elements) is intended as a description of the various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in the present disclosure is provided only as an example or illustration, and should not be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous relative to other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the exact form disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein can be interchanged with other steps or combinations of steps to achieve the same or substantially similar results.

[0057] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some cases, well-known process steps are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various aspects of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of the features described herein.

[0058] The present application may include references to "directions", such as "forward", "backward", "front", "backward", "front", "rear", "upward", "downward", "above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "right-hand", "left-hand", "inside", "outside", "extended", "advanced", "retracted", "proximal", and "distal". These references and other similar references in the present application are only used to aid in the description and understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the invention to these directions.

[0059] This application may include modifiers such as "substantially," "approximately," "about," or "substantially." These terms are intended to be used as modifiers to indicate that the "size," "shape," "temperature," "time," or other physical parameter in question need not be exact, but may vary, so long as the function required to be performed is achieved. For example, in the phrase "substantially circular in shape," the shape need not be completely circular, so long as the required function of the structure in question is achieved.

[0060] This application may refer to "product," "work product," "artifact" synonymously. Examples of products, work products, or artifacts described in this application include containers and tanks. However, the present disclosure is not limited to containers or tanks, but may include a wide variety of work products as described herein.

[0061] In addition, the present application provides a seal on the top of a can as an example. As described herein, the indexing system of the present application is not limited to use for this purpose. Rather, a variety of other operations can be performed on containers or cans, as described herein. In addition, using the indexing system of the present disclosure, countless different operations or processes can be performed at the workstation to which the work product is delivered and from which the work product is removed.

[0062] Figure 1-Figure 3An indexing system 10 according to the present disclosure is shown installed in conjunction with a multi-station processing device 12. Although the processing device 12 is shown in the form of a device for sealing a lid 14 to a top of a container in the form of a can 16, the indexing system can be used with a wide variety of processing devices. For example, the processing device can attach lids or tops to cans and other types of containers by techniques other than sealing, such as by gluing, hot melting, twisting, tightening, stamping, etc. In addition, the device can perform processes other than closing containers, such as filling or adding contents to containers, or the device can perform other types of processes on a wide range of workpieces that are not containers or cans, such as welding workpieces, painting workpieces, machining workpieces, assembling workpieces, inspecting workpieces, etc. The indexing system 10 is capable of quickly, efficiently, and reliably moving or transferring workpieces from a receiving station to multiple processing stations for processing, and then moving or transferring the processed workpieces to a discharge station in a space-efficient manner.

[0063] Figure 1-Figure 3 An example of a possible configuration and use of the indexing system 10 of the present disclosure is provided. In this regard, the indexing system 10 includes a multi-position platform or table 20 mounted within a housing 21. The platform is aligned with an infeed or receiving conveyor in the form of a conveyor 22 and an outfeed or discharge conveyor in the form of a conveyor 24. Openings are provided in the housing to provide clearance for the infeed conveyor 22 and the outfeed conveyor 24.

[0064] Although the conveyors 22 and 24 are shown schematically, the conveyors may be of standard construction, consisting of endless belts 30 and 32 running around end rollers, one of which may be powered or driven in a standard manner, such as by an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor. Between the end rollers, the belts 30 and 32 may be supported in a standard manner by idler rollers, a slider bed, or other structure.

[0065] An infeed or receiving station 44 of the system 10 for the containers 16 is defined by the intersection of the infeed or receiving conveyor 22 and the work platform 20. Correspondingly, an outfeed or discharge station 46 of the system 10 for the containers 16 is defined by the intersection of the outfeed or discharge conveyor 24 and the work platform 20. To this end, an opening may be formed in the platform 20 to provide clearance for adjacent ends of the conveyors 22 and 24.

[0066] The platform 20 is positioned below the can sealing device 12, which is configured to have two overhead sealing heads 26, which are positioned relative to each other in a direction lateral to the longitudinal direction of the feed conveyor 22, see Figure 3 The positions on the platform below the sealing head correspond to the first processing station 48 and the second processing station 50. The function of the sealing head is to seal the lid 14 to the top of the container (can).

