Lining machine and load assembly thereof

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on December 15, 2021, with application number 202180089108.0, international application number PCT / US2021 / 072925, and entitled "Liner and Load Component Thereof".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] 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

[0004] 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

[0005] 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).

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] Among other limitations, conventional rotary lining machine designs are speed-limited to avoid damage to the container closures being processed. For example, but not limited to, a known eight (8)-head rotary lining machine is limited to approximately 262.5 revolutions per minute (rpm) at the turret. Thus, for a 202 diameter can end, this lining machine is capable of a maximum capacity of 2100 can ends per minute (epm). It is desirable to increase the speed of the lining machine in order to increase the total number of can ends. However, known load-bearing components, for example, but not limited to, the designs of existing star wheels and down stacker cranes, have been found to cause damage to the can ends if the speed is increased beyond the aforementioned speed (e.g., but not limited to, greater than approximately 262.5 rpm at the turret).

[0009] Therefore, there is room for improvement in the lining machine and the load components used in the lining machine. Summary of the Invention

[0010] These and other requirements are met by embodiments of the disclosed concepts, which are directed to a lining machine and a load assembly therefor. Among other advantages, the load assembly reduces the force applied to the tank end, thereby allowing the lining machine to operate at faster speeds and with increased production volumes.

[0011] As one aspect of the disclosed concept, a load assembly includes a supply mechanism configured to supply a plurality of container closures and a conveying assembly comprising a star wheel, the star wheel including a number of load bags configured to receive the container closures and move them from the supply mechanism to a processing assembly. The star wheel has an outer periphery, and each load bag is configured to receive a corresponding container closure inside the outer periphery of the star wheel.

[0012] The star wheel rotates at a first tangential velocity at its outer periphery. A load bag may extend radially inward from the outer periphery and include a center point, where the star wheel rotates at the center point at a second tangential velocity, which may be less than the first tangential velocity. Each load bag may be configured to completely receive a corresponding container closure, such that the entire container closure is positioned inside the outer periphery of the star wheel.

[0013] The supply mechanism may include a downward stacker configured to hold container closures in a vertical stack. The conveying assembly may also include a cam assembly, a guide member, and a pair of feed screws. The pair of feed screws may be configured to remove the container closure from the bottom of the vertical stack at a first height, and the cam assembly and guide member may be configured to guide the container closure through a radial path as it moves from the first height to a second height corresponding to a loading position within the load bag of the star wheel.

[0014] A lining machine using the load component was also disclosed. Attached Figure Description

[0015] A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 It is an isometric view of the lining machine and the load assembly therefor according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0017] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken from line 2-2 shows that some parts of the lining machine have been removed to better show the hidden features of the load assembly;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of the lining machine and load assembly;

[0019] Figure 4 In order to be with Figure 3 A top view of a prior art lining machine and load assembly provided for comparison with the lining machine and load assembly;

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A top view of a portion of the load component;

[0021] Figure 6 In order to be with Figure 5 A top view of a portion of a prior art load component provided for comparison with load components;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a top view of a cam track design for a load assembly in the prior art;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a top view of a cam track design for a load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a top view of a star wheel used in a load assembly of existing technology;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a top view of a star wheel for a load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a top view of a cam assembly for a load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0027] Figure 12 This is a top view of a portion of the guide for a load assembly used in the prior art;

[0028] Figure 13 This is a top view of a portion of a guide for a load assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0029] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 Another isometric view of this part of the prior art guide; and

[0030] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 Another isometric view of this part of the guide. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It will be understood that although the load assembly according to the disclosed concept is shown and described herein in relation to a rotary lining machine for applying sealant or compound to a container closure, it may alternatively be used in other applications for conveying container closures with a variety of other types of equipment and machines (not shown).

[0032] Directional phrases used herein, such as up, down, clockwise, counterclockwise, and their derivatives, refer to the orientation of the elements shown in the figures and do not limit the claims unless expressly stated herein.

[0033] The specific elements shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Therefore, the particular dimensions, orientations, and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “container closure,” “can end,” “shell,” and / or “cap” are generally synonymous and are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable closure applied to (e.g., but not limited to, seam to) the open end of a container (e.g., but not limited to beer cans / beverage cans; food cans) to seal the contents of the container therein.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “sealant” and / or “compound” are generally synonymous and are essentially interchangeable in referring to any known or suitable coating applied to (e.g., but not limited to, sprayed onto) the surface of a container closure.

[0036] As used herein, the term “production” refers to the output of the lining machine and is preferably measured in container closures per minute, more commonly referred to in industry as “can ends per minute” (epm).

[0037] As used in this article, the phrase “connected” to two or more components means that the components are directly connected together or connected through one or more intermediate components.

[0038] As used herein, the term “quantity” should refer to an integer of one or more (i.e., multiple).

[0039] Lining machine 2, for example, but not limited to Figure 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).

