Orientation module with turning members for turning articles having different dimensions

Abstract

An aspect of the disclosure relate to an orientation module (1004) comprising a plurality of turning members (1064') each configured to turn corresponding first article (A) having at least one first dimension. The orientation module (1004) is configured to employ a subset or reduced selection of the plurality of turning members(1064') to turn second articles (B) having at least one second dimension, the at least one second dimension being greater than the at least one first dimension.

Description

[0001] ORIENTATION MODULE WITH TURNING MEMBERS FOR TURNING ARTICLES HAVING DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a packaging and orienting system. More specifically, but not exclusively, to an orientation device capable of handling articles having a variety in dimensions.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the field of packaging, it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary produce containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information.

[0006] It is desirable to provide a compact packaging machine, one with a reduced footprint, i.e., one that occupies less area or space within a production facility, and one that is able to display the promotional or product information properly. It is an object of the disclosure to present a system capable of organising products into packages and orienting them in a desired direction. The conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there is still a need in the art for a system having improved orienting capabilities while maintaining a small footprint.

[0007] It is desirable to utilise the same packaging machine to handle a variety of primary produce containers, or primary produce containers having different capacities or dimensions.

[0008] The present disclosure seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging machines and orientation devices for the same.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] A first aspect of the invention provides an orientation module comprising a plurality of turning members each configured to turn corresponding first article having at least one first dimension. The orientation module is configurable to employ a subset of the plurality of turning members to turn second articles having at least one second dimension. The at least one second dimension being greater than the at least one first dimension.

[0011] A second aspect of the invention provides an orientation module comprising a base configured to support at least one article from an input stream of articles. A camera is positioned to scan at least one article. A processor is operatively connected to the camera and is configured to analyse an initial orientation of the at least one article and determine a command parameter required to place the at least one article in a second orientation. The orientation module comprises a plurality of turning members positioned above the base and mounted to a chassis member. The chassis member is arranged to be stationary with respect to the base. Each of the plurality of turning members is rotatably mounted to the chassis member. The orientation module comprises a first operative mode in which a turning member is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective first article from the input stream. At least one of the turning members receives the command parameter from the processor so as to rotate the at least one article to the second orientation. The orientation module comprises a second operative mode in which an active turning member is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective second article from the input stream and at least one inactive turning member is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a space between an adjacent pair of second articles. At least one of the active turning members receives the command parameter from the processor so as to rotate the at least one article to the second orientation.

[0012] Optionally, the base includes at least one surface configured to receive and rotate the at least one article respectively.

[0013] Optionally, the orientation module further comprises a first article star wheel positioned above the base configured to guide the first articles.

[0014] Optionally, the first article star wheel is interchangeable with a second article star wheel configured to guide the second articles, the second articles having a diameter different than a diameter of the first articles.

[0015] Optionally, the second article star wheel is configured to handle a reduced number of second articles compared to the number of articles the first article star wheel is configured to handle, and transfer second articles to a reduced selection of the plurality of turning members.

[0016] Optionally, the second article star wheel is configured to handle a reduced number of second articles compared to the number of articles the first article star wheel is configured to handle, and transfer second articles to the active turning members.

[0017] Optionally, the second article star wheel is configured to handle half as many articles that the first article star wheel is configured to handle.

[0018] Optionally, the turning member includes a tool head configured to contact an upper portion of the at least one article when the turning member actuates from a retracted position to a deployed position.

[0019] Optionally, in the first operative mode the turning member actuates from a retracted position to a first deployed position through a first range of travel, and in the second operative mode the active turning member actuates from a retracted position to a second deployed position through a second different range of travel.

[0020] Optionally, in the first operative mode the turning member the chassis member is disposed at first elevation above the base and the turning member actuates from a first retracted position to a first deployed position and in the second operative mode the chassis member is disposed at a second different elevation above the base and the turning member actuates from a second retracted position to a second deployed position.

[0021] Optionally, the retracted position is above the deployed position with respect to gravity.

[0022] Optionally, the turning member includes a corresponding motor configured to rotate each turning member independently.

[0023] Optionally, the camera is stationary with respect to the base.