[0067] Lifting mechanism 28 is positioned below platform 20 and below processing stations 48 and 50 to lift the container 16 to be sealed to the overhead sealing head 26 so that the lid 14 can be sealed to the container by a standard sealing process. Thereafter, lifting mechanism 28 lowers the sealed container 16 back to the height of platform 20 so that the container 16 can be moved to the outfeed station and placed on the outfeed conveyor 24.

[0068] Openings are formed in the platform at processing stations 48 and 50 to receive a close-fitting circular pad 52 on which the container 16 is placed. The pad 52 is raised toward and lowered from the sealing head 26 by the lifting mechanism 28. When in the lowered position, the top surface of the pad is generally coplanar with the top surface of the platform 20.

[0069] The lifting mechanism 28 may include an actuator for raising and lowering the pad 52. Such an actuator may be of a variety of different types including, for example, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, a motor-driven lead screw, a magnetic coil linear actuator.

[0070] The platform 20 is shown as being generally circular in shape, but may have other shapes, such as, for example, a hexagon, an octagon, or a pentagon. The top surface of the platform is depicted as being generally coplanar with the upper runs of the belts 30 and 32 of the conveyors 22 and 24 to facilitate transfer of the containers 16 from the infeed conveyor 22 to the workstation 20 at the infeed station 44 and from the workstation to the outfeed conveyor 24 at the outfeed station 46.

[0071] A retaining fence 36 may extend along the perimeter of the generally circular platform 20 corresponding to each side of the conveyors 22 and 24 so that the containers 16 may be retained on the platform 20, if necessary, as the containers travel from the infeed station 44 to the processing stations 48 and 50 and then from the processing stations to the outfeed station 46.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fence 36 may be comprised of vertically spaced upper and lower curved railing sections 40 supported above the platform 20 by upright posts 42. If desired, the fence 36 may hold the container 16 on the platform 20 as the container travels from the infeed station 44 to the handling stations 48 and 50 located at the sealing head 26 and as the sealed container 16 travels from the handling stations 48 and 50 to the outfeed station 46. Of course, the fence 36 may have a different configuration than that described above and be able to perform the desired function.

[0073] The containers 16 are moved from the infeed station 44 to the processing stations 48 and 50 and from the processing stations to the outfeed station 46 by a pivoting arm assembly 60 that pivots about a central axis 62. When the arm assembly is pivoted in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the container 16 is moved from the infeed station 44 to the first processing station 48. Correspondingly, when the pivoting arm assembly is pivoted in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the container is moved from the infeed station 44 to the second processing station 50. Thus, in this manner, the pivoting arm assembly 60 can be switched clockwise and counterclockwise about the axis 62 to alternately transfer containers from the infeed station 44 to the first processing station 48 and the second processing station 50.

[0074] The pivot arm assembly 60 includes a first pivot arm 64 configured with a generally circular base section 66 centered at the axis 62 for pivoting relative to the axis 62. The pivot arm 64 also includes a contoured handle section 68 extending radially from the circular base section 66 toward the outer perimeter of the platform 20. The sides of the handle section are contoured to correspond to the outer circumference of the container 16. If the container 16 has a shape other than cylindrical as shown in the figures, the sides of the handle section 68 can be contoured to be compatible with the shape of the container or other work product being processed by the indexing system 10.

[0075] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first pivot arm is sized and shaped so that opposite sides of the handle segment 68 closely correspond to the outer circumference of the container 16 positioned at the feed station and the container 16 positioned at the first processing station 48 or the second processing station 50 .

[0076] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the situation shown in , the side of the handle section 68 extends fully around the circumference of the container 16 so as to hold the container constrained against the curved side of the handle section by means of a second pivot arm 70, which extends laterally from the base section 66 of the first pivot arm 64 relative to the length of the first pivot arm.