[0040] 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 electric 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 understood that the star wheel 122 rotates at a first tangential velocity at its outer periphery 126 and at a second tangential velocity at the center point 128 of the load bag 124, which is less than the first tangential velocity at the outer periphery 126. Therefore, by moving the load bag 124 inward from the outer periphery 126 of the star wheel 122, the tangential velocity at the inner position (i.e., the center point 128) decreases, and consequently, the force applied to the container closure 50 also decreases. In other words, the star wheel 122 has a center point 138, a first radial dimension 300 measured from the center point 138 of the star wheel 122 to its outer periphery 126, and a smaller second radial dimension 302 measured from the center point 138 of the star wheel 122 to the center point 128 of the load bag 124.

[0043] Therefore, compared with the known existing technology of star wheels ( Figure 6 and 9 Compared to the disclosed star wheel 122, the star wheel 122 has a significantly different design, in which the loading position of the container closure 50 has been moved relatively significantly inward from the outer periphery 126 of the star wheel 122, thereby reducing the associated forces and stresses on the container closure 50. More specifically, as used herein, "inward from the outer periphery 126" refers to a star wheel design that is different from known prior art designs (e.g., Figure 9 Unlike the star wheel shown, at least most (i.e., more than half) of the container closure 50 is located inside the outer perimeter 126 (i.e., inside relative to the outer perimeter). Therefore, it will be understood that, although Figure 5 and 9 The non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown includes a load bag 124 configured to fully receive the container closure 50 such that the entire container closure 50 is positioned inside the outer periphery 126 of the star wheel 122 when it is fully loaded into the load bag. However, alternative embodiments in which the container closure 50 is positioned with a smaller amount from the outer periphery 126 inward are also clearly within the scope of the disclosed concept. Figure 6 and 9 The star wheel shown in the prior art Figure 5 and 10 Compared to the disclosed star wheel 122, it will be understood that the design of the load bag 124 of the disclosed star wheel 122 is significantly different from that of conventional star wheel designs, which have shallow load bags such that the container closure is located at the outer periphery of the star wheel even when loaded, as in the prior art. Figure 6 and 9 As shown, and therefore rotates at a faster tangential speed in association with that outer position.

[0044] Among other advantages, because the force acting on the container closure 50 at the inner position of the load bag 124 of the star wheel is smaller, 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, otherwise, as mentioned above, excessive force would 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, compared to a conventional rotary lining machine operating at a conventional maximum turret speed of about 262 rpm, the speed can be significantly increased. Figure 4 , 6 Compared to the production capacity of approximately 2100 epm of the liners 9, 12 and 14, the production capacity of the lining machine 2 will increase to approximately 3000 tank ends / minute (epm).

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 3 Compared with existing technologies Figure 4The comparison will reveal that the radial distance 150, or the introduction radius, is significantly increased relative to prior art lining machines. For example, but not limited to, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, the introduction radius 150 is at least 5 degrees, preferably about 45 degrees.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 2 Also refer to Figure 13 and 15 It will be understood 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 in Figure 13 The diagram is shown in simplified form and with dashed lines. The exemplary guide member 160's arched body portion 166 includes a first segment 172 and a second segment 174, wherein the first segment 172 has a first radius of curvature 176, and the second segment 174 has a second radius of curvature 178 different from 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 is used to achieve the aforementioned function of guiding the container closure 50 from the downward stacker 124 (…). Figure 1 and 2 Initial supply point 146 at ) Figure 2 and 5 The load bag 124 moves radially inward to the star wheel, changing its inward position. Simultaneously, the unique structure of the guide member 160 is also used to ensure that the container closure 50 also moves from the downward stacker 124. Figure 1 and 2 Supply point 146 at the bottom of ) Figure 2 and 5 When the first height 130 at the star wheel changes vertically to the lower second height 132 at the load bag 124 located at the star wheel, the container closure is fully controlled and guided, thus minimizing the forces acting on the container closure and protecting it. The aforementioned introduction radius 150, measured from the center point 138 of the star wheel 122, is also... Figure 13 and 15 As shown in the diagram. Therefore, it will be understood that the guide member 160 of the disclosed load assembly 100 is similar to that of the prior art ( Figure 12 and 14 They are clearly different.

[0048] The aforementioned cam assembly 140 is also used to control and guide the movement of the container closure 50 in a beneficial and unique manner. Specifically, the cam assembly 140 of the disclosed load assembly 100 preferably includes an inner cam 142 (partially in...) Figure 3 and 5(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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 It 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 It extends from the conveying point 148 to the discharge point 190, at which the container closure 50 is conveyed from the star wheel 122 to the corresponding chuck member 8 of the processing assembly 5, and at the discharge point, the container closure 50 is discharged via the discharge guide 200, as... 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 8 (as shown in the measurement), and preferably extended by about 225 degrees. For example, with Figure 7 Compared to the cam track of the prior art shown, the additional length of angle 42 and associated processing path 40 is necessary to ensure the required amount of processing time is provided at the increased speed of the disclosed lining machine 2.

[0051] Therefore, among other advantages, it will be understood that the disclosed load assembly 100 provides a number of unique features, individually and in combination, for reducing or “softening” the load applied to the container closure 50, thereby enabling the lining machine 2 to operate at higher speeds, which advantageously increases production output.