[0024] Optionally, the base and the turning member are rotatably positioned with respect to the camera.

[0025] Optionally, the turning member is positioned above the base and is configured move in a vertical direction to contact and turn an article in the corresponding location therebelow.

[0026] Optionally, there is a relative vertical movement between the base and the turning member.

[0027] A third aspect of the invention provides a packaging machine including an orientation module comprising a plurality of turning members each configured to turn corresponding first article having at least one first dimension. The orientation module is configurable to employ a subset of the plurality of turning members to turn second articles having at least one second dimension. The at least one second dimension being greater than the at least one first dimension.

[0028] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of use of an orientation module, the orientation module comprising a base configured to support at least one article from an input stream of articles, wherein a camera is positioned to scan at least one article, a processor is operatively connected to the camera and is configured to analyse an initial orientation of the at least one article and determine a command parameter required to place the at least one article in a second orientation, the orientation module comprises a plurality of turning members is positioned above the base and mounted to a chassis member, wherein the chassis member is arranged to be stationary with respect to the base, and each of the plurality of turning members is rotatably mounted to the chassis member, the method comprising: transferring a first article from the input stream to the base so as to be disposed in vertical registry with a first active turning member; moving chassis member such that at least one inactive turning member passes the input stream; transferring a second article from the input stream to the base so as to be disposed in vertical registry with a second active turning member; wherein a space is created between the first and second articles. Optionally, at least one of the active turning members receives the command parameter from the processor and the method comprises rotating the at least one article to the second orientation.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0030] Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

[0031] Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

[0032] A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaging machine for packaging articles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of article orientation device for use in the packaging machine of Figure 1 handling first articles;

[0037] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion (labelled “2” in Figure 2) of the article orientation device of Figure 2;

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of an alternative article orientation device handling a second articles;

[0039] Figure 5 is an alternative perspective view from above of the article orientation device of Figure 4;

[0040] Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of the alternative article orientation device of Figure 4 handling third articles having a larger capacity than the second articles of Figure 4;

[0041] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the article orientation device shown in Figure 6; and Figures 8 and 9 show the alternative perspective views of the orientation module of Figure 4 and a metering system in each of two modes of operation side by side, a first orientation module handling first articles and a second orientation module handling second articles of larger capacity than the first.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packaging machines, article orientation apparatus and methods of use of the machines and apparatus are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packaging machines, article orientation apparatus and methods of use of the machines and apparatus described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a perspective view of a portion of a packaging machine 10 for packaging groups of primary product containers or articles A into a secondary package (not shown. The packaging machine 10 receives a stream of articles SA, scans the articles A, the orients the articles A into a desired direction, and organises them into groups SG while maintaining the desired orientation for packaging them into secondary packages.

[0045] It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical such as, but not limited to, bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like. The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3 show articles A in the form of beverage cans, whereas the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7 show articles A, B in the form of bottles having an end closure in the form of a screw cap, although other end closure types may be employed such as, but not limited to, corks or crown corks.

[0046] The packaging machine 10 comprises at least one input conveyor IC providing at least one input stream SA of articles A. The illustrated embodiment comprises two input streams SA of articles A on separate input conveyors IC. The illustrated embodiment includes two mirrored sets of modules. Each set has the same three types of modules. Each set includes the following modules: an input conveyor IC, an orienting module 1004, and a grouping module 1006. The input conveyors IC are each configured for receiving the stream of articles SA and providing an initial spacing and metering of the articles A. A suitable metering system 2007 is shown in Figures 8 and 9. Each orienting module 1004 is configured for scanning and orienting the articles A as necessary. The grouping modules 1006 are each configured for organising the oriented articles A’ into groups. The two sets of modules are substantially similar in constructions and will be described in further detail with reference to one of the sets of modules.

[0047] The input stream SA of articles A is conveyed to an article orientation station or module 1004.

[0048] The article orientation module 1004 scans the article A and orients the articles A in a desired orientation, rotating each article A about a tubular or cylindrical axis as necessary.

