Michael K Ruth

US Patent:

54214475, Jun 6, 1995

Filed:

Apr 7, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/864790

Inventors:

Michael A. Ruth - Chester Springs PA
Joseph G. Ziegler - Birdsboro PA

Assignee:

Omega Design Corp. - Lionville PA

International Classification:

B65G 4724

US Classification:

198377

Abstract:

A synchronized rotary transfer wheel for orienting containers that have been unscrambled with a pocketed disc sorter type machine. The transfer wheel utilizes momentary air pressure and an adaptive vacuum pick up assembly to grasp, rotate, and release containers that may have a relatively wide variance in width and taper; without requiring change-over parts. The vacuum cups that are used to grasp the individual containers are moved forward and backward by a constant pressure momentary activator along radials on the wheel, to automatically adjust to accumulative radial variances of the machine and the containers. The coaxial parts that are incorporated in the vacuum pickup assembly are light enough in weight to grasp and rotate containers at high rates with relatively small electromechanical rotating devices; which are incorporated into radial modules on the transfer wheel.