[0077] The second pivot arm 70 can be mounted on the first pivot arm 64 to move or shuttle longitudinally along its length relative to the first pivot arm so as to extend from a first side of the first pivot arm or alternatively form an opposite side of the first pivot arm. In this manner, the second pivot arm cooperates with the side of the first pivot arm that is used to index (push) containers from the feed station to one of the processing stations.

[0078] For example, Figure 3, the first pivot arm is in position to transfer the container 16 from the feed station 44 to the first processing station 48. As such, the second pivot arm is extended so as to be disposed between the feed station and the first processing station, or in other words, in a "leading" position relative to the direction of rotation of the first pivot arm 64. In this position, the second pivot arm 70 holds the container against the curved handle section 68 of the first pivot arm 64 as the container is transferred from the feed station 44 to the first processing station 48. In addition, the opposite end of the second pivot arm is located within the perimeter of the first arm circular base section 66 so as not to interfere with containers that may be positioned at the second processing station 50 or at the outfeed station 46.

[0079] In addition, the width of the second pivot arm is sized to fit snugly between the infeed station and the containers at the first processing station or the second processing station. Thus, when the pivot arm assembly rotates to move the container from the infeed station to the first processing station or the second processing station, the container currently at the first processing station or the second processing station is simultaneously moved (pushed) to the outfeed station by the extended section of the second pivot arm.

[0080] The second pivot arm is mounted in a cross slot 72 formed in the base section 66 of the first pivot arm to shuttle back and forth along its length, thereby extending beyond one side of the first pivot arm or the other side of the first pivot arm, depending on the rotation direction of the first pivot arm. As described above, whether the first pivot arm is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, the second pivot arm is actuated to be in a position leading the rotation relative to the first pivot arm.

[0081] The second pivot arm includes a guide rod 74 extending centrally along the length of the second pivot arm at a height above the top surface of the second pivot arm. The end of the guide rod is held in place by a bracket 76 extending upwardly from the end portion of the second pivot arm. The guide rod extends through a centrally located, close-fitting guide block 78 so that the second pivot arm is constrained from longitudinal movement along its length. The guide block is mounted on a transverse plate 80 which in turn is mounted to the base section 66 of the first pivot arm on the opposite side of the slot 72.

[0082] The second pivot arm may be powered to shuttle back and forth by a variety of actuation systems including, for example, pneumatic actuators or magnetic coil actuators or piezoelectric actuators, all of which are well known and may employ the guide rod 74 and guide block 78 configuration.

[0083] Longitudinal side slots 82 are formed along the length of the second pivot arm to provide clearance for hardware components used to attach the pivot arm assembly 60 to the flange of the motor that operates to pivot the pivot arm assembly. A manually operable knob 84 is provided to tighten or loosen the hardware components.

[0084] The bent retaining arms 86 extend laterally from each end portion of the second pivot arm 70 to extend over the container 16 being transferred from the feed station 44 to the first processing station 48 or the second processing station 50. When the container is transferred from the feed station 44 to the first processing station 48 or the second processing station 50, the retaining arms 86 prevent the cover 14 from being dislodged from the container 16 under the effect of acceleration applied to the container 16.

[0085] As shown, the retaining arm 86 includes a longitudinal mounting section that is attached to the top surface of the second pivot arm by hardware members 88. The retaining arm 86 also includes a curved protruding section that extends closely above the top of the container 16 and the lid 14. The curved protruding section is shaped and sized to extend partially around the container 16 positioned at the first processing station 48 or the second processing station 50 corresponding to the retracted end of the second pivot arm 70, but is spaced apart from the container 16 so as not to interfere with the container. Of course, the retaining arm 86 can be shaped or otherwise configured differently than as illustrated while performing the required functions.

[0086] exist Figure 4A-4H The operation of the indexing system 10 is illustrated in Figure 4A The system is shown in a starting position with the container 16 positioned at the feed station 44. The first pivot arm 64 is positioned in a diagonally downward orientation so as to be positioned to push the container 16 clockwise from the feed station 44 to the first processing station 48. Correspondingly, the second pivot arm 70 is extended to be disposed in a diagonally upward orientation so as to be positioned on the side of the container 16 opposite the position of the first pivot arm 64.