[0049] The oriented articles A’ (see Figure 2) then enter the grouping module 1006 in which the articles are formed into discrete groups of articles. A group of articles A formed by a first grouping module 1006 in the first set of modules may be combined (as shown in Figure 1) with a group of articles A formed by a second grouping module 1006 in the second set of modules to form a set of articles SG which are conveyed on an output conveyor OC to a further processing station such as, but not limited to, a secondary package application module (not shown).

[0050] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the article orientation module 1004. The orienting module 1004 includes a base 1060, which supports the incoming articles A. A camera 1062 is located to the side of the base 1060 and scans the articles A. The orienting module 1004 comprises at least one turning member 1064. The orienting module 1004 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of turning members 1064. The plurality of turning members 1064 is moveably positioned above the base 1060 and the articles A, the plurality of turning members 1064 engage or contact the articles A and turn about a tubular or cylindrical axis thereof. A processor (not shown) is operatively connected to the camera 1062. The processor analyses the initial orientation of the articles A, that is to say before they are properly oriented. In some embodiments, it is considered that the camera 1062 is required to scan every single article A, and in other embodiments, the camera 1062 is only required to scan every second, or third or fourth article A. Depending upon downstream packaging steps, and client specifications, each and every article A might be required to face the same direction. After the incoming orientation of the articles A has been analysed, the processor computes a necessary correction, a parameter equivalent to the necessary angle through which the article A needs to be rotated, for example but not limited to a time period for which the respective turning member 1064 needs to engage the article or rotate, or alternatively a velocity, or acceleration, with which the respective turning member 1064 needs to rotate. It will be appreciated that the parameter may be some other characteristic of a drive motor 1068 coupled to the turning member 1064. The processor calculates the value of said characteristic which results in the required degree of rotation to place the article A in the desired orientation. Each article A needs a different correction from the other articles A because the incoming orientation could be different, and / or because the final orientation may need to be different for each article A.

[0051] Multiple articles A can be used to create a single large graphic when placed adjacent to each other within the package. Adjacent articles A within one package can have a different orientation showing a different graphic or portion of a graphic to a customer. Alternatively, adjacent articles A can form one large graphic seen across multiple articles A. For instance, the graphic “CANS” can consist of four articles A. Each article A can be showing either a ‘C’, an ‘A’, an ‘N’ or an ‘S’.

[0052] The orienting module 1004 may comprise a star-wheel 1050 is positioned above the rotatable base 1060 to help secure the articles A as they rotate past the camera 1062. As the articles A move past the camera 1062 the orientation star wheel 1050 helps guide them, and provide further stability as they get oriented. The star-wheel 1050 comprises teeth and recesses therebetween, each recess is configured to receive or accommodate at least a portion of an article A. The spacing between centres of adjacent recesses defines or maintains the pitch of the articles A or a predetermined spacing between each of the articles A. The recesses may be arcuate or circular in shape however in other embodiments star-wheels with non-circular recesses may be employed in order to convey non-circular containers such as juice boxes, milk cartons, or motor oil.

[0053] It is important to maintain a spacing between each article A so that the camera 1062 is able to properly identify the incoming orientation of each article A. Without spacing between each article A adjacent articles A will be recognised as a single item by the camera, and will not be able to transmit required information to the processor.

[0054] It is also desirable to space adjacently disposed articles A apart from each other such that the camera 1062 is capable of viewing more than half of the circumference or perimeter of the side wall of the article A. For example, but not limited to, it is desirable to view portion of the perimeter of the article A which occupies a sector of a notional circle centred on the rotational axis about which the article is rotated, the sector defining an angle of 200° as illustrated schematically in Figure 3B. The camera 1062 may comprise a pair of optical components 1062c, such as, but not limited to, mirrors or image sensors to capture an image of more than half of the circumference or perimeter of the side wall of the article A. Spacing the adjacent articles A apart from each other prevents articles A blocking the cameras view of a portion of the target article AT. Figure 3 further shows the turning members 1064. In embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, each turning member 1064 corresponds to, or engages with, one article A. In order to turn each article A, a turning member 1064 moves down in order to come into contact with the article A. As the turning member 1064 moves down a tool head 1066 in the form of a disc located on the bottom of each turning member 1064 contacts a top of each article A when the turning member 1064 actuates from a retracted position to a deployed position. Each tool head 1066 comprises at least one surface which is brought into engagement with the top of the article A it corresponds with. When the tool head 1066 comes in contact with each article A, each turning member 1064 rotates each article A as necessary to place the article A in the desired orientation.