[0052] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions to these details can be developed based on the general teachings of this disclosure. Therefore, the specific arrangements disclosed are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concept, which is to be accorded the full scope of the appended claims and any and all their equivalents.

Claims

1. A load-bearing component, comprising: A supply mechanism configured to supply multiple container closures; as well as A conveying assembly includes a star wheel comprising a number of load bags configured to receive container closures and move them from the supply mechanism to a processing assembly. The star wheel has an outer periphery, and Each of the load bags is configured to receive a corresponding container closure among the plurality of container closures on the inner side of the outer periphery of the star wheel. The conveying assembly further includes a discharge guide configured to discharge a container closure from the processing assembly at a discharge point; the processing assembly includes a turret assembly and a substantially circular cam track; the substantially circular cam track defines a radial processing path extending from the conveying point at the processing assembly to the discharge point; and the radial processing path extends more than 180 degrees.

2. The load component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The star wheel rotates at a first tangential velocity at the outer periphery; wherein each load bag extends radially inward from the outer periphery and includes a center point; wherein the star wheel rotates at the center point at a second tangential velocity; and wherein the second tangential velocity is less than the first tangential velocity.

3. The load component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the load bags is configured to fully receive a corresponding container closure among the plurality of container closures, such that the entire container closure is positioned inside the outer periphery of the star wheel.

4. The load component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The supply mechanism includes a downward stacker configured to hold the plurality of container closures in a vertical stack.

5. The load component as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The conveying assembly further includes a cam assembly, a guide member, and a pair of feed screws; wherein the pair of feed screws are configured to remove the container closure from the bottom of the vertical stack at a first height; and wherein the cam assembly and the guide member are configured to guide the 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 the load bag of the star wheel.

6. The load component as claimed in claim 5, wherein, At least one of the guide member and the cam assembly is configured to fully guide and control the movement of the container closure over a radial distance from the first height to the second height.

7. The load component as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The radial distance includes the introduction radius; and wherein the introduction radius corresponds to at least 5 degrees of rotation of the star wheel.

8. The load component as claimed in claim 6, 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 and a second edge disposed opposite to the first edge; and wherein the guide member is configured to guide a container closure between the first edge and the second edge.

9. The load component as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The bow-shaped main body includes a first segment and a second segment; wherein the first segment has a first radius of curvature; and wherein the second segment has a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature.

10. The load component as claimed in claim 5, 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; Furthermore, the cam assembly is configured to guide and control the movement of the container closure.

11. The load component of claim 10, wherein, The cam assembly is configured to move the container closure from a supply point at the downward stacker to a conveying point at the processing assembly; wherein the supply point is located at a first radius; wherein the conveying point is located at a second radius; and wherein the second radius of the conveying point is greater than the first radius of the supply point.

12. A lining machine, comprising: Base; Processing components operably connected to the base; and The load component includes: A supply mechanism configured to supply multiple container closures; and A conveying assembly includes a star wheel comprising a number of load bags configured to receive container closures and move them from the supply mechanism to the processing assembly. The star wheel has an outer periphery, and Each of the load bags is configured to receive a corresponding container closure among the plurality of container closures on the inner side of the outer periphery of the star wheel. The conveying assembly further includes a discharge guide configured to discharge a container closure from the processing assembly at a discharge point; the processing assembly includes a processing turret and a substantially circular cam track; the substantially circular cam track defines a radial processing path extending from the conveying point at the processing assembly to the discharge point; and the radial processing path extends more than 180 degrees.

13. The lining machine as described in claim 12, wherein, The star wheel rotates at a first tangential velocity at the outer periphery; wherein each load bag extends radially inward from the outer periphery and includes a center point; wherein the star wheel rotates at the center point at a second tangential velocity; and wherein the second tangential velocity is less than the first tangential velocity.

14. The lining machine as described in claim 12, wherein, Each of the load bags is configured to fully receive a corresponding container closure among the plurality of container closures, such that the entire container closure is positioned inside the outer periphery of the star wheel.

15. The lining machine as described in claim 12, wherein, The supply mechanism includes a downward stacker configured to hold the plurality of container closures in a vertical stack; wherein the conveying assembly further includes 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 the bottom of the vertical stack at a first height; and wherein the cam assembly and the guide member are configured to guide the 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 the load bag of the star wheel.

16. The lining machine as described in claim 15, wherein, At least one of the guide member and the cam assembly is configured to fully guide and control the movement of the container closure over 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 star wheel.

17. The lining machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The guiding 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 to the first edge, a first segment, and a second segment; wherein the first segment has a first radius of curvature; wherein the second segment has a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature; and wherein the guiding member is configured to guide a container closure between the first edge and the second edge.

18. The lining machine as claimed in claim 15, 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 the movement of a container closure; wherein the cam assembly is configured to move the container closure from a supply point at the downward stacker to a conveying point at the processing assembly; wherein the supply point is located at a first radius; wherein the conveying point is located at a second radius; and wherein the second radius of the conveying point is greater than the first radius of the supply point.

Images