[0087] Figure 4B The container 16 is shown being moved (pushed) clockwise from the feed station 44 to the first processing station 48 by rotation of the first pivot arm 64 and the second pivot arm 70 about the axis 62 .

[0088] Figure 4C The second container 16 is shown advanced to the feed station 44. The first pivot arm 64 is held in contact with the Figure 4B However, the second pivot arm 70 shuttles downwardly and extends diagonally so as to be positioned on the side of the container 16 opposite the position of the first pivot arm 64 before the container 16 is advanced to the feed station 44.

[0089] Figure 4D The container 16 is shown being moved counterclockwise from the feed station 44 to the second processing station 50 by rotation of the first pivot arm 64 and the second pivot arm 70 about the axis 62 .

[0090] Figure 4EAnother container 16 is shown advancing to the feed station 44 while the first pivot arm remains Figure 4D However, the second pivot arm has been shuttled to extend diagonally upward so as to be located on the side of the container 16 opposite the location of the first pivot arm 64, thereby being positioned to transfer the container clockwise from the feed station to the first processing station 48. In addition, the second pivot arm 70 is adjacent to the container at the first processing station 48.

[0091] Figure 4F The first pivot arm 64 and the second pivot arm 70 are shown to rotate about the axis 62. Figure 4E The container 16 located at the feed station is pushed clockwise to the first processing station 48. At the same time, the container 16 located at the first processing station 48 is pushed toward the discharge station 46 by the rotation of the second pivot arm 70 and further moved clockwise to the discharge station 46.

[0092] Figure 4G Another container 16 is shown already positioned at the feed station 44 in preparation for being moved to the second processing station 50. In this regard, the first pivot arm 64 is in contact with the Figure 4F however, the second pivot arm 70 has been shuttled to now extend to a diagonally downward position so as to be positioned between the container at the feed station 44 and the container at the second processing station 50. In addition, in Figure 4F The container 16 located at the outfeed station 46 has now been removed by the outfeed conveyor 24 .

[0093] Figure 4H The first pivot arm 64 and the second pivot arm 70 are shown to rotate about the axis 62. Figure 4G The container 16 located at the infeed station 44 is pushed counterclockwise to the second processing station 50. At the same time, the container 16 located at the second processing station 48 is further moved counterclockwise to the outfeed station 46 by the second pivot arm.

[0094] like 4A to 4H As shown in FIG. 1 , the indexing system 10 operates to quickly transfer containers 16 from the feed station 44 to the first processing station 48 and the second processing station 50 in an efficient manner, with a minimum of moving parts and without lost motion. In this regard, the first pivot arm moves (pushes) one container from the feed position to the processing position with every 90 degree pivot rotation. When, for example, a pneumatic actuator is used to push the container along different tracks aligned with the two processing stations 48 and 50, there is no lost "return" motion of the first pivot arm.

[0095] Furthermore, processed containers 16 may be efficiently moved from first and second processing stations 48, 50 to outfeed station 46 simultaneously and by the same rotation of pivot arms 64 and 70 used to move containers to and from the infeed station to processing stations 48 and 50.

[0096] Although the foregoing description relates to moving containers 16 to stations 48 and 50 for various types of processing, such as filling the containers or attaching / sealing lids on the containers, the indexing system 10 of the present disclosure can be used to index countless types of work products from a feed station to multiple processing stations, for example, for indexing parts or components for welding, brazing, soldering, gluing, painting, stapling, drilling, milling, grinding, boring, reaming, polishing or other types of machining operations.

[0097] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An indexing system for a multi-station apparatus for processing work products, the indexing system comprising: A multi-position indexing platform having a plurality of stations arranged along an arc path around an axis, the stations comprising: a receiving station for receiving work product for processing; at least two processing stations at which work products are processed, a first processing station being positioned on the arcuate path extending clockwise from the receiving station toward the unloading station; a second processing station being positioned on the arcuate path extending counterclockwise from the receiving station toward the unloading station; and a discharge station from which processed work product is removed from the platform, the discharge station being positioned on the arcuate path downstream from the processing station; and A pivoting arm assembly is rotatable about the axis to move the work product from the receiving station in a clockwise direction to the first processing station and in a counterclockwise direction to the second processing station.