[0055] The tool head 1066 may frictionally engage with the top of the article A or may comprise a gripper such as, but not limited to, a suction cup, the suction cup may be in communication with a vacuum system.

[0056] Optionally, the orienting module 1004 may comprise at least one surface 1070, the illustrated embodiment comprises plurality of surfaces 1070, located within the base 1060. Each of these surfaces 1070 corresponds to, or is in vertical registry with, a turning member 1064. An article A may be disposed between one of the plurality of surfaces 1070 and the corresponding turning member 1064.

[0057] Each of the surfaces 1070 may be rotatably mounted within the base 1060, and may facilitate turning of the article A with respect to the base 1060. This may be advantageous since the article A does not need to rotate with respect to the surface 1070 upon which it rests and thus the motor 1068 does not need to overcome a frictional force between the surface 1079 and the article A.

[0058] In some embodiments, the surfaces 1070 may also be operatively connected to a motor 1072 and to the processor and programmed to turn the same direction and the same amount as each of the turning members 1064. Thus, the articles A are turned evenly from the top and from the bottom, further ensuring stability during turning. The motor 1072 for each of these surfaces 1070 may be located below the top surface of the base 1060.

[0059] The arrangement of moving turning members 1064 above the article A and a moving surface 1070 below the article A synchronous with the turning members 1064 may be beneficial since the articles A do not need to be lifted or moved vertically. This may allow for use of a smaller motor and smaller turning turret.

[0060] Once the article A is in the desired orientation the tool head 1066 of the turning member 1064’ is raised upwardly, disengaging from the article A. The properly oriented articles A’ are then moved to the grouping module 1006. The orienting module 1004 may comprise a guide (not shown in Figure 2 and 3) partially surrounding the articles A as they are conveyed about at least a working region of the orientation module 1004. In the working region the articles A are rotated with respect to the base 1060. The orienting module 1004 comprises a return region in vacant or empty tool heads 1066 and their turning member 1064 are moved to a position to engage with another article A from the input stream SA of articles A.

[0061] Figures 4 to 9 show an orienting module 2004 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. In embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 9 like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the prefix “1000” has been replace with the “2000” to indicate that these features belong to the second, embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3B will be described in detail.

[0062] The orienting module 2004 is configured to engage and orient articles A in the form of bottles. The bottles may be plastic bottles, such as, but not limited to, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. The orienting module 2004 module is adaptable to accommodate articles A having different dimensions, for example, in Figures 4 and 5 the orienting module 2004 is adapted to engage, convey, and orient first articles A, also referred to herein as small articles A, such as 500ml bottles, whereas in Figures 6 and 7 the orienting module 2004 is adapted to engage, convey, and orient second articles B, also referred to herein as large articles B, 1 ,5L bottles.

[0063] The large articles B have a greater height dimension and / or width, or diameter, dimension than the small articles A.

[0064] In order to accommodate the increased height of the large articles B the vertical travel of the turning members 2064 may be reduced compared to the vertical travel of the turning members 2064 required to be brought into engagement with the small articles A. Alternatively, the vertical travel of the turning members 2064 with respect to the chassis member 2071 to which they are mounted may remain substantially the same and in order to accommodate the increase in height between large articles B and small articles A, the chassis member 2071 , to which the turning members 2064 are moveably mounted, may be moved, raised, with respect to the base 2060.

[0065] The orienting module 2004 comprises a guide 2040 partially surrounding the articles A as they are conveyed about at least a working region of the orientation module 2004. In the working region, the articles A are rotated with respect to the base 2060. The guide 2040 terminates proximate to the grouping module 2006 to allow transfer of the articles A between the orienting module 2004 and the grouping module 2006. The guide 2040 may take the form of a portion of an annular ring. The guide 2040 may support or stabilise the articles A as they are conveyed on the orienting module 2004.

[0066] The orienting module 2004 may comprise a star-wheel 2050, best shown in Figure 5, positioned above the rotatable base 2060 to help secure the articles A as they rotate past the camera 2062. The star-wheel 2050 comprises teeth and recesses therebetween, each recess is configured to receive or accommodate at least a portion of an article A.

[0067] The star wheel 2050 may be removable, adjustable or readily interchangeable to accommodate a change in operation of the orienting module 2004 from orienting small articles A to large articles B. For example, the star wheel 2050 may comprise a removable outer portion configured to engage the small articles B whereas the inner region, once the outer portion is removed, may be configured with less recesses (and teeth) each recess having a larger radius of curvature to accommodate the larger diameter of the large articles B.

[0068] The guide 2040 may be adjustable or readily interchangeable to accommodate a change in operation of the orienting module 2004 from orienting small articles A to large articles B. The internal diameter of the guide 2040 used when orienting small articles A may be less than the internal diameter of the guide 2040 used when orienting large articles B. This may be achieved by replacing a first annular ring with a second annular ring having a larger radius of curvature at least internally.

[0069] The height of the guide 2040 with respect to the base 2060 may also be adjusted as desired to optimise stabilisation of the articles B.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the tool heads 2066 comprise a pair of jaws 2069, best shown in Figures 5 and 7. The pair of jaws 2069 grip an end closure of the small or large articles A, B. In some embodiments, the end closures of the small articles A may have similar dimensions to those of the large articles B. In other embodiments, any difference in dimensions of the end closures between the small articles A and large articles B may be accommodated by increasing or reducing the extent to which the pair of jaws 2069 is opened and closed. In this way, the same tool heads 2066 may be employed for both the large and small articles B, A.

[0071] Turning to Figures 6 and 7, it is shown that the orienting module 2004 is configured to engage and orient the large articles B. In this configuration, alternate tool heads 2066 (and their associated turning member 2064’) are dormant or unused. Configuring the orienting module 2004 to employ every other turning member 2064, with a vacant turning member 2064 therebetween, creates a space between adjacent large articles B which space enables the camera 2062 to view a sufficient proportion of the outer wall or label or printing thereon to enable accurate analysis of the orientation of the large articles B. It will be appreciated that the orientation module 2004 can be readily adapted to handle large and small articles B with minimal changes to the system. Existing orientation modules 2004 can be retrofitted with software updates or upgrades and minimal hardware changes to handle articles A, B of significantly different physical dimensions such as a two or three fold increase in capacity, an increase in height of at least 10%, 20%, or 30%, and / or and increase in width or diameter of at least 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%.

[0072] Turning to Figures 8 and 9, the orientation module 2004 is shown alongside a metering system 2007. Figures 8 and 9 show the orientation module 2004 and a metering system 2007 in each of two modes of operation, in a first mode handling first articles A and in a second mode handling second articles B.

[0073] As the stream of articles SA reaches the metering system 2007 the stream meets a first starwheel 2122, which helps straighten the stream of articles SA and feed the articles A, B of the stream to a metering screw 2124. The metering screw 2124 creates a pitch or predetermined spacing(s) between each of the articles A, B. The metering screw 2124 then feeds the spaced stream of articles SA to a second star-wheel 2125. The second star-wheel 2125 has a different shape than the first star-wheel 2122. In the illustrated embodiment, the second star-wheel 2125 has a larger spacing between the centres of each recess and also includes a wider tooth than that of the first star-wheel 2122. However, the size of the recess of the first and second starwheels 2122, 2125 remains the same, in order that, in a given mode of operation, both the first and second star-wheels 2122, 2125 can accept and handle an article A, B of the same diameter. The second star-wheel 2125 may have a smaller diameter and may rotate faster than the first star-wheel 2122.