2. The indexing system according to claim 1, wherein: As the pivoting arm assembly rotates about the axis to move the work product from the receiving station to a processing station, the processed work product is also moved from the processing station to the discharge station.

3. The indexing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pivot arm assembly includes a first pivot arm that is rotatable about the axis in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction to move work product from the receiving station to the processing station and from the processing station to the discharge station.

4. The indexing system of claim 3, wherein: The first pivot arm is rotatable about a central axis in a clockwise direction to push work product from the receiving station to the first processing station, and is rotatable about the central axis in a counterclockwise direction to push work product from the receiving station to the second processing station.

5. The indexing system according to claim 4, wherein: When the first pivot arm rotates in a clockwise direction about the axis to move work product from the receiving station to the first processing station, the first pivot arm is positioned without further movement to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about the central axis to move work product from the receiving station to the second processing station.

6. The indexing system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The first pivot arm has a portion defining a contact surface for bearing against the work product when the work product is pushed from the receiving station to the first and second processing stations.

7. The indexing system according to claim 6, wherein: The shape of the contact surface is set to correspond to the shape of the workpiece product.

8. The indexing system according to claim 3, wherein: The pivot arm assembly includes a second pivot arm extending laterally from the first pivot arm and rotatable about the axis in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to hold the work product against the first pivot arm as the work product moves from the receiving station to the first and second processing stations.

9. The indexing system according to claim 3, wherein: As the first pivot arm moves the work product from the receiving station to the first and second processing stations, the second pivot arm moves the work product from the first and second processing stations to the unloading station.

10. The indexing system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The second pivot arm is extendable relative to the first pivot arm to be disposed in a rotationally leading position relative to the first pivot arm when the first pivot arm is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.

11. The indexing system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The distance that the second pivot arm extends relative to the first pivot arm is adjustable to correspond to the rotational direction of the first pivot arm.

12. The indexing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The path along which the plurality of stations are arranged is a circular path about the axis.

13. A method of providing a work product to be processed to a multi-station processing facility and removing processed work product from the processing facility, comprising: receiving, at a receiving station, a work product to be processed from a stream of work product to be processed; moving the work product to be processed from the receiving station along an arcuate path in a clockwise direction to a first processing station and in a counterclockwise direction to a second processing station; as well as The work product is moved along the arcuate path from the first processing station to the discharge station and from the second processing station to the discharge station after the work product is processed.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The arcuate path along which the work product to be processed is moved from the receiving station to the first and second processing stations and from the first and second processing stations to a discharge station is a circular path.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The receiving station and the unloading station are positioned at diametrically opposed positions on the circular path.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The work product is moved along the arc path from the receiving station to the first processing station and the second processing station by a swing arm assembly that is rotatable about an axis.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The swing arm assembly rotates about the axis in a first direction to move work product from the receiving station to the first processing station and rotates about the axis in a second direction to move work product from the receiving station to the second processing station.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein: When the swing arm assembly has been rotated about the axis in a first direction to move the work product from the receiving station to the first processing station, the swing arm does not require further rotation about the axis to be positioned to rotate about the axis in a second direction to move the work product from the receiving station to the second processing station.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising: The swing arm assembly holds the work product to the swing arm assembly as the swing arm assembly moves the work product from the receiving station to the first processing station and the second processing station.

20. An indexing system for a multi-head sealer apparatus for sealing the tops of containers with lids, the indexing system comprising: A multi-position indexing platform having a plurality of stations arranged along an arc path around an axis, the stations comprising: a receiving station for receiving containers to be sealed with lids; and a discharge station from which containers sealed with lids are removed from the platform, the receiving station and the discharge station being located diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis on the arcuate path; and at least two sealing stations at which lids are sealed to the containers, a first sealing station being positioned on the arcuate path extending clockwise from the receiving station toward the discharge station, and a second sealing station being positioned on the arcuate path extending counterclockwise from the receiving station toward the discharge station; and A pivot arm assembly is rotatably switchable about a pivot axis to move the container from the receiving station to the first sealing station in a clockwise direction and to the second sealing station in a counterclockwise direction.