[0074] When comparing the pair of orientation modules 2004, shown in each of Figures 8 and 9, with each other the articles A are smaller than the articles B. In order to accommodate the difference in dimension the first star-wheel 2122, the metering screw 2124, the second star-wheel 2125 and the star-wheel 2050 of the orienting module 2004 handling the first articles A is swapped out, replaced, for a corresponding part capable of handling the second articles B. The star-wheels 2125, 2050 handling the second articles B have a reduced number of teeth and recesses, specifically, but not limited to, half as many teeth and recesses. In this way, the star-wheels 2125, 2050 handling the second articles B facilitate transfer of metered second articles B to alternate, every other, turning member 2064.

[0075] The present disclosure provides an orientation module 2004 for a packaging machine, the orientation module 2004 configured to be operable with first articles A having at least one first dimension and also operable with second articles B having at least one second dimension the at least one second dimension being greater than the at least one first dimension.

[0076] The present disclosure also provides an orientation module 2004 comprising a plurality of turning members 1064, 2064 each configured to turn corresponding first article A having at least one first dimension. The orientation module 2004 is configured to employ a subset or reduced selection of the plurality of turning members 1064, 2064 to turn second articles B having at least one second dimension, the at least one second dimension is greater than the at least one first dimension.

[0077] The present disclosure provides an orientation module 1004; 2004 comprising a base 1060; 2060 configured to support at least one article A, B from an input stream SA of articles A, B. A camera 1062; 2062 is positioned to scan at least one article A, B. A processor operatively connected to the camera 1062; 2062 is configured to analyse an initial orientation of the at least one article A, B and determine a command parameter required to place the at least one article A, B in a second orientation. A plurality of turning members 1064; 2064 is positioned above the base 1060; 2060 mounted to a chassis member 2071. The chassis member 2071 is arranged to be stationary with respect to the base 1060; 2060. Each of the plurality of turning members 1064; 2064 is rotatably mounted to the chassis member 2071. In a first operative mode a turning member 1064; 2064 is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective first article A from the input stream SA. At least one of the turning members 1064; 2064 receives the command parameter from the processor so as to rotate the at least one article A, B to the second orientation.

[0078] In a second operative mode an active turning member 1064; 2064 is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective second article B from the input stream SA and at least one inactive turning member 2064’ is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a space between an adjacent pair of second articles B. At least one of the active turning members 1064; 2064 receives the command parameter from the processor so as to rotate the at least one article A, B to the second orientation.

[0079] The base 1060; 2060 includes at least one surface 1070; 2070 configured to receive and rotate the at least one article A, B respectively.

[0080] The orientation module 1004; 2004 may further comprise a star wheel 1050; 2050 positioned above the base 1060; 2060 configured to guide the at least one article A, B.

[0081] The star wheel 1050; 2050 may interchangeable with a replacement star wheel 1050; 2050 configured to guide a replacement article B having a diameter different than a diameter of the at least one article A, B. The star wheel 1050; 2050 may be configured to handle a reduced number of replacement articles A, B, and transfer replacement articles A, B to a reduced selection of the plurality of turning members 1064; 2064, to the active turning members 1064; 2064.

[0082] The star wheel 1050; 2050 may be configured to handle a half the number of replacement articles A, B.

[0083] The turning member 1064; 2064 includes a tool head 1066; 2066 configured to contact an upper portion of the at least one article A, B when the turning member 1064; 2064 actuates from a retracted position to a deployed position.

[0084] In the first operative mode the turning member 1064; 2064 actuates from a retracted position to a first deployed position through a first range of travel, and in the second operative mode the active turning member 1064; 2064 actuates from a retracted position to a second deployed position through a second different range of travel.

[0085] The retracted position is above the deployed position with respect to gravity.

[0086] The turning member 1064; 2064 includes a corresponding motor 1068; 2068 configured to rotate each turning member 1064; 2064 independently.

[0087] The camera 1062; 2062 is stationary with respect to the base 1060; 2060.

[0088] The base 1060; 2060 and the turning member 1064; 2064 are rotatably positioned with respect to the camera 1062; 2062.

[0089] The turning member 1064; 2064 is positioned above the base 1060; 2060 and is configured move in a vertical direction to contact and turn an article in the corresponding location therebelow.

[0090] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the components may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. The present invention is not limited to the types of articles disclosed herein.

[0091] The methods and apparatus of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for a packaging system with superior properties. While the apparatus and methods of the subject disclosure have been shown and described with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and / or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and score of the subject disclosure.

[0092] It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", “base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective components to such orientation but may merely serve to distinguish these components from one another.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An orientation module comprising a plurality of turning members each configured to turn corresponding first article having at least one first dimension, the orientation module being configurable to employ a subset of the plurality of turning members to turn second articles having at least one second dimension, the at least one second dimension being greater than the at least one first dimension.

2. An orientation module comprising a base configured to support at least one article from an input stream of articles, wherein a camera is positioned to scan at least one article, a processor is operatively connected to the camera and is configured to analyse an initial orientation of the at least one article and determine a command parameter required to place the at least one article in a second orientation, the orientation module comprises a plurality of turning members is positioned above the base and mounted to a chassis member, wherein the chassis member is arranged to be stationary with respect to the base, and each of the plurality of turning members is rotatably mounted to the chassis member, wherein the orientation module comprises a first operative mode, in which a turning member is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective first article from the input stream, at least one of the turning members receives the command parameter from the processor so as to rotate the at least one article to the second orientation, and a second operative mode, in which an active turning member is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective second article from the input stream and at least one inactive turning member is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a space between an adjacent pair of second articles, at least one of the active turning members receives the command parameter from the processor so as to rotate the at least one article to the second orientation.

3. An orientation module according to claim 2, wherein the base includes at least one surface configured to receive and rotate the at least one article respectively.

4. An orientation module according to claim 2, wherein the orientation module further comprises a first article star wheel positioned above the base configured to guide the first articles.

5. An orientation module according to claim 4, wherein the first article star wheel is interchangeable with a second article star wheel configured to guide the second articles, the second articles having a diameter different than a diameter of the first articles.

6. An orientation module according to claim 5, wherein the second article star wheel is configured to handle a reduced number of second articles compared to the number of articles the first article star wheel is configured to handle, and transfer second articles to a reduced selection of the plurality of turning members.

7. An orientation module according to claim 5, wherein the second article star wheel is configured to handle a reduced number of second articles compared to the number of articles the first article star wheel is configured to handle, and transfer second articles to to the active turning members.

8. An orientation module according to claim 5, wherein the second article star wheel is configured to handle half as many articles that the first article star wheel is configured to handle.

9. An orientation module according to claim 2, wherein the turning member includes a tool head configured to contact an upper portion of the at least one article when the turning member actuates from a retracted position to a deployed position.

10. An orientation module according to claim 9, wherein in the first operative mode the turning member actuates from a retracted position to a first deployed position through a first range of travel, and in the second operative mode the active turning member actuates from a retracted position to a second deployed position through a second different range of travel.11 . An orientation module according to claim 9, wherein in the first operative mode the turning member the chassis member is disposed at first elevation above the base and the turning member actuates from a first retracted position to a first deployed position and in the second operative mode the chassis member is disposed at a second different elevation above the base and the turning member actuates from a second retracted position to a second deployed position.

12. An orientation module according to claim 2, wherein a relative vertical movement occurs between the base and the turning member .

13. A packaging machine for packaging articles into secondary packages comprising the orientation module of any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method of use of an orientation module, the orientation module comprising a base configured to support at least one article from an input stream of articles, wherein a camera is positioned to scan at least one article, a processor is operatively connected to the camera and is configured to analyse an initial orientation of the at least one article and determine a command parameter required to place the at least one article in a second orientation, the orientation module comprises a plurality of turning members is positioned above the base and mounted to a chassis member, wherein the chassis member is arranged to be stationary with respect to the base, and each of the plurality of turning members is rotatably mounted to the chassis member, the method comprising: transferring a first article from the input stream to the base so as to be disposed in vertical registry with a first active turning member;moving chassis member such that at least one inactive turning member passes the input stream; transferring a second article from the input stream to the base so as to be disposed in vertical registry with a second active turning member; wherein a space is created between the first and second articles.

15. A method of use of an orientation module of claim 14, wherein at least one of the active turning members receives the command parameter from the processor and the method comprises rotating the at least one article to the second orientation.

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