21. The indexing system according to claim 20, wherein: As the pivoting arm assembly rotates about the pivot axis to move the container from the receiving station to a sealing station, the pivoting arm assembly also moves the sealed container from the sealing station to the discharge station.

22. The indexing system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The pivot arm assembly includes a first pivot arm that is rotatable about the axis in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction to move containers from the receiving station to the processing station and from the processing station to the discharge station.

23. The indexing system of claim 22, wherein: The first pivot arm is rotatable about the axis in a clockwise direction to move a container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, and is rotatable about a central axis in a counterclockwise direction to move a container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

24. The indexing system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein: The first pivot arm is rotated clockwise about the axis to move a container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, and then the first pivot arm is positioned without further movement to rotate in a counterclockwise direction to move a container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

25. The indexing system of claim 22, wherein: The first pivot arm is rotatable about a central axis in a clockwise direction to push a container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, and is rotatable about the central axis in a counterclockwise direction to push a container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

26. The indexing system of claim 25, wherein: The first pivot arm has a portion defining a contact surface for bearing against the container when the container is pushed from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations.

27. The indexing system of claim 26, wherein: The contact surface is arcuate in shape to correspond to the curvature of the container.

28. The indexing system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: The first pivot arm has a portion defining a contact surface for bearing against the container when moving the container from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations.

29. The indexing system of claim 28, wherein: The contact surface is arcuate in shape to correspond to the curvature of the container.

30. The indexing system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: The pivot arm assembly includes a second pivot arm extending laterally from the first pivot arm and rotatable about a central axis in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to hold the container against the first pivot arm as the container moves from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations.

31. The indexing system of claim 30, wherein: When the first pivoting arm moves the container from the receiving station to the first sealing station and the second sealing station, the second pivoting arm moves the container from the first sealing station and the second sealing station to the discharge station.

32. The indexing system according to claim 30 or 31, wherein: The second pivot arm is extendable relative to the first pivot arm to position the first pivot arm in a rotationally leading position relative to the first pivot arm when the first pivot arm is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

33. The indexing system of claim 32, wherein: The distance that the second pivot arm extends relative to the first pivot arm is adjustable to correspond to the rotational direction of the first pivot arm.

34. An indexing system according to any one of claims 20 to 33, wherein: The plurality of stations are arranged in a circular path about the axis.

35. A method of providing containers to be closed to a multi-head container sealing apparatus and removing closed containers from the multi-head container sealing apparatus, comprising: receiving, at a receiving station, a container to be closed from a stream of containers to be closed; moving the container to be closed from the receiving station along an arcuate path in a clockwise direction to a first sealing station and in a counterclockwise direction to a second sealing station; and moving the container along the arcuate path from the first sealing station to the discharge station and from the second sealing station to the discharge station after the container is sealed.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: The arcuate path along which the containers to be sealed are moved from the receiving station to the first and second sealing stations and from the first and second sealing stations to the discharge station is a circular path.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein: The receiving station and the unloading station are located at diametrically opposed positions on the circular path.

38. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein: The container is moved along the arc path from the receiving station to the first processing station and the second processing station by a swing arm assembly that can rotate about an axis.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein: The swing arm assembly rotates about the axis in a first direction to move the container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, and rotates about the axis in a second direction to move the container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein: When the swing arm assembly has been rotated about the axis in a first direction to move a container from the receiving station to the first sealing station, the swing arm does not require further rotation about the axis to position itself to rotate about the axis in a second direction to move a container from the receiving station to the second sealing station.

41. The method of any one of claims 38-40, further comprising retaining the container to the swing arm assembly as the swing arm assembly moves the container from the receiving station to the first sealing station and the second sealing station